South Pasadena writer Victoria Patterson, whose first book, Drift (Mariner Books, $12.95), has just been published to considerable acclaim, will read from the book and sign copies at Vroman’s on Tuesday evening. Drift is a collection of thirteen loosely linked short stories, all revolving around waitresses, students, skateboarders and fringe-dwellers in moneyed Newport Beach, where Patterson grew up. Each story is a thing of beauty — sad and honest and utterly captivating. You can read our Q&A with Patterson here.

Tuesday, June 30, 7 p.m.
Vroman’s Bookstore
695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
626.449.5320, vromansbookstore.com