Architecture in the Wake of Conceptualism. Art historian and curator Juli Carson talks with Professor Nana Last about Conceptualism’s impact on architecture. Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Dr, L.A., (310) 440-7300. Thur at 2.

Book Sale. Boost your collection while supporting a local institution. Playa Vista Branch Library, 6400 Playa Vista Dr, L.A., (310) 437-6680. Sat at 10 a.m.

T.C. Boyle and K. Kvashay-Boyle. Award-winning author Boyle and his daughter host reading. Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Bl, Westwood, (310) 443-7000. Sun at 6.

Larry Colker, Claudia Handler, and Wanda Vanhoy Smith. Three renowned poets participate in this open reading hosted by Carlye Archibeque. Beyond Baroque, 681 Venice Bl, Venice, (310) 822-3006. Sat at 6:30.

Umberto Eco. Novelist discusses his new book The Mysterious Flam of Queen Loana with fellow writer Glen David Gold. Central Library, 630 W Fifth St, downtown L.A., (213) 228-7025. Sat at 3.

Cosmetic Enhancement Expo. Exhibits on everything from cosmetic surgery to skincare to hair restoration. Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S Figueroa St, downtown L.A., (213) 741-1151. Sat-Sun at 10 a.m.

David Emory. Political researcher and broadcaster give two lectures back to back: “The 9/11 Disinformation Movement” and “What Really Happened at Pearl Harbor.” First Unitarian Universalist Church, 1260 18th St, Santa Monica, (310) 829-5436. Sat at 7.

Amy Ephron. Author signs One Saturday Morning. Borders Books and Music, 1360 Westwood Bl, Westwood, (310) 475-3444. Wed at 7:30.

Bob Fitrakis. Author signs and discusses new book Did George W. Bush Steal America’s 2004 Election? Topanga Christian Fellowship Church, 269 Topanga Cyn Rd, Topanga, (310) 455-0166. Fri at 7; also Sun at 6, Venice United Methodist Church, 1020 Victoria Av, Santa Monica, (310) 390-8141.

Hilber H. Graf, Nancy Holder, Robert Masello, Susan Squires. Graf signs Visiting Haunted Southern California: A Guidebook to Haunted Hollywood and Creepy Suburbia; Holder signs new Buffy the Vampire Slayer novels; Masello signs Vigil; and Squires signs The Companion. Dark Delicacies, 4213 W Burbank Bl, Burbank, (818) 556-6660. Sat at 2.

Grant Writing Workshop. Learn to write a compelling proposal. Ken Edwards Center, 1527 Fourth St, Santa Monica, (310) 998-5590. Wed at 7.

Peter Greenberg. Today Show travel editor discusses his book, The Travel Detective. Traveler’s Bookcase, 8375 W Third St, L.A., (323) 655-0575. Thur at 7.

Haitian Resistance Panel. Join leading activists in discussing the recent Haitian resistance to U.S. and U.N. occupation. Holman United Methodist Church, 3320 W Adams Bl, L.A., (323) 292-7405. Thur at 7.

John Van Hamersveld and Brian Chidester. See Gallery Critic’s Choice.

Horror Book Signing. Close to 20 authors, including Chuck Palahniuk, sign their books on the eve of the Bram Stoker Awards. Dark Delicacies, 4213 W Burbank Bl, Burbank, (818) 556-6660. Sat at 2.

Steven Kedrowski. Author reads from his new novel, Lovesong for the Bad Priestess. 33-1/3 Books, 1200 N Alvarado Bl, Echo Park, (213) 483-3500. Sat at 8.

Latino Playreading Series. Third annual series continues with Juanita’s Statue, written by Anne García-Romero and directed by Juliette Carrillo. Ford Amphitheatre, 2580 Cahuenga Bl E, L.A., (323) 461-3673. Sat at 1.

LGBTQ Liberation Discussion. Speakers from the LGBTQ movement question why a passion for liberation within the movement has disappeared. The Workmen’s Circle/Arbeter Ring, 1525 S Robertson Bl, L.A., (310) 552-2007. Wed at 7:30.

David McCullough. Pulitzer Prize-winning author of 1776 examines the American Revolution. Caltech, Beckman Auditorium, 332 S Michigan Av, Pasadena, (626) 395-4652. Wed at 8.

Dorothy Morrison. Author signs Everyday Sun Magic. The Cauldron, 2818 Rowena Av, L.A., (323) 644-0268. Wed at 7.

Music in Independent Films Panel. Former NPR Producer and writer Adam Baer moderates esteemed panel, including Harold Budd, Rolfe Kent, Nathan Larsen, and Tracy McKnight. Barnes & Noble, The Grove, 6301 W Third St, L.A., (323) 525-0270. Tue at 7.

Playwrights 6 Reading Series. L.A.’s only playwright-managed theatre kicks off its 2005 series with Gib Wallis’ Nymphony in 12-D. Powerhouse Theatre, 3116 Second St, Santa Monica, (323) 860-6625. Wed at 8.

Sam Saboura. Author signs Sam Saboura’s Real Style: Style Secrets for Real Women with Real Bodies. Borders Books and Music, 3700 Torrance Bl, Torrance, (310) 540-7000. Tue at 7:30.

Lisa Scottoline. Author signs Devil’s Corner. Borders Books and Music, 14651 Ventura Bl, Sherman Oaks, (818) 728-6593. Fri at 7:30.

Jonathan Skinner and Jane Sprague. Reviewer and poet Sprague reads alongside author and poetry series curator Skinner. Beyond Baroque, 681 Venice Bl., Venice, (310) 822-3006. Sat at 7:30.

Stand-Up Comedy Seminar. Experienced comedian Greg Dean shares his comedic wisdom. Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 Fourth St, Santa Monica, (310) 285-3799. Mon at 7.

Thai Trade Show. Exhibits, seminars and product sales showcase contemporary Thai culture. Los Angeles Convention Center, South Hall, 1201 S Figueroa St, downtown L.A., (213) 741-1151. Thur-Sun at 9 a.m.

Paul Theroux. Author reads from, discusses, and signs his novel Blinding Light. DIESEL Book Store, 3890 Cross Creek Rd, Malibu, (310) 456-9961. Thur at 7.

Henry Waxman. The Congressman discusses the issues over lunch. NCJW/LA, 543 N Fairfax Av, L.A., (323) 651-2930. Mon at 11:30 a.m.