May Book Signings in Los Angeles: James Franco, Carmine Appice and More

May is stacking up to be a great month for readers and even better for those who like to meet the people behind the tales. Marilu Henner, James Franco and “Shark Tank’s” Robert Herjavec are just a few of the celebrity authors drawing in book-loving crowds this month.

Ari Seth Cohen at Book Soup | May 4
Following his bestselling “Advanced Style,” Cohen’s new release is more of what fans loved from the last book but this one is “Older & Wiser” and features looks from all over the world including Los Angeles, Sydney and Edinburgh, to name a few. Cohen will be joined by moderator Merle Ginsberg as well as Valerie Von Sobel, Joy Venturini Bianchi, Colleen Heidemann and Irene Coyazo.

Marilu Henner at Barnes & Noble at The Grove | May 6
Known best for her role as Elaine O’Connor Nardo on “Taxi,” Henner opens up about her life and how she and her husband dealt with his cancer diagnosis. The TV star will be appearing in person to talk a little about that part of her life, what she learned and more as she signs copies of “Changing Normal: How I Helped My Husband Beat Cancer.”

Alan Tudyk at Culver City Teen Center | May 7
If there is one travesty in television, it was the cancellation of “Firefly.” At least that’s what fans of the short-lived show might say. One of the stars of the cult classic, Alan Tudyk, will be at the Culver City Teen Center alongside PJ Haarsma and Shannon Eric Denton as they sign free copies of their “Spectrum #0.”

Jonathan Shapiro at Book Soup | May 7
He has a background in law but later went on to producing TV shows “The Blacklist,” “The Practice” and “Boston Legal.” He knows what it takes to deliver a great story, which is what he did when he penned “Deadly Force: A Lizzie Scott Novel.” Fans are welcome to join the professor, producer and author for a rousing discussion of his novel.

Anne Edwards at Book Soup | May 9
The usual biography tells the basics of the who, what, when and where but rarely delves into the why. This updated version of Edwards’ take on Barbra Streisand’s life invites fans inside of the singer’s political activism, her life alongside actor James Brolin and what it was like for the singer to fight critiques of her appearance. Edwards will also be signing copies of her book.  

Nora Zelevansky at Book Soup | May 10
Audiences are used to coming of age stories involving teens and college-aged people but what about coming of age when you’re a decade out of high school? That’s the story “Will You Won’ t You Want Me?” explores as it follows Marjorie Plum through adulthood as she tries to figure out things that most would assume she might have already sorted out.

Steven Leigh Morris at Book Soup | May 12
This drama critic has put two of his passions together in “Fowl Play, A Novel in Three Acts.” In it, he blends the theater and barnyard poultry. Yes, that’s right, chickens and theater are at the center of this tale and thespians who respect a new take on the stage can come down and hear Leigh discuss why he took this route and if this will ever be a live production.

James Franco at Skylight Books | May 14
He’s one of the most eccentric but lovable people in Hollywood and he proves that one can be both hilarious and a scholar. With all his years in the business, he’s come to evaluate his identity and sexuality and that’s at the core of his latest book, “Straight James/Gay James.” Franco will make an appearance at this event to sign books only so fans shouldn’t expect a discussion.

Claudia Casper at Book Soup | May 17
With an introduction by Jamie Lee Curtis, Casper will discuss and sign her latest novel, “The Mercy Journals.” It’s set three decades in the future after a third World War has taken its toll on the world and follows a former soldier named Mercy who is suffering from a number of things including PTSD.

Angie Martinez at Barnes & Noble at The Grove | May 19
One of the most recognized names in radio, Martinez has done her time on the airwaves and today she is one of the most respected people in the business. She recounts her humble beginnings and her motivation in “My Voice.” Martinez is no stranger to controversy and won’t shy away when she sits down with DJ Khaled at this in-store event.

Carmine Appice at Book Soup | May 19
A life like Appice’s is one for the books. He came up in the “Summer of Love” while hanging with the likes of Jimi Hendrix all the while living out those sex, drugs and rock n’ roll aspirations many have. This man has been around the world and then some, and his stories in the aptly titled, “Stick It: My Life of Sex, Drums, and Rock ‘n’ Roll,” will leave readers feeling like they lived it, too. This is a must-read for anyone with a love of music history. Join him as he shares his journey and signs his own book.

Doug Stanhope Book Soup | May 20
It’s always interesting to know where someone’s creativity originates or where their drive and ambition for what they do comes from. For Stanhope, he is who he is because of his mother; from his attendance at her AA meetings where he learned the power of storytelling to her introducing him to Richard Pryor. All of it shaped his style and undoubtedly got him to where he is today.

Cheryl Della Pietra at Book Soup | May 23
Last month, Book Soup had his son and this month they’ll have Hunter S. Thompson’s assistant. While this is not an autobiography, Pietra’s “Gonzo Girl” is inspired by her time assisting one of the most eccentric writers in modern times. She tells the story of Alley Russo, a college grad looking for a break who winds up being the assistant to a man by the name of Walker Reade.

Robert Herjavec at Barnes & Noble at The Grove | May 24
“Shark Tank” is one of the most talked about and watched shows on television and it’s still going strong partially due to the dynamic personalities of the Sharks themselves. Herjavec is no exception. He’s the tech guy who recently penned “You Don’t Have to Be a Shark: Creating Your Own Success” to help people not only professionally but personally as well.

Dave Hill at Book Soup | May 26
This comedian and musician grew up insanely close to his father and that relationship inspired him to explore their life together in a series of essays entitled “Dave Hill Doesn’t Live Here Anymore.” This is a must-read for anyone who considers themselves a fan of the comedy spectrum.