THE LITERARY SCENE

Jelani Cobb. Associate professor of history at Spelman College discusses Abraham Lincoln, the Constitution and Barack Obama. 7 p.m. Feb. 12. Jimmy Carter Library and Museum, 441 Freedom Parkway, Atlanta. 404-865-7100, www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov.

Constance Curry. Co-author of the book "The Wrong Side of Murder Creek: A White Southerner in the Freedom Movement" discusses her work. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 12. Charis Books & More, 1189 Euclid Ave., Atlanta. 404-524-0304, www.charisbooksandmore.com.

Christopher Dickey. Author and Paris bureau chief and Middle East regional editor for Newsweek discusses and signs his book, "Securing the City: Inside America's Best Counterterror Force —- The NYPD." 7 p.m. Feb. 9. Jimmy Carter Library and Museum, 441 Freedom Parkway, Atlanta. 404-865-7100, www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov.

Douglas R. Egerton. Author discusses his new book, "Death or Liberty: African Americans and Revolutionary America." 7:15 p.m. Feb. 11. Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore St. 404-370-3070, www.dekalblibrary.org/branches/deca.htm. 8 p.m. Feb. 12. $10; reservation required. Atlanta History Center, 130 W. Paces Ferry Road N.W., Atlanta. 404-814-4150, www.atlantahistorycenter.com.

David Hajdu. Discusses his new book, "The Ten-Cent Plague: The Great Comic-Book Scare and How It Changed America," in which he examines the censorship debate over comic books. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 12. Wordsmiths Books, 545 N. McDonough St., Decatur. 404-378-7166, wordsmithsbooks.com.

Steve Harvey. Radio personality and author discusses and signs his book, "Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man: What Men Really Think About Love, Relationships, Intimacy, and Commitment." 7 p.m. Feb. 9. Borders Books & Music-Mall at Stonecrest, 8000 Mall Parkway, Lithonia. 678-526-2550, www.bordersstores.com..

Jeff Kinney. Best-selling author of children's books, including the "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" series, discusses his works. 4:30 p.m. Feb. 11. Decatur Recreation Center, 231 Sycamore St. 404-373-6300, littleshopofstories.com.

Michael Nitsche. Georgia Tech professor discusses and signs "Video Game Spaces: Image, Play, and Structure in 3D Worlds." Noon Feb. 9. Barnes & Noble-Georgia Tech, 48 Fifth St., Atlanta. 404-894-3818, gatech.bkstore.com.

Darn Oldham. Discusses his novel, "Scent of an Angel." 7 p.m. Feb. 10. Redan-Trotti Library, 1569 Wellborn Road, Redan. 770-482-3821, www.dekalblibrary.org/branches/redan-trotti.html.

"Passion & Poetry —- Love & Romance." Two poetry readings, at 8 p.m. and midnight Feb. 14. $30. Center Stage Atlanta, 1374 W. Peachtree St. N.W., Atlanta. 404-607-8772, www.centerstage-atlanta.com.

Poetry Night Valentine Edition. Hosted by Franklin Abbott. Guest readers include Megan A. Volpert and Reginald T. Jackson. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 10. Free. Outwrite Bookstore, 991 Piedmont Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 404-607-0082, www.outwritebooks.com.

Poetry reading. Amateur and professional poets celebrate the art and performance of poetry. 8:15 p.m. Feb. 11. $5; $3 senior citizens and students. Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, 980 Briarcliff Road N.E., Atlanta. 404-872-5338, Ext. 228, www.callanwolde.org.

Kathryn Stockett. Atlanta resident reads from and signs her debut novel, "The Help." 7:15 p.m. Feb. 10. Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore St. 404-681-5128, www.acappellabooks.com.

Eric J. Sundquist. Author and UCLA Foundation Professor of Literature discusses his book, "King's Dream," an examination of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech. 7:15-8:15 p.m. Feb. 12. Free. Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore St. 404-370-3070, www.dekalblibrary.org/branches/deca.htm.

Barbara Brown Taylor. One of the first women ordained a priest in the Episcopal Church discusses her new book, "An Altar in the World: A Geography of Faith." 7 p.m. Feb. 11. Barnes & Noble-Buckhead, 2900 Peachtree Road N.E., Atlanta. 404-261-7747, www.barnesandnoble.com.

Jim Warren. Author discusses his book, "Cowlicked: Rants, Remembrances & Ruminations," a humorous and poignant collection of essays and commentary. 2 p.m. Feb. 8. Wordsmiths Books, 545 N. McDonough St., Decatur. 404-378-7166, wordsmithsbooks.com.

Steven Weiniger. The expert on posture lectures and signs his book, "Stand Taller —- Live Longer: An Anti-Aging Strategy." Refreshments will be served. Registration required. 7 p.m. Feb. 12. BodyZoneRoswell, 1875 Old Alabama Road, Roswell. 770-922-0700, www.bodyzoneroswell.com.

Susan Rebecca White. Author discusses debut novel, "Bound South," about three women in the New South. 6 p.m. reception, 7 p.m. program. Feb. 9. $10. Margaret Mitchell House, 990 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 404-814-2063, www.gwtw.org.

Virginia Willis. Atlanta chef and former kitchen director for Martha Stewart Living discusses and signs her cookbook, "Bon Appetit Y'all." Complimentary tastings. 1-3 p.m. Feb. 14. Free. Savor Gourmet, 2355 Peachtree Road N.E., Atlanta. 404-869-0070, www.savorgourmet.com.