Mary Schmidt Campbell, "An American Odyssey: The Life and Work of Romare Bearden." Spelman College president Schmidt Campbell offers a definitive biography of the renowned 20th-century artist whose work celebrated the traditions and ceremonies of African-American culture. 7 p.m. Sept. 4. Lecture, signing. Free. Jimmy Carter Library & Museum, 441 Freedom Parkway, Atlanta, 404-865-7100, jimmycarterlibrary.gov/events/
Charlene A. Carruthers, "Unapologetic: A Black, Queer, and Feminist Mandate for Radical Movements." Drawing on black intellectual and grassroots organizing traditions, Carruthers envisions how social justice movements can become more effective. With Mary Hooks. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 4. Talk, signing. Free. $5 donation suggested. Charis Books & More, 1189 Euclid Ave. N.E., Atlanta, 404-524-0304, charisbooksandmore.com/
Anthony Grooms, "The Vain Conversation." In his second novel, Grooms ("Bombingham") reflects on the 1946 lynching of two black couples in Georgia from the perspectives of three characters: one of the victims, a presumed perpetrator, and a 10-year-old witness to the murders. 6:30 p.m. Sept. 5. Reading, signing. Free. Community Room, Heritage Sandy Springs administrative building, 6110 Blue Stone Road, Sandy Springs, 404-851-9111, heritagesandysprings.org/
C.J. Chivers, "The Fighters: Americans in Combat in Afghanistan and Iraq." Chivers ("The Gun"), senior writer for the New York Times and an infantry veteran, vividly conveys the physical and emotional experience of war as lived by six combatants. 8 p.m. Sept. 5. Talk, signing. $10. Atlanta History Center, 130 W. Paces Ferry Road N.W., Atlanta, 404-814-4150, atlantahistorycenter.com/
Joyce Blaylock, "Adelicia: Grace, Grit & Gumption." In this historical novel based on the life of Adelicia Acklen, who became the richest woman in Tennessee, wealth offers little protections against the sufferings of the human heart. 4 p.m. Sept. 6. Signing. Free. Farmer's Market @ The Bookworm, 4451 Marietta St., Powder Springs, 770-439-2029, thebookwormonline.com/
