Reading Local: Atlanta

Real Role Models: Successful African Americans Beyond Pop Culture by Joah Spearman and Louis Harrison, Jr.
Book Signing on Monday, February 15, 6:30 p.m.
Central Branch – Atlanta – Fulton Library

All young people need good role models, and black youth especially need positive and real examples beyond the famous and wealthy people they see on SportsCenter highlights and MTV Cribs. While success as a celebrity athlete or entertainer may seem like an achievable dream, the reality is that young African Americans have a much greater chance of succeeding in the professions through education and hard work—and a mentor to show them the path. Real Role Models introduces high school and college-age African Americans to twenty-three black professionals who have achieved a high level of success in their chosen fields and who tell their stories to inspire young people to pursue a professional career and do the work necessary to achieve their dreams.

Some of the individuals profiled by Joah Spearman and Louis Harrison, Jr., include Leonard Pitts, Pulitzer Prize‚Äìwinning columnist for the Miami Herald; Melody Barnes, Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council; Danyel Smith, editor-in-chief of Vibe; and Dr. Tim George, Chief of Pediatric Neuroscience at Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas. They and other interviewees describe their backgrounds, career paths, and desire to give back by helping others reach their goals. Representing a wide range of occupations, these real role models prove to African American youths that a whole world of successful, rewarding careers awaits them.

FREE Validated parking is available at the Lanier Lot, across from the library, located at 1 Carnegie Way.

If you cannot attend the reading, but would like a signed copy, you may reserve it by contacting A Cappella Books.

The Power of Half by Kevin Salwen and Hannah Salwen
Lecture & Book Signing on Monday, February 8th at 7:15 p.m.
Decatur Library Auditorium

It all started when 14-year old Hannah Salwen, idealistic but troubled by a growing sense of injustice in the world, had a eureka moment when a homeless man in her neighborhood was juxtaposed against a glistening Mercedes coupe. “You know, Dad,” she said, pointing, “If that man had a less nice car, that man there could have a meal.”

This glaring disparity led the Salwen family of four, caught up like so many other Americans in this age of consumption and waste, to follow Hannah’s urge to do something, to finally just do something. And so they embarked on an incredible journey together from which there would be no turning back. They decided to sell their Atlanta mansion, downsize to a house half its size, and give half of their profits to a worthy charity. At first it was an outlandish scheme. “What, are you crazy? No way!” Then it was a challenge. “We are TOTALLY doing this.” Each week they met over dinner to discuss their plan. It would transport them across the globe and well out of their comfort zone.

Along the way they would inspire so many others wrestling with the same questions: Do I give enough? How much is enough? How can I make an impact in the world? In the end the Salwens’ journey would bring them closer as a family, as they discovered, together, that half could be so much more. Warm, funny, deeply moving and wholly uplifting, The Power of Half is the story of how one family slammed the door on the status quo and threw away the key.

This event is presented by Georgia Center for the Book and all books purchased at the event will benefit the Georgia Center of the Book.

Leading High Performers by Eric Snow
Book Signing on Thursday, January 28, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Central Branch of the Atlanta-Fulton Library

For most of his distinguished 14-year NBA career, Eric Snow has been one of the league’s most visible leaders including an annual selection as his team’s co-captain and a long tenure as the Vice President of the NBA Players Association. Eric has a unique understanding of leadership from the blisteringly-paced world of professional sports as well as his post-retirement “trial by fire” initiation into the world of instant entrepreneur, investor and businessman. Hosting the Atlanta launch of his new book, Leading High Performers: The Ultimate Guide to Being a Fast, Fluid, and Flexible Leader will be The Michigan State Atlanta Alumni Chapter. Former Michigan State and Atlanta Hawk star Steve Smith will also be on hand to sign autographs as well. The first 100 people to RSVP will be entered into a drawing to win a free autographed basketball from Eric. Everyone who RSVPs will have a chance to win a free signed copy of the book.

This event brings together the business, educational and faith community to network and celebrate the release of Snow’s first book. He will discuss how attendees can develop and lead high performers, as well as how individuals can better meet the new demands of leadership roles in 2010 and beyond, through the Fast, Fluid, and Flexible leadership model. FREE Validated parking is available at the Lanier Lot, across from the library, located at 1 Carnegie Way. Please RSVP for this event at ericsnow.eventbrite.com LIMITED SPACE IS AVAILABLE.

