5 favorite coming-of-age books by Candi Sary

Five Favorite Books is a special feature at LA Books Examiner in which our favorite authors share their five favorite books within a category. In this edition, Los Angeles author Candi Sary discusses her five favorite Coming-of-Age Books. Candi is the author of Black Crow White Lie, an excellent coming-of-age novel set in Hollywood that releases on October 1 from Casperian Books. To learn more about Candi and her books, visit candisary.com.

Five Favorite Coming-of-Age Books by Candi Sary

#5: The Highest Tide by Jim Lynch
While reading The Highest Tide, Miles O’Mally felt more like a kid who lived somewhere in my life than just the narrator of this exceptional novel. The story looks at life through the eyes of the bright thirteen-year-old who spends most of his time on the mud flats of Skookumchuck Bay in Washington, collecting sea creatures for money, and paying close attention to life in the water. He’s a young scientist trying to understand the natural world, while also trying to make sense of friendships, his first crush, his parents’ separation, and his own unique identity. Miles comes up with profound ideas while observing sea life — just little bits of wisdom that stuck in my mind for days after reading the passages. The novel plays with the opposing perspectives of science and magic, at times giving the feeling that science is magic. This is a novel about the challenges of growing up, and yet the author does a wonderful job of pointing out the magic and the beauty along that difficult journey. There is something so special about this book that even after the story ended, its ideas continue to make me wonder.

#4: White Oleander by Janet Fitch
White Oleander made me fall in love with fiction all over again. It came along when I hadn’t read anything in a while that blew me away. Then I met Astrid and Ingrid. Ingrid, the poet/murderess, is the intriguing bohemian who kills her boyfriend and leaves her daughter to a life of foster care. Astrid is the daughter on a journey of self-discovery. She tries to make sense of the world through the variety of foster families she has to live with, as well as through her mother who still influences her from jail. The Los Angeles setting comes alive with the Santa Ana winds and the intense heat, and it gives a haunting quality to the story. This is a powerful novel with some of the most stunning sentences I’ve ever come across. The detail put into this book makes it so complete and thorough and a one-of-a-kind literary experience.

Read the rest of Candi Sary’s Five Favorite books at LA Books Examiner.

 

Purchase Black Crow White Lie by Candi Sary at Amazon.com or Casperian Books. Read the LA Books Examiner’s review of Black Crow White Lie.

Read more Five Favorite Books

For the latest updates to Frank Mundo, LA Books Examiner, be sure to subscribe and follow me on Twitter @LABooksExaminer.

Frank Mundo is the author of The Brubury Tales (foreword by Carolyn See) and Gary, the Four-Eyed Fairy and Other Stories.

This Week in Books: April 23 – April 29

The LA Books Examiner is your place for books articles, poetry videos, and author interviews. Last week we interviewed master sculptor and retired Army Lieutenant Colonel Robert Sanábria, author of The Last Californio, a new thriller that takes on illegal immigration, murder, love, and revenge. If you haven’t read it yet, check it out now. This week and all throughout May, be sure to check back in often for more author interviews.

In the meantime, here are some great local book events scheduled this week from LA to Hollywood, the Palisades to Pasadena in this week’s Books Calendar from Frank Mundo, the LA Books Examiner.

Saturday April 23 

Peter Lunenfeld discusses and signs The Secret War Between Downloading and Uploading: Tales of the Computer as Culture Machine at Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 5 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Sunday April 24

Mike Sonksen (AKA Mike The Poet) and twelve teen poets from View Park Preparatory Accelerated Charter High School will be performing their poems from the fourth volume of View Park Poetry at Beyond Baroque Literary/Arts Center, 681 Venice Blvd., Venice. 7:30 p.m. (310) 822-3006. Visit website for more info and event pricing.

 

Monday April 25

 

Dr. David R. Fett presents and signs White Sleeper at Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

 

Meghan O’Rourke reads and signs The Long Goodbye at Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles. 7:30 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175.

 

Tuesday April 26

 

Open poetry reading plus featured guest Paul Suntup at the Cobalt Cafe, 22047 Sherman Way, Canoga Park. Opens 8:30 p.m. Sign-up for open reading before 9 p.m. when reading starts. One drink minimum (no alcohol). Event Hosted by LA poet Rick Lupert.

 

Jim Krusoe discusses and signs Toward You at Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

 

Nic Sheff discusses and signs We All Fall Down: Living with Addiction at Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.
 
Family Matters – Writing About Family with Jennifer Lauck, Dinah Lenney and Hope Edelman at Diesel Books (Brentwood), Brentwood Country Mart, 225 26th Street, Santa Monica. 7 p.m. Free. 310-576-9960.

 

Wednesday April 27

 

Nathan Larson (The Dewey Decimal System), Nina Revoyr (Wingshooters), and Joseph Mattson (Empty The Sun) read from their respective works at Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

 

John Flanagan discusses and signs The Emperor of Nihon-Ja at Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

 

Melanie Lutz discusses and signs Love Land at Bodhi Tree Bookstore, 8585 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood. 7:30 p.m. Free. (310) 659-1733. www.MelanieLutz.com wholelottaloveland.wordpress.com/

Thursday April 28

 

Feral Fusion Presents Poetry Reading and Open Mike: Hosted by Angel Uriel Perales and Cindy Weinstein, Feral Fusion encourages experimentation in the spoken word: lyric poetry, prose poetry, free verse, hip hop, slam and storytelling at The Amsterdam Café, 10905 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood. Free. Sign-up at 8 pm. Show starts at 8:30 pm. Email: feralfusion [AT] cindynw.com

YA panel discussion with Gayle Forman, Ally Condie, Kami Garcia, and Margaret Stohl at Diesel Books (Brentwood), Brentwood Country Mart, 225 26th Street, Santa Monica. 7 p.m. Free. 310-576-9960.

