Debbie Gibson to Present at JCC BookFest

The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA) kicked off the 34th Edition of the Book Festival of the MJCCA on Wednesday, Oct. 22, with a riveting discussion with bestselling author John Grisham! The MJCCA has now announced the addition of a new featured program: Debbie Gibson, “Eternally Electric: The Message in My Music,” on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, at 8 p.m.

In her long-awaited debut, Debbie Gibson reflects on her rise to fame as a teenage pop sensation, her struggles with anxiety and depression, and her journey to rediscover balance and authenticity. From becoming the youngest artist to write, produce, and perform a Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit with “Foolish Beat” to starring in “Les Misérables,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and “Cabaret,” Gibson offers a candid look at the highs and lows of her career and the lessons that shaped her resilience and renewed sense of purpose.

The event will feature an author talk, an audience Q&A session, and a book signing with photo opportunities. Books are available for purchase through festival partner A Cappella Books.

This year’s festival brings together an extraordinary mix of household names, political leaders, cultural icons, and debut voices across literature, food, and current affairs. From bestselling authors like Grisham and Dr. Sanjay Gupta to influential figures such as Gov. John Kasich and Rabbi Angela Buchdahl, audiences can look forward to powerful conversations that span global issues, personal stories, and creative expression. With a balance of thought-provoking topics, culinary experiences, and new talent, the 2025 lineup showcases why the Book Festival of the MJCCA remains one of the Southeast’s most anticipated cultural events.

Select Keynote Authors

** Local Author

Governor John Kasich (Saturday, Nov. 1 – 8 p.m.), “Heaven Help Us” – the former Ohio Governor on how faith communities inspire civic resilience.
Daniel Kehlmann (Tuesday, Nov. 4 – 7:30 p.m.), “The Director” – a vivid novel exploring art, propaganda, and complicity under Nazi Germany.
Sarah Hurwitz (Wednesday, Nov. 5 – 7:30 p.m.), “As a Jew” – White House and Hillary Clinton speechwriter on reclaiming Jewish identity in a time of rising antisemitism.
Dorie Greenspan (Friday, Nov. 7 – 12 p.m.), “Dorie’s Anytime Cakes” – James Beard Award-winning author with a collection of simple, memorable cakes.
NEW: Debbie Gibson (Saturday, Nov. 8 – 8 p.m.), “Eternally Electric: The Message in My Music” – the award-winning singer-songwriter and actress shares her journey from teen pop stardom to self-discovery, resilience, and renewed creative purpose.
Rabbi Angela Buchdahl (Sunday, Nov. 9 – 7:30 p.m.), “The Heart of a Stranger” – the first Asian American rabbi with a powerful memoir of faith, identity, and belonging.
**Alton Brown (Monday, Nov. 10 – 7:30 p.m.), “Food for Thought” – Emmy-winning chef and television personality with an engaging debut essay collection mixing food, culture, and behind-the-scenes stories.
Georgia Hunter (Wednesday, Nov. 12 – 12 p.m.), “One Good Thing” – bestselling author of We Were the Lucky Ones with a moving WWII-era story of friendship and survival.
Jake Cohen (Wednesday, Nov. 12 – 7:30 p.m.), “Dinner Party Animal” – a playful and inventive cookbook to make every day a celebration.
Niki Russ Federman & Josh Russ Tupper (Friday, Nov. 14 – 11:30 a.m.), “Russ & Daughters: 100 Years of Appetizing” – fourth-generation owners of the famed New York shop, celebrating a century of tradition.
Douglas Murray (Saturday, Nov. 15 – 8 p.m.), “On Democracies and Death Cults” – bestselling author and journalist on Israel, the West, and the clash of values in the modern world.
CLOSING NIGHT: Dr. Sanjay Gupta (Sunday, Nov. 16 – 7 p.m.), “It Doesn’t Have to Hurt: Your Smart Guide to a Pain-Free Life” – Emmy Award–winning CNN chief medical correspondent and neurosurgeon with practical, science-based strategies for living pain-free.

Additional Author Highlights

Christine Brennan (Monday, Nov. 3 – 7:30 p.m.), “On Her Game” – USA Today columnist and broadcaster with an electrifying portrait of Caitlin Clark and the revolution in women’s sports.
Molly Jong-Fast (Thursday, Nov. 6 – 7:30 p.m.), “How to Lose Your Mother” – a sharp, funny, and deeply personal memoir from the political commentator and podcaster.
Alyssa Gross (Thursday, Nov. 13 – 12 p.m.), “Play Mahjong!” – a lively guide to American Mahjong that mixes cultural history with tips and strategy for all levels.
Elyce Arons (Thursday, Nov. 13 – 7:30 p.m.), “We Just Might Make It After All” – the co-founder of Kate Spade reflects on her lifelong friendship with Kate and their journey to build a global fashion empire.

Debut Fiction Panel (Tuesday, Nov. 4 – 12 p.m.)
The festival also highlights emerging voices with its Debut Fiction Panel, offering audiences the chance to discover the next wave of talent:

**Laura Dickerman, “Hot Desk” – a witty, post-pandemic publishing world drama about rivalry, legacy, and ambition.
**Catherine Mathis, “Ines: Queen of Portugal” – a sweeping first installment in a trilogy reimagining Portugal’s legendary royal love story.
Brian Schaefer, “Town & Country” – a big-hearted, small-town novel about politics, loyalty, and what makes a community whole.

All events will occur at the MJCCA, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody, GA, 30338. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the official MJCCA Book Festival event page.