LIBERATION DAY

By George Saunders (Random House; 256 pages; $28) Bookshop Santa Cruz presents George Saunders: 7 p.m. Nov. 1. $34, includes book. Veterans Memorial Building, 846 Front St., Santa Cruz. www.book shopsantacruz.com Booksmith and Berkeley Arts & Letters present George Saunders in conversation with Samin Nosrat: 7 p.m. Nov. 2. $38, includes book. First Presbyterian Church, 2407 Dana St., Berkeley. www.booksmith. com