Words & Ideas

Compiled by Liesl Bradner

SUNDAY

Kurt Kamm: The author celebrates the release of his new thriller, “Code Blood.” Diesel, A Bookstore 23410 Civic Center Way, Malibu. 3 p.m. (310) 456-9961.

Robin Mellom: The author celebrates the publication of her debut YA novel, “Ditched.” Diesel A Bookstore 225 26th St, Santa Monica. 3 p.m.

Noir at the Bar: Stephen Blackmoore discusses his new novel, “City of the Lost” Mandrake Bar 2692 South La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles. 7:30-9 p.m. (310) 837-3297.

Eric Priestley: Mike the PoeT (a.k.a. Mike Sonksen) hosts Priestley, founding member of the Watts Writer’s Workshop, reading from his latest work, “For Keeps.” The Last Bookstore 453 S. Spring St., L.A. 3-6 p.m. (213) 488-0599.

Mattilda Bernstein Sycamore: The author presents a night of provocation and insight with a discussion of her book “Why Are Faggots So Afraid of Faggots” Stories, 1716 Sunset Blvd., L.A. 6:30 p.m. (213) 413-3733.

MONDAY

The Lava Salon Features Dan Fante talking about his father, John Fante, plus William Faulkner and more. Musso & Frank Grill, 6667 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. 6-11 p.m. $100. (323) 467-7788.

Randall: Learn about the careless honey badger and his friends with the famed animal psychiatrist as he discusses his book “Honey Badger Don’t Care: Randall’s Guide to Crazy Nastyass Animals” Barnes & Noble 1201 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica. 7 p.m. (310) 260-9110.

Richard Sparks: The author discusses and signs “Along the Cherry Lane: Tales from the Life of Music Industry Legend Milton Okun.” Book Soup 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles. 7 p.m. (310) 659-3110.

Jeff Wheelwright: The author iscusses and signs “The Wandering Gene and the Indian Princess: Race, Religion, and DNA.” Vroman’s Bookstore 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 7 p.m. (626) 449-5320.

Why Mahler? How One Man and Ten Symphonies Changed Our World: Author Norman Lebrecht in conversation with Deborah Borda, president and CEO, Los Angeles Philharmonic Association. Los Angeles Central Library 630 W. 5th St., Los Angeles. 7 p.m. (213) 228-7000.

Zocalo Public Square presents “Do Museums Matter?” with James Cuno, president and CEO of the Getty Trust and author of “Museums Matter: In Praise of the Encyclopedic Museum” Petersen Automotive Museum, 6060 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. 7:30 p.m. Parking $8 with validation.

TUESDAY

William J. Bratton and Zachary Tumin: The former L.A. police chief and Harvard Kennedy School’s Tumin discuss and sign “Collaborate or Perish: Reaching Across Boundaries in a Networked World” Barnes & Noble 189 Grove Drive, The Grove, Los Angeles. 7 p.m. (323) 525-0270.

Mary Jane Clark: The author discusses and signs “The Look of Love.” Vroman’s Bookstore 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 7 p.m. (626) 449-5320.

Robert Crais: Publication party for the author’s newest novel, “Taken.” Diesel A Bookstore 225 26th St, Santa Monica. 7 p.m.

Deborah Harkness: The novelist will discusses and sign “A Discovery of Witches.” Pages: A Bookstore 904 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach. 7 p.m. (310) 318-0900.

Fred Weintraub: The producer, director and screenwriter discusses and signs “Bruce Lee, Woodstock & Me.” Book Soup 8818 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles. 7 p.m. (310) 659-3110.

WEDNESDAY

Jason Alexander: The actor-director in conversation with KCET’s Val Zavala. Presented by Live Talks. Max Palevsky Theatre at the Aero Theatre, 1328 Montana Ave., Santa Monica. 8 p.m. $25. (323) 466-3456.

Howard Gordon: A publication party for the producer of “Homeland’s” latest novel, “Hard Target.” Diesel A Bookstore, 225 26th St, Santa Monica. 7 p.m.

Megan Miranda: The author discusses and signs “Fracture.” Vroman’s 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 6 p.m.

“I’m Not the Biggest Bitch in This Relationship: Hilarious, Heartwarming Tales About Man’s Best Friend”: A group event presenting an anthology of bark-out-loud original essays about dogs from writers Wade Rouse, Jiffy Wild, W. Bruce Cameron and Annabelle Gurwitch. Book Soup 8818 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles. 7 p.m. (310) 659-3110.

THURSDAY

Orson Scott Card: The science fiction writer signs his new book, “Shadows in Flight.” Mysterious Galaxy 2810 Artesia Blvd., Redondo Beach. 7:30 p.m. Numbers for the signing line are available with purchase of the book. (310) 542-6000.

Héctor Tobar: The author of “The Barbarian Nurseries” in conversation with journalist Jesse Katz. Los Angeles Central Library 630 W. 5th St., Los Angeles. 7 p.m. (213) 228-7000.

Carol Wolper: The author discusses and signs “Anne of Hollywood.” Book Soup 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles. 7 p.m. (310) 659-3110.

Annie Leibovitz: The photographer discusses “Pilgrimage,” her first photo book of objects and landscapes. Bookworm, 89.9 KCRW . 2:30 p.m.

Leland Myrick: The author discusses and signs “Feynman,” a graphic novel biography of Nobel-winning quantum physicist, adventurer, musician, world-class raconteur, and one of the greatest minds of the 20th century. Vroman’s 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 7 p.m.

FRIDAY

David Ulin & USC Writers: The L.A. Times Book Critic will join students and faculty of USC’s Master of Professional Writing Program for an evening of readings. The Last Bookstore 453 S. Spring St., L.A. 7:30-9:30 p.m. (213) 488-0599.

Brian Kellow: The author discusses and signs “Pauline Kael: A Life in the Dark.” Book Soup 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles. 7 p.m. (310) 659-3110.

Domenic Priore: The author discusses and signs his book “Riot on Sunset Strip: Rock ‘n’ Roll’s Last Stand in Hollywood.” The presentation includes several photos from the 1955-66 L.A. art, jazz, and folk-rock scene. Small World Books 1407 Ocean Front Walk, Venice. 7 p.m. (310) 399-2360.

SATURDAY

Henry Alford: The author discusses and signs “Would It Kill You to Stop Doing That: A Modern Guide to Manners.” Book Soup 8818 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles. 6 p.m. (310) 659-3110.

The New Short Fiction Series: “L.A. Stories/From The Ashes Revisited,” part of the “Civic Virtue: Watts Here and Now,” a daylong festival. Watts Towers Arts Center 1727 E. 107th St., Los Angeles. 10 a.m. Free. (323) 662-7900.

NEXT SUNDAY

Dr. Wendy Mogel: The author discusses her parenting book “The Blessings of a Skinned Knee” at O’Donnell Hall. American Martyrs Catholic Church 624 15th St., O’Donnell Hall, Manhattan Beach. 7 p.m. (310) 545-5651.

Steve Pemberton: The Walgreens executive and author will be signing his book “A Chance in the World.” Sunday, Barnes & Noble 731 N. San Fernando Blvd., Burbank. 1 p.m. (818) 558-1383.

Shorty Rossi: The tough-talking star of Animal Planet’s hit show “Pit Boss” discusses and signs “Four Feet Tall and Rising: A Memoir.” Book Soup 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles. 4 p.m. (310) 659-3110.

Jeffrey Weber: The author discusses and signs “You’ve Got a Deal! The Biggest Lies of the Music Business.” Barnes & Noble 189 Grove Drive, The Grove, Los Angeles. 2 p.m. (323) 525-0270.