THIS WEEK’S LITERARY EVENTS

Jonathan Putnam, “How the Young Lincoln Became Our Lincoln.”

In his popular mystery series, Lincoln scholar Putnam (“Final Resting Place”) focuses on Abraham Lincoln’s historic friendship with Joshua Speed. 6:30 p.m. March 3. Lecture, signing. Free. Aurora Theatre, 153 E. Crogan St., Lawrenceville, 678-2266222, jonathanfputnam.com

Elana Zaiman, “The Forever Letter: Writing What We Believe for Those We Love.”

Rabbi, chaplain and spiritual leader Zaiman offers tools, guidelines, and writing tips as she accompanies readers on a journey of self-discovery in writing the “forever letter.” 9:45 a.m. March 2; 10 a.m. March 3. Talk, workshop. Free. Ahavath Achim Synagogue, 600 Peachtree Battle Ave., Atlanta. aasynagogue.org

Max Blau, “Lightning, Struck: How an Atlanta Neighborhood Died on the Altar of Super Bowl Dreams.”

Freelance journalist Blau will discuss the story of Atlanta’s Lightning community, razed to make way for the Georgia Dome, based on his article featured in the Bitter Southerner. 7:15 p.m. March 4. Discussion. Free. Decatur Library Auditorium, 215 Sycamore St., Decatur, 404-370-3070, Ext. 2285, georgiacenterforthebook.org/

Bettina Love, “We Want to Do More Than Survive: Abolitionist Teaching and the Pursuit of Educational Freedom.”

Drawing on her life of teaching and research in urban schools, Love argues that students must be taught about racial violence, oppression, and how to make change in their communities through radical civic initiatives and movements. 7:30 p.m. March 5. Free. Suggested donation $5. Charis Books & More, 1189 Euclid Ave. NE, Atlanta, 404-524-0304, charisbooksandmore.com/

Mitchell Jackson, “Survival Math.”

Awardwinning author Jackson (“The Residue Years”) goes inside the drugravaged neighborhood and struggling family of his youth, while examining the cultural forces that led to them. 7 p.m. March 7. Talk, signing. Free. Jimmy Carter Presidential Library, 441 John Lewis Freedom Parkway NE, Atlanta. jimmycarterlibrary.gov/ events/