Events from Vroman's Bookstore

Vroman's Bookstore: Jim Krusoe discusses and signs Girl Factory

Tuesday, July 8 (7:00 pm)

There's a disturbing secret in the basement of a strip mall yogurt parlor. Jonathan, the mostly clueless clerk who works there, just wants to fix things once and for all, but things don't work out quite the way Jonathan intends. This latest from Krusoe, author of Iceland, raises unsettling questions about storytelling, the nature of freedom, and the ubiquitous objectification of women.

Vroman's Bookstore: DJ MacHale discusses and signs Pendragon #9: Raven Rise

Wednesday, July 9 (6:30 pm)

D. J. MacHale , Raven Rise.

With this ninth book in the wildly popular Pendragon series, the battle has come to Second Earth. Since Bobby Pendragon remains trapped in Ibara, every fight has been building toward the epic battle against Sainte Dane for control of Halla. But Mark Dimond and Courtney Chetwynde are left on their own to defend Second Earth against the forces of Saint Dane because one important element is missing: Bobby himself. The two teens must find a way to hold off their massively powerful enemy long enough to reach Bobby and bring him back for the final battle readers have been anticipating.

Vroman's Bookstore: Stephen L. Carter discusses and signs Palace Council

Friday, July 11 (7:00 pm)

Stephen L. Carter , Palace Council.

Carter (The Emperor of Ocean Park), returns with another tale of intrigue and murder. In the summer of 1952, twenty prominent men gather at a secret meeting on Martha's Vineyard and devise a plot to manipulate the President of the United States. Soon after, the body of one of these men is found by Eddie Wesley, Harlem's rising literary star. When Eddie's younger sister mysteriously disappears, Eddie is pulled into what becomes a twenty-year search for the truth.

Vroman's Bookstore: Christopher Gavigan discusses and signs Healthy Child Healthy World

Saturday, July 12 (1:00 pm)

Christopher Gavigan , Healthy Child Healthy World: Creating a Cleaner, Greener, Safer Home.

Gavigan, Executive Director/CEO of Healthy Child Healthy World (a Los Angeles based not-for-profit), focuses on educating parents on ways to make small lifestyle changes in order to raise children and families in a healthier environment. According to his book, “...every parent knows how to keep the household cleaning products locked away under the sink, out of the children's reach. But when we spray and wipe and spill these products all over the house, we don't always realize the extent to which we are contaminating the sacred areas where our children eat, sleep, and play." Certain to be an eye-opening event.

Vroman's Bookstore: Jess Winfield discusses & signs My Name is Will

Monday, July 14 (7:00 pm)

Jess Winfield , My Name Is Will: A Novel of Sex, Drugs, and Shakespeare.

In this rollicking debut novel, Winfield, an Emmy-award winning cartoon writer, tells the tales of two Wills: Willie Shakespeare Greenberg, a UC Santa Cruz student struggling to write his thesis on the bard (sort of), and William Shakespeare, a would-be playwright stuck teaching Latin in the boondocks of Stratford-upon-Avon. Separated by centuries, the two Wills’ lives begin to intersect in curious ways.

Vroman's Bookstore: Simulcast of Eoin Colfer: Fairies, Fiends, & Flatulence

Tuesday, July 15 (4:00 pm)

Eoin Colfer , Artemis Fowl: The Time Paradox (Artemis Fowl).

Come to Vroman's to watch the live simulcast of Eoin Colfer's Fairies, Fiends, and Flatulence as he performs live in Chicago. This hilarious one-man show coincides with the publication of his newest Artemis Fowl book, The Time Paradox. Get your copy of The Time Paradox at Vroman's, and get a special bookplate signed by Eoin Colfer!

Vroman's Bookstore: Don Felder signs Heaven & Hell: My Life in the Eagles (1974-2001)

Tuesday, July 15 (6:30 pm)

Don Felder , Heaven and Hell: My Life in the Eagles (1974-2001).

The Eagles are one of the most successful, and publicity-shy, bands in America. Former lead guitarist Felder offers the first insider's look at the band. Heaven and Hell reveals behind-the-scenes stories of the group, its characters, their creative processes, and their legendary partying. This is a signing only. Don will not be signing memorabilia at this event; he'll only be signing his book!

Vroman's Bookstore: Ron McLarty discusses and signs Art in America

Wednesday, July 16 (7:00 pm)

Ron McLarty , Art in America : a novel.

Actor and author McLarty (The Memory of Running, Traveler) has written a funny, heartwarming book about a down-and-out writer who falls in love and finally meets success. Steven Kearney, a middle-aged, fumbling writer, ends up in exile as a playwright in residence in what seems like a quiet Colorado town. Upon arrival, he finds the town in upheaval and realizes he must do his part to make things right.

Vroman's Bookstore: John & Jean Silverwood discuss and sign Black Wave

Thursday, July 17 (7:00 pm)

John Silverwood , Black Wave: A Family's Adventure at Sea and the Disaster That Saved Them.

John and Jean Silverwood left their jobs, packed up their kids, and embarked on an epic adventure. In Black Wave, the Silverwoods share the story of their family's voyage of self-discovery and survival. With their four children aboard the fifty-five foot catamaran Emerald Jane, the family begins their journey, sailing down the Atlantic coast, into the Caribbean and through the Panama Canal to the Pacific Ocean. “Absorbing, tender, harrowing. They all run throughout Black Wave. A family adventure that leaves you spellbound. Truly unforgettable reading.” - Clive Cussler

Vroman's Bookstore: Laurie Rigler discusses and signs Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict

Friday, July 18 (7:00 pm)

Laurie Viera Rigler , Confessions of a Jane Austen addict : a novel.

Rigler, a member of the Jane Austen Society of America and longtime Vroman's Ed teacher, crafts this tale of Courtney Stone, a Los Angeles woman trying to heal a broken heart with Jane Austen novels and Absolut vodka. One morning, she wakes to find herself in early nineteenth-century England, in another woman's body. Who but an Austen addict could concoct such a fantasy?

Vroman's Bookstore: Stefanie Wilder-Taylor discusses and signs Naptime is the New Happy Hour

Saturday, July 19 (2:00 pm)

Stefanie Wilder-Taylor , Naptime Is the New Happy Hour: And Other Ways Toddlers Turn Your Life Upside Down.

In her follow-up to Sippy Cups Are Not for Chardonnay, Wilder-Taylor shares her take on surviving the toddler years. The first haircut, playdates, toy addictions - it's all covered in this hilarious and candid book. "Being a mom is the hardest job you'll ever love," writes the author. With Naptime, you'll also love knowing that you aren't alone.

Vroman's Bookstore: Summer Author & Music Series: Mike The Poet and Danny P.

Saturday, July 19 (4:00 pm)

Mike the PoeT , I am Alive In Los Angeles!.

Los Angeles-based writer/spoken word poet, Mike the Poet presents his collection I Am Alive in Los Angeles, a free fall through the labyrinth that is Los Angeles. Danny P. will kick this evening off with some samplings from his new honest & raw (not yet published) collection of poetry. Musical guest is TBA

Vroman's Bookstore: Elizabeth Brundage discusses and signs Somebody Else's Daughter

Monday, July 21 (7:00 pm)

Elizabeth Brundage , Somebody Else's Daughter.

Brundage (The Doctor's Wife) tells the thrilling story of two young people, Nate and his girlfriend Cat, bottoming out on drugs on the margins of San Francisco, forced by circumstance to give up their infant daughter, Willa, to a wealthy couple in the Berkshires. Seventeen years later, a cleaned-up Nate finds a job as a teacher at Pioneer, the private day-school Willa attends. The idea of seeing his daughter again is irresistible. This novel shows the seams between the haves and the have-nots and how little often separates them.

Vroman's Bookstore: Bret Lott discusses and signs Ancient Highway

Tuesday, July 22 (7:00 pm)

Bret Lott , Ancient Highway: A Novel.

From the bestselling author of Jewel (an Oprah Book Club pick) and A Song I Knew By Heart comes a haunting novel about a family whose lives are shaded by a lost dream of Hollywood stardom. This multi-generational tale revolves around the mesmerizing business of dreams and the enormous impact those dreams can have on the lives of ordinary people.

