The best fall talks and readings in NYC

Best known as the slovenly weirdo Frank Rossitano on 30 Rock, comedian Judah Friedlander excels at making the absurd outrageously funny. With his book of drawings and cartoons, If the Raindrops United, the stand-up proves he’s also a talented doodler.

Celebrated chef and food writer Yotam Ottolenghi comes to the 92nd Street Y to discuss his newest collection of recipes from his popular London restaurant NOPI. Joining him is Ramael Scully, the head chef at NOPI, who brings Asian influences to Ottolenghi's signature brand of Middle Eastern cooking, and Sam Kass, the former senior policy advisor for nutrition policy in the Obama administration.

Critically acclaimed illustrator Adrian Tomine discusses his impressive career—he was only 16 when he began his comic-book series, Optic Nerve—and latest book, Killing and Dying, with the former editor of The New York Times' Book Review Charles McGrath. Afterward, Tomine will sign copies of his books and prints.

The movie star sweetheart, producer and former Charlie's Angel speaks about her turbulent life as a child actor and complicated relationship with her famous family at the launch of her new memoir, Wildflower.

Rock icon and Portlandia star Carrie Brownstein reads from her new memoir about growing up in the Pacific Northwest and how her feminist punk-rock band Sleater-Kinney changed her life.

Learn how fashion photographer and blogger Scott Schuman redefined fashion's street scene with his style blog the Sartorialist. The visionary shares stories of capturing tasteful individuals in New York, Dubai, Milan and beyond at this 10th anniversary blog celebration and launch for his new book of collected photographs.

Alex Mar knows a thing or two about witchcraft—she's the author of the new book Witches of America—so she just might be the perfect person to curate this evening of witch-themed movie clips. She's not just napping in the back while they air, though; Mar will discuss the scenes, using them as a springboard to talk about Paganism and real-life witchcraft. There'll be plenty of opportunities for audience participation…but leave your magic wands and spell books at home.

Catch a sneak peek of the first two episodes of funnyman Ansari's (Parks and Recreation) new Netflix sitcom, Master of None, before it drops on November 6. The highly energetic, always affable stand-up discusses the show and his character, a New York actor plagued by indecision.

Cloud Atlas author David Mitchell reads from his complex reinvention of the haunted-house story, Slade House. The book encompasses five decades of lonely souls who were trapped by the seemingly utopian home with a hidden entrance and no exit. Prepare for an absolutely bizarre story that's typical of the author's style.

The blockbuster lecture series has recruited actor Adam Driver, singer Rufus Wainwright, journalist Sebastian Junger and other memorable voices to speak, perform and meditate on war, with discussions on possible futures of peace and their experiences in conflict.