J. Patterson, "Legal Blood." When a longstanding truce between humans and vampires is threatened, a teenager and her friends fight to uphold peace in the face of genocide. 2 p.m. Aug. 19. Signing. Free. Tall Tales Book Shop, Toco Hill Shopping Center, 2105 LaVista Road NE, Atlanta, 404-636-2498, www.talltalesatlanta.com/events.html
Karin Slaughter, "Pieces of Her." The discovery of a woman's true identity, kept secret for nearly 30 years, sends her daughter on a desperate journey to uncover her mother's past before it's too late. 2 p.m. Aug. 19. Book launch, talk, Q&A. $35. Ticketed event. Elm Street Theater, 8534 Main St., Woodstock, 770-516-9989, www.foxtalebookshoppe.com/events/
Arjun Singh Sethi, "American Hate: Survivors Speak Out." Sethi, a community activist and civil rights lawyer, chronicles the stories of individuals affected by hate in a series of powerful, unfiltered testimonials. 7 p.m. Aug. 22. Talk, signing. Free. Jimmy Carter Library & Museum, 441 Freedom Parkway, Atlanta, 404-865-7100, www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov/events/
GPB: The Great American Read Event. As part of the conversation sparked by the PBS series about the nation's 100 most-loved novels, this event will explore themes, characters, and landscapes found in Southern literature. Moderated by GPB's Bill Nigut. 7 p.m. Aug. 22. Panel discussions. Free. Atlanta History Center, 130 W. Paces Ferry Road N.W., Atlanta, 404-814-4150, www.atlantahistorycenter.com
Writers At The Wrecking Bar: Christopher Swann, "Shadow of the Lions," and Amy Bonnaffons, "The Wrong Heaven." Swann's literary thriller, set in an elite prep school, asks how long we must pay for the crimes of our youth. In Bonnaffon's story collection, bodies can transform, inanimate objects come to life, angels appear and disappear. Alison Law of Literary Atlanta hosts. Talk, signing. Free. 7 p.m. Aug 23. The Wrecking Bar, 292 Moreland Ave N.E., Atlanta, 404-681-5128, www.acappellabooks.com/
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