12
Sep
Alright, listen up, because the Decatur Book Festival is kicking off its 2026 season with a conversation you won’t want to miss. We’re talking about a night with Brian Goldstone, y’all, a Pulitzer Prize winner who used to call Decatur home. This is your chance to hear from a journalist whose work is making waves and really shining a light on something important happening right here in our city.
Brian Goldstone is the author of “There Is No Place for Us: Working and Homeless in America,” which just won the 2026 Pulitzer Prize in General Nonfiction. It was also a finalist for the Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Nonfiction and even made it onto The New York Times and The Atlantic’s list of the 10 Best Books of 2025. His book is a deep dive into the lives of five Atlanta families dealing with the tough reality of being working homeless in a city that’s changing fast. He’s exposing how people with full-time jobs are still struggling to keep a roof over their heads because of rising rents and other issues. This isn’t just a book, it’s a window into the lives of folks living through a really challenging trend.
So, what can you expect when you get there? Well, it’s a keynote conversation, meaning Brian Goldstone will be sharing his insights and stories. After the discussion, there will be a book signing, which is perfect if you want to get your copy autographed. Seating for the event is first come, first served, so you’ll want to get there when the doors open to snag a good spot.
This event is for everyone, whether you’re a bookworm, someone who cares about social issues, or just looking for an insightful evening out. It could be a really thought-provoking date night, a compelling solo hang, or a meaningful outing with friends. It’s a chance to engage with a powerful story and an important conversation.
Now for the practical stuff. This amazing event is happening on Friday, October 2nd, at 7:00 PM. The doors to the First Baptist Church of Decatur Sanctuary, located at 308 Clairemont Avenue in Decatur, will open an hour earlier at 6:00 PM. The best part? This is a completely FREE event for all! While registering online lets them know you’re coming and helps with their headcount, it’s not required to attend or to guarantee you a seat.
If you want to grab a copy of “There Is No Place for Us,” you can purchase it from Charis Books & More. Just make sure to mention you’ll pick up your book at the event. Books will also be available for sale on-site by Charis, and a portion of your purchase will go to benefit the Decatur Book Festival, which is a great way to support the local literary scene. Just a heads up, by registering, you’re opting in to their newsletter, but again, registration isn’t mandatory to be there.
