saturday/10
“An Atmospheric Afternoon.” Five novelists, including the Bay Area’s Janis Cooke Newman, author of “A Master Plan for Rescue,” 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
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, 1249 Marin Ave. 11 a.m. Brunch donation: $10. (510) 982-1455 or www.kolhadash.org
wednesday/14
“Love and Treasure.” Ayelet Waldman discusses her novel, a love story centered around the Hungarian Gold Train in World War II. Part of the Contra Costa Jewish Book & Arts Festival. At Congregation B’nai Tikvah, 25 Hillcroft Way, Walnut Creek. 7 p.m. $5. www.jfed.org/underonetent
thursday/15
“Jewish Noir.” Readings by Summer Brenner, Melanie Dante and Stephen Jay Schwartz, followed by a discussion of crime and Jewish fiction. Book sales and signing to follow. In conjunction with the Litquake Literary Festival. At Contemporary Jewish Museum, 736 Mission St., S.F. 6:30 p.m. Included with museum admission, $5 after 5 p.m. www.thecjm.org (See story, 16a)
sunday/18
“The Rabbi’s Knight.” Michael J. Cooper discusses his book set in Israel near the end of the Crusades. At Afikomen Judaica, 3042 Claremont Ave., Berkeley. 3 p.m. Free. www.afikomen.com
monday/19
‘Let There Be Water.’ Sixty percent of Israel is desert, but the country has an abundance of water. Can Israel’s practices be a model for the rest of the world, and even promote cooperation among nations? Author Seth Siegel will discuss his new book about how Israel became a leader in water technology. Co-sponsored by the Commonwealth Club.
7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19 at Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. $8-$50. www.paloaltojcc.org
wednesday/21
“The House of Twenty Thousand Books.” Journalist and author Sasha Abramsky discusses his homage to the incredible library and renowned salon created by his grandparents. Co-sponsored by the Taube Center for Jewish Studies. At the Lane History Corner, Room 307, Stanford University. 4:30 p.m. Free. http://jewishstudies.stanford.edu. Also Oct. 25 at Jewish Community Library, 1835 Ellis St., S.F. 1:30 p.m. Free. www.jewishcommunitylibrary.org
“Jews and Photography in Britain.” British professor Michael Berkowitz discusses his book and ongoing research. At the Magnes, 2121 Allston Way, Berkeley. 5:30 p.m. Free. www.magnes.org
thursday/22
“A Tale of Two Citizens.” Elyce Wakerman discusses her novel based on her late father’s journey to become a U.S. citizen. Co-sponsored by the Congregation B’nai Shalom Sisterhood and Diablo Valley Hadassah. Part of Contra Costa Jewish Book & Arts Festival. At Congregation B’nai Shalom, 74 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek. 10 a.m. $5. www.jfed.org/underonetent