Rhonda Riley, "The Enchanted Life of Adam Hope." 7:15 p.m. May 13. Talk and signing. Free. Decatur Library Auditorium, 215 Sycamore St., Decatur. 404-370-8450, Ext. 2225; www.georgiacenterforthebook.org. A teenager sent to manage the family farm in rural North Carolina during World War II finds what she takes to be a badly burned soldier on the property. It quickly becomes clear that something about him is different — for one thing, as he heals at a rapid rate he begins to resemble his rescuer.
Jim Wallis, "On God's Side: What Religion Forgets and Politics Hasn't Learned About Serving the Common Good." 7 p.m. May 15. Lecture and signing. Free. Jimmy Carter Library & Museum, 441 Freedom Parkway, Atlanta. 404-865-7100, www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov. Wallis, a best-selling author, public theologian, preacher, social activist and commentator on ethics and public life, discusses his timely and provocative book about politics and religion.
Sheri Joseph, "Where You Can Find Me." 7:30 p.m. May 15. Talk and reading. Free. Suggested donation: $5. Charis Books & More, 1189 Euclid Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 404-524-0304, www.charisbooksandmore.com. Atlanta author Joseph will give a writer's craft talk and will read from her new novel, the story of an abducted boy who reappears after three years. To escape media attention, his family takes him to Costa Rica, where the mystery of his lost years unfolds while new dangers threaten to pull him back toward his former life.
Saru Jayaraman, "Behind the Kitchen Door." 7 p.m. May 16. Reading and signing. Free. Jimmy Carter Library & Museum, 441 Freedom Parkway, Atlanta. 404-865-7100, www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov. How do restaurant workers live on some of the lowest wages in America? How do poor working conditions — discriminatory labor practices, exploitation and unsanitary kitchens — affect the meals that arrive at our restaurant tables? Jayaraman sets out to answer these questions by following the lives of restaurant workers in several major U.S. cities.
Patti Callahan Henry, "And Then I Found You"; Charles Martin, "Unwritten." 6:30 p.m. May 16. Reception and signing. $7. RSVP by May 15. Book Exchange, 2956 Canton Road, Marietta. 770-427-4848, www.bookexchangemarietta.com. Two Southern authors of Christian fiction celebrate their latest releases. Henry's story chronicles the experiences of a woman with long-held secrets who is no stranger to tough choices. Martin's latest follows the magical journey of two troubled souls in search of love and redemption.
Randy and Pam Golden, "60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Atlanta." 1 p.m. May 18. Signing. Free. Tall Tales Book Shop, 2105 LaVista Road N.E., Atlanta. 404-636-2498. The Goldens' ultimate hiking guide to the Atlanta area, with hikes ranging from one to 12 miles, is perfect for birding or viewing wildflowers, waterfalls, historic sites and much more.
Ashton Lee, "The Cherry Cola Book Club." 1 p.m. May 18. Reading and signing. FoxTale Book Shoppe, 105 E. Main St., Woodstock. 770-516-9989, www.foxtalebookshoppe.com. In a small town in Mississippi, a young librarian is under orders to increase the library's circulation dramatically or risk having to close its doors. Her solution? A book club that raises the profile of the library and, at the same time, brings art closer to life.
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