The Book Festival of the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta begins Thursday, Nov. 5, bringing writers in every genre to the sprawling Dunwoody center.
Authors of memoir, poetry, fiction, history and other literary endeavors will do stand-up comedy, cook meals, screen films and discuss their books for the next 18 days.
The festival kicks off with former NBC newsman and “Meet the Press” moderator David Gregory, author of “An Unlikely Spiritual Journey,” and continues through Nov. 22 and an appearance by former “Nightline” anchor Ted Koppel, author of “Lights Out: A Cyberattack, A Nation Unprepared, Surviving the Aftermath.”
Here are some of the highlights:
Ruth Westheimer
It is perhaps not well-known that America's favorite (and most diminutive) sex therapist is also a Holocaust survivor and was a sniper in the Israel Defense Forces. In conversation with radio personality and CNN correspondent Holly Firfer, Ruth Westheimer will discuss her book, "The Doctor Is In: Dr. Ruth on Love, Life, and Joie de Vivre." 7:45 p.m., Nov. 10, $24; $18 members.
Archie Rand
Artist Archie Rand spent five years visualizing each of the 613 "mitzvahs" or commandments from the Tora, turning them into 613 paintings. He will speak about his book, "The 613" on Nov. 11 and prints from the art book will be displayed through December at the MJCCA's Katz Family Mainstreet Gallery. 12:30 p.m., Nov. 11; $14; $9 members.
Michael Solomonov
Celebrity chef Michael Solomonov epitomizes modern Israeli cuisine at his Philadelphia restaurant Zahav. The young immigrant, who has a troubled back-story, will discuss his new book, "Zahav: A World of Israeli Cooking," in conversation with cable TV and radio personality Steak Shapiro at a luncheon, while chefs prepare recipes from the book. At the end of the day Solomonov will also prepare a pop-up dinner at Parrish, which will, apparently, include a braised shoulder of lamb that he's bringing with him on the plane. 12:30 p.m. Nov. 12, $27; $22 members; ticket includes luncheon.)
Jonathan, Faye and Jesse Kellerman
All three Kellermans, husband and wife Jonathan and Faye, and their son Jesse, are Orthodox Jews and all three are writers. During "An Evening with the Kellermans," Faye Kellerman will discuss "The Theory of Death," one of her Peter Decker mysteries, while Jonathan and Jesse talk about "The Golem of Paris," a sweeping tale of murder and suspense. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 12, $24; $18 members.
Dan Ephron
Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was working on a peace deal between Israel and Palestine when, in 1995, he was assassinated by a right-wing Israeli zealot named Yigal Amir. In "Killing a King," Dan Ephron shows how the murder changed the course of history, and how the prospect of peace, then so tantalizingly close, became so distant and improbable. He appears with Mike Kelly, author of "Bus on Jaffa Road: A Story of Middle East Terrorism and the Search for Justice." 3 p.m. Nov. 15, $14; $9 members.
Jennifer Teague
Raised in an orphanage, a mixed-race German girl named Jennifer Teege discovered one day that her biological grandfather was Amon Goeth, the Nazi "butcher of Plaszów," executed for crimes against humanity in 1946. Goeth was portrayed by Ralph Fiennes in the movie "Schindler's List." In researching the story, Teege came to the realization that she would have been marked for death in her grandfather's concentration camp, due to her Nigerian heritage. She will discuss her book, "My Grandfather Would Have Shot Me: A Black Woman Discovers Her Family's Nazi Past," in conversation with actress Jasmine Guy. 7:30 p.m., Nov. 19, $18; $13 members.
Most events take place at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody. Tickets: 678-812-4005; www.atlantajcc.org/bookfestival
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