BOOKS
Nicholas Montemarano The author of the novel "A Fine Place" and the short-story collection "If the Sky Falls" writes with dark honesty and arresting clarity. He will read from the manuscript of his recently completed novel, "The Book of Why," which he has been writing for the past three years. A brief discussion and book signing will follow. Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 443-7000. hammer.ucla.edu.
Sebastian Junger The contributing editor to Vanity Fair and author of "The Perfect Storm" has penned another dispatch of adventurous journalism with "War," a vivid account of battlefield life in Afghanistan's Korengal Valley. He'll discuss with filmmaker John Sacret Young the allure of war, which he says involves emotional connection as well as an adrenaline high. Aloud at the Central Library, 630 W. 5th St. 7 p.m. Wed. (213) 228-7025.
POP MUSIC
Fyfe Dangerfield Following his self-released solo debut, "Fly Yellow Moon," which hit record stores in March, the British singer-songwriter and founding member of U.K. chart-topping indie-rock act Guillemots enlivens Hollywood with an evening of sophisticated, genre-sampling pop. The Hotel Café, 1623 1/2 N. Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood. 8 p.m. $14.50. http://www.hotelcafe.com.
MOVIES
Blast Phemy! 5 James Whitney's abstract films feel more like moving paintings than narrative movies, so they naturally lend themselves to intense musical accompaniment. The percussionist Gregg Johnson and the ensemble Transvalue will provide a trippy live score. Cinefamily, 611 N. Fairfax Ave., L.A. 8 p.m. $13. http://www.cinefamily.org.
