Author events: Pete Souza, John Hodgman discuss their books

• Daniel Friedman discusses his book "The King of Chicago: Memories of My Father" at 10 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 12, at Temple Beth Israel, 3601 W. Dempster, Skokie. Free. thebookstall.com.

• Florent Groberg discusses his book "8 Seconds of Courage: A Soldier's Story From Immigrant to the Medal of Honor" at noon Monday, Nov. 13, at The University Club of Chicago, 76 E. Monroe St., Chicago. To make reservations, call The Book Stall at (847) 446-8880.

• Photo historian and author Richard Cahan speaks about his new book, "Un-American: The Incarceration of Japanese Americans During WWII," at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 13, at the Vernon Area Public Library, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Free. Register at (224) 543-1485 or vapld.info.

• The Family Action Network presents Julie Lythcott-Haims, author of "Real American: Growing Up Biracial in America," at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 13, in the auditorium at Evanston Township High School, 1600 Dodge Ave., Evanston. The event will be videotaped and is appropriate for ages 12 and older. familyactionnetwork.net.

• Tracy Townsend signs copies of "The Nine," the first book in the new "Thieves of Fate" series, at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 13, at Anderson's Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville. For a place in the signing line, purchase the book from Anderson's in Naperville. (630) 355-2665 or andersonsbookshop.com.

• M.T. Anderson signs copies of his newest young adult-title, "Landscape With Invisible Hand," at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14, at Anderson's Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville. Anderson will also discuss his book "Symphony for the City of the Dead," accompanied by a performance by members of the Chicago Sinfonietta Quartet. For a place in the signing line, purchase the author's new book from Anderson's in Naperville. (630) 355-2665 or andersonsbookshop.com.

• Ron Balson signs copies of his new book, "The Trust," at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14, at The Bookstore, 475 N. Main St., Glen Ellyn. (630) 469-2891 or justthebookstore.com.

• Alex Prud'Homme discusses "France is a Feast: The Photographic Journey of Paul and Julia Child," a book he co-wrote with Katie Pratt, at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14, at The Book Stall, 811 Elm St., Winnetka. Tickets cost $35. One ticket admits two people and includes one copy of the book. French wine and cheese will be served. (847) 446-8880, eventbrite.com/ or thebookstall.com. Prud'Homme also discusses the book at noon Wednesday, Nov. 15, at The University Club of Chicago, 76 E. Monroe St., Chicago. Each ticket admits two guests and includes one copy of the book. For reservations, call The Book Stall at (847) 446-8880. Prud'Homme signs copies of the book at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15, at Anderson's Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville. For a place in the signing line, purchase the book from Anderson's in Naperville. (630) 355-2665 or andersonsbookshop.com.

• Author Victoria Thompson discusses her book "Murder in the Bowery" at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14, at the Warren Newport Public Library, 224 N. O'Plaine Road, Gurnee. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Register by calling (847) 244-5150, ext. 4, or see wnpl.info.

• Author Elizabeth Berg discusses her new book, "The Story of Arthur Truluv," at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15, at a luncheon at Froggy's French Cafe, 306 Green Bay Road, Highwood. The event is sponsored by the Lake Forest Book Store. Admission is $60 and includes lunch and a copy of the book. Register by calling (847) 234-4420.

• New York Times best-selling author, comedian and actor John Hodgman discusses his new book, "Vacationland: True Stories From Painful Beaches," at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15, at the Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave., Chicago. WBEZ's "Wait Wait ... Don't Tell Me" host Peter Sagal joins Hodgman in conversation. Each $28 ticket includes a copy of the book. Tickets are available at eventbrite.com/. For details, call The Book Stall at (847) 446-8880 or see thebookstall.com.

• The Family Action Network presents Jo Boaler, author of "Mathematical Mindsets: Unleashing Students' Potential Through Creative Math, Inspiring Messages and Innovative Teaching," at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, at North Shore Country Day School, 310 Green Bay Road, Winnetka. Appropriate for ages 12 and older. Reservations are required. familyactionnetwork.net.

• Pete Souza, the official White House photographer for President Barack Obama, discusses his new photography book, "Obama: An Intimate Portrait," at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, at Community Christian Church, 1635 Emerson Lane, Naperville. One book purchase from Anderson's Bookshop of Naperville admits two guests. All books and tickets will be given to guests when they arrive. andersonsbookshop.com.

• The Adler Planetarium hosts award-winning author Dava Sobel for a discussion of her latest book, "The Glass Universe: How the Ladies of the Harvard Observatory Took the Measure of the Stars," at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, in its Johnson Family Star Theater, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. Tricia Bobeda and Greta Johnsen, hosts of the "Nerdette" podcast on WBEZ, will moderate the discussion. The event will be recorded live for the podcast. The evening includes a Q&A with the audience and a book signing. Tickets cost $12-$15. adlerplanetarium.org.