Skylight Books

BOOKS Rebecca Skloot Science writer Rebecca Skloot will read from and discuss "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks," a deeply reported exploration of the life and legacy of a poor black woman who died of cancer in 1951 but whose cell samples, taken without her knowledge, allowed for countless medical breakthroughs, including the polio vaccine. Central Library, 630 W. 5th St., L.A. 7 p.m. Free (reservations recommended). (213) 228-7025. http://www.aloudla.org . Deborah Vankin and Jen Wang Two debut graphic novelists will be on hand to present their works, both of which capture the indirection and heedless energy of youth.

MOVIES Guillermo del Toro The acclaimed Mexican-born filmmaker who brought his imaginative visions to life in such films as "Pan's Labyrinth" and "Hellboy" joins Zócalo Public Square to discuss his work, his vision and why his monstrous images resonate so deeply. Rick Kleffel, host of the radio show "The Agony Column," will moderate. ArcLight Hollywood, 6360 W. Sunset Blvd., L.A. 7:30 p.m. Free, reservations recommended. http://www.zocalopublicsquare.org . BOOKS Tom Rachman The author of "The Imperfectionists" discusses his witty novel about the ragtag staff of an English language newspaper in Rome facing financial ruin with L.A. Times book blogger Carolyn Kellogg.

Words & Ideas Compiled by Grace Krilanovich. SUNDAY Kim Fay and Julie Fay Ashborn : The authors of "Communion: A Culinary Journey Through Vietnam" will present and sign their new book. Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. 5 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175. Andrew Winer : The author of "The Marriage Artist" will read and sign his new novel. Diesel Bookstore, 225 26th St., L.A. 3 p.m. Free. (310) 576-9960. MONDAY Peter Balakian : Aloud at Central Library presents the author and poet ("Ziggurat," "The Burning Tigris: The Armenian Genocide and America's Response")

Armistead Maupin reads and signs his latest novel, "Mary Ann in Autumn. " When: Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Where: Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles. For more information: (323) 660-1175 or http://www.skylightbooks.com.

Former Los Angeles Times crime reporter Miles Corwin has turned his attention from gritty nonfiction ? his bestseller, "The Killing Season," tracked a summer of 400 murders from within the LAPD homicide division ? to noir fiction. His new book, "Kind of Blue," follows an obsessive detective who's trying to solve the murder of a legendary ex-cop. Be on the lookout for familiar locations; "Kind of Blue" is set in the City of Angels and near where Corwin was raised, at the Rosslyn Hotel downtown on the edge of skid row. Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

COMEDY The BEATdown: Los Angeles Chris "Shockwave" Sullivan and Eliza Skinner host a night of "8 Mile"-style rap battles between five of L.A.'s preeminent comics and one participant to be drawn from the crowd. Six rounds of quick-thinking, verse-dropping freestyling later, a new grandmaster of flow will be crowned on premises. Featuring Michelle Collins ("Chelsea Lately"), Nicole Parker ("Mad TV") and others. Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, 5919 Franklin Ave., Hollywood. 11 p.m. $5. http://www.