Denise Kiernan, "The Last Castle." This fascinating true story behind the palatial, gilded-age Biltmore House in N.C. spans World Wars, the Jazz Age, the Depression, and generations of the famous Vanderbilt family. 7 p.m. Oct. 2. Lecture, signing. Free. Carter Presidential Library & Museum, 441 Freedom Parkway, Atlanta, 404-865-7100, jimmycarterlibrary.gov
The Phillis Wheatley Reading: Ayana Mathis. "The Twelve Tribes of Hattie," Mathis' searing portrait of a family scattered by the Great Migration, was chosen as the second selection for Oprah's Book Club 2.0.; the author is currently at work on her second novel. 6:30 p.m. Oct. 3. Reading, reception, signing. Free. Emory University, Jones Room, 311 Woodruff Library, 540 Asbury Circle, 404-727-6861, creativity.emory.edu. Also appearing: 2 p.m. Oct. 4. Colloquium. Free. N301 Callaway Center, 201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, 404-727-4683.
David Gushee, "Still Christian: Following Jesus Out of American Evangelicalism," in conversation with Barbara Brown Taylor. Southern Baptist and Mercer University professor Gushee offers an insider's look at the frictions and schisms of evangelical Christianity, including being forced out for his stance on LGBT inclusion in the church. 8 p.m. Oct. 3. Talk, signing. $10. Atlanta History Center, 130 West Paces Ferry Road NW., Atlanta, 404-814-4150, atlantahistorycenter.com
Garry Wills, "What the Qur'an Meant." America's leading religious scholar introduces lay readers to the Qur'an with a measured, powerful reading of the ancient text. 7 p.m. Oct. 4. Talk, signing. Free. Carter Presidential Library & Museum, 441 Freedom Parkway, Atlanta, 404-865-7100, jimmycarterlibrary.gov
H.W. Brands, "The General vs. The President: MacArthur and Truman at the Brink of Nuclear War." The contest of wills between these two titanic characters unfolds against a turbulent backdrop that includes Stalin's blockade of West Berlin, the landing of MacArthur's forces at Inchon, and the terrors conjured at home by Joseph McCarthy. 8 p.m. Oct. 4. Talk, signing. $10. Atlanta History Center, 130 West Paces Ferry Road NW., Atlanta, 404-814-4150, atlantahistorycenter.com
Celebrating Three Muslim-American Writers: Kazim Ali, Shadab Zeest Hashmi, and Deema Shehabi. Ali ("Inquisition," due out in 2018) is an American poet, novelist and essayist of Indian descent. Hashmi ("Kohl & Chalk") was born in Peshawar, Pakistan; Palestinian-American poet Shehabi's first book, "Thirteen Departures from the Moon," was published in 2011. 7 p.m. Oct. 5. Reading. Free. Campbell Hall, Frannie Graves Auditorium, Agnes Scott College, 141 E. College Ave., Decatur, 404 471-6000, calendar.agnesscott.edu. Also appearing: 1 p.m. Oct. 6. Panel discussion. Free.
Julia Franks, Hannah Palmer, Amber Brock. Three Atlanta authors—Franks ("Over the Plain Houses"), Palmer ("Flight Path") and Brock ("A Fine Imitation")—team up for this author panel to celebrate National Reading Group Month. 4 p.m. Oct. 7. Chat, reading, signing. Free. Bookmiser-Roswell, 4651 Sandy Plains Road, Roswell, 770-993-1555, bookmiser.net
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