Taryn Delanie Smith: Welcome to the Afterlife at The Grove

Grief books usually come with a hush. This one comes with a receptionist named Denise. On Thursday, October 22, author Taryn Delanie Smith brings Welcome to the Afterlife to Barnes & Noble at The Grove for an evening of conversation and a book signing, and it is a good pick for anyone building a list of things to do in Los Angeles that has a little more substance than a happy hour.

What the evening covers

The book is billed as a no-nonsense tour for those in mourning or the merely curious, guided by Denise, Heaven's Receptionist, with illustrations by Maria Krasinski. The flyer for the event promises a discussion followed by a signing, with Smith in conversation with Danielle Robay. Expect a format that mixes questions from the moderator, readings or stories from the book, and time for the room to ask about it.

A topic as heavy as death can sit awkwardly in a bookstore, which is part of why the pitch here stands out: a plainspoken, light-handed approach to something most people avoid discussing until they have to. If you have lost someone, are curious about how people talk about the afterlife, or simply like a good author event, this is the kind of evening that gives you something to chew on afterward.

The details

When: Thursday, October 22, 2026, 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM Where: Barnes & Noble at The Grove, 189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles Cost: Listed at $25.04 through Eventbrite Tickets: Eventbrite, linked above

The listing price is what Eventbrite shows for the event. Check the ticket page for exactly what it includes before you buy, since bookstore events sometimes bundle a copy of the book or reserve signing-line priority with the purchase. The organizer is the store itself, which describes its Grove location as the West Coast flagship and the home for its major author appearances.

Getting there

The store sits right beside the Original Farmers Market, so it is easy to turn the night into a full outing. Arrive a little early, grab dinner at the market or one of the restaurants around The Grove, then walk over before the 7 PM start. Parking is available in the Grove structure, and rideshare drop-offs are straightforward along The Grove Drive. A one-hour event leaves you plenty of time to linger afterward, browse the shelves and get your copy signed.

Looking for more to fill the calendar? Browse the arts and culture category for other upcoming events Los Angeles readers are planning around, and the neighborhood guides for what is happening nearby.