The literary landscape

LA-based writer Jim Ruland had a story on NPR's Day to Day Wednesday about a book — The Third Policeman — that flashed in a brief scene in the TV show "Lost." The show's fans flocked to the book, a 1940 comic novel written by an Irishman, hoping to find clues to the show's mystery. Aha! People who watch TV do read.

Fans of the movie White Oleander probably know that it was first a book by Janet Fitch. And lucky for them, Janet is an Angeleno; luckier still, she'll be at the SmartGals Speakeasy on Sunday with writers David Francis and Rita Williams. The SpeakEasy, which starts at 7pm, may be thrown by gals but guys are more than welcome; plus, there will be refreshments (wink, wink). $7 gets you in the door if you know the secret phrase (it's "sister, let me tell your story").

If 7pm is too late for you, the Tongue & Groove fiction series starts at the Hotel Cafe a half hour earlier, at 6:30pm. As always, it's hosted by Conrad Romo; this month's edition features the effervescent Rachel Resnick, author of Go West, Young F*cked Up Chick.