 

Barbara Abercrombie and contributors present and sign Cherished at Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Friday April 29

 

Mystery Writers of American SoCal Chapter presents Festival of Books Party and Author Signing featuring Stuart Woods (signs Bel-Air Dead: A Stone Barrington Mystery at 6 pm); Brett Battles (signs The Silenced: A Jonathan Quinn Thriller at 7 pm); and Marcia Clark (signs Guilt by Association, her debut legal thriller introducing D.A. Rachel Knight at 8 pm) at Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles. Free. (323) 660-1175.

 

Alan Eisenstock discusses In Stitches at Village Books, 1049 Swarthmore Avenue, Pacific Palisades. 7:30 p.m. Free. (310) 450-4063.

 

*All events and speakers are subject to change without notice. Always confirm with the bookstore before attending any event.

If you’d like to announce your Los Angeles area book events on LA Books Examiner, or the release of an upcoming book, send info at least 10 days prior to the email address under my bio. While you’re there, sign up for my emails and follow me on Twitter @LABooksExaminer.

Frank Mundo is the author of The Brubury Tales (foreword by Carolyn See), which is available on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble and Borders in paperback and in eBook. The Brubury Tales won Reader View’s 2011 Reviewer’s Choice Award for Poetry Book of the Year and The 2011 Bookhitch Award for Most Innovative Poetry Book of the Year.

LA Books Examiner’s Author Interview Series

LA Books Examiner’s Five Favorite Books Feature

LA Books Examiner’s Pause for Poetry Profiles

This Week in Books: April 16 – April 23

The LA Books Examiner is your place for books articles, poetry videos, and author interviews. Last week bestselling author Peter Hedges (who wrote both the novel and the screenplay What’s Eating Gilbert Grape?) shared with you the first chapter of his powerful and authentic new book, The Heights, named after the beautiful Brooklyn neighborhood in which the novel is set. If you haven’t read it yet, check it out now. This week we have another surprise author stopping by for an interview, so check back in often to find out who it is.

In the meantime, check out some of the great local book events scheduled this week from LA to Hollywood, the Palisades to Pasadena in this week’s Books Calendar from Frank Mundo, the LA Books Examiner.

Saturday April 16

POETRY.LA Presents: Lights, Camera, Poets: live performances by Michelle Bitting, Laurel Ann Bogen, Wanda Coleman, BH Fairchild, Sherman Pearl, Mike The Poet Sonksen, Pam Ward and more at Beyond Baroque Literary/Arts Center, 681 Venice Blvd., Venice. 7:30 p.m. (310) 822-3006. (See website for pricing and more info). Hosted by poet Hilda Weiss and videographer Wayne Lindberg, co-founders of Poetry.LA, the online video showcase of poets and poetry venues in Southern California. 

Mary McDonough discusses and signs Lessons From the Mountain at Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 5 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Philip Kerr discusses and signs Field Gray at Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. 6 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Sunday April 17

Jim Krusoe discusses and signs Toward You at Diesel Books (Brentwood), Brentwood Country Mart, 225 26th Street, Santa Monica. 3 p.m. Free. 310-576-9960. 

Leo Braudy discusses and signs The Hollywood Sign at Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles. 5 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175. 

Monday April 18

Denis Wood presents and signs Everything Sings: Maps for a Narrative Atlas at Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free.  (310) 659-3110. 

Aryn Kyle and David Goodwillie read from their respective works, Boys and Girl Like You and Me and American Submersive at Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles. 7:30 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175.

Tuesday April 19

Jason Goodwin discusses and signs An Evil Eye at Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Wednesday April 20

Lauren Goldstein Crowe discusses and signs Isabella Blow: A Life In Fashion at Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

DJ MacHale presents and signs The Black at Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Marianne Williamson discusses and signs A Course in Weight Loss: 21 Spiritual Lessons for Surrendering Your Weight Forever at Bodhi Tree Bookstore, 8585 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood. 7:30 p.m. Free. (310) 659-1733.  http://www.hayhouse.com/  http://www.marianne.com/

Thursday April 21

*Feral Fusion Presents Poet Scott C. Kaestner and Open Mike: Hosted by Angel Uriel Perales and Cindy Weinstein, Feral Fusion encourages experimentation in the spoken word: lyric poetry, prose poetry, free verse, hip hop, slam and storytelling at The Amsterdam Café, 10905 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood. Free. Sign-up at 8 pm. Show starts at 8:30 pm. Email: feralfusion [AT] cindynw.com

Douglass Daniel discusses and signs Tough As Nails: The Life and Films of Richard Brooks at Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Matt Logelin discusses and signs Two Kisses for Maddy at Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Dan Millman discusses and signs The Four Purposes of Life: Finding Meaning and Direction in a Changing World at Bodhi Tree Bookstore, 8585 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood. 7:30 p.m. Free. (310) 659-1733. http://www.newworldlibrary.com/  http://www.peacefulwarrior.com/

Friday April 22

Maria Menounos discusses and signs Every Girl’s Guide to Life at Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Noah Levine discusses and signs The Heart of the Revolution at Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Saturday April 23

Peter Lunenfeld discusses and signs The Secret War Between Downloading and Uploading: Tales of the Computer as Culture Machine at Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 5 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

*All events and speakers are subject to change without notice. Always confirm with the bookstore before attending any event.

If you’d like to announce your Los Angeles area book events on LA Books Examiner, or the release of an upcoming book, send info at least 10 days prior to the email address under my bio. While you’re there, sign up for my emails and follow me on Twitter @LABooksExaminer.

Frank Mundo is the author of The Brubury Tales (foreword by Carolyn See), which is available on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble and Borders in paperback and in eBook. The Brubury Tales won Reader View’s 2011 Reviewer’s Choice Award for Poetry Book of the Year and The 2011 Bookhitch Award for Most Innovative Poetry Book of the Year.

