This week in the literary world revolves in part around the idea of childhood - a reading-to, a re-discovery of the familiar, and hopeful empathy towards the awkwardness of adolescence - brilliantly brought to you by DeLaune Michel, Shel Silverstein (by way of director Dan Bonnell), and Stephanie Klein.

• Reading | Wednesday, June 4, 2008 | 7:30 pm | Flintridge Books and Coffeehouse - Map | Author DeLaune Michel reads from The Safety of Secrets, a book about friendship between women, secrets, and the fickle friend that lies in Hollywood. Described by playwright Warren Leight as “a funny, keenly observed, deeply moving story of coming of age too soon,” chances are this tale was penned with the aim for readers to relate on a less of a superficial level than assumed in the normal day-to-day.

• An Adult Evening of Shel Silverstein | Starts Saturday, June 7, 2008 | 8:00 pm | $25.00 - $30.00 | The Odyssey - Map | I was a privileged enough youngster to grow up with such treasures as The Giving Tree, The Missing Piece, Where the Sidewalk Ends, and A Light in the Attic. Very easily, Shel Silverstein grew to be a favorite in a growing library of must-reads. However, little did I know about Silverstein’s racy comics for Playboy, or his other talents as poet, screenwriter, or adult playwright. If you are just as surprised and entertained at the thought as I am (or you are one of the lucky ones who already knew), jot June 7th on your calendar. Director Dan Bonnell very well might make re-learning about good ol’ Shel worth your while. Click for tickets, or call the box office at (310) 477-2055 ext. 107.
• Signing | Monday, June 9, 2008 | 7:00 pm | Book Soup - Map | Author Stephanie Klein signs copies of Moose: A Memoir of Fat Camp, a book that - should you judge it by its cover - finds the reader within the deep recesses of Klein’s mind on adolescence. Recollections of various trials and tribulations while dealing with more-than-chub and the confines of an institution designed to “make it all better” are served with charm and amusing candidness throughout.

Photo by kennymatic via Flickr

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