Vroman's Bookstore: Jeanne Kelly presents and signs Blue Eggs & Yellow Tomatoes

Wednesday, July 23 (7:00 pm)

Jeanne Kelley , Blue Eggs and Yellow Tomatoes: Recipes from a Modern Kitchen Garden.

Local cook and food writer Kelly has written the urbanite’s guide to sustainable, organic cooking. Despite her Los Angeles zip code, Kelley's backyard kitchen garden allows her to indulge her desire for fresh, organic, and flavor-rich produce year round. In her exciting new cookbook, Kelly provides home cooks with a path to a healthy, flavorful, and happy life.

Vroman's Bookstore: Denise Hamilton discusses and signs The Last Embrace

Thursday, July 24 (7:00 pm)

Denise Hamilton , The Last Embrace.

Los Angeles,1949, is the setting for the latest from Hamilton, author of the Eve Diamond novels. Lily Kessler, a former spy for the OSS, comes to LA to find her late fiancé's sister Kitty, an actress who has gone missing. The next day, Kitty's body is found in a ravine below the Hollywood sign. Unimpressed by the local police, Lily launches her own investigates. As she delves into Kitty's life, she begins to see how easily a young woman can lose her balance and fall prey to the alluring city's dangers.

Vroman's Bookstore: Ethan Canin discusses and signs America America

Friday, July 25 (6:30 pm)

Ethan Canin , America America: A Novel.

From Ethan Canin, bestselling author of The Palace Thief, comes a stunning novel, set in a small town during the Nixon era, about America and family, politics and tragedy, and the impact of fate on a young man's life. Corey Sifter, the son of working-class parents, becomes a yard boy on the grand estate of the powerful Metarey family. Taken in by the family's patriarch, Corey soon finds himself in the midst of a complex tangle in which loyalty, politics, and gratitude conflict with morality and love.

Vroman's Bookstore: Karen Maezen Miller discusses and signs Momma Zen

Saturday, July 26 (2:00 pm)

Karen Maezen Miller , Momma Zen : walking the crooked path of motherhood.

A mother and Zen priest reveals how the daily challenges of parenthood can become the most profound spiritual journey of our lives. Combining humor, honesty and plainspoken advice, Momma Zen distills the doubts and frustrations of early motherhood into vignettes of Zen wisdom. Visit Karen’s blog at: mommazen.blogspot.com.

Vroman's Bookstore: Summer Author & Music Series: Robin Benway and Mynameisguy!

Saturday, July 26 (4:00 pm)

Robin Benway , Audrey, Wait!.

Robin Benway is back at Vroman’s with her debut novel, Audrey, Wait!. Audrey Cutler, after dumping her self-involved musician boyfriend, is suddenly shotgunned into fame when her ex’s song “Audrey, Wait” becomes an international sensation! Enjoy live music after the reading from musical guest, local band, Mynameisguy!

Vroman's Bookstore: David Maraniss discusses and signs Rome 1960: The Olympics That Changed the World

Monday, July 28 (7:00 pm)

David Maraniss , Rome 1960: The Olympics That Changed the World.

Pulitzer Prize-winner Maraniss tells the story of the 1960 Olympics and the broader world they reflected on the verge of fateful upheaval. Maraniss's remarkable narrative reveals how Cold War rivalries, the civil rights and women's movements, the first doping scandal, television, money, new athletic techniques, and legendary athletes came together in Rome to alter the Olympics forever.

Vroman's Bookstore: Kai Chen discusses and signs One in a Billion: Journey to Freedom

Tuesday, July 29 (7:00 pm)

Kai Chen.

In this gripping narrative of political persecution, exile, and redemption, Kai Chen tells of having to flee his home at the age of 15, a victim of China's Cultural Revolution. Finding salvation in basketball, he used his athletic skills to escape to Canton and eventually to the US.

Vroman's Bookstore: Julia Reed discusses and signs The House on First Street: My New Orleans Story

Wednesday, July 30 (7:00 pm)

Julia Reed , The House on First Street: My New Orleans Story.

From esteemed journalist Reed (Vogue, Newsweek) comes this love letter to one of America's most beloved cities, New Orleans, and its unflappable residents. After traveling to New Orleans for a story, Reed fell in love with the town and was never able to leave again. Four days after moving into her new house, Hurricane Katrina struck.

