Connie McKee, "The Girl in the Mirror." 2 p.m. Dec. 13. Talk, signing. Free. Tall Tales Book Shop, 2105 LaVista Road N.E., Atlanta. 404-636-2498, talltalesatlanta.com/events.html. Georgia author McKee, along with Rona Simmons ("Postcards From Wonderland"), Valerie Joan Connors ("A Promise Made") and Susan Jimison ("Through the Eyes of a Tiger: The John Donovan Story"), will discuss the differences between what men and women read and how to find the right book to bring everyone together.
Jon Meacham, "Destiny and Power: The American Odyssey of George Herbert Walker Bush." 7 p.m. Dec. 14. Reading, signing. Tickets are free with purchase of the book from A Capella Books ($38). Couples may attend and receive one signed copy of the book for $48. Cecil B. Day Chapel, Carter Presidential Library & Museum, 441 Freedom Parkway, Atlanta. 404-865-7100, acappellabooks.com/event/evening-jon-meacham. Pulitzer Prize winner Meacham ("American Lion") chronicles the life of the former president.
James A. Crank, "New Approaches to Gone With the Wind." 7 p.m. Dec 15. Lecture, signing. $10. Margaret Mitchell House, 979 Crescent Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 404-249-7015, atlantahistorycenter.com/tags/lectures. Crank's essays challenge conventional assumptions about Margaret Mitchell's novel and its position in American cultural memory.
Stan Beck, "Traditions of College Sports," and Rennie Curran, "Free Agent: The Perspectives of a Young African-American Athlete." 4 p.m. Dec. 18. Signing. Free. Blue Havana II Cigars & Gifts, 6320 Atlanta Highway, Alpharetta. 678-867-2886, bluehavana2.com. Beck showcases well-known and obscure traditions in every collegiate sport. Pro football linebacker Curran, who played at the University of Georgia, recounts his story in hopes of inspiring others to realize their dreams.
Kevin Horgan, "The March of the Orphans." 10 a.m. Dec. 19. Talk, signing. Free. Barnes & Noble, 7660 Northpoint Parkway, Alpharetta. 770-993-8340, store-locator.barnesandnoble.com/store/1955. Horgan's novels are perfect gifts for Civil War buffs. Fifty percent of the author's royalties will be donated to charities for wounded veterans.
Billy Collins. 1:30 p.m. Dec. 19. Reading, talk, Q&A, signing. Free. Atlanta Writer's Club, Georgia Perimeter College, 2101 Womack Road, Dunwoody. 770-274-5000, acappellabooks.com/event. Collins was poet laureate of the United States from 2001 to 2003.
Virginia Willis, "Lighten Up Y'all." 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Dec. 19. Party, sale. Free. Charis Books & More, 1189 Euclid Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 404-524-0304, charisbooksandmore.com/event. Book recommendations for everyone on your shopping list, free gift wrapping, a craft fair and homemade cookies. Willis will demonstrate a favorite recipe out of her new book from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
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