Joseph Skibell, "My Father's Guitar and Other Imaginary Things." 1 p.m. Nov. 29. Signing. Free. A Cappella Books, 208 Haralson Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 404-681-5128, acappellabooks.com/event. This book of essays by Skibell ("A Curable Romantic") considers catastrophes, fantasies and delusions to be "what give sweetness and shape to our lives."
Cecilia Woloch, Michelle Castleberry, Melisa Cahnmann-Taylor and Theresa Davis. 7:15 p.m. Nov. 30. Readings. Free. Decatur Library Auditorium, 215 Sycamore St., Decatur. 404-370-3070, Ext. 2285; georgiacenterforthebook.org/Events. Poetry Atlanta presents local female poets, with Collin Kelley as host.
Ren and Helen Davis, "Landscapes for the People," and Andrew Feiler, "Without Regard to Sex, Race or Color." 6 p.m. Dec. 1. Lecture, reading, signing. Free. Carter Presidential Library & Museum Theater, 441 Freedom Parkway, Atlanta. 404-865-7100, jimmycarterlibrary.gov/events. You can view the exhibition "The People's China: Village Life by Master Photographer Zeng Yi" from 6 to 7 p.m. Then, the Davises will discuss their book on George Alexander Grant, first staff photographer for the National Park Service, and Feiler will discuss his book of photos and essays about Morris Brown College.
Angela Pulley Hudson, "Real Native Genius: How an Ex-Slave and a White Mormon Became Famous Indians." 7:15 p.m. Dec. 1. Talk, signing. Free. Decatur Library Auditorium, 215 Sycamore St., Decatur. 404-370-3070, Ext. 2285; georgiacenterforthebook.org/Events. Hudson illuminates the complex relationship between race, religion and gender in 19th century North America.
Abbi Glines, "The Best Goodbye." 7 p.m. Dec 3. Signing. $5. Eagle Eye Book Shop, 2076 N. Decatur Road, Decatur. 404-486-0307, eagleeyebooks.com. After 10 years in the employ of a mysterious crime boss, a playboy is ready to leave his sordid past — and his cover as an upscale restaurateur — behind.
T. J. Stiles, "Custer's Trials: A Life on the Frontier of New America." 8 p.m. Dec 3. Lecture, signing. $10. Atlanta History Center, 130 W. Paces Ferry Road N.W., Atlanta. 404-814-4150, atlantahistorycenter.com/visit/event. Stiles ("The First Tycoon: The Epic Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt") sets aside Custer's mythic frontier reputation to paint a deeply personal portrait.
George Saunders, "The Very Persistent Gappers of Frip." 2 p.m. Dec. 5. Signing. Free. A Cappella Books, 208 Haralson Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 404-681-5128, acappellabooks.com/event. This children's book by Saunders ("Tenth of December") features illustrations by Lane Smith and a story exploring themes of community and kindness.
Lynn Cullen, "Twain's End." 2 p.m. Dec. 5. Talk, signing. Free. Tall Tales Book Shop, 2105 LaVista Road N.E., Atlanta. 404-636-2498, talltalesatlanta.com/events. Cullen's novel reimagines the complicated, volatile relationship between Mark Twain and his private secretary.