LA Books Examiner’s Author Interview Series

LA Books Examiner’s Five Favorite Books Feature

LA Books Examiner’s Pause for Poetry Profiles

This Week in Books: April 10 – April 16

The LA Books Examiner is your place for books articles, poetry videos, and author interviews. Last week we shared with you a special article by Golden State author David Prybil, Barnes and Noble Rising Star Award Winner, who shared his Five Favorite Books Set in California. If you haven’t read it yet, check it out now. This week we have another surprise bestselling author stopping by to share with you the first chapter of his new book. Who is it? Here’s a hint: What’s Eating Gilbert Grape?

In the mean time, check out some of the great local events scheduled this week from LA to Hollywood, the Palisades to Pasadena in this week’s Books Calendar from Frank Mundo, the LA Books Examiner.

Sunday April 10

*First Free Sunday Open Reading will feature Lee Anne McIlroy Langton and Clint Margrave plus open reading. Hosted by Carly Archibeque at Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center, 681 Venice Blvd., Venice. 4:45 p.m. (310) 822-3006.

Sonya Sones discusses and signs The Hunchback of Neiman Marcus: A Novel About Marriage, Motherhood, and Mayhem at Diesel Books (Brentwood), Brentwood Country Mart, 225 26th Street, Santa Monica. 3 p.m. Free. 310-576-9960.

Christopher McDougall discusses and signs Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen at Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 5 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

*Nolanda Love, A’Salma Vtait, Julie Sophia Paegle, and Paul Kareem Tayyar read and sign their collections: Joy for the Journey, Let it Flo, torch song tango choir, and Follow the Sun, respectively at Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. 4 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320. 

Monday April 11

*Moonday: A Monthly Westside Poetry Reading at Village Books, 1049 Swarthmore Avenue, Pacific Palisades. 7:30 p.m. (310) 450-4063. Come early to sign up for open mic! Lois P. Jones, and Alice Pero, this months Featured poets are Diane K. Martin and Carol V. Davis. For more information, go to moondaypoetry.com.

Diane Leslie’s Book Group with Author discusses Anchee Min‘s Pearl of China at Diesel Books (Brentwood), Brentwood Country Mart, 225 26th Street, Santa Monica. 5 p.m. Free. 310-576-9960.

Alexi Zentner discusses and signs Touch: A Novel at Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Lisa Lillien presents and signs Hungry Girl 300 Under 300 at Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Collier Nogues reads and signs On the Other Side, Blue at Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles. 7:30 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175.

Tuesday April 12

*Open poetry reading plus Valley Contemporary Poets present: Abel Salas at the Cobalt Cafe, 22047 Sherman Way, Canoga Park. Opens 8:30 p.m. Sign-up for open reading before 9 p.m. when reading starts. One drink minimum (no alcohol). Event Hosted by LA poet Rick Lupert.

Nat Segaloff discusses and signs Arthur Penn: American Director at Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Thaisa Frank discusses and signs Heidegger’s Glasses at Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Deborah Vankin and Jen Wang discuss and sign their respective graphic novels Posseurs and Koko Be Good, (joined by writer Amy Klein) at Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles. 7:30 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175.

Wednesday April 13

Susie Bright discusses and signs Big Sex Little Death: A Memoir at Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Wayne Pacelle discusses and signs The Bond at Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

William Powers discusses and signs Twelve by Twelve at Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles. 7:30 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175.

Thursday April 14

*Feral Fusion Open Mike: Hosted by Angel Uriel Perales and Cindy Weinstein, Feral Fusion encourages experimentation in the spoken word: lyric poetry, prose poetry, free verse, hip hop, slam and storytelling at The Amsterdam Café, 10905 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood. Free. Sign-up at 8 pm. Show starts at 8:30 pm. Email: feralfusion [AT] cindynw.com

Sonya Sones discusses and signs The Hunchback of Neiman Marcus: A Novel About Marriage, Motherhood, and Mayhem at Book Soup, 8818 W.Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Philip Connors discusses and signs Fire Season at Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Friday April 15

Janet Jackson signs True You: A Journey to Finding and Loving Yourself at Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 3 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Kim Stagliano discusses and signs All I Can Handle at Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Blake Butler and Justin Taylor read and sign their respective novels There is No Year and The Gospel of Anarchy at Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles. 7:30 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175.

Jimmy Williams and Susan Heeger present From Seed to Skillet at Village Books, 1049 Swarthmore Avenue, Pacific Palisades. 7:30 p.m. Free. (310) 450-4063.

Saturday April 16

Mary McDonough discusses and signs Lessons From the Mountain at Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 5 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Philip Kerr discusses and signs Field Gray at Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. 6 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

*All events and speakers are subject to change without notice. Always confirm with the bookstore before attending any event.

If you’d like to announce your Los Angeles area book events on LA Books Examiner, or the release of an upcoming book, send info at least 10 days prior to the email address under my bio. While you’re there, sign up for my emails and follow me on Twitter @LABooksExaminer.

Frank Mundo is the author of The Brubury Tales (foreword by Carolyn See), which is available on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble and Borders in paperback and in eBook. The Brubury Tales won Reader View’s 2011 Reviewer’s Choice Award for Poetry Book of the Year and The 2011 Bookhitch Award for Most Innovative Poetry Book of the Year.

LA Books Examiner’s Author Interview Series

LA Books Examiner’s Five Favorite Books Feature

LA Books Examiner’s Pause for Poetry Profiles

This Week in Books: April 3 – April 9

The LA Books Examiner is your place for books articles, poetry videos, and author interviews. This week we shared with you the first chapter of The Omega Theory by international bestselling author Mark Alpert. If you haven’t read it yet, check it out now because we have more surprise bestselling authors sharing excerpts from their new books all throughout April. Later this week we also have a special Five Favorite Books article from Golden State author David Prybil, Barnes and Noble Rising Star Award Winner so be sure to check back in often this week.

