7 Stages Big Read: Julia Alvarez, "In the Time of the Butterflies." Author Jessica Handler moderates a panel of local activists, government officials, and attorneys affecting our communities and beyond, including: Nora Benavidez (civil rights attorney), Mary-Pat Hector (advocate and community organizer), Liliana Bakhtiari (District 5 city council candidate) and Janel Green (executive director of Georgia Alliance for Social Justice). 7:15 p.m. Jan. 17. Panel discussion. Free. Decatur Library Auditorium, 215 Sycamore St., Decatur, 404-370-3070, Ext. 2285, georgiacenterforthebook.org/
Laura Lee Smith, "The Ice House." Witty and heartbreaking by turns, Smith's new novel (after "Heart of Palm") follows a beleaguered family as they weather threats to the family business, a serious medical diagnosis, and familial discord. 7 p.m. Jan. 17. Reading, talk, Q&A, signing. Free. SCAD's Ivy Hall, 179 Ponce de Leon Ave., NE., Atlanta, 404-253-3324, acappellabooks.com . Also appearing: 6 p.m. Jan. 18. Talk, signing. Free. Avid Bookshop, 493 Prince Ave., Athens, 706-352-2060, avidbookshop.com
Kevin Young, "Bunk: The Rise of Hoaxes, Humbug, Plagiarists, Phonies, Post-Facts, and Fake News." Award-winning poet and critic Young asks what it means to live in a post-factual world where everything is up for interpretation. 4 p.m. Jan. 18. Reading, signing. Emory University, Jones Room, Level 3, Robert W. Woodruff Library, 540 Asbury Circle, 404-727-6861, web.library.emory.edu . Also appearing: 7 p.m. Jan 18. Reading, discussion, signing. Free. Jimmy Carter Library & Museum, 441 Freedom Parkway, Atlanta, 404-865-7100, jimmycarterlibrary.gov
Jessica Shattuck, "The Women in the Castle." In a new novel set at the end of WWII, Shattuck ("The Hazards of Good Breeding") delivers a powerful story of three widows of the resistance whose lives and fates become intertwined. 7 p.m. Jan. 18. Talk, signing. Free. Margaret Mitchell House, 979 Crescent Ave. NE., Atlanta, 404-814-4150, atlantahistorycenter.com
Michelle Morancie, "Crazymaker: A Psychologist's Disturbing Encounter with Workplace Abuse." Local author Morancie examines workplace abuse and its effect on a school psychologist. 2 p.m. Jan. 20. Reading, signing. Free. Tall Tales Book Shop, Toco Hill Shopping Center, 2105 LaVista Road NE., Atlanta, 404-636-2498, talltalesatlanta.com
Georgia Hunter, "We Were the Lucky Ones." Inspired by the incredible true story of one Jewish family separated at the start of WWII, determined to survive, and reunite, Hunter's sweeping novel spans six years and five continents. 7 p.m. Jan 20. Discussion, reading, signing. Free. Oglethorpe University, Phillip Weltner Library, 4484 Peachtree Road NE., 404-364-8472, Atlanta, acappellabooks.com . Also appearing: 2 p.m. Jan. 21. Signing. Free. Atlanta-Fulton Public Library, Milton Branch, 855 Mayfield Road, Milton, 404-613-4402, afpls.org