If you cannot attend the reading, but would like a signed copy, you may reserve it by contacting A Cappella Books.

Robert Hartle Jr.
The Highs & Lows of Little Five (GA): A History of Little Five Points
Book Signing on Saturday, February 13, 6:30 p.m.
The Opal Gallery

Atlanta’s Little Five Points, the city’s first Neighborhood Commercial District, stands out as one of the most distinctive shopping districts in the Southeast. There have been quite a few ups and downs in the area’s history, but ultimately the dedicated, passionate individuals who made L5P what it is today handled them with perseverance and foresight, creating unique, independently owned stores that draw the most eclectic mix of people found anywhere in Atlanta. The cultural melting pot created by these stores is what makes Little Five Points such a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Join author Robert Hartle Jr. as he tells the story of the revitalization of Little Five Points, including firsthand accounts from longtime L5P business owners who were actually there and who helped to save the area from the many threats to its survival.

If you cannot attend the reading, but would like a signed copy of The Highs & Lows of Little Five (GA): A History of Little Five Points, you may reserve it by contacting A Cappella Books.

Charis Books and More
Thursday, February 11, 2010
7:30 to 9:00pm

Join Charis Books for an exciting night with award-winning author Evelyn Coleman and celebrated singer-songwriter Joyce Brookshire as they trade stories, history, and songs about Atlanta’s Cabbagetown neighborhood. Evelyn began researching Cabbagetown for her novel Freedom Train, based on the true story of the 1947 train which traveled the country displaying the Declaration of Independence and a boy from Cabbagetown whose life is changed by the racial injustice he witnesses when the train arrives in Atlanta. Joyce grew-up in Cabbagetown and has long been a chronicler of the neighborhood’s Appalachian cultural roots. Don’t miss this informative and fun discussion of Atlanta history and the creative process with two very special women.

Thursday, February 11, 2010
8:00 to 9:30pm

Join Charis for a sexy, fun and funny talk about female sexuality with former On Our Backs editor, author, and sex educator Diana Cage. Drawing from her forthcoming book, A Woman’s Guide to Sexual Ecstasy, Diana will take us on a tour of the female body, offering tips and tricks to help you turn up the heat on Valentine’s Day. After the talk, you’ll have a chance to munch on scrumptious desserts and write anonymous questions on index cards for an anything goes Q&A.

Charis Books and More
Monday, February 1, 2010
7 to 8:30pm

Charis Books hosts a brainstorming session about the future of our Faiths and Feminisms group. Even if you have never previously attended the group you are invited to join them in reimagining what kind of discussion group you might want in 2010. They are open to all ideas including moving away from a book-centered format to a more discussion based style or anything else you can imagine.

Thursday, February 4, 2010
7 to 9pm
Join the Feminist Women’s Health Center for a discussion about expanding existing visions of reproductive justice through broader human rights advocacy training. Refreshments will be provided. For more information please contact FWHC at (404) 248-5445 or email nextwave@feministcenter.org/.

Frances Smith Foster
‘Til Death or Distance Do Us Part: Love and Marriage in African America
Monday, February 1
7:15 P.M.
Decatur Library Auditorium

The distinguished Emory University scholar, Foster, discusses her acclaimed new book, ‘Til Death or Distance Do Us Part: Love and Marriage in African America. The book is a compelling study of slave marriages that uncovers a rich legacy of love, struggle and commitment in the antebellum era. Critics call it “challenging and important” as it demolishes stereotypes of African Americans during an era when they were treated as chattel. Dr. Foster is the editor of The Concise Oxford Companion to African American Literature and The Norton Anthology of African American Literature, and the author of a dozen books. She is the Charles Howard Chandler Professor of English and Women’s Studies at Emory and the former teacher of the year, copies of “Til Death or Distance Do Us Part as well as Foster’s previous works will be at the event for purchase compliments of our friends at Charis Books & More in Little 5 Points.

