Georgia Tech will have a formidable presence at one of the largest independent book festivals in the country this weekend. Several faculty members will participate in the 2014 AJC Decatur Book Festival Aug. 29–31.

The festival is free and open to the public and takes place in the downtown Decatur Square. In addition to author discussions, it includes book signings, live music, parades, cooking demonstrations, an interactive children’s area, and writing workshops.

Georgia Tech authors include:

• John Cressler, professor in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, who will share highlights from his latest novel, Shadows in the Shining City; 
• Kristie Macrakis, professor in the School of History, Technology, and Society, who will discuss her recent book, Prisoners, Lovers, & Spies: The Story of Invisible Ink from Herodotus to al‑Qaeda; and
• Brittain Fellows Lauren Neefe and Caroline Young, as well as undergraduate students Jack Anninos, Brent Hornilla, and Ritika Ravichandra will represent Georgia Tech on the Local Poetry Stage.

Many of Tech’s participants are part of the Festival’s Science Track, which features a total 10 different sessions:

• School of Psychology Professor Randy Engle shares the stage with author Daniel Levitin and his book The Organized Mind;
• School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Associate Professor Pete Ludovice joins author Scott Weems on Ha! The Science of How We Laugh and Why;
• School of Psychology Professor Jenny Singleton and author and journalist Lydia Denworth explore the science of sound in I Can Hear You Whisper; and
• School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Assistant Professor James Wray will discuss Mars Up Close: Inside the Curiosity Mission with author Marc Kaufman.

A full schedule of events and more information is available at www.decaturbookfestival.com.