Eating Ethically: Religion and Science for a Better Diet
Jonathan K. Crane, Raymond F. Schinazi Scholar in Bioethics and Jewish Thought
Sept. 2, 2:30-3:15 p.m., Marriott Conference Center Auditorium
How can something we do at least three times a day influence how we feel, physically and ethically, and yet be so controversial?
Jonathan Crane examines the connection between food and ethics, sociology, biology and much more in his book, “Eating Ethically: Religion and Science for a Better Diet.” Crane wants others to understand the enormous impact of what you choose to eat.
Presenting at the Decatur Book Festival, Crane explains the importance of ethical and thoughtful eating practices, and argues that the public should adapt such habits.
Read more: “Crane’s ‘Eating Ethically’ draws inspiration from Emory classroom”
An American Marriage
Tayari Jones, acting professor of creative writing
Sept. 2, 3:45-4:30 p.m., First Baptist Decatur Sanctuary
Author of “An American Marriage,” an Oprah’s Book Club pick, Tayari Jones shares her novel and what inspired her to write it.
When Celestial’s husband, Roy, gets arrested for a crime she is sure he did not commit, Celestial must face Roy’s best friend, Andre, as well as her storied past to find where she belongs and if she still loves her husband.
Now on her fourth book, Jones, a new member of Emory’s creative writing faculty, is a recipient of the Hurston/Wright Legacy Award and has been awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award in Fine Arts from the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.
Read more: “Author Tayari Jones joins Emory University faculty”
Archives: Sites of Memory, History and Reflection
Sarah Quigley, manuscript archivist and interim head of manuscript processing at Emory’s Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Book Library; Dorothy Waugh, digital archivist at the Rose Library; Julie Newton, assistant conservator for the Emory Libraries Conservation Department; moderated by Pellom McDaniels III, curator of African American collections for the Rose Library and author of “The Prince of Jockeys: The Life of Isaac Burns Murphy.”
Sept. 2, 3:45-4:30 p.m., Marriott Conference Center C
Staff of Emory’s Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives and Rare Book Library as well as the Emory Libraries Conservation Department will discuss their work on rare and important documents. Sarah Quigley has worked on the Congressional records of Sen. Jesse Helms (R-N.C.). Dorothy Waugh is responsible for born-digital documents at Emory’s Rose Library, and Julie Newton works on treating and exhibiting rare books and documents for the special collections library at Emory. Members of the panel will discuss the archival and preservation processes and how to use these pieces for research and learning.
Atticus Finch: A Biography
Joseph Crespino, Jimmy Carter Professor of History
Sept. 2, 3:45-4:30 p.m., Decatur Presbyterian Sanctuary
Author of “Atticus Finch: A Biography,” Joseph Crespino discusses how Harper Lee’s father was the inspiration for Finch’s character in both of her books.
Atticus Finch is seen as a racist in “Go Set a Watchman,” but defends a black man wrongfully accused of rape in the beloved “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Crespino discusses the stark differences in the character’s portrayal in each book and connects this with the “real” Atticus Finch: A.C. Lee.
Introducing Crespino at the Decatur Book Festival is Edward Hatfield, managing editor of the “New Georgia Encyclopedia.”
Read more: “Who was Atticus Finch? Emory letters, upcoming book shed new light on beloved character”
The Great Alignment: Race, Party Transformation, and the Rise of Donald Trump
Alan Abramowitz, Alben W. Barkley Professor of Political Science
Sept. 2, 5-5:45 p.m., Marriott Conference Center B
In his book, “The Great Alignment,” Alan Abramowitz discusses how polarization in the United States occurs and why it might soon grow deeper.
A political science professor at Emory, Abramowitz argues that the polarization of our two-party system is unique to our country and divides us by race, region and geographical area. Now one of the top experts in election modeling, Abramowitz argues that polarization directly reflects today’s American society.
Abramowitz is introduced at the Decatur Book Festival by Jim Galloway, editor and writer for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Read more: “Political polarization paved way for Trump, will continue into 2020 race”
The Enlightened Gene: Biology, Buddhism, and the Convergence that Explains the World
Arri Eisen, Nat C. Robertson Distinguished Teaching Professor in Science & Society in Biology, Institute for the Liberal Arts, Center for Ethics
Sept. 2, 5-5:45 p.m., Marriott Conference Center A
Tibetan monks have created an unlikely bond with scientists through the Emory-Tibet Science Initiative that began nearly a decade ago. This bond shows the relationship between religion and science and how these fields can work together in order to achieve success.
Using both religion and biology, Arri Eisen discusses the root of “good” and other existential thinking. Eisen has been a leader in the Emory-Tibet Science Initiative since its onset.
Interviewed by Rev. Dr. James Brewer-Calvert, Eisen considers compassion, death and everything essential for life.
Read more: “‘The Enlightened Gene’ captures Emory-Tibet Science Initiative’s integration of science, faith”
The Ordinary and Extraordinary in Short Stories
Andy Plattner, instructor, creative writing
Sept. 2, 12-12:45 p.m., Marriott Conference Center Auditorium
Andy Plattner, author of “Dixie Luck,” will speak on a panel at the Decatur Book Festival discussing the best of short stories. Plattner’s book focuses on optimistic characters who work hard for success, even with unfortunate odds against them.
Other panelists include Amy Bonnaffons, author of “The Wrong Heaven,” and J.J. Haas, author of “Welcome to Sugarville.” Moderating the panel is David Russell, librarian, bookseller and storyteller.
