saturday/1
“The Rise and Fall of a Jewish American Princess.” Author and J. columnist Barbara Rose Brooker will discuss her new novel about a Jewish princess and would-be artist’s journey through divorce, the art world and self-actualization. At Barnes & Noble, Hillsdale Shopping Center, 11 West Hillsdale Blvd., San Mateo. 11 a.m. Free. Also Nov. 15 at Book Passage Marin, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera. 1 p.m. Free. www.barbararosebrooker.com
thursday/6
“Storytellers: Writers on Writing.” Local authors Leslie Rupley, Donna Kaulkin and Debbie Cohen discuss the process of bringing their novels from concept to print. Part of Contra Costa Jewish Book & Arts Festival. At Congregation B’nai Shalom, 74 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek. 10 a.m. $5. www.bshalom.org
“The Family: Three Journeys Into the Heart of the Twentieth Century.” David Laskin discusses his new book chronicling the history of his family during the Jewish upheavals of the 20th century. At Jewish Community Library, 1836 Ellis St., S.F. 7 p.m. Free. www.jewishlearningworks.org/library
“The Role of Jewish South Africans in the Anti-Apartheid Struggle.” Author Neville Frankel discusses his book “Bloodlines,” inspired by his childhood in South Africa, and the role of Jews in the anti-apartheid movement. Pacific Boychoir Academy performs. At Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way,Palo Alto. 7:30 p.m. $10-$15. www.paloaltojcc.org/arts
sunday/9
“Jewish Community of Solano County.” Authors will sign copies of their photo-illustrated book about the Jews who settled in the region after the Gold Rush. At Bookshop Benicia, 636 First St., Benicia. 4:30 p.m. Free. (707) 747-5155 (See story, 4)
“An Evening with Avi Shavit.” The Israeli author and Haaretz newspaper columnist will discuss his book “My Promised Land: The Triumph and Tragedy of Israel.” Q&A and book signing to follow. At Osher Marin JCC, 200 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael. 7 p.m. $15-$20. www.marinjcc.org
“Finding the Gold Train.” Berkeley author Ayelet Waldman discusses her recent novel “Love and Treasure” and her impetus for writing about World War II and the Hungarian Gold Train. Part of “Exploring the World of Judaism” speaker series. At Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit St., Oakland. 9:30 a.m. Free. www.oaklandsinai.org/calendar
“A Tribute to My Teacher Rabbi Simon Krinsky: His Poetry Until 1936.” Rabbi Edward Zerin presents his new book featuring Yiddish poems by his former teacher along with their English translations. At Jewish Community Library, 1836 Ellis St., S.F. 1:30 p.m. Free. www.jewishlearningworks.org/library
“Hebrew Storytelling for Young Children.” Singing and story time in Hebrew for children ages five and younger. At Jewish Community Library, 1836 Ellis St., S.F. 11 a.m. Free.www.jewishlearningworks.org/library
thursday/13
“Religion and the History of Violence.” Author and TED Prize winner Karen Armstrong discusses “Fields of Blood,” her new book exploring religion’s impulse toward violence and those who resist it. At JCCSF, 3200 California St., S.F. 7 p.m. $25-$35. www.jccsf.org