Vroman's Bookstore: Vincent Bugliosi discusses and signs The Prosecution of George W. Bush for Murder

Thursday, July 31 (7:00 pm)

Vincent Bugliosi , The Prosecution of George W. Bush for Murder.

Author of three #1 New York Times bestsellers, Vincent Bugliosi has written what promises to be one of the most explosive, powerful and important books in many years, an unprecedented look at the monumental crime behind the Iraq War. Bugliosi presents a tight legal case against President Bush as being criminally responsible for the deaths of more than 4,000 American soldiers in Iraq.

Vroman's Bookstore: James Scott Bell discusses and signs Try Darkness

Friday, August 1 (7:00 pm)

James Scott Bell , Try Darkness.

Ty Buchanan is finally putting his life back together after leaving his high powered lawyer job and the painful loss of his fiancée, until a mysterious woman and her six-year-old daughter show up in desperate need of his help. When the woman turns up dead Buchanan is left to track down the killer and protect the daughter.

Vroman's Bookstore: Breaking Dawn Prom Party

Friday, August 1 (10:00 pm)

Stephenie Meyer , Breaking Dawn.

The dazzling grand finale of Stephenie Meyer's epic love story will be released on Saturday, August 2, and we can't wait so we're throwing a midnight release party!Admission: $5.00 or free with pre-order of Breaking Dawn (Each pre-order comes with 4 free tickets) Come dressed in your best prom outfits for our dance. Take photos with your friends in our photo area, write on our graffitti walls for Team Edward and Team Jacob and enjoy refreshments & live music. Also, two lucky people will be crowned King and Queen of our prom and will be sent to the front of the line to get their copy of Breaking Dawn when the clock strikes midnight.All who pre-order & pre-pay will automatically be entered to win a pair of tickets to the Breaking Dawn Concert at Royce Hall on August 7! Drawing will be held at the Breaking Dawn release party at Vroman’s main store on August 1. Entrants may pre-order & pre-pay at Vroman's main store or Hastings Ranch location. Winner need not be present to win.

Vroman's Bookstore: Writer's workshop and book signing with Dennis Palumbo, author of From Crime to Crime

Sunday, August 3 (4:00 pm)

Dennis Palumbo.

For those interested in writing whodunits, plotting is often the most daunting aspect of the narrative. Fear no more. This workshop will take the mystery out of writing mysteries. Moreover, you'll learn that the key to writing a good mystery or crime story is an understanding of how each of the characters' distinct wants and needs collide with those of the other characters. When done right, a good plot reveals character, and good characters make the plot compelling. Whether you're writing the coziest of British-style mystery or the edgiest of hard-boiled thriller, this informative, entertaining workshop is for you.

Vroman's Bookstore: Michael S. Gazzaniga discusses & signs Human: The Science Behind What Makes Us Unique

Tuesday, August 5 (7:00 pm)

Michael S. Gazzaniga , Human: The Science Behind What Makes Us Unique.

In Human, Michael Gazzaniga explores the evolutionary trail and looks to a wide range of studies to try and pinpoint the change that made us thinking, sentient humans, different from our predecessors. Among studies include the genetic similarities and differences of human brains compared to the brains of other animals, and identifying the importance of language and art in defining the human condition.

Vroman's Bookstore: Literaries Who Lunch presents Tana French reading from and signing The Likeness

Wednesday, August 6 (12:00 pm)

Tana French , The Likeness: A Novel.

Detective Cassie Maddox, who first appeared in French's book In the Woods, returns when a woman bearing a striking resemblance and her old undercover name is found dead. Cassie's old boss creates an extreme undercover opportunity and soon she finds herself immersed in this mysterious woman's old life, with no leads, no suspects and no clue as to the dead girl's real identity. The Likeness is an exciting read with many twists and turns all leading up to an explosive conclusion. This event is free and open to the public. Delicious sandwiches are available from Europane bakery for $13.95+tax. Please call Vroman's customer service at (626) 449-5320 no later than August 4 to place your order.

Vroman's Bookstore: Ernest Borgnine signs Ernie: The Autobiography

Wednesday, August 6 (7:00 pm)

Ernest Borgnine , Ernie.

