The National Steinbeck Center, One Main St. in Oldtown Salinas, Calif., will hold a reception followed by a talk and book signing by author Ann Muto from 7 to 8:30 p.m., as part of its May Meet the Author Series. For 20 years, Muto did not know her family lived in a concentration camp during World War II. Muto’s “Open Passage” captures the confusion and frustration of her search for her personal history. The author also details the welcome relief she finds in her favorite wild places: Yosemite National Park and Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Each author program is open and free to the public. The Center is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Info: (831) 775-4721 or www.steinbeckstore.org.