The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This week’s literary events
Brit Bennett,“The Mothers”
7 p.m. Feb. 13. Reading, talk, signing. Free. The Wrecking Bar, 292 Moreland Ave NE, Atlanta, 404221-2600, http://www. wrecking bar brew pub. com, https://www. acappellabooks.com/pages/ events /89/ writers-the wrecking-bar-the-mothersby- brit Set within a contemporary black community in Southern California, Bennett’s mesmerizing first novel begins with a secret: A rebellious teenager takes up with the local pastor’s son, and the results of their romance — and the subsequent cover-up — will have an impact that goes far beyond their youth. In conversation With Candice Dyer from ArtsATL.
Jiréh Breon Holder, 20162018 Fellow in Playwriting
6:30 p.m. Feb. 14. Reading, signing, reception. Free. Emory University, Joseph W. Jones Room, 311, Woodruff Library, 540 Asbury Circle, 404-727-6861, http://www. arts.emory.edu An Atlanta area playwright, dramaturge and director, Holder was recently named the winner of the Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition for his play“Too Heavy for Your Pocket,”which will have its world premiere at the Alliance Theatre.
Marvin Williams, “Athletic Racism and Brown vs Board of Education”
5:30 p.m. Feb. 15. Discussion, signing. Free. Atlanta-Fulton Public Library AdamsvilleCollier Heights Branch, 3424 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, 404-699-4206, http://afpls. blogspot.com/ The author’s latest book explores the complex historical relationship between racism, education and athletics in the United States.
Mark Greaney, “Gunmetal Gray”
7 p.m. Feb. 16. Signing. Free. Eagle Eye Book Shop, 2076 N. Decatur Road, Decatur, 404-486-0307, http://www. eagleeyebooks.com Greaney, the best-selling coauthor of Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan novels, delivers another breakneck thriller following the world’s deadliest assassin, the Gray Man, across Southeast Asia.
Tina Maria Dunkley, “The Merikins: Forgotten Freedom Fighters in the War of 1812”
3 p.m. Feb. 18. Talk, signing. Free. Auburn Avenue Research Library, 101 Auburn Ave. NE, Atlanta, 404-7304001, ext. 100, http://www. afpls.org/events-aarl In recognition of Black History Month, the library will host artist and author Dunkley, whose vivid exploration celebrates the story of enslaved Africans who fought in the War of 1812 for the British Royal Navy as “Colonial Marines” and regained not only their freedom, but land in South Trinidad for their service.