In his new memoir, veteran actor Ernest Borgnine chronicles his life starting with his humble beginnings as the son of Italian immigrants and going straight through his 50-year career in film. Meet this screen legend at Vroman's Bookstore as he signs copies of his no holds barred autobiography! This is a signing only. Check back for more information.

Vroman's Bookstore: Kim Wayans & Kevin Knotts present and sign the Amy Hodgepodge series

Saturday, August 9 (10:30 am)

wayanskim , All Mixed Up! #1 (Amy Hodgepodge).

Comedic entertainer Kim Wayans and her writer husband Kevin Knotts have penned a new series that gives voice to children of mixed race, while also dealing with universal themes of feeling different and making new friends. In the first book, Amy Hodges is excited to start 4th grade at a new school. There, she finds a group of friends who accept her for who she is; but when the talent show comes up, she's afraid that they suddenly might not want their “mixed” friend to be a part of it.

Vroman's Bookstore: Kitty Felde discusses and signs The Theatre of Genocide

Monday, August 11 (7:00 pm)

Robert Skloot , The Theatre of Genocide: Four Plays about Mass Murder in Rwanda, Bosnia, Cambodia, and Armenia.

In this powerful, provocative collection of 4 plays that fearlessly explore the face of modern genocide, Felde, an award-winning playwright & public radio journalist, has contributed A Patch of Earth, a moving story about a reluctant soldier in the Bosnian War. Filled with issues of justice, it will challenge audience members to turn the questions toward themselves and really take time to reflect.

Vroman's Bookstore: Adam Davies discusses and signs Mine All Mine

Tuesday, August 12 (7:00 pm)

Adam Davies , Mine All Mine.

In this intensively-researched, flawlessly-executed art heist story, Davies (Goodbye, Lemon & The Frog King) visits Otto Starks, a highly-trained, very specialized security guard - a “pulse” - as his reputation has started a downward spiral. The only happiness in his life is his girlfriend, an art history professor, who, right before his impending proposal, runs away. Upon further investigation, he finds that not everything may be as it seems, and that he might have to break the very law he's sworn to uphold for so many years.

Vroman's Bookstore: Daniel Silva discusses and signs Moscow Rules

Wednesday, August 13 (7:00 pm)

Daniel Silva , Moscow Rules.

Silva, one of the world's finest writers of int'l intrigue & espionage, leads Gabriel Allon to the streets of a “new” Moscow where he's pitted against Ivan Kharkov, a former KGB colonel turned arms dealer. Unless Allon can stop him, Kharkov will deliver Russia's most sophisticated weapon into the hands of al-Qaeda where the repercussions are fatal: the world will witness the deadliest terror attacks since 9/11.

Vroman's Bookstore: David Ebershoff discusses and signs The 19th Wife

Thursday, August 14 (6:30 pm)

David Ebershoff , The 19th wife : a novel.

In his ambitious, inventive, magnificent new novel, Ebershoff applies his talent for sweeping plots, psychological delicacy, and historical evocation to questions of faith and love. What is it like to be a man's 19th wife? What inner life do you have, and how does it feel to share your spouse with umpteen others? What version of “faith” leads people into these situations, what doubts might they have along the way, and is it really their faith in God that keeps them there?

Vroman's Bookstore: Gustav Niebuhr discusses and signs Beyond Tolerance

Thursday, August 14 (7:00 pm)

Gustav Niebuhr , Beyond Tolerance: Searching for Interfaith Understanding in America (The Documents of 20th-century art).

The U.S. is the most religiously diverse nation in the world, and Niebuhr, a former NY Times religion reporter, traces the roots of religious freedom in America along with the setbacks and triumphs along the way. Focusing on the way people build ties between groups, he looks at why this movement is a particularly American endeavor and how it can save us all. This is a ticketed event. A free ticket is available with purchase of Beyond Tolerance. Tickets without the purchase of a book will be available at Vroman’s main store before the event for $5.00.

Vroman's Bookstore: Edward Wright discusses and signs Damnation Falls

Friday, August 15 (7:00 pm)

Edward Wright.

