Peter Thiel has long been known as one of Sand Hill Road’s most eccentric VCs, so out there that HBO’s Silicon Valley needed to spread his infamous quirks and beliefs among several characters. But beyond the quackery lies an incredibly powerful figure who has significantly shaped the world we live in. In his new biography of the far-right tech leader, Max Chafkin explores the increasing political cloud of Peter Thiel, and how his vision for the world is being realized, give or take eternal life through blood transfusion. Chafkin is joined in conversation with Bloomberg’s Emily Chang in an online seminar hosted by the Kepler LIterary Foundation.

Max Chafkin
Thurs, 6pm, Free
Virtual Event

Author and Mountain View denizen Andy Weir burst onto the pop culture scene after his originally self-published sci-fi novel, The Martian, became one of the biggest books of 2014. In 2015, the story was adapted into a movie starring Matt Damon. Now, Weir is back with his second novel, Artemis. This time, Weir sets his sights a little closer to home. Centered around Jasmine Bashara, a “directionless twentysomething” living on the one and only moon colony, Artemis, the novel is billed as a “smart crime caper” rife with excellent world-building and plenty of suspense. A movie is already in the works.

Andy Weir
Mon, 7:30pm, $15+
Kepler’s Books, Menlo Park

Acclaimed linguist, cognitive scientist and historian Noam Chomsky has been called one of the most radical thinkers of our time. Critical of contemporary state capitalism, neoliberalism and military intervention, he has long agitated for radical reform of U.S. foreign policy. Chomsky won’t be on hand for the screening of segments of his new documentary, Requiem for the American Dream—a series of uncompromising interviews with the progressive social critic. However, his editor and filmmaker Kelly Nyks will be present to participate in a question-and-answer session with attendees.

Chomsky’s Requiem
Wed, 7pm, $10+
Kepler’s Books, Menlo Park