Author Aimee Bender is a literary iconoclast. The Los Angeles Times lauded, “she is Hemingway, on an acid trip.” Her knack for magical realism and her admiration of the fairy tale have inspired a generation of young writers bent on the surreal, citing dog-eared copies of Bender’s iconic collection Willful Creatures as influence. I met with Bender at USC to talk about Los Angeles’ less-known lit scene, feminizing fairy tales, and the splendor of LA’s sunlight. more ›

Family Bookstore hosts a double reading from Trinie Dalton and Aimee Bender with “witchy projections” by Jim Drain, Matt Greene and Matthew Ronay tonight at 7 pm. The two authors have just released new books through Madras Press. Dalton’s Sweet Tomb, tells the story Candy, a candy-addicted witch who resents her inherited lifestyle. After a fire burns down her gingerbread house, she leaves the forest and ventures out in search of the excitement of a more urban environment. The Third Elevator by Aimee Bender is the story of a swan, a bluebird, the curious family they form together, and the mysterious elevators in the center of their village - one that rises into the sky, one that opens into a forest, and one that descends underground. Proceeds from the reading benefit the Theodore Payne Foundation and InsideOUT Writers. more ›

John Richardson signs A Life of Picasso: The Triumphant Years 7pm @ LACMA more ›

DINE more ›

Kenneth Turan presents Never Coming to a Theater Near You 7pm @ Studio City Branch Library more ›

Still searching for that special Hanukkah or Chrismukkah gift? Ruth Andrew Ellenson has a suggestion for you – The Modern Jewish Girl’s Guide to Guilt – perfect for the girl or goy on your list (sorry, we couldn’t resist that one). more ›

WEDNESDAY more ›

TUESDAY more ›

The ArcLight has two special midnight showings of films opening tomorrow: Zhang Yimou's House of Flying Daggers and Mike Nichols' Closer. more ›