Here’s a look at some upcoming book events in the area:

• Talk and booksigning with Karen Brichoux, author of “Coffee and Kung Fu,” 7:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Thursday, The Raven Bookstore, 6 E. Seventh St., 749-3300.
• 8 p.m. Thursday, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 420 W. 47th St., Kansas City, Mo.: Best-selling author and gambling guru Richard Harvey will share his wisdom, answer questions and sign copies of his books, “Blackjack the Smart Way,” “Cutting Edge Blackjack,” and his newest, “Blackjack Power Prep Session.”
• 3 p.m. Saturday, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 420 W. 47th St., Kansas City, Mo.: Kansas City author Katie Van Luchene appears to promote her “Insider’s Guide to Kansas City.”
• 10:30 p.m. June 20, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 420 W. 47th St., Kansas City, Mo.: Blow-out release party for “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.” Numbered tickets will be distributed to save your place in line. Harry Potter crafts and games will keep patrons busy until midnight, when the books will go on sale. For more information, call Lesley at (816) 561-4114.
• 8 p.m. June 27, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 420 W. 47th St., Kansas City, Mo.: Author and food historian Mary Gunderson gives a talk and booksigning for “The Food Journals of Lewis and Clark.”