We first heard of Tayari Jones when we read her novel , which details the coming-of-age experiences of three children under the shadow of the (recently reopened) Atlanta child murders.

We've been reading reviews of her new book The Untelling, and it sounds like bracing stuff. Described on her site as a "portrait of a woman seeking to overcome the trauma of her past." The folks at The Believer (excerpt viewable by all, complete article available to subscribers) seemed to really like it, which is good enough for us in most instances. Tayari is touring in support of this book, and can be seen at several locations across the Bay Area this weekend:

Sat, May 21, 6:30pm: Reading and signing at Marcus Books in Oakland
Sun, May 22, 4:00pm: Reading, signing and reception at A Clean, Well-Lighted Place for Books in San Francisco
Mon, May 23, 12:30pm: Reading and signing at Alexander Book Company in San Francisco

As we begin to hear about more and more cool literary events, a regular column seems in order. What do you think? Or, do you have an event you'd like to tell us about?

Leaving Atlanta