saturday/17
“Dreidels on the Brain.” Author Joel ben Izzy discusses his novel about growing up and surviving Hanukkah in the L.A. suburbs. At Book Passage Marin, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera. 1 p.m. Free. www.bookpassage.com. Also Dec. 25 at Afikomen Judaica, 3042 Claremont Ave., Berkeley. 3:45 p.m. Free. www.afikomen.com
“Moonglow.” Michael Chabon discusses his new semi-autobiographical novel. At Book Passage Marin, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera. 4 p.m. Free. www.bookpassage.com
thursday/22
“Let There Be Laughter.” KQED Radio host Michael Krasny discusses his new book, a retrospective of classic Jewish humor. At Jewish Community Library, 1835 Ellis St., S.F. 7 p.m. Free. www.jewishcommunitylibrary.org