Steven Cooper, "Dig Your Grave." A detective turns to a psychic to help solve a series of murders in which the victims' bodies are left amid taunting clues. 2 p.m. Nov. 4. Talk, signing. Free. Tall Tales Book Shop, Toco Hill Shopping Center, 2105 LaVista Road NE., Atlanta, 404-636-2498, talltalesatlanta.com.
Mimi Swartz, "Ticker." Two-time National Magazine Award winner Swartz presents a riveting history of the pioneers who devoted themselves to the courageous process of cutting into the only organ humans cannot live without. Noon Nov. 6. Talk, Q&A, signing. $15. Marcus Jewish Community Center, Zaban Park, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody, 678-812-4000, atlantajcc.org.
Conservation of Dante: Jeffrey S. Peachey. Independent book conservator and bookbinder Peachey will detail the conservation treatment of the Hesburgh Libraries' 1477 copy of Dante's La Commedia, highlighting historic and modern binding techniques. 4 p.m. Talk. Free. RSVP. Woodruff Library, Emory University, 540 Asbury Circle, Atlanta, emorylib.info.
David Hu, "How to Walk on Water and Climb up Walls." GA Tech professor Hu shows how animals have adapted and evolved to negotiate their environments, taking advantage of physical laws with startlingly ingenious results. 7 p.m. Nov. 7. Talk, signing. Free. Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum, 441 Freedom Pkwy., Atlanta, 404-865-7100, jimmycarterlibrary.gov.
Erica Dawson, "When Rap Spoke Straight to God," and Tommy Pico, "Junk." Dawson navigates belief, black lives, the current presidential administration, and the boundaries of being a woman; 2018 Whiting Award winner Pico's breakup poem explores loss and erasure, both personal and cultural. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 7. Readings. Free. Suggested donation $5. Charis Books & More, 1189 Euclid Ave. NE., Atlanta, 404-524-0304, charisbooksandmore.com.
