Happening Monday

BOOKS

An Evening With Ian McEwan This lively evening of arts and letters features a conversation between the bestselling author of “Atonement” and David Kipen, literature director of the National Endowment for the Arts. McEwan’s new novel, “Solar,” explores a philandering Nobel prize-winning physicist’s effort to save the world from environmental disaster. The Aratani/Japan America Theatre, 244 S. San Pedro St., Los Angeles. 8 p.m. $25. (213) 680-3700. www.lfla.org.

Joyce Maynard and Dana Goodyear This reading of selected pieces from the literary magazine Canteen has high stakes. While Maynard and Goodyear read their work, two audience members will participate in a short fiction-writing contest with Goodyear. Their three stories will be anonymously read and judged, with the audience declaring a winner. Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles. Free. 7:30 p.m. (323) 660-1175. www.skylightbooks.com.

EVENTS

Jules Feiffer in conversation with Carl ReinerSeasoned director and producer Carl Reiner sits down to chat with the equally seasoned creator of satirical editorial cartoons cum memoirist Jules Feiffer during an illuminating evening geared at teaching the audience a thing or two about a life lived successfully. Temple Emanuel, 300 N. Clark Drive, Beverly Hills. 7:30 p.m. $20. www.writersblocpresents.com.

POP MUSIC

Butch Walker On “I Liked You Better When You Had No Heart,” Walker has refined his natty power pop to a perfect essence of three chords, a big chorus and a fine turn of phrase. With his crack band the Black Widows, he’s finally living up to his production and writing work for others in his own music. El Rey Theatre, 5155 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. 8 p.m. $24. www.the elrey.com.