Book calendar for the week of March 15, 2009

Words & Ideas

TODAY

Linda Olsson The Swedish author of “Astrid & Veronika” and “Sonata for Miriam” will discuss her life and work. Samuelson Chapel, California Lutheran University, 60 W. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks. 2 p.m. Free. (805) 482-6327.

Scott Sigler The author of “Contagious” will present and sign his new book. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 5 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

The Women WordTheatre presents an evening of dramatic readings, including Christina Pickles (“I Love Saks” by Amy Ephron), Sean Young (“Creep” by Sarah Shun-lien Bynum) and Kate Burton (“Pretend We’re French” by Judith Freeman). Dinner precedes the show at 5:30 p.m. www.wordtheatre.com. M Bar and Restaurant, 1253 N. Vine St., Hollywood. 6:30 p.m. $20-$25. (310) 915-5150.

MONDAY

Abraham Verghese Aloud at Central Library presents the author of “Cutting for Stone” in conversation with actor Hector Elizondo. www.aloudla.org. Richard J. Riordan Central Library, 630 W. 5th St., L.A. 7 p.m. Free. (213) 228-7025.

TUESDAY

David Eagleman The author of “Sum: Forty Tales From the Afterlives” will present and sign his new book. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Is Human Psychology Driving the Recession? Zócalo presents a discussion with Nobel laureate George Akerlof and Yale economics professor Robert Shiller. www.zocalopublicsquare.org. Richard J. Riordan Central Library, 630 W. 5th St., L.A. 7:30 p.m. Free.

WEDNESDAY

Lee Mallory and Gabriela Anaya Valdepeña The two poets will read their work as part of the reading series. www.poetryidiots.com. Ugly Mug Cafe, 261 N. Glassell St., Orange. 8 p.m. $2. (714) 997-5610.

Stephen Mitchell Aloud at Central Library presents the author of “Tao Te Ching: An Illustrated Journey” in conversation with Jack Miles. www.aloudla.org. Richard J. Riordan Central Library, 630 W. 5th St., L.A. 7 p.m. Free. (213) 228-7025.

THURSDAY

Joel Berg The author of “All You Can Eat: How Hungry is America?” will present and sign his new book. Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. noon. Free. (626) 449-5320; and Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Lennard Davis Zócalo presents a discussion with the author of “Obsession: A History.” www.zocalopublicsquare.org. Museum of Contemporary Art, 250 S. Grand Ave., L.A. 7:30 p.m. Free.

Tom Davis Writers Bloc presents the author of “39 Years of Short-Term Memory Loss: The Early Days of SNL From Someone Who Was There” with original SNL cast member Laraine Newman. www.writersblocpresents.com. Writer’s Guild Theater, 135 S. Doheny Drive, Beverly Hills. 7:30 p.m. $20.

Vanessa Place, Janet Sarbanes and Veronica Gonzalez Aloud at Central Library presents a panel discussion with the three Los Angeles-based writers, moderated by Brighde Mullins. www.aloudla.org. Richard J. Riordan Central Library, 630 W. 5th St., L.A. 7 p.m. Free. (213) 228-7025.

FRIDAY

David Ewing Duncan The author of “Experimental Man” will present and sign his new book. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 5 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

EasySpeak The bookstore’s twice monthly poetry reading series kicks off with readings by Gail Wronsky and Amaranth Borsuk; hosted by Doug Knot. Stories, 1716 Sunset Blvd., L.A. 8 p.m. Free. (213) 413-3733.

Scout Tufankjian The author of “Yes We Can: Barack Obama’s History Making Presidential Campaign” will present and sign his new photography book. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

SATURDAY

Jon Ginoli The founding member of the band Pansy Division and author of “Deflowered” will present and sign his new book. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 5 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Craig L. Nessan The theologian and author of “Many Members, Yet One Body” and “Give Us This Day” will give a lecture, “Hearing the Word: Lutheran Perspectives on Biblical Interpretation.” Samuelson Chapel, California Lutheran University, 60 W. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks. 1 p.m. Free. (805) 493-3936.