wednesday/7
Food for healing. When Gourmet magazine suddenly ended its run in 2009, distraught editor Ruth Reichl says she “disappeared into the kitchen,” seeking solace in her passion for food. She shares her story of how she banished the blues in “My Kitchen Year: 136 Recipes That Saved My Life.” Presented in partnership with the Commonwealth Club of California.
12 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7 at Oshman Family JCC, Schultz Cultural Arts Hall, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. $12-$55. www.tinyurl.com/ofjcc-reichl
saturday/10
“An Atmospheric Afternoon.” Five novelists, including local author Janis Cooke Newman, talk in a moderated discussion. Wine, snacks and raffle. At Books Inc. Opera Plaza, 601 Van Ness Ave., S.F. 2 p.m. Free. www.wnba-sfchapter.org (See story, 30)
sunday/11
“Stumbling Stone.” Local authors Julie Freestone and Rudi Raab discuss their recent novel, inspired by their own family histories. At Kol Hadash bagel brunch, Albany Community Center, Rooms 1&2, 1249 Marin Ave. 11 a.m. Brunch donation: $10. (510) 982-1455 or www.kolhadash.org