Words & Ideas listings

Words & Ideas

TODAY

Allen Say The Caldecott Award-winning author-illustrator will present and sign his new children’s picture book, “Erika-san.” Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 2 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

TUESDAY

Jamie Lowe The author of “Digging for Dirt: The Life and Death of ODB” will present her new biography about the late rapper. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

WEDNESDAY

Denis Dutton Aloud at Central Library presents the author of “The Art Instinct: Beauty, Pleasure and Human Evolution” in conversation with Michael Shermer of the Skeptic Society. www.aloudla.org. Richard J. Riordan Central Library, 630 W. 5th St., L.A. 7 p.m. Free. (213) 228-7025.

Patricia Weitz The author of “College Girl” will read and sign her new novel. Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 7:30 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

THURSDAY

Denis Dutton The author of “The Art Instinct” will present and sign his new book. Diesel Bookstore, 225 26th St., Brentwood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 576-9960.

Chip Jacobs The co-author of “Smogtown: The Lung-Burning History of Pollution in Los Angeles” will present and sign his new book. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Charles Johnson and Eric Sundquist The Hammer Conversations series presents the National Book Award-winning author of “Middle Passage” and three other novels in conversation with Sundquist, UCLA Foundation professor of literature and author of 12 books. Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 443-7000.

Make ‘Em Laugh: The Funny Business of America Writers Bloc presents the Daily Show “Senior Black Correspondent” Larry Wilmore, author of the forthcoming “I’d Rather We Got Casinos: And Other Black Thoughts” in conversation with comedian and “Law & Order” regular Richard Belzer, author of “I Am Not a Cop.” Also on hand will be Michael Kantor and Larry Maslon, director and writer, respectively, of the upcoming three-part series “Make ‘Em Laugh.” www.writersblocpresents.com. Temple Emanuel, 300 N. Clark Drive, Beverly Hills. 7:30 p.m. $20.

Nami Mun The author of “Miles From Nowhere” will read and sign her debut novel. Barnes & Noble, 189 The Grove Drive, L.A. 7:30 p.m. Free. (213) 228-7025.

Nancy Spiller The author of “Entertaining Disasters” will read and sign her new novel, which also includes recipes. Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

FRIDAY

Peter Moruzzi The author of “Havana Before Castro” will present and sign his new book. Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

SATURDAY

Chip Jacobs & William J. Kelly The authors of “Smogtown: The Lung-Burning History of Pollution in Los Angeles” will present and sign their new book. Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 5 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.