In the mean time, check out some of the great local events scheduled this week from LA to Hollywood, the Palisades to Pasadena in this week’s Books Calendar from Frank Mundo, the LA Books Examiner.

Sunday April 3

Ellen Ruderman discusses and signs Chasing the Red Car at Diesel Books (Brentwood), Brentwood Country Mart, 225 26th Street, Santa Monica. 3 p.m. Free. 310-576-9960.

University of California, Riverside Master of Fine Arts students read from their work. The student readers are: Eric Shonkwiler(fiction), Leonid Leonov(ficiton), Kamala Puligandla(fiction), Samantha Lamph(fiction), Rachelle Cruz(poetry), Angel Garcia(poetry). Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles. 5 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175.

John Vorhaus discusses and signs The Albuquerque Turkey at Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. 5 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Darrell Rooney and Mark Vieira read and sign Harlow in Hollywood: The Blonde Bombshell in the Glamour Capital, 1928-1937 at Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 5 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Monday April 4

Jacqueline Winspear discusses and signs A Lesson in Secrets at Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Matthew Alexander discusses and signs Kill or Capture: How a Special Operations Task Force Took Down a Notorious al Qaeda Terrorist at Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Michelle Latiolais reads and signs her story collection Widow at Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles. 7:30 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175.

Tuesday April 5

Open poetry reading plus Hollywood Institute of Poetics presents: Kevin Lee at the Cobalt Cafe, 22047 Sherman Way, Canoga Park. Opens 8:30 p.m. Sign-up for open reading before 9 p.m. when reading starts. One drink minimum (no alcohol). Event Hosted by LA poet Rick Lupert.

Village Books High School Playwrighting Contest: A staged reading of 3 One Acts whose actions take place in a bookstore. In alphabetical order, the playwrights  are: Capucine Berneyfor “The Day Your Father is Not Your Father,” Laura Morafffor “In My Head,” and Kurtz Meldridgefor “Pages & Sages.” Honorable mention went to middle-schooler Kacey Baefor “The Devil’s Hour.” Village Books, 1049 Swarthmore Avenue, Pacific Palisades. 6 pm. $10. Refreshments will be provided.

My Bloody Valentine: Young Adult Group Eventwith authors Melissa de la Cruz (Bloody Valentine), Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl (Beautiful Darkness (Beautiful Creatures)), Melissa Marr (Darkest Mercy (Wicked Lovely)), Kelley Armstrong (The Gathering, The Reckoning), Carrie Ryan (The Dark and Hollow Places), and Sarah Rees Brennan (The Demon’s Covenant (Demon’s Lexicon)) at Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Daniel A. Olivas discusses and signs The Book of Want at Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Jim Krusoe reads and signs Toward You at Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles. 7:30 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175.

Wednesday April 6

Gayle Tzemach Lemmon discusses and signs The Dressmaker of Khair Khana at Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Sarah Maizes discusses and signs Got Milf?: The Modern Mom’s Guide to Feeling Fabulous, Looking Great, and Rocking A Minivan with author Dani Klein Modisett, presenting and signing Afterbirth: Stories You Won’t Read in a Parenting Magazine at Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Thursday April 7

Feral Fusion Open Mike: Hosted by Angel Uriel Perales and Cindy Weinstein, Feral Fusion encourages experimentation in the spoken word: lyric poetry, prose poetry, free verse, hip hop, slam and storytelling at The Amsterdam Café, 10905 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood. Free. Sign-up at 8 pm. Show starts at 8:30 pm. Email: feralfusion [AT] cindynw.com

Book Soup and The Bootleg Theatre present T.C. Boyle reading and signing from his latest book, When the Killing’s Done at the Bootleg Theatre (2220 Beverly Blvd. Los Angeles). 7 p.m. More info at Book Soup.

Read Frank Mundo‘s, the LA Books Examiner’s, interview with T.C. Boyle.

M.L. Malcolm and guests discuss and sign Heart of Deception: A Novel at Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Lauren Willig discusses and signs The Orchid Affair at Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Nancy Rommelmann reads and signs The Bad Mother at Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles. 7:30 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175.

Linda and David Freud discuss and sign The Healing Gift: Exploring the Remarkable World of a Medical Intuitive at Bodhi Tree Bookstore, 8585 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood. 7:30 p.m. Free. (310) 659-1733.  http://www.thehealinggift.com/

Friday April 8

Andrea Buchanan and guests discuss and sign Live and Let Love: Notes from Extraordinary Women on the Layers, the Laughter, and the Letter of Love at Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Diane Ackerman discusses and signs One Hundred Names for Love at Saints Church, 132 N. Euclid Ave, Pasadena. 7 pm. See Vroman’s for more info.

Meg Wolitzer discusses and signs The Uncoupling at Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Bill Cloke, PhD, discusses Happy Together at Village Books, 1049 Swarthmore Avenue, Pacific Palisades. 7:30 p.m. Free.

Amber Benson and Patrick Rothfuss read and sign their respective novels Serpent’s Storm and The Wise Man’s Fear at Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles. 7:30 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175.

Three Points North: Three major poets – lifelong Alaskans Anne Coray, Steve Kahn, and Alaska’s State Writer Laureate Peggy Shumaker read their work and discuss their writing at Beyond Baroque Literary/Arts Center, 681 Venice Blvd., Venice. 7:30 p.m. (310) 822-3006. See Beyond Baroque website for event pricing and more info.

Saturday April 9

Charlie Churchward discusses and signs Herb Ritts: The Golden Hour: A Photographer’s Life and His World at Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 5 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Lisa Lutz and David Heyward discuss and sign Heads You Lose at Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. 5 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Smart Gals’ 6th Annual Dead Poets Slam: Monarchs vs. Minions: Hosted by Christine Louise Berry (Smart Gals), and featuring Noël Alumit, Daniel Bess, Jerrod Cardwell, T.K. Carr, Kathleen Coyne, Juli Crockett, Imani Tolliver, Steve Tom, and Lori Yeghiayan. Judges will include writer and poetry professor Chris Davidson, playwright Katy Hickman, and Clifford Johnson. The behind-the-scenes team includes poetry seekers Tori Patterson and Laura Louden. Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles. 7 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175.

