Of the 90 Jewish book fairs in America, the annual San Diego Jewish Book Fair is not only the largest but also the most sizable literary event in San Diego, said Judith Anderson of the Center for Jewish Culture.
Beginning Nov. 1, the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center will host its 13th annual book fair with many eminent authors, actors and journalists.
A cocktail reception will kick off the fair the first day of November at 6 p.m., hosted by U.S. TRUST Wealth Management, followed by an author lecture at 7:30 p.m.
“Todd Buckholz will have his book, ‘New Ideas from Dead CEOs: Lasting Lessons from the Corner Office,'” Anderson said. “He’s one of the top financial and political gurus and commentators in the U.S.”
This former economic advisor to past presidents has been the opening speaker at previous Jewish book fairs with his other bestselling books and has headed the noteworthy TIGER Hedge Fund, Anderson said.
With the most established names filling the evening slots at 7:30 p.m., including comedian and writer David Steinberg on Nov. 3 and playwright Tony Kushner Nov. 6, the public may miss smaller treasures such as Judith Viorst, who will speak at noon on Nov. 8.
“We do have the biggest names in the evening slots,” Anderson said. “Kushner won a Pulitzer for ‘Angels in America’ and wrote the screenplay for ‘Munich’.”
Viorst, known for the children’s classic “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No-Good, Very Bad Day,” about Alexander, a boy whose snowball of a day becomes increasingly worse when he wakes up with gum in his hair, has written a follow-up book. “Alexander and the Wonderful, Marvelous, Excellent, Terrific Ninety Days” tells the story of Alexander and his family “” after he has grown up.
Kushner has won many awards. He will be speaking about “Angels in America,” his play that was made into an HBO movie.
“Everyone in the theater community is very excited that we have Tony Kushner coming,” Anderson said.
On Saturday, Nov. 3, Steinberg, a noted comedian who hosted the Johnny Carson show many times, in addition to directing shows including “Friends” and “Seinfeld,” will speak at 7:30 p.m. about his new “Book of David,” Anderson said.
˜The Book of David’ is a pseudo-scriptural style which is really funny,” Anderson said.
A late addition to the roster is actor Kirk Douglas, will make an appearance Nov. 19 to share his new memoir, “Let’s Face It: 90 Years of Living, Loving, and Learning.”
The acting legend is in a reflective mood in his new book, which deals with a span of many years, from his childhood to that of his own children, including his son’s death. After seeing a documentary made about him, the actor reassessed his life.
“Now is the time to have an audit of my life,” Douglas said. “It’s difficult to see ourselves as others see us.”
For more information and tickets, visit www.lfjcc.org or call (858) 457-3030. The JCC is located at 4126 Executive Drive.