Jewish Side of the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books

Some recommended panels including Jewish authors:

SATURDAY

“Are Angels Among Us”” features panelists Rabbi Rami Shapiro (“The Angelic Way: Angels Through the Ages and Their Meaning for Us”), David Kessler (“The Needs of the Dying: A Guide for Bringing Hope, Comfort and Love to Life’s Final Chapter”) and Dr. Diane Hennacy Powell (“The ESP Enigma: The Scientific Case for Psychic Phenomena”). Los Angeles Times staff writer Nick Owchar moderates. Sat. noon. Franz 1178.

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jack Miles moderates “Memoir: Keeping the Faith,” which features panelists Dani Shapiro (“Devotion,” a memoir highlighting her attempt to reconnect with her Jewish heritage), Hope Edelman (“The Possibility of Everything”), former Los Angeles Times religion writer William Lobdell (“Losing My Religion: How I Lost My Faith Reporting on Religion in America and Found Unexpected Peace”) and Eric Lax (“Faith, Interrupted: A Spiritual Journey”). Sat. 3 p.m. Rolfe 1200.

Jonathan Kirsch, Los Angeles Times book reviewer and Jewish Journal columnist, moderates “Stories of Survival,” which features panelists Daniele Mastrogiacomo (“Days of Fear: A Firsthand Account of Captivity Under the New Taliban”), Norman Ollestad (“Crazy for the Storm: A Memoir of Survival,” in which he details his experience as the sole survivor of a plane crash when he was only 11 years old) and Richard Phillips (“A Captain’s Duty: Somali Pirates, Navy SEALS, and Dangerous Days at Sea”). Sat. 2 p.m. Broad 2160.

SUNDAY PANELS

Hollywood producer Jerry Weintraub discusses his recent memoir, “When I Stop Talking, You’ll Know I’m Dead,” with co-author Rich Cohen. Sun. 12:30 p.m. Ackerman Grand Ballroom.

Author Louise Steinman moderates “Fiction: Worldly Voices” with New York Times travel writer Lisa Fugard (“Skinner’s Drift”), Elias Khoury (“White Masks,” which spotlights the city of Beirut) and Anchee Min (“Pearl of China”). Sun. 3 p.m. Young Hall CS 24.

“The Middle East: Facing the Realities” features panelists Reza Aslan, (“Beyond Fundamentalism: Confronting Religious Extremism in the Age of Globalization”), Ilan Berman (“Winning the Long War: Retaking the Offensive Against Radical Islam”) and Iranian-American journalist Roxana Saberi (“Between Two Worlds: My Life and Captivity in Iran”). Bruce Wallace moderates. Sun. 2 p.m. Haines 39.

RECOMMENDED APPEARANCES BY JEWISH AUTHORS

SATURDAY:

• Actor-director Carl Reiner, author of the children’s book “Tell Me a Silly Story.” Sat. 11 a.m. Target Children’s Stage.

• Peter, Paul & Mary’s Peter Yarrow, author of the children’s books “Puff the Magic Dragon” and “Day Is Done.” Sat. 1:25 p.m. Target Children’s Stage.

• Comedian Jeff Garlin, author of “My Footprint: Carrying the Weight of the World” and co-star of HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” Sat. 1:30 p.m. Los Angeles Times Stage.

• Actor-director Henry Winkler, co-author of “Hank Zipzer: A Brand-New Me! No. 17.” Sat. 2:40 p.m. Target Children’s Stage.

• Los Angeles Times food writer Mary MacVean interviews actress Alicia Silverstone, author of “The Kind Diet: A Simple Guide to Feeling Great, Losing Weight and Saving the Planet.” Sat. 3:30 p.m. Cooking Stage.

• Dr. Daniel Silverman and Idelle Davidson, co-authors of “Your Brain After Chemo: A Practical Guide to Lifting the Fog and Getting Back Your Focus.” Sat. 4 p.m. Health and Wellness Stage.

• R.L. Stine, author of “Goosebumps HorrorLand No. 14: Little Shop of Hamsters.” Sat. 4:40 p.m. Target Children’s Stage.

SUNDAY:

• Comedian Sarah Silverman, author of “The Bedwetter: Stories of Courage, Redemption and Pee,” a memoir. Sun. noon. Los Angeles Times Stage.

• Ira Sadoff reads from “Barter.” Sun. 2:30 p.m. Poetry Stage.

• Peter Yarrow. Sun. noon Target Children’s Stage.

• Dr. Daniel Silverman and Idelle Davidson. Sun. 4 p.m. Health and Wellness Stage.