J.D. Cervantes, “Fran and Her Friend Death.” After foolishly giving her soul away to a demon conman, a woman ventures onto the streets of Chicago and eventually into the depths of hell, accompanied by her friend Death, in order to gain an audience with the devil and retrieve her soul. 1 p.m. July 28. Signing. Free. Tall Tales Book Shop, 2105 LaVista Road NE #108, Atlanta, 404-636-2498. talltalesatlanta.com/

Tessa Hicks Peterson and Hala Khouri, “Practicing Liberation.” Thirteen activists and community organizers offer strategies for those involved in social justice work that transform the effects of injustice, harm and oppressive systems into resilience, joy and community care, through frameworks like trauma-informed methodology, transformative movement organizing, engaged Buddhism, and healing justice. 7:30 p.m. July 30. Panel discussion on Crowdcast. Free. charisbooksandmore.com/

Howard Bryant, “The Last Hero: A Life of Henry Aaron.” Veteran reporter and biographer Bryant reveals how Aaron navigated the upheavals of his time — fighting against racism while benefiting from racial progress — and how he achieved his goal of continuing Jackie Robinson’s mission to obtain full equality for African Americans, both in baseball and society, despite living uncomfortably in the public eye. “More Than Brave,” an exclusive exhibition about Aaron’s life, will be open from 6-7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. July 31. Talk. Free-$12. Kennedy Theater, Atlanta History Center, 130 W. Paces Ferry Road NW, Atlanta, 404-814-4000. atlantahistorycenter.com/events/

Jennifer Lynn Barnes and Mark Oshiro, “The Grandest Game.” In an annual competition designed by the very rich to give anyone a shot at fame and fortune, seven players will do whatever it takes to win. But as tensions rise and the mind-bending challenges push the players to their physical, mental and emotional limits, it soon becomes clear that not everyone is playing by the rules. 6:30 p.m. Aug. 1. Talk, Q&A, signing. See link for ticket information and pricing. Decatur Recreation Center, 231 Sycamore St., Decatur, 404-373-6300. littleshopofstories.com

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"The Violet Hour" by Victoria Benton Frank. (Courtesy)

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Cuthbert is the county seat of Randolph County, one of 94 Georgia counties that registered more deaths than births in 2024. The county's hospital closed in 2020, leaving longtime state Rep. Gerald Greene to drivce himself 46 miles to Albany while suffering from a kidney stone recently. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC