Book calendar: Author events for the week of July 25, 2010.

Words & Ideas

Compiled by Grace Krilanovich.

SUNDAY

Catherine Opie and Eileen Myles: The artist will discuss her work with author Myles in an event held in conjunction with LACMA’s new exhibition “Catherine Opie: Figure and Landscape.” Bing Theater at LACMA, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. 2 p.m. Free. (323) 857-6010.

Ngugi wa Thiong’o: Libros Revolución presents the author of “Dreams in a Time of War: A Childhood Memoir” in conversation with KPFK host Michael Slate. Downtown Independent, 251 S. Main St., L.A. 2 p.m. $5-$15. (213) 488-1303.

MONDAY

Alex Cohen & Jennifer Barbee: The authors, a.k.a. “Axles of Evil” and “Kasey Bomber,” will present and sign their new book “Down and Derby: The Insider’s Guide to Roller Derby.” Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. 7:30 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175.

Tori Spelling: The actress will present and sign her new book, “uncharted terriTORI.” Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Sam Wasson: The author of “Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M.: Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and the Dawn of the Modern Woman” will present and sign his new book. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

TUESDAY

Gabrielle Calvocoressi and Matthew Dickman: The poets will read and discuss their work. Traveler’s Bookcase, 8375 W. 3rd St., L.A. 7 p.m. Free. (323) 655-0575.

Gar Anthony Haywood: The author of “Cemetery Road” will read and sign his new thriller. Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Laura Skandera Trombley: Aloud at Central Library presents a discussion and signing with the preeminent Twain scholar and author of, most recently, “ Mark Twain’s Other Woman: The Hidden Story of His Final Years.” Richard J. Riordan Central Library, 630 W. 5th St., L.A. 7 p.m. Free. (213) 228-7025.

WEDNESDAY

Gabrielle Calvocoressi: The poet will read and discuss her work, including collections “The Last Time I Saw Amelia Earhart” and L.A. Times Book Award finalist “Apocalyptic Swing,” as part of the New American Writing series. Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 443-7000.

Tony O’Neill: The author will read and sign his new novel, “Sick City.” Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. 7:30 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175.

Molly Ringwald: The actress will present and sign her new book, “Getting the Pretty Back: Friendship, Family and Finding the Perfect Lipstick.” Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

THURSDAY

Ernessa Carter: The author of “32 Candles” will read and sign her new novel. Eso Won Books, 4331 Degnan Blvd., L.A. 7 p.m. Free. (323) 290-1048.

Naomi Oreskes and Erik Conway: The authors of “Merchants of Doubt: How a Handful of Scientists Obscured the Truth on Issues From Tobacco Smoke to Global Warming” will present and sign their new book. Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Danzy Senna: The author of the novel “Caucasia” and memoir “Where Did You Sleep Last Night?” will read and discuss her work. Pasadena Museum of California Art, 490 E. Union St., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 568-3665.

Jonathan Tropper: The author of “This is Where I Leave You” will read and sign his new novel. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Vendela Vida: The author will read and sign her new novel, “The Lovers.” Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. 7:30 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175.

FRIDAY

Howard Altmann: The poet will read and sign his new collection, “In This House” with actress Patricia Clarkson. Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. 7:30 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175.

Michael Scott Moore: The author of “Sweetness and Blood: How Surfing Spread from Hawaii and California to the Rest of the World, With Some Unexpected Results” will present and sign his new book. Book Soup 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

SATURDAY

Big City Forum: A panel discussion on the role design plays in fostering innovative global solutions and social change will feature Louise Sandhaus (Principal, Louise Sandhaus Design), Otis faculty member Jessica Fleischmann, Art Center faculty member Sean Donahue and Adam Eeuwens (author, “False Flat: Why Dutch Design Is So Good”). Edward Cella Art+Architecture, 6018 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. 4 p.m. Free. (323) 525-0053.

Christina Gonzalez: The author of “The Red Umbrella” will present and sign her new book. Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 6:30 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Chris Mlalazi and Emmanuel Sigauke: Villa Aurora’s 2010 Feuchtwanger Fellow, Zimbabwean writer Mlalazi, and fellow Zimbabwean writer Sigauke will read their work from the new anthology “African Roar.” With music by Judicanti Responsura. Eso Won Books, 4331 Degnan Blvd., L.A. 7 p.m. (323) 290-1048.

AUG. 1

Vermin on the Mount 6th Anniversary: The latest installment of the Chinatown reading series hosted by Jim Ruland will feature authors Aaron Burch (“How to Take Yourself Apart, How to Make Yourself Anew”), Amelia Gray (“AM/FM”), Lindsay Hunter (“Daddy’s”), Adam Novy (“The Avian Gospels”) and Jillian Lauren (“Some Girls”). Mountain Bar, 473 Gin Ling Way, L.A. 8 p.m. Free. (213) 625-7500.