Book calendar: Author events for the week of December 19, 2010

Words & Ideas

Compiled by Grace Krilanovich.

SUNDAY

Amra Brooks: The author of “ California” will read and sign the reprint of her 2008 novella. Sarah Manguso will also read and sign her book “The Two Kinds of Decay.” Family, 436 N. Fairfax Ave., L.A. 7 p.m. Free. (323) 782-9221.

Tongue and Groove Reading Series: Conrad Romo hosts an evening of readings by authors Katie Arnoldi (“Point Dume”), Skip Press (“Rainy Day Tales”), Samantha Dunn (“Not by Accident”), Chiwan Choi (“The Flood”) and Amanda Fletcher. Musical guest Hilary Gay will perform. Hotel Cafe, 1623 1/2 N. Cahuenga Blvd., L.A. 6 p.m. $6. (323) 937-0136.

Will Alexander and Surrealists Group Reading: The poet (“The Sri Lankan Loxodrome”) will be joined by authors and poets James Hart III (“White Holes”), Janice Lee (“Kerotakis”) and Anthony Seidman (“Combustions”). Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center, 681 Venice Blvd., Venice. 7 p.m. (310) 822-3006.