Humorist Humans BEK and BJ Novak at Live Talks

Acronyms that serve as cool showbiz names are not the only things Bruce Eric Kaplan (BEK) and BJ Novak have in common. Both are men with a myriad of talents, countless professional endeavors, and resumes long enough to make any up-and-coming writer throw their hands up in the air and quit. BEK will appear in conversation with BJ Novak for Live Talks at the Bergamot Station Arts Gallery in Santa Monica.

Those simplistic darkly funny cartoons you see in The New Yorker? Those are the work of BEK. His wit and signature style have of course lifted from the page and translated to the screen via his work as a writer on “Seinfeld,” and “Six Feet Under,” with him serving as co-executive producer on the latter, as well. He has now written a memoir. “I Was a Child,” a memoir that examines childhood and the moments we carry into adulthood while trying to understand the world around us. “Deceptively unconventional, Kaplan’s anecdotes are accompanied by his signature drawings of family outings and life at home—road trips, hamsters, ashtrays, a toupée, a platypus, and much more.”

Who better to discuss unconventional books that contain a childish slant than BJ Novak. Last year, “The Office,” actor dropped the children’s book, “The Book With No Pictures.” The book was over course a follow up to the success of Novak’s short story and essay collection, “One More Thing,” that garnered critical acclaim and amassed allusions to the work of everyone from David Sedaris to Woody Allen. Novak also enjoyed one of the most successful guerrilla Instagram campaigns of all time. Numerous celebrities took pictures of and with copies of “One More Thing,” to promote the publication’s February 2014 release. Either the book is brilliant or Novak has many friends.

Live Talks Los Angeles strives to bring great speakers-from all areas of expertise-in front of an audience in Los Angeles. The authors, business thought leaders, scientists, musicians, leaders and artists, are presented at one of Los Angeles’ many interesting venues and many of the events bring awareness and financial support to local organizations that promote literacy and other worthy causes.

“Live Talks Los Angeles: BEK in conversation with BJ Novak,” will be at the Bergamot Station Arts Center (William Turner Gallery), in Santa Monica April 30. Tickets are available here.