*All events and speakers are subject to change without notice. Always confirm with the bookstore before attending any event.

If you’d like to announce your Los Angeles area book events on LA Books Examiner, or the release of an upcoming book, send info at least 10 days prior to the email address under my bio. While you’re there, sign up for my emails and follow me on Twitter @LABooksExaminer.

Frank Mundo is the author of The Brubury Tales (foreword by Carolyn See), which is available on Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble in paperback and in eBook. The Brubury Tales won Reader View’s 2011 Reviewer’s Choice Award for Poetry Book of the Year and the 2011 Bookhitch Award for Innovative Poetry Book of the Year.

LA Books Examiner’s Author Interview Series

LA Books Examiner’s Five Favorite Books Feature

LA Books Examiner’s Pause for Poetry Profiles

This Week in Books: March 27 – April 2

The LA Books Examiner is your place for books articles, poetry videos, author interviews and local book events scheduled each week from LA to Hollywood, the Palisades to Pasadena. This week we shared with you two exclusive book excerpts from bestselling authors Terri Cheney and J.A. Jance from their respective books The Dark Side of Innocence and Fatal Error. If you haven’t read them yet, check them out now, because later this week, we have another surprise bestselling author sharing an excerpt from a new book that you don’t want to miss.

In the mean time, check out some of the great local events in this week’s Books Calendar from Frank Mundo, the LA Books Examiner. Also, I wanted to personally thank everyone who braved the rain and came out to my reading of The Brubury Tales for Feral Fusion at the Amsterdam Café last week. Thank you so much!

Sunday March 27

Joshua Foer discusses and signs Moonwalking with Einstein at Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. 3 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Lynette Louise, MS, NTC, BCIA-EEG discusses and signs Miracles are Made:The Real Life Guide to Autism at Bodhi Tree Bookstore, 8585 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood. 3 p.m. Free. (310) 659-1733. http://www.lynettelouise.com/

Monday March 28

Chris Jericho presents and signs Undisputed: How to Become the World Champion in 1,372 Easy Steps at Barnes & Noble (The Grove) 189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles. 8 pm. Free. (323) 525-0270.

Cheryl Burke presents and signs Dancing Lessons: How I Found Passion and Potential on the Dance Floor and in Life at Barnes & Noble (The Grove) 189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles. 8 pm. Free. (323) 525-0270.

Tuesday March 29

Open poetry reading plus Danika Dinsmore – 3:15 Experiment Reading at the Cobalt Cafe, 22047 Sherman Way, Canoga Park. Opens 8:30 p.m. Sign-up for open reading before 9 p.m. when reading starts. One drink minimum (no alcohol). Event Hosted by LA poet Rick Lupert.

Steven Whitney and Dr. David Kipper present and sign The Addiction Solution: Unraveling the Mysteries of Addiction through Cutting-Edge Brain Science at Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Mark Childress discusses and signs Georgia Bottoms at Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Meg Howrey reads and signs Blind Sight at Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles. 7:30 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175.

Wednesday March 30

Lois Banner presents and signs MM-Personal: From the Private Archive of Marilyn Monroe at Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Sarah Vowell discusses and signs Unfamiliar Fishes at Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Thursday March 31

Joel Selvin discusses and signs Smartass: The Music Journalism of Joel Selvin: California Rock and Roll at Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Jean Rosenfeld discusses Terrorism & Political Violence in the Contemporary Era at Village Books, 1049 Swarthmore Avenue, Pacific Palisades. 7:30 p.m. Free. (310) 450-4063.

Feral Fusion Open Mike: Hosted by Angel Uriel Perales and Cindy Weinstein, Feral Fusion encourages experimentation in the spoken word: lyric poetry, prose poetry, free verse, hip hop, slam and storytelling at The Amsterdam Café, 10905 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood. Free. Sign-up at 8 pm. Show starts at 8:30 pm. Email: feralfusion [AT] cindynw.com

Friday April 1

Camilla Läckberg discusses and signs The Ice Princess at Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Vidal Sassoon presents and signs Vidal: The Autobiography at Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Nahid Sewell discusses The Ruby Tear Catcher at Village Books, 1049 Swarthmore Avenue, Pacific Palisades. 7:30 p.m. Free. (310) 450-4063.

Saturday April 2

DR. John-Roger, Dr. Paul Kaye and Jsu Garcia discuss and sign Living the Spiritual Principles of Health and Well-Being and the DVD, Spiritual Warriors at Bodhi Tree Bookstore, 8585 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood. 2 p.m. Free. (310) 659-1733. http://www.mandevillepress.org/   http://www.john-roger.org/  http://www.spiritualwarriors.com/

David Kates reads his memoir in poetry, Inheriting Weight at Village Books, 1049 Swarthmore Avenue, Pacific Palisades. 3 p.m. Free. (310) 450-4063.

Carole Eglash-Kosoff discusses and signs The Human Spirit at Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. 5 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

*All events and speakers are subject to change without notice. Always confirm with the bookstore before attending any event.

If you’d like to announce your Los Angeles area book events on LA Books Examiner, or the release of an upcoming book, send info at least 10 days prior to the email address under my bio. While you’re there, sign up for my emails and follow me on Twitter @LABooksExaminer.

Frank Mundo is the author of The Brubury Tales (foreword by Carolyn See), which is available on Amazon.com in paperback and in eBook. The Brubury Tales won Reader View’s 2011 Reviewers Choice Award for Poetry Book of the Year and the 2011 Bookhitch Award for Innovative Poetry Book of the Year.

