The AJC Decatur Book Festival is the largest independent book festival in the United States. Since 2006, the festival was hosted well over a 1000 authors. The event includes book signings, author readings, live music and more.
1. Challenges of Motherhood - Saturday 10AM
Join author Desiree Cooper and Carolyn Parkhurts as they discuss the many sides of motherhood. Cooper is the author of Know the Mother which explores the many the roles of mothers. It is a collection of short stories. Parkhurts is the author of Harmony which details a powerful story about love and family bonds.
2. Emerging Writers Stage - All Day
The Emerging Writers Stage will host dozens of authors both days. The authors will cover various genres of books. Presenters will include some of the best authors coming out and many are from the local greater Atlanta area.
3. Confronting Ugly Truths - Saturday 11:15 AM
Authors Karen Branan and Ross Howell will discuss the impact of lynching on history. Branan books gives a personal account of her family's role in a 1912 lyching of three black men a woman. Howell novel tell the story of a black girl who was tried for killing her white employer and killed one day after her seventeenth birthday.
4. Jacqueline Woodson - Saturday 11:15 PM
Bestselling author Jacqueline Woodson will discuss her new book Another Brooklyn. The novel covers the formative time when childhood gives way to adulthood for four girls. Woodson will be interviewed by author Valerie Boyd who is most known for her book Wrapped in Rainbows.
5. 'A Race of Artists': Examining Art and Social Activism - Saturday - 3:00 PM
A panel of multi-disciplinary artist will discuss their own artistic practices and the role of art in social activism. The presenters include: Isabella Alexander (writer/filmmaker), Morgan Carlisle (choreographer), Theaster Gates (artist/professor), and Clinnesha Sibley (playwright). The event will be moderated by Christeene Alcosiba, a poet and librarian.
For more information and the complete schedule please visit decaturbookfestival.com.