Award-winning author Edward Wright (John Ray Horn series) follows Randall Wilkes back to Pilgrim's Rest, TN, after a 20-year absence. Within hours of his arrival, Randall finds Sonny McMahan's mother dead, and only days later, yet another family member is murdered. Before all the answers are in, more people will die, an old score will be settled, and the dead will finally tell their stories.

Vroman's Bookstore: Pam Kietzman & Andrea Olguin present and sign Carefree Gourmet

Sunday, August 17 (4:00 pm)

Andrea, M. Olguin , Carefree Gourmet Presents: Dazzling Desserts, Bountiful Brunch, Tea Anytime, Brazilian Bar-B-Que, Casual Cajun, and Clas.

Kietzman and Olguin have teamed up to create Carefree Gourmet, their guide to making party planning more approachable and affordable. They will talk about their book, demonstrate a few simple recipes & share some tips & tricks for entertaining.

Vroman's Bookstore: Sandra Tsing Loh discusses and signs Mother on Fire

Tuesday, August 19 (7:00 pm)

Sandra Tsing Loh , Mother on Fire: A True Motherf%#$@ Story About Parenting!.

Loh, a humorist & radio commentator, was living an idyllic life until her oldest daughter reached kindergarten age and was “doomed” to attend public school. This event sparked her “year of fire” as she frantically tried to find a reasonably-priced private school, got fired from her radio gig, and finally kicked her therapist to the curb. Her transformation from manic mom to community activist with a sense of humor as well as a heart is inspiring, illuminating and gut-bustingly funny. This is a ticketed event. A free ticket is available with purchase of Mother on Fire. Tickets without the purchase of a book will be available at Vroman’s main store before the event for $5.00.

Vroman's Bookstore: Josh Frank discusses and signs In Heaven Everything is Fine

Wednesday, August 20 (7:00 pm)

Josh Frank , In Heaven Everything is Fine: The Unsolved Life of Peter Ivers and the Lost History of New Wave Theatre.

While researching his first book on the Pixies, Frank came across the name Peter Ivers as the composer of the song from David Lynch's Eraserhead, one that came to be the most popular cover played by the Pixies for a decade. What followed was a 3-year investigation into his life and the unearthing of the lost story of Ivers, the host of New Wave Theatre and perhaps the biggest star you've never heard of.

Vroman's Bookstore: Eric Van Lustbader discusses and signs First Daughter

Thursday, August 21 (7:00 pm)

Eric Van Lustbader , First Daughter.

Lustbader, New York Times bestselling co-author of the Jason Bourne novels, delves into our chaotic political climate with his latest thriller, First Daughter. After the loss of his only daughter and the end of his marriage, ATF agent Jack McClure is assigned to find the daughter of the president-elect of the United States. The case leads him into the path of a dangerous and cunning killer, a man who thrives on manipulating Jack, leaving clues that only Jack can interpret.

Vroman's Bookstore: Dirk Wittenborn discusses and signs Pharmakon

Friday, August 22 (7:00 pm)

Dirk Wittenborn , Pharmakon.

In Pharmakon, novelist and screenwriter Dirk Wittenborn tells the story of the Friedrich family. William Friedrich is an ambitious psychology professor at Yale in the early 1950s when he stumbles upon a potential wonder drug that promises happiness. One of his test subjects is a bright but troubled freshman named Casper. When the experiment goes terribly awry and Casper murders Friedrich's research partner, Friedrich and his young family flee the ensuing chaos for the anonymity of a sleepy New Jersey town.

Vroman's Bookstore: Debra Ginsberg discusses and signs The Grift

Wednesday, August 27 (7:00 pm)

Debra Ginsberg , The Grift: A Novel.

Ginsberg, author of Waiting: The True Confessions of a Waitress, returns to fiction with this novel about con artists, fortunetellers, and love. Marina Marks has been on the grift as a “psychic” since she was a child, forced into the business by a junkie mother who was always desperate for her next fix. Marina’s gift is the ability to gain the trust of her clients and subtly raise her fees as they become more attached to her and her readings. But when Marina moves to Southern California, she makes a startling discovery: she suddenly has the ability truly to see the future. Everyone purchasing a book at the event will have her name entered in a drawing to win a free astrological reading by Ms. Ginsberg herself!