LA Books Examiner’s Author Interview Series

LA Books Examiner’s Five Favorite Books Feature

LA Books Examiner’s Pause for Poetry Profiles

This Week in Books: March 12 through March 19

The LA Books Examiner is your place for books articles, poetry videos, author interviews and local book events scheduled each week from LA to Hollywood, the Palisades to Pasadena. Check out some of the great local events in this week’s Books Calendar from Frank Mundo, the LA Books Examiner.

Saturday March 12

Meredith Baxter discusses and signs Untied at Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. 4 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Sam Shaw’s family and archive present and sign Sam Shaw at Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 5 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Mike Young and Jamie Iredell read and sign their respective books Look! Look! Feathers and The Book of Freaks at Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles. 5 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175.

Sunday March 13

Book Release party for Lisa Yee and books Warp Speed and Bobby the Brave (Sometimes) at Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. 2 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

UCLA Extension Writers’ Program presents a reading with 2010-2011 Master Class in Novel Writing instructor and author, Lynn Hightower. Students include: Deborah Allmand, Marcia Carrillo, Anita Doberman, Elwood J. Egerton, Stephanie Jackson, Hillary Kaylor, & Wayne Soini at Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 2 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Corie Skolnick discusses and signs Orfan at Diesel Books (Brentwood), Brentwood Country Mart, 225 26th Street, Santa Monica. 3 p.m. Free. 310-576-9960.

Monday March 14

Andre Dubus III presents and signs Townie: A Memoir at Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Tuesday March 15

Thelma Adams presents and signs Playdate at Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Robert Rosenstone discusses and signs Red Star, Crescent Moon at Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Wednesday March 16

Mark Feldstein presents and signs Poisoning the Press: Richard Nixon, Jack Anderson, and the Rise of Washington’s Scandal Culture at Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Alicia Silverstone discusses and signs The Kind Diet at Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Paul Selig discusses and signs I Am the Word: A Guide to the Consciousness of Man’s Self in a Transitioning Time – A Channeled Text at Bodhi Tree Bookstore, 8585 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood. 7:30 p.m. Free. (310) 659-1733. www.TarcherBooks.com   http://www.guidedreadings.com/

James Brown and Victoria Patterson read their books This River and This Vacant Paradise at Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles. 7:30 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175.

Thursday March 17

Renee Montangne presents and signs This is NPR: The First Forty Years at Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Graham Moore, author of The Sherlockian, in dialogue with E.A. Hanks at Village Books, 1049 Swarthmore Avenue, Pacific Palisades. 7:30 p.m. Free. (310) 450-4063.

Andrew Foster Altschul reads and signs Deus Ex Machina at Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles. 7:30 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175.

Friday March 18

Willard School Poetry Recital & Art Exhibitat at Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. 5 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Julia Stein, Lee Boek and Lynn Bronstein present Stein’s poetry anthology Walking Through a River of Fire at Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles. 7:30 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175.

Book Soup and The Skirball Cultural Center present Ted Danson discussing and signing his new book, Oceana: Our Endangered Oceans and What We Can Do to Save Them at The Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles. 8 p.m. Free (but tickets are suggested and limited. Contact Skirball before attending). (310) 440-4500.

*All events and speakers are subject to change without notice. Always confirm with the bookstore before attending any event.

If you’d like to announce your Los Angeles area book events on LA Books Examiner, or the release of an upcoming book, send info at least 10 days prior to the email address under my bio. While you’re there, sign up for my emails and follow me on Twitter @LABooksExaminer.

Frank Mundo is the author of The Brubury Tales (foreword by Carolyn See), which is available on Amazon.com in paperback and in eBook. The Brubury Tales won Reader View’s 2011 Reviewer’s Choice Award for poetry and the 2011 Bookhitch Award for innovative poetry.

LA Books Examiner’s Author Interview Series

LA Books Examiner’s Five Favorite Books Feature

LA Books Examiner’s Pause for Poetry Profiles

This Week in Books: February 26 through March 4

The LA Books Examiner is your place for books articles, poetry videos and author interviews. This week we introduced you to local bestselling author Deborah Harkness and shared with you the first chapter of her latest book A Discovery of Witches. On Monday February 28th, be sure to check back in to meet another surprise local author and read the first chapter of his new book. 

In the meantime, be sure to check out these local book events scheduled for this week from LA to Hollywood, the Palisades to Pasadena in this week’s Books Calendar from Frank Mundo, the LA Books Examiner.

Saturday February 26

Dan Charnas discusses and signs The Big Payback: The History of the Business of Hip-Hop at Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 5 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Contributors to SLAKE Issue 2: Crossing Over. Elizabeth Banicki, Ben Ehrenreich, Yxta Maya Murray, Sam Slovick, Justin Warfield, and Slake publisher Joe Donnelly will be reading from their selected pieces at Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles. 5 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175.

Eric Gudas, Alissa Valles and Ilya Kaminski read from their work at Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center, 681 Venice Blvd., Venice. 7:30 p.m. (310) 822-3006.

Sunday February 27

Florence Weinberger reads from Sacred Graffiti at Diesel Books (Brentwood), Brentwood Country Mart, 225 26th Street, Santa Monica. 3 p.m. Free. 310-576-9960.

Cleveland Confidential Event with authors Cheetah Chrome (Cheetah Chrome: A Dead Boy’s Tale from the Front Lines of Punk Rock), Mike Hudson (Jetsam), and Bob Pfeifer (The University of Strangers) read their work at Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 5 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Monday February 28

Michael Gelbart discusses and signs The Other Oprahs at Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Belva Davis discusses and signs Never In My Wildest Dreams at Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Tuesday March 1

Wade Rouse presents and signs It’s All Relative: Two Families, Three Dogs, 34 Holidays, and 50 Boxes of Wine (A Memoir) at Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Kim Severson discusses and signs Spoon Fed at Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Open reading plus Hollywood Institute of Poetics presents: Cassandra Love at the Cobalt Cafe, 22047 Sherman Way, Canoga Park. Opens 8:30 p.m. Sign-up for open reading before 9 p.m. when reading starts. One drink minimum (no alcohol). Event Hosted by LA poet Rick Lupert.

