📚 Grisham @ MJCCA Book Festival

New chapters for shorter days Oct. 13 —Welcome to the October issue of Stacks, the monthly newsletter about Atlanta’s literary scene. We publish on the second Sunday of every month, but we are sending this time on Monday, after a busier-than-usual weekend at Atlanta Pride.  October has arrived with cooler mornings and a particular quality of light that makes the indoors seem ever so appealing. The urgency of summer fades, replaced by a slower rhythm of pumpkin spice lattes and evenings that invite you to cozy up next to a warm fire. It’s the month of carved pumpkins glowing on front steps, ghost stories that make you laugh for hours, and the autumn nostalgia atmosphere that naturally lends itself to reading.  In this edition, we take a look at books that have a haunting yet nostalgic history, upcoming literary events, ghosts of famous literature and their integral influence on the arts, and an awesome author spotlight!  Rough Draft’s Cathy Cobbs also got the chance to speak with author John Grisham, who is the opening night speaker at the Book Festival of the MJCCA, which begins on Oct. 22. Thanks for reading, and please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or feedback! Also, if you enjoy Stacks, please forward it to a friend and encourage them to subscribe using this link.  -Caroline, Sarah and Madeleine Via Adobe Stock Books That Haunt Us “Atonement” by Ian McEwan The novel begins with a single, devastating falsehood that lingers throughout and calls into question what truth even means and how easily it can be misrepresented. Briony’s lie doesn’t just alter Robbie and Cecilia’s lives; it haunts them, leaving them searching for reason amidst confusion and betrayal. The past echoes and whispers, constantly in the background. Briony’s quest for “atonement” becomes a kind of haunting; she’s pursued by the ghost of her own guilt. Trapped in an endless loop of confession, she rewrites and rewrites a novel to make sense of her shame and remorse. She summons the dead, trying to speak to them through fiction. But can words resurrect the truth? The final twist in Atonement packs the cruelest punch of all: the revelation that the author’s final atonement is only an illusion. I’ve tried to put my finger on what’s so haunting about this story, and I’ve realized it’s the could’ve-been that will forever leave me wondering. – Caroline “The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brien In the novel, the memories are the ghosts. Taking place during the Vietnam War, it describes soldiers who carry not only guns and letters but also memories. Memories of Kiowa and Lavender linger, their deaths replaying endlessly and guilt manifesting in each soldier’s haunted mind. However, the heaviest things they carried were the ones no one could explain—like a land that speaks back and hides enemy soldiers behind every curve. The soldiers came home, but they never really left the jungle. The war followed them into their dreams and into their silence. They struggled to talk about their experiences, and at times it felt like no one wanted to listen until the silence began to fester. In this way, O’Brien gets to the real purpose of writing stories: to release the silence. However, The Things They Carried is also an attempt to preserve the memories of real people. In literature, they come alive again, and he can talk to them. They keep on living in this way. – Caroline “Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow” by Gabrielle Zevin This novel, centered around video games and creativity, leaves a lasting message about the isolation of grief. Sam Masur and Sadie Green have been friends since they first met as kids in the hospital—Sam there for an injured leg and Sadie visiting. Their friendship lasts through thick and thin, with many struggles along the way pushing them apart, but they always find their way back to each other. As they enter adulthood, Sam and Sadie become business partners on their shared video game project with their other close friend, Max Watanabe. Max is not just a friend but practically family—and, for Sadie, a romantic interest as well. When Max passes away suddenly in a tragic accident, Sam and Sadie struggle to go on, ultimately icing each other out. They struggle to connect again for years, separated by the strong barrier of grief between them. Eventually, Sam and Sadie reconnect, but this time they have to rebuild with grief embedded in them. This story haunts me as it beautifully captures the essence of how grief has a mind of its own and sometimes blinds you from seeing what you need most. – Madeleine “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens In this novel, Owens underscores how we can hide the ghosts of our pasts, but they will always come back to haunt us. Kya Clark, more commonly known as the “marsh girl,” was left to raise herself in the wild starting at the age of ten after she was abandoned by her abusive father. Kya goes on to learn to provide for herself and eventually becomes enamored with a local boy named Chase Andrews, who has an abusive past like her father. When Chase is found dead, the mysterious “marsh girl” is everyone’s first suspect. Kya is put on trial and eventually found not guilty, but it is later suggested at the end of the novel that she did take part in his murder. To me, the novel really highlights that as much as Kya wants to escape her past and move on with her life, she never truly can. The ghosts of her past keep coming back to haunt her—whether it’s her dad in the form of Chase or how Chase’s death haunts her guilt and conscience. This novel made me think a lot about how we are the product of the impressions others have made on us and how these impressions continue to haunt us. One thing to say, though: this book made a lasting impression on me and will definitely continue to haunt my thoughts for years to come. – Madeleine  “The Lovely Bones” by Alice Sebold  The Lovely Bones opens with the voice of fourteen-year-old Susie Salmon as she narrates her own murder from heaven, pulling readers into a world suspended between life and loss. I remember feeling that ache in my chest when her father refuses to give up, standing outside in the snow with a baseball bat, convinced the killer is still close. The image of her little sister breaking into the murderer’s house years later still makes my heart race. Sebold captures grief in all its messy shapes—anger, guilt, numbness—and somehow makes it luminous. What haunts me most is how Susie lingers as a ghost, watching over her family and hoping the people she loves find a way to keep living. – Sarah “The Road” by Cormac McCarthy I’ll never forget the feeling of finishing The Road and sitting there in silence. McCarthy tells the story of a father and his son as they navigate an abandoned and desolate world: no sunlight, no laughter, no names. The landscape feels lifeless, yet somehow alive with dread. As I read, I found myself holding my breath at moments of victory—when they discover a hidden bunker stocked with canned peaches or when the father manages to start a fire in the cold. Those brief moments of safety feel like almost holy miracles. What haunts me most isn’t the apocalypse itself but rather the tenderness of the father-son relationship. The father’s love for his son is fierce and fragile all at once, leaving you quiet, haunted by the question of what you’d do to protect the last bit of light in your life. – Sarah Chamblee’s Storybook Charm SPONSORED BY DECIDE DEKALB  Chamblee offers a city brimming with taste, heritage, and connection. Culinary traditions from around the world meet on every corner, while coffee shops provide a cozy retreat to recharge. Families spend time in parks, where green spaces and outdoor activities create lasting memories. Entertainment draws the community together through events, music, and celebrations that inspire. Maomi Bookstore and Wild Aster Books is a local favorite, a place where stories captivate the community. ➞ In Chamblee, fun, food, and family blend into unforgettable experiences. “Literary Witches” Via The Marginalian  Reclaiming the Witch: Power, myth, and women in literature “Circe” by Madeline Miller This novel gives the witch archetype new emotional and feminist depth. Madeline Miller allows Circe to tell her own story and reclaim her narrative from the myths that demonized her. Her banishment to the island of Aeaea isolates Circe, and her magic grows from this solitude and self-discovery. So, her witchcraft is really a language of resilience. Unlike the static, cursed witches of folklore, Circe changes emotionally, morally, and spiritually. Her immortality doesn’t trap her; it forces her to grow. Circe doesn’t seek power over others. Instead, she seeks knowledge of the natural world, her emotions, and her limits. Every spell she crafts is deeply personal. What’s more, Circe’s power doesn’t vanish when she becomes a mother; it deepens. Her witchcraft begins to stem from a fierce, protective care for her child, and her spells turn into safeguards against the gods’ cruelty. In the end, Circe chooses mortality, breaking a usual stereotype and siding with humanity over eternity. “Practical Magic” by Alice Hoffman You