THIS WEEK’S LITERARY EVENTS

W.J. Lofton, “A Garden for Black Boys: Between the Stages of Soil and Stardust.” Atlanta artist and poet Lofton’s second poetry collection, inspired by tragedy and the possibility of a better tomorrow, is as much a riot song as it is a hymn calling for healing. 3 p.m. Feb. 1. Reading, discussion, signing. Free. Auburn Avenue Research Library, 101 Auburn Ave. NE, Atlanta, 404-613-4001, afpls. org/events-aarl

Joseph “Rev Run” Simmons and Justine Simmons, “Old School Love and Why It Works.” RUN DMC’s iconic rapper Simmons and his wife and co-star from the hit MTV series “Run’s House,” share their secrets to lasting love and the guiding principles that have kept them together for more than 20 years. 7 p.m. Feb. 3. Talk, signing. $26.99$31.99-plus. SCAD show, 173 14th St. NE, Atlanta, 404-6815128, acappellabooks.com/ events.php

Carl Suddler, “Presumed Criminal: Black Youth and the Justice System in Postwar New York.” In his examination of the deliberate criminalization of black youths from the 1930s to today, Suddler reveals a much longer history of the policies and strategies that tethered black youths to the justice system indefinitely. 7 p.m. Feb. 5. Talk, signing. Free. Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum, 441 John Lewis Freedom Parkway, Atlanta, 404-865-7100, .jimmycarterlibrary.gov/ events/

Amy Bonnaffons, “The Regrets.” Bonnaffons’ darkly playful debut novel examines a love affair between the living and the dead in which reality and dreams collide. With a short set by musician K Michelle DuBois, and in conversation with Alison Law, host of the “Literary Atlanta” podcast. 7 p.m. Feb. 6. Talk, signing. Free. Wrecking Bar Brewpub, 292 Moreland Ave. NE, Atlanta, 404-681-5128, acappellabooks.com/events.php.