Book calendar events for the week of June 5, 2011

Words & Ideas

Compiled by Grace Krilanovich

SUNDAY

Can Art and Politics Be Thought?: A two-day conference will feature presentations and performances by Joshua Clover, Lauren Berlant, Matthew Barney, Matmos, Joan Copjec, Allan Sekula, Alain Badiou and others. Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles. 1-11 p.m. Free. (310) 443-7000

MONDAY

Brooke Gladstone: The author of “The Influencing Machine: Brooke Gladstone on the Media� will discuss and sign her new book. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110

TUESDAY

Bob Neuwirth and David Felton: A conversation, held in conjunction with the exhibition “Overs and Unders: Paintings by Bob Neuwirth, 1964-2009� with artist-musician-producer Neuwirth and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and television writer Felton. Track 16 Gallery, Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Ave., Santa Monica. 8 p.m. $20-$95. (310) 264-4678 https://www.livetalksla.org

Steve Stockman: The author of “How to Shoot Video That Doesn’t Suck: Advice to Make Any Amateur Look Like a Pro� will present and sign his new book. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110

WEDNESDAY

April Dammann: The author of “Exhibitionist: Earl Stendahl, Art Dealer as Impresario� will discuss and sign her new book. Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320

Terry Van Vliet: The poet will read and sign his new collection, “Black Lines on Terracotta.� Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110

THURSDAY

Josh Alan Friedman: The author of “Black Cracker� will read and sign his recent autobiographical novel and will also play an acoustic set. Alias Books East, 3163 Glendale Blvd., L.A. 8 p.m. Free. (323) 661-9000

Meredith Baxter: The “Family Ties� actress will present and sign her new book, “Untied: A Memoir of Family, Fame and Floundering.� Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. 7:30 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175

Leo Braudy: The author of “The Hollywood Sign: Fantasy and Reality of an American Icon� will discuss and sign his new book. Los Feliz Public Library, 1874 N. Hillhurst Ave., Hollywood. 6:30 p.m. Free. (323) 661-2629

Vincent Bugliosi: The attorney and author will discuss and sign his new book, “Divinity of Doubt: The God Question.� Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Heidi Julavits and Vendela Vida: Julavits, the founding co-editor of the Believer and author of the novels “The Uses of Enchantment� and “The Mineral Palace,� and Vida, author of the novels “The Lovers� and “Let the Northern Lights Erase Your Name,� will read and discuss their work. Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 443-7000

Ann Patchett: Host Michael Silverblatt will interview the author of “State of Wonder.� Bookworm, 89.9 KCRW-FM, 2:30 p.m. https://www.kcrw.com

James Slocum: The author of “Shadow of War (Based on the Journal of Daniel Kippelstein)� will present and sign his new historical novel. Flintridge Bookstore, 1010 Foothill Blvd., La Cañada-Flintridge. 7:30 p.m. Free. (818) 790-0717

FRIDAY

Pamela Cory: The author of “Hassie Calhoun: A Las Vegas Novel of Innocence� will read and sign her new book. Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Josh Alan Friedman: The author of “Black Cracker� will read and sign his recent autobiographical novel and will also play an acoustic set. Sideshow Books, 11323 Idaho Ave., L.A. 8 p.m. Free. (310) 428-4631

SATURDAY

Erica Bauermeister: The author of “Joy for Beginners� will read and sign her new novel. Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 5 p.m. Free. (626) 449-5320.

Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan: The authors of “Spoiled� will read and sign their new novel. Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. noon. Free. (626) 449-5320

Leah Dieterich: The author of “thxthxthx: thank goodness for everything� will read and sign her new book. Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. 5 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175

Jonas Mohr: The photographer will present and sign his new book, “Mugshots: A Celebration of the Journey From Ruin to Redemption� with special guests Tom Moyer, Luis Rodriguez, Emilio Rivera, Ty Granderson Jones and Stogie Kenyatta. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 2 p.m. Free. (310) 659-3110.

Milt Okun: The famed producer will present and sign his new memoir, “Along the Cherry Lane: Tales From the Life of Music Industry Legend Milton Okun.� Craig Krull Gallery, 2525 Michigan Ave., Bergamot Station B3, Santa Monica. 6 p.m. Free. (310) 828-6410

NEXT SUNDAY

J.J. Abrams and Michael Giacchino: The Hammer Conversations series presents Abrams, the writer-director of the upcoming film “Super 8� and 2009’s “Star Trek,� creator of “Alias� and co-creator of “Lost,� “Felicity� and “Fringe,� in conversation with film composer Giacchino (“Up,� “Ratatouille�). Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles. 3 p.m. Free. (310) 443-7000