might recognize this title from the movie, and if so, you know Hoffman brings magic down to earth. The Owens women bake, garden, fall in love, and grieve in a small American town, proving that magic can exist in ordinary life. Magic in Practical Magic isn’t solitary but communal. The Owens women draw strength from each other, rewriting the archetype of the lone, isolated witch into one rooted in connection and love. Spells in Practical Magic aren’t flashy or dark, but subtle metaphors for human emotion. Magic reflects their inner world. Ultimately, Practical Magic restores tenderness to the figure of the witch. “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne Found in any great English class, you may remember The Scarlet Letter and its emphasis on Romanticism—but more importantly, how romantic ideals are used to comment on women’s roles in society. The Scarlet Letter is set in Puritan New England, where citizens pride themselves on their lack of greed and want for worldly pleasures. In reality, though, this Puritan society is extremely corrupt, with statesmen indulging in the finest goods with zero consequences, while women are held accountable for even the smallest wrongdoing. The townspeople are wary of any slight misconduct from women, as they believe it to be part of dangerous witchcraft—especially when it comes to Mistress Hibbins. Mistress Hibbins often holds her rumored “witch meetings,” which are never outright portrayed in the novel but seem to be mere gatherings of independent women in the forest to perform witch-like rituals. This in itself is enough for society to label it as sin, although there is no direct harm. Overall, Hawthorne highlights the importance of witches in Puritan society and how quickly people will ignorantly use women as scapegoats.  “A Wrinkle in Time” by Madeleine L’Engle A Wrinkle in Time puts a new spin on the darkness typically associated with witchcraft and magic. Witches—often associated with evil and historically linked to women’s wrongdoings—are framed in a much more positive light in this novel about cosmic balance. Madeleine L’Engle introduces three witches in her novel: Mrs. Who, Mrs. Which, and Mrs. Whatsit. These three witches are associated with ever-flowing knowledge, which is especially relevant in their names. They provide a source of guidance throughout the novel and display immense intelligence in their demeanor. Witches are often seen as the antagonists, but in this story, the witches are the ones fighting off evil and doing their best to better their world.  Literary Events    On Mon., Oct. 13 at 7 p.m., join writer, fashion editor, and activist Michaela Angela Davis in conversation with Charles M. Blow at the Georgia Center for the Book at the Decatur Library for a discussion of Davis’s new memoir, “Tenderheaded.” In this powerful and deeply personal work, Davis—VIBE’s founding fashion editor and a CNN correspondent—reflects on race, identity, and the legacy of Black media, celebrating its cultural impact while confronting the forces that have shaped and erased it. This event is free and open to the public; registration is requested but not required.  On Tues., Oct.14 at 7 p.m., journalist Tom Johnson visits the Atlanta History Center to discuss his new book “Driven: A Life in Public Service and Journalism, from LBJ to CNN.” Johnson has held many impressive positions in the journalism field, serving as both the chief executive officer of the Los Angeles Times and CNN, making him a role model to many. His new book chronicles eyewitness events of many key points in American history. Tickets are free to the public.   On Wed., Oct. 15 at 7 p.m., A Cappella Books hosts artist Ann Litrel and science journalist Charles Seabrook in conversation with award-winning reporter and environmentalist Sally Sears at the Georgia Center for the Book for a discussion of their new book, “35 Natural Wonders of Georgia to See Before You Die.” This illustrated guide celebrates Georgia’s most breathtaking landscapes—from the Okefenokee Swamp to Brasstown Bald—through art, storytelling, and science. This event is free and open to the public; registration is preferred but not required.  On Sun., Oct. 19 at 5 p.m., A Cappella Books welcomes Miriam Udel as she discusses her latest work, “Modern Jewish Worldmaking Through Yiddish Children’s Literature”. Udel uses her knowledge as a scholar of the Yiddish language as she explores the history and future of Yiddish in her newest book. Udel emphasizes in her work the historical importance Yiddish children’s literature has had on the perception of the Jewish community and its relative importance. This event is free and open to the public; copies of the book will be available for purchase.   