friday/24
Cookbook author Yotam Ottolenghi. Israeli-born chef, restaurateur and author of “Jerusalem” and “Plenty” discusses his new cookbook, “Plenty More.” At JCCSF, 3200 California St., S.F. 7 p.m. Event is sold out, but live stream can be viewed at www.jccsf.org/arts-ideas/ondemand.
wednesday/29
“An Evening with Martin Amis.” The author discusses “The Zone of Interest,” his new novel about the everyday lives of Nazi officers at Auschwitz. In conversation with writer Elizabeth Rosner. At Mechanics’ Institute, 57 Post St., S.F. 6 p.m. $15, free for Institute and CJM members. www.milibrary.org
“Growing Up Golem.” Author and journalist Donna Minkowitz discusses her “magical realist” memoir depicting her life as that of a golem created by her mother. At San Francisco Public Library, Main Branch, 100 Larkin St. 6 p.m. Free. (917) 586-5298
saturday/1
“The Rise and Fall of a Jewish American Princess.” Author and J. columnist Barbara Rose Brooker will discuss her new novel about Jewish princess and would-be artist Dianne Roseman’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.jfed.org/underonetent
“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 own 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