One for the Books

Book Festival of the MJCCA will bring big name authors

Sen. Al Franken, news icon Dan Rather, Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, inventor Joy Mangano and social commentator Reza Aslan are just some of the big names scheduled to appear at this year’s Book Festival of the MJCCA.

The festival, which runs Nov. 4-20, will feature more than 45 authors with most events being held at the Marcus Jewish Community Center, 5342 Tilly Mill Road.

Also slated to appear are former First Daughters Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Pierce Bush, author and journalist Walter Isaacson, lifestyle expert Lisa Lillien, NBC investigative reporter Jeff Rossen, bestselling author Nicole Krauss and author and humorist Dave Barry.

Individual tickets are available as well as a series pass for $145 or $120 for members.

To see the schedule and buy tickets, visit atlantajcc.org/ bookfestival.

“The 26th Edition of the Book Festival of the MJCCA features everyone from renowned political figures and historians, to award-winning novelists and local luminaries.

Book topics range from scientific breakthroughs to fascinating biographies, from untold stories about the Holocaust to World War II epics, from brilliant Jewish humor to unwritten rules for sports fans,” said Book Festival Co-Chair Bea Grossman. “We truly have something for everyone – book lover or not.”

Justice Breyer will headline the opening night event on Nov. 4, discussing his book “The Court and the World,” while Sen. Franken will close this year’s festival on Nov. 20 talking about his memoir “Giant of the Senate” with host Bill Nigut.

– Collin Kelley

from insecurities, the art saved Jensen from his own struggles. For years, he suffered from panic attacks and homebound agoraphobia. During this dark period, he learned to play the piano and to draw.

Jensen started to connect with the outside world by sharing his caricature art on YouTube. He began to face his fears through exposure therapy, usually something as simple as dining in a restaurant. Those early meals were difficult, yet caricature art helped him draw through the pain.

“I brought a sketchbook and started drawing people,” Jensen recalled. “The next thing I knew, I was there for two hours because I totally zoned out as I was drawing these people.”

As he gained confidence, Jensen went on to attend a caricature convention and meet a few like-minded friends who suggested he start doing live caricatures. Many already knew Jensen from his popular YouTube videos that get 4,000 hits on average. One day while drawing in Helen, GA, Jensen met Bobby Morris, another caricature artist. The duo started a joint business and when they started getting gigs, like corporate parties that pay as much as $150 an hour, they decided to make caricature art their full time job.

Last fall Jensen hosted a seminar for a caricature convention, talking about his agoraphobia and the importance of caricature art in his life, in front of 300 fellow artists from around the world.

Jensen will return to the annual caricature convention this November to exchange ideas, learn new techniques and remember why caricature art is important.

“There is no truth in caricature, just humor and art. People shouldn’t subject themselves to believe their face is a way of identifying themselves. That idea is too subjective and unfair,” Jensen said. “The truth of understanding someone is by studying what lies within.”

For more information, visit thetoonheadz.com.