Lawrence P. Jackson, "Chester B. Himes: A Biography." Emory University professor Dr. Jackson ("Ralph Ellison") uses exclusive interviews and access to Himes's full archives to portray one of the towering figures of the black literary tradition. Noon Sept. 3. Marriott Conference Center C, 130 Clairemont Ave., Decatur, decaturbookfestival.com/
Krista Tippet, "Becoming Wise: An Inquiry Into the Mystery and Art of Living." The host of public radio program "On Being" and National Humanities medalist Tippett distills insights from her shows into a master class in living for a fractured world. 1:15 p.m. Sept. 3. Talk. Free. First Baptist Decatur Sanctuary, 308 Clairemont Ave., Decatur, decaturbookfestival.com/
Best American Poetry 2017: Jericho Brown, Judson Mitcham, Natasha Trethewey. Three Atlanta poets presents the year's best poems. 3:45 p.m. Sept. 3. Readings. Free. First Baptist Decatur Sanctuary, 308 Clairemont Ave., Decatur, decaturbookfestival.com/
Claire Messud, "The Burning Girl." In a haunting coming-of-age story about the bond of best friends, Messud gets to the heart of questions about identity and whether we can ever really know ourselves and others. 3:45 p.m. Sept. 3. Talk, signing. Free. Decatur Presbyterian Sanctuary, 205 Sycamore St., Decatur, decaturbookfestival.com/
Adrian Miller, "The President's Kitchen Cabinet: The Story of African Americans Who Have Fed Our First Families." James Beard award-winning author Miller vividly tells the stories of the African-American chefs, personal cooks, butlers, stewards and servers for every first family since George and Martha Washington. 7 p.m. Sept. 5. Lecture, signing. Free. Carter Presidential Library & Museum, 441 Freedom Parkway, Atlanta, 404-865-7100, jimmycarterlibrary.gov/events/
Amy Stewart, "Miss Kopp's Midnight Confessions." Set against the backdrop of World War I, the third book in Stewart's Kopp Sisters series is a spirited story about women's rights in which Deputy Sheriff Constance Kopp takes up the cause of young women thrown in jail over dubious charges. 7 p.m. Sept. 7. Talk, signing. $10. Margaret Mitchell House, 979 Crescent Ave. NE., Atlanta, 404-814-4150, atlantahistorycenter.com
The Book as Art: White Glove Night. This annual juried show celebrates the book with a wildly varied collection of inventive and spectacular work. On "White Glove Night," participants may don white gloves to allow for firsthand exploration. 7 p.m. Sept. 7 (through Sept. 29). Exhibit. Free. Periodicals Room, 1st Floor, Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore St., Decatur, 404-370-3070, Ext. 2285, georgiacenterforthebook.org
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