friday/1
“Critical Mass.” Author Sara Paretsky discusses her novel about a family’s secrets during and prior to World War II. At Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera. 7 p.m. Free. www.bookpassage.com.
monday/4
“All the Trees of the Forest.” Ben-Gurion University professor and author Alon Tal discusses his book about the Israeli ecosystem dating back to the days of the Bible. At Stanford University, 450 Serra Mall, Stanford. 5 p.m. Free. http://tinyurl.com/stanford-alon-tal.
tuesday/5
“The Short, Strange Life of Herschel Grynszpan.” Author Jonathan Kirsch discusses his book about the assassination of a Nazi diplomat in Paris leading to Kristallnacht. At Congregation B’nai Tikvah, 25 Hillcroft Way, Walnut Creek. 7:30 p.m. $7; students free. www.tikvah.org. (See story, 22)