Thomas Mullen
The Many Deaths of the Firefly Brothers
Wednesday, February 3
7:15 P.M.
Decatur Library Auditorium

Author of the acclaimed novel The Last Town on Earth, and a resident of Decatur, joins us to help launch his eagerly anticipated new novel, The Many Deaths of the Firefly Brothers. It’s a rollicking, imaginative Depression-era tale complete with kidnappings, gangsters, heiresses and speakeasies, focused on bank-robbing duo Jason and Whit, known as the Firefly Brothers. The novel is all about what happens when you get gunned down in a police shoot-out and go on to find out the truth about your mythical lives. We think it’s headed for the top of best-seller lists! Join us for a reception to honor the author. Copies of Mullen’s new book will be available for purchase at the event from our friends at A Cappella Books in Little Five Points.

On the last weekend in February, Macon will be flooded with nationally recognized authors and the writers who aspire to learn from them at the second Crossroads Writers Conference. This year marks the debut of the Crossroads Literary Festival, a free public series of readings and presentations that will run concurrently with the conference in the College Hill area. The conference starts early Saturday, Feb. 27 in Mercer’s Knight Hall at 7:30 am with a social breakfast where writers can mingle and network. More than 50 panels, workshops, roundtable talks and readings will follow, culminating in a big closing ceremony featuring a mini Poetry Slam, dramatic presentations and a music-heavy reading by Random House author Steve Almond. The conference offers topics ranging from the traditional (fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction) to edgier forms (screenwriting, blogging, spoken word, Steampunk fiction).

Registration includes all 50+ panels, workshops, roundtable talks and readings as well as breakfast, lunch and a book tote. The literary festival, including a book fair at Centenary Church, will run on Saturday at 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at various locations around College Hill: Sidney Lanier Cottage, Jittery Joes Coffee, Centenary Church and the Golden Bough Bookstore. Details on the schedule will soon be available online at www.CrossroadsCon.org

Visiting authors include Steve Almond, Candyfreak; Judith Ortiz-Cofer, A Love Story Beginning in Spanish: Poems; Mara Shalhoup, Editor in Chief of Creative Loafing; former Maconite Ad Hudler, Househusband; Middle Georgia native Lauretta Hannon, The Cracker Queen; Megan Sexton, Under the Rock Umbrella; Emilie Bush, Chenda and the Airship Brofman; and Fulvia Lindsay, writer for television show CSI. For a complete list of authors, visit the Web site.

Local authors include Ed Grisamore, Josephine Bennett, Bill Shanks, Phillip Ramati, Kevin Cantwell, Anya Silver, Andy Silver, Robert Fieldsteel, Rick Hutto, Louise Stamen, William Rawlings, Michael McGouirk, Rick Maier, Camara Fontenot, Jared Wright, Luke Goddard and several others. Macon writer Gena Courtney attended the last conference and plans to attend once again. “The most important thing I learned at the first conference was to consider writing as a job…Work at it, everyday. Some days will be terrible, but you must write through them, to the other side, where the days may be terrific and satisfying,” Courtney said.

Crossroads is a not-for-profit civic endeavor that is completely operated by a volunteer board and a volunteer staff. The conference is funded generously by The Knight Neighborhood Challenge, the State of Georgia, City of Macon and the Macon State Foundation as well as supported by the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, Macon State College, Mercer University and Mercer Press. Information and online registration is available at www.crossroadscon.org. Registration will be open the day of the conference only if space is available.

James A. Moore, Blue Elephant Book Shop The New Dead
2091 N Decatur Rd
Decatur, GA 30033
(404) 728-8955
February 16th at 7:30 PM

First, I couldn’t resist the headline. Sorry about that. Uh, anyway. Author Jim Moore has a story in The New Dead, an anthology of Zombie fiction. More about Jim Moore and his fiction can be found here.

Jim Wallis
Feb. 5, 2010: 7 p.m
Rediscovering Values Book Tour
Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum – Atlanta, GA
441 Freedom Parkway
Contact: Joe Davich
Tel: (404) 370-8450

Jim Wallis is speaking in Atlanta on his book tour for Rediscovering Values: On Wall Street, Main Street, and Your Street – A Moral Compass for the New Economy. On Friday, February 5, Wallis will speak and sign books at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum. The event begins at 7 p.m. in the theater. The event is free and open to the public and sponsored by the Georgia Center for the Book.

While most of us wonder, “When will the financial crisis be over?,” Wallis will present the more challenging question, “How will the financial crisis change us?” Jim Wallis is the founder and CEO of Sojourners and author of the recent New York Times best-selling books, The Great Awakening: Seven Ways to Change the World and God’s Politics: Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn’t Get It.