This week’s literary events

Lisa Wingate, “Before We

Were Yours.” Wingate’s new novel is based on a real-life scandal in which the head of a Tennessee adoption agency kidnapped and sold poor children to wealthy families. 6 p.m. Aug. 29. Reading, talk, signing. Free. Milton Library, 855 Mayfield Road, Milton, 404-613-4402, www.afpls.org Christopher Swann, “Shadow of the Lions.” A writer whose long-ago roommate vanished from their boarding school returns to take a job there. 6:30 p.m. Aug. 29. Signing. Free. FoxTale Book Shoppe, 105 E. Main St., Woodstock, 770-516-9989, www. foxtalebookshoppe.com Lawrence P. Jackson, “Chester B. Himes:

A Biography.” Emory University professor Jackson uses access to Himes’ full archives to portray one of the towering figures of the black literary tradition. 7 p.m. Aug. 31. Discussion, signing. Free. Auburn Avenue Research Library, 101 Auburn Ave. NE., Atlanta, 404-7304001, ext. 100, www.afpls. org Mark Pendergrast,“City on the Verge: Atlanta and the Fight for America’s Urban Future.” Pendergrast uses the Atlanta Beltline saga to explore many issues. Jim Langford will moderate a discussion that includes Ryan Gravel and Alexander Garvin. 7 p.m. Aug. 31. Talk, signing. $10. Atlanta History Center, 130 West Paces Ferry Road NW., Atlanta, 404-814-4150, www. atlantahistorycenter.com Wallace Shawn, “Night

Thoughts.” The noted stage and screen actor shares his hopes for the future. 7 p.m. Aug. 31. Talk, signing. $22.09 includes signed copy of book. Ticketed event. Horizon Theatre, 1083 Austin Ave. NE., Atlanta, 404-6815128, www.acappellabooks. com