On Thurs., Oct. 23 at 7 p.m., join award-winning creator and producer Shonda Rhimes at the First Baptist Church of Decatur for a special event celebrating the 10th anniversary of her New York Times bestselling memoir, “Year of Yes.” In this expanded edition, Rhimes, creator of Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, and Bridgerton, shares new stories and reflections on growth, courage, and the transformative power of saying “yes.” In conversation with special guests, Rhimes will revisit the year that changed her life and explore what it means to keep embracing joy and possibility a decade later. Tickets are non-refundable.   On Sun., Oct. 26 at 4:30 p.m., join debut novelist Margaret Hutton in conversation with Atlanta literary advocate Alison Law at A Cappella Books for a discussion of Hutton’s powerful new novel, “If You Leave.” Set against the backdrop of World War II and the decades that follow, the book traces the intertwined lives of three women, Audrey, Lucille, and Lake, as they navigate motherhood, art, love, and the lingering pull of the past. This event is free and open to the public.  On Thurs., Oct. 30 at 7 p.m., join former White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre in conversation with Pamela Kirkland, host of GPB’s Morning Edition, at Wild Heaven Garden Club for a discussion of Jean-Pierre’s new book, “Independent: A Look Inside a Broken White House, Outside the Party Lines.” In this urgent and revelatory work, Jean-Pierre draws on her experiences serving under Presidents Obama and Biden to examine America’s fractured two-party system and make a powerful case for political independence and individual conscience. Tickets are non-refundable; signed book bundles may be picked up in-store after the event.  On Mon., Nov. 3 at 7 p.m., join the Atlanta History Center as they welcome best-selling author Jeffrey Rosen to share his newest work, “The Pursuit of Happiness”. In this new historical text, Rosen takes a deep dive into the differing interpretations of the Constitution expressed by Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson, and how these opposing views have lasted over 250 years. Rosen expresses how debates over the Constitution continue as a lively discussion among presidents all the way from Washington to Trump. Tickets are $12 for not yet members and $6 for members.   On Wed., Nov. 5 at 7 p.m., CNN’s Abby Phillip visits the Atlanta History Center in conversation with celebrated civil and human rights advocate Ambassador Andrew Young. Listen as Phillip and Young explore Phillip’s newest work, unpacking the influence of Jesse Jackson’s political campaigns and how they fostered change for Black political power. With Phillip’s background in expert reporting and Young’s extensive and impressive political background, the event promises a riveting experience for the audience. Tickets are $12 for not-yet members and $6 for members.   On Thurs., Nov. 6 at 7 p.m., the Atlanta History Center hosts sports history professor Johnny Smith as he discusses his latest work, “The Fight of His Life”. Smith uses his research in sports history to explore the influence renowned boxer Joe Louis had not only on sports but also on societal and political change. The book celebrates the life and work of Joe Louis as well as all the lessons he taught. Tickets are $12 for not-yet members and $6 for members. Local Author Spotlight: Anna Sonoda   Anna Sonoda, LCSW, is a Decatur-based author, therapist, and mother of five whose work bridges the worlds of psychology, prevention, and storytelling. A graduate of the University of Georgia and Emory University, Sonoda spent years as a licensed clinical social worker. Her early career included working directly with convicted offenders—a rare and invaluable vantage point that shaped her life’s mission: to help families recognize the earliest signs of grooming before harm occurs. That expertise inspired her to create “Wait, That’s Weird!,” a forthcoming children’s book, co-written and illustrated by her middle-school-aged daughter. Designed to help families recognize the subtle signs of grooming, the book gives parents and kids the tools and language to talk about safety with confidence and compassion. Through her work, she continues to champion family-centered education that replaces fear with empowerment to reflect how lifesaving conversations can begin with a simple story shared at home. The post 📚 Grisham @ MJCCA Book Festival appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.