Julia Glass

“A House Among the Trees” is full of unlikely alliances, upheavals and relationships. The book centers on a respected children’s author, Mort Lear, who leaves his entire Connecticut estate to his assistant. His will also leaves specific directives for her to follow. Honoring Lear’s last wishes demands that she look closely at the life he led, one that includes a difficult boyhood and his explosive relationship with a lover who died from AIDS. 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 11. Books Inc., El Camino Real, 74 Town & Country Village, Palo Alto. Free. www.booksinc.net