Wednesday March 2

Stefan Kanfer presents and signs Tough Without a Gun: The Life and Extraordinary Afterlife of Humphrey Bogart at Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Mark Hertsgaard discusses and signs Hot at Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

SARK (Susan Ariel Rainbow Kennedy) discusses and signs Glad No Matter What: Transforming Loss and Change Into Gift and Opportunity at Bodhi Tree Bookstore, 8585 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood. 7:30 p.m. Free. (310) 659-1733. www.PlanetSark.com

Thursday March 3

Susan Goldstein presents and signs Hollywood Forever (Five Star Mystery Series) at Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Angela Balcita discusses and signs Moonface: A True Romance at Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Nina Revoyr reads and signs Wingshooters at Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles. 7:30 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175.

James Pagano discusses The Bleed at Village Books, 1049 Swarthmore Avenue, Pacific Palisades. 7:30 p.m. Free. (310) 450-4063.

Friday March 4

Amanda Hampson reads Olive Sisters at Village Books, 1049 Swarthmore Avenue, Pacific Palisades. 6:30 p.m. Free. (310) 450-4063.

Blake Nelson presents and signs Recovery Road at Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Michael David Lukas discusses and signs The Oracle of Stamboul at Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

*All events and speakers are subject to change without notice. Always confirm with the bookstore before attending any event.

If you’d like to announce your Los Angeles area book events on LA Books Examiner, or the release of an upcoming book, send info at least 10 days prior to the email address under my bio. While you’re there, sign up for my emails and follow me on Twitter @LABooksExaminer.

Frank Mundo is the author of The Brubury Tales (foreword by Carolyn See), which is available on Amazon.com in paperback and in eBook. The Brubury Tales is a finalist for Reader View’s 2011 Reviewer’s Choice Award for poetry.

LA Books Examiner’s Author Interview Series

LA Books Examiner’s Five Favorite Books Feature

LA Books Examiner’s Pause for Poetry Profiles

This Week in Books: February 19 through February 25

The LA Books Examiner is your place for books articles, poetry videos and author interviews. Be sure to check back in on Monday to meet a surprise local bestselling author and read the first chapter of her new book.

In the meantime, check out these local book events scheduled for this week from LA to Hollywood, the Palisades to Pasadena in this week’s Books Calendar from Frank Mundo, the LA Books Examiner.

Saturday February 19

Frank Mundo (LA Books Examiner) discusses and reads The Brubury Tales at the Chiao Hsin Chinese Language School, 2231 Findlay Ave, Monterey Park at 11 am. The Brubury Tales is a finalist for Reader View’s 2011 Reviewer’s Choice Award for poetry.

Steven S. Sadleir discusses and signs Christ Enlightened: The Lost Teachings of Jesus Unveiled at at Bodhi Tree Bookstore, 8585 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood. 3 p.m. Free. (310) 659-1733. http://www.christenlightened.com/

Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller present and sign Hound Dog at Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. 5 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Ralph Sassone discusses and signs The Intimates at Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 5 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Gerald Locklin, Rick Smith and RD Armstrong read and sign their recent poetry collections from LUMMOX PRESS at Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles. 5 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175.

Sunday February 20

Taboo of The Black Eyed Peas signs Fallin’ Up: My Story at Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. 1 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Drew Friedman discusses and signs Drew Friedman’s Sideshow Freaks at Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 4 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Hitched: Rebel Writers is an intergenerational reading coupling established poets and writers with their emerging cousins in an attempt to celebrate accomplishments, welcome new voices, and expand community. Tonight’s “Rebel Writers” will pair Stephen Elliot with Antonia Crane,and Brendan Constantine with Max Kaisler. Hosted by XOCHITL-JULISA BERMEJO at Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center, 681 Venice Blvd., Venice. 5 p.m. (310) 822-3006. See Website for Admission cost.

Monday February 21

Deborah Harkness discusses and signs A Discovery of Witches at Borders Books, 3700 Torrance Blvd, Torrance at 7 p.m. Free. (310) 540-7000.

A mesmerizing and addictive read, A Discovery of Witches is equal parts history and magic, romance and suspense.

Be sure to check in with the LA Books Examiner on Monday to meet this bestselling local author and an exclusive excerpt from her book.

Tuesday February 22

Open poetry reading plus featured guest: Bruce Williams at the Cobalt Cafe, 22047 Sherman Way, Canoga Park. Opens 8:30 p.m. Sign-up for open reading before 9 p.m. when reading starts. One drink minimum (no alcohol). Event Hosted by LA poet Rick Lupert.

Release Party for Father Greg Boyle’s Tattoos on the Heart at Diesel Books (Brentwood), Brentwood Country Mart, 225 26th Street, Santa Monica. 7 p.m. Free. 310-576-9960.

Cheryl Burke discusses and signs Dancing Lessons: How I Found Passion and Potential on the Dance Floor and in Life at Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Raul Ramos y Sanchez discusses and signs House Divided at Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Wednesday February 23

Sharrie Williams discusses and signs The Maybelline Story: And The Spirited Family Dynasty Behind It All at Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Thursday February 24

Robert K. Elder discusses and signs The Film That Changed My Life: 30 Directors on Their Epiphanies in the Dark at Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Tim Johnson discusses and signs Tragedy in Crimson at Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Jonathan Evison reads and signs his novel West of Here at Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles. 7:30 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175.

Friday February 25

Sen. Scott Brown signs Against All Odds at Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. 12 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Liel Leibovitz & Matthew Miller discuss and sign Fortunate Sons at Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Jonathan Evison discusses and signs West Of Here at Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Howard Gordon reads Gideons War at Village Books, 1049 Swarthmore Avenue, Pacific Palisades. 7:30 p.m. Free. (310) 450-4063.

