Author Events: Nov 25 to Dec 1

NY Times best selling author Robert Greene presents his latest novel, “Mastery”, at the Community Church of Sebastopol this Thursday.

For more events or to list author events in our calendar, visit the Press Democrat’s events listings at pressdemocrat.com.

SUNDAY (Nov 25)

Walter Murch, “The Bird that Swallowed its Cage: The Selected Writings of Curzio Malaparte,” 2 p.m.
A reading and conversation with Aggie Murch, RSVP required.
Commonweal Gallery, Bolinas.  commonweal.org

MONDAY (Nov 26)

John Martel, “The American Lawyer,” 7 p.m.
A young, idealistic lawyer is handed a murder case that will either make his career–or kill him. Moving from the luxurious offices of the Bay Area to the dangerous streets of Central America, The American Lawyer is a stunning legal thriller that will thrill Martel’s many fans and earn him scores of new ones.
Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera. (415) 927-0960, bookpassage.com.

TUESDAY (Nov 27)

John Perry, “The Art of Procrastination: A Guide to Effective Dawdling, Lollygagging, and Postponing,” 7 p.m.
Rather than shame us for our habits, John Perry celebrates the positive, quirky, and humorous realities of the procrastinator. We can’t change our ways, asserts Perry, but we can try to better understand why we do the seemingly nonsensical things we do as we avoid, push off, delay, and find endless ways to justify our behavior. Perry also celebrates procrastination’s greatest gift: the chance to accomplish surprising, wonderful things by not sticking to a rigid schedule.
Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera. (415) 927-0960, bookpassage.com.

WEDNESDAY (Nov 28)

Elaine Petrocelli & Friends, “Books & Tea: A Holiday Gift Books Review,” 1 p.m.
Elaine Petrocelli and a team of Book Passage booksellers lead a discussion of books for the holidays. Come join us as we present new books for all the readers on your holiday shopping list this season, from children’s books to the latest literary fiction, and art books to thrillers—we’ll have the best recommendations for readers of all ages and interests!
Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera. (415) 927-0960, bookpassage.com.

Andrew Solomon, “Far from the Tree,” 7 p.m.
In twelve astonishingly acute and compassionate chapters, Andrew Solomon tells stories of individuals who have been heartbreakingly tragic victims of intense prejudices—but also stories of parents who have embraced their children’s differences and tried to alter the world’s understanding of their conditions. Solomon’s humanity and erudition—and the eloquence he discovers in the voices of his subjects—are show-stopping.
Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera. (415) 927-0960, bookpassage.com.

THURSDAY (Nov 29)

Robert Greene, “Mastery,” 7 p.m.
The Initiating Change series closes with dynamic writer Robert Greene. Best known for his works “The 48 Laws Of Power” and “The Art Of Seduction”, Greene has drawn upon the biographies of great historical figures, to demonstrate how humans are hardwired for achievement and success.
Community Church of Sebastopol, 1000 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol. Details, copperfieldsbooks.com.

FRIDAY (Nov 30)

Poetry readings, 7 p.m.
Centa Theresa with Daniel O’Connell), Barbara R. Saunders, and Genny Lim read their poetry.
Art House Gallery & Cultural Center, 2905 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. Info, www.danoconnellpoetry.com.

SATURDAY (Dec 1)

Joan Frank, “Because You Have To: A Writing Life,” 1 p.m.
Original, witty, and practical, “Because You Have To” ably steers us through the journey of Joan Frank’s own life as a writer, as well as through the careers and work of other writers. Subjects range from the “boot camp” conditioning of marketing work to squaring off with rejection and envy; from sustaining belief in art’s necessity to the baffling subjectivity of literary perception—and the magical books that nourish writers.
Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera. (415) 927-0960, bookpassage.com.

Anne Lamott, “Help, Thanks, Wow: The Three Essential Prayers,” 8 p.m.
The Bay Area’s most beloved spiritual writer, Anne Lamott, returns with a new book about the three simple prayers essential to coming through tough times, difficult days and the hardships of daily life. In her only Napa/ Sonoma County appearance, Lamott will recount how she came to rely on these prayers, what they mean to her and how others have embraced these same ideas. Insightful and honest as only Anne Lamott can be, “Help, Thanks, Wow” is the everyday faith book that new Lamott readers will love and longtime Lamott fans will treasure.
Uptown Theatre,  1350 3rd Street, Napa.  $30.  More info at copperfieldsbooks.com.  Tickets at www.uptowntheatrenapa.com

To submit book events for consideration in this column, contact Sara Peyton at sara.peyton@gmail.com at least three weeks in advance of the event.