Goodbye, au revoir, adios. They're such simple expressions. Every day, we leave our homes and kiss our significant others adieu (even if that “other” is a pet). It happens over and over again. But what about goodbyes that are infinitely more complex? What about the political dissident leaving her country? What about the employee who quits a job after five years? And, well, what about the long goodbye — the deep and forever sleep? Lucky for us, acclaimed sociologist, winner of the MacArthur “Genius Grant” and renowned Harvard professor Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot will help us explore these intricate questions on farewells, the process of crossing into new cultural boundaries and their effect on our lives. As part of the prestigious Aloud series at the Central Library, Lawrence-Lightfoot will discuss her most recent book, Exit: The Endings That Set Us Free. All Angelenos should take notice of this illustrious author and her thoughts, because most of us arrived here after leaving another home. And how has our city changed as a result of so many partings? Come on out to hear Lawrence-Lightfoot examine the way we leave certain social boundaries and peer into this cultural exodus to reveal a truth. Mark Taper Auditorium, Central Library, 630 W. Fifth St., dwntwn.; Tues, June 19, 7 p.m.; free. (213) 228-7500, lfla.org.

Tue., June 19, 7 p.m., 2012

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