Skye MacQueen discusses and signs The Skye’s the Limit: One Girl’s Story of Having a Traumatic Brain Injury and Epilepsy in Her 20′s at Bodhi Tree Bookstore, 8585 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood. 7:30 p.m. Free. (310) 659-1733. www.Skyes-The-Limit.org

*All events and speakers are subject to change without notice. Always confirm with the bookstore before attending any event.

If you’d like to announce your Los Angeles area book events on LA Books Examiner, or the release of an upcoming book, send info at least 10 days prior to the email address under my bio. While you’re there, sign up for my emails and follow me on Twitter @LABooksExaminer.

Frank Mundo is the author of The Brubury Tales (foreword by Carolyn See), which is available on Amazon.com in paperback and in eBook. The Brubury Tales is a finalist for Reader View’s 2011 Reviewer’s Choice Award for poetry.

LA Books Examiner’s Author Interview Series

LA Books Examiner’s Five Favorite Books Feature

LA Books Examiner’s Pause for Poetry Profiles

This Week in Books: February 12 through February 18

The LA Books Examiner has got a hot line-up of books articles, poetry videos and author interviews coming your way. Last week, The LA Books Examiner interviewed Kim Edwards, mega bestselling author of The Memory Keeper’s Daughter about her new book The Lake of Dreams. Read the interview. Also, Be sure to check back in on President’s Day to meet a surprise local bestselling author who shares the first chapter of her new book.

In the meantime, be sure to check out these local book events scheduled for this week from LA to Hollywood, the Palisades to Pasadena in this week’s Books Calendar from Frank Mundo, the LA Books Examiner.

Saturday February 12

Downtown Blues: A Skid Row Reader: Join USC History and American Studies and Ethnicity Professor Robin D.G. Kelley, UCSB Black Studies Professors Cedric J. Robinson and Clyde Woods, UCLA Law Professor Gary Blasi, founder and co-director of the Los Angeles Community Action Network Pete White, Skid Row organizer General Dogon, president’s postdoctoral fellow Damien Schnyder, and famed East L.A. poet Jonathan Gomez for a roundtable discussion about the historic civil rights struggles being waged along L.A.’s Skid Row at USC: University Park Campus: Seeley G. Mudd Building 101. 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Free. To RSVP email c.heatherton@gmail.com  For Directions, click here.  

C.B. Shiepe discusses and signs Cliff Falls at Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 1 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Anne Byrn discusses and signs The Cake Mix Doctor Bakes Gluten-Free at Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. 2 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Jane Velez-Mitchell discusses and signs Addict Nation: An Intervention for America at Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 5 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Glen Hirshberg reads and signs The Book of Bunk at Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles. 5 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175.

Guggenheim and NEA fellow, poet Stephen Dobyns, reads his work at Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center, 681 Venice Bl. Venice. 7:30 p.m. (310) 822-3006.

Sunday February 13

Charles Rappleye discusses and signs Robert Morris: Financier of the American Revolution at Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 4 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Aimee Bender, Janet Fitch, Jonathan Lethem, Susan Straight and Lisa Teasley read from Black Clock 13 with moderator Steve Ericksonat Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles. 5 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175.

Monday February 14

Moonday: A Westside Poetry Reading featuring poets Jessie Lendennie and Judith Pacht at Village Books, 1049 Swarthmore Avenue, Pacific Palisades. 7:30 p.m. (310) 450-4063. Come early to sign up for open mic.

Tuesday February 15

Lisa Napoli discusses and signs Radio Shangri-La at Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Ernie Marquez discusses Noir Afloat: Tony Cornero & the Notorious Gambling Ships of Southern CA at Village Books, 1049 Swarthmore Avenue, Pacific Palisades. 7:30 p.m. Free. (310) 450-4063.

Stefan Bucher discusses and signs You Deserve a Medal at Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles. 7:30 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175.

Valley Contemporary Poets present Erika Ayon and open reading at the Cobalt Cafe, 22047 Sherman Way, Canoga Park. Opens 8:30 p.m. Sign-up for open reading before 9p.m. when reading starts. One drink minimum (no alcohol). Event Hosted by LA poet Rick Lupert.

Wednesday February 16

Matthew Gollub presents and signs Jazz Fly 2 at Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. 10:30 a.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Mira Bartok discusses and signs The Memory Palace at Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Peter Cropsey discusses and signs Dead Man Waking at Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Thursday February 17

Joan Moran discusses and signs Sixty, Sex, & Tango: Confessions of a Beatnik Boomer at Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Mira Bartok discusses her memoir, The Memory Palace, at Village Books, 1049 Swarthmore Avenue, Pacific Palisades. 7:30 p.m. Free. (310) 450-4063.

Mabel Katz discusses and signs The Easiest Way to Live: Let Go of the Past, Live in the Present and Change Your Life Forever at Bodhi Tree Bookstore, 8585 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood. 7:30 p.m. Free. (310) 659-1733.

Friday February 18

Jasmin Darznik discusses and signs The Good Daughter: A Memoir of My Mother’s Hidden Life at Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Arianna Gouveia reads her work at Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center, 681 Venice Bl. Venice. 9 p.m. (310) 822-3006.

*All events and speakers are subject to change without notice. Confirm with the bookstore before attending any event.

If you’d like to announce your Los Angeles area book events on LA Books Examiner, or the release of an upcoming book, send info at least 10 days prior to the email address under my bio. While you’re there, sign up for my emails and follow me on Twitter @LABooksExaminer.

Frank Mundo is the author of The Brubury Tales (foreword by Carolyn See), which is available on Amazon.com in paperback and in eBook. 

LA Books Examiner’s Author Interview Series

LA Books Examiner’s Five Favorite Books Feature

LA Books Examiner’s Pause for Poetry Profiles