MJCCA Book Festival Continues with All-Star Lineup

The 32nd annual edition of the Book Festival of the MJCCA is here! This year’s lineup of authors and guests will be sure to have the seats filled and arms ready to raise for post-program Q&A sessions.

Some of the more notable authors and presenters at this year’s festival include actors Millie Bobby Brown, John Stamos, Henry Winkler, and comedienne Judy Gold; Sheila Johnson, the first Black female billionaire and co-founder of BET; politicians like former Georgia Congresswoman Stacy Abrams and former U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, and many more.

One of this year’s highlights will be on Nov. 4 when bestselling author Walter Isaacson presents his newest work, “Elon Musk,” a biography that delves deep into the controversial tech titan, and head of Twitter, SpaceX, and Neuralink.

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The book fesitval’s presenting sponsors are Greenberg Traurig, Barbara and Ed Mendel, and Fifth Third Bank.

The festival will run from Oct. 28 to Nov. 19 and will be held at the MJCCA, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody. Tickets are available and range price depending on the speaking engagement. Copies of the books are typically included with the cost of admission and some events may feature refreshments, a book signing, and photo line. For more information, please visit www.atlantajcc.org/bookfestival.

Event Previews

Being Henry: The Fonz and Beyond, Henry Winkler
“Being Henry,” the new novel by Emmy Award-winning actor, author, comedian, producer and director Henry Winkler is filled with profound heart, charm, and self-deprecating humor. The book is a memoir about life in Hollywood, the curse of stardom, and more. Event is at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 5. Tickets are $38 and include a copy of the book. There will not be a book signing; all book copies will be pre-signed. A photo line will be available.

The House is on Fire, Rachel Beanland
In a conversation with Zoe Fishman, author Rachel Beanland will discuss her work, “The House is on Fire.” The story is a reimagining of one of America’s earliest tragedies, the Richmond Theater Fire of 1811. Event is at 12 p.m., Nov. 6. Tickets are $13 for MJCCA members and $16 for the community.

Invited to Life: Finding Hope After the Holocaust, B.A. Van Sise
In a conversation with Rabbi Brian Glusman, author B.A. Van Sise will discuss his new book, “Invited to Life: Finding Hope After the Holocaust.” The emotional work focuses on survivors of the Holocaust and the aftermath. Event is at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 6. Tickets are $18 for MJCCA members and $22 for the community.

By the Grace of the Game, Dan Grunfield
In a conversation with IJ Rosenberg, author Dan Grunfield will discuss his new book, “By the Grace of the Game: The Holocaust, A Basketball Legacy, and an Unprecedented American Dream.” This complex tale traverses the spectrum of human experience to detail how perseverance, love, and legacy can survive through the generations. Event is at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 7. Tickets are $18 for MJCCA members and $22 for the community.

Honest Aging: An Insider’s Guide to the Second Half of Life, Rosanne Leipzig
In a conversation with Holly Firfer, author Rosanne Leipzig will discuss her new book, “Honest Aging: An Insider’s Guide to the Second Half of Life.” The book provides guidance for common health concerns, including problems with memory, mood, sleep, weight, and more. Event is at 12 p.m., Nov. 8. Tickets are $10 for MJCCA members and $15 for the community.

Why We Love Baseball: A History in 50 Moments, Joe Posnanski
In a conversation with Chris Dimino, author Joe Posnanski will discuss his new book, “Why We Love Baseball: A History in 50 Moments.” This masterful ode to the classic game will make you fall in love with America’s pastime all over again. Event is at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 8. Tickets are $18 for MJCCA members and $22 for the community.

Signal Fires: A Novel, Dani Shapiro
In a conversation with Jessica Handler, author Dani Shapiro will discuss her new book, “Signal Fires: A Novel.” Urgent and compassionate, this novel is a magical story for our times and a literary tour de force. Event is at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 9. Tickets are $18 for MJCCA members and $22 for the community.

Yes, I Can Say That, Judy Gold
This event will feature a standup comedy set from comedienne Judy Gold, who will share about her life and experiences and new book, “Yes I Can Say That.” Event is at 8 p.m., Nov. 11. Tickets are $25 for MJCCA members and $30 for the community. Event is recommended for adults age 18-plus.

 

 

 

Local Literati Showcase: Andy Lipman, Scott Zucker and Daniel Quigley
In a conversation with Jessica Handler, these three authors – Andy Lipman, Scott Zucker, and Daniel Quigley – will discuss their works. Lipman wrote, “The CF Warrior Project Volume 2: Celebrating Our Cystic Fibrosis Community”; Zucker wrote, “A Battle for Life: A Novel”; and Quigly wrote, “Thunderstruck: A Novel.” Event is at 1 p.m., Nov. 12. Admission is free.

The Best Strangers in the World, Ari Shapiro
In a conversation with Michael Seiden, author Ari Shapiro will discuss his new work, “The Best Strangers in the World: Stories from a Life Spent Listening.” Shapiro reveals heartwarming narratives about his time spent covering the globe for NPR. Event is at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 12. Tickets are $20 for MJCCA members and $25 for the community.

The World: A Family History of Humanity, Simon Sebag Montefiore
In a conversation with Dov Wilker, author Simon Sebag Montefiore will discuss his new book, “The World: A Family History of Humanity.” In this epic, ever-surprising book, Montefiore chronicles the world’s greatest dynasties across human history. Event is at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 13. Tickets are $18 for MJCCA members and $22 for the community.