Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, the first female speaker of the House of Representatives, will serve as the closing speaker for the Book Festival of the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA) on Nov. 17. 

The MJCCA announced this morning that Pelosi, who has served for 37 years representing California’s 11th District, will discuss her newly released memoir, “The Art of Power,” a recounting of her historic rise from housewife to U.S. House Speaker. 

“This year’s book festival is set to be our most memorable yet,” MJCCA Book Festival Co-Chair Cherie Aviv said. “We are thrilled to announce Nancy Pelosi as our closing speaker, offering a unique and intimate look at her remarkable career.”

Pelosi, regarded as one of Washington’s most powerful female politicians, was the first woman, the first Californian, and the first Italian-American to hold the speakership. Pelosi served from 2007-2011 and 2019-2023 – the first person to be twice elected to the post.

She was the chief architect of major legislation under two Democratic administrations, including the Affordable Care Act and the American Rescue Plan.  Pelosi led House Democrats for 20 years and previously served as House Democratic Whip. 

She joins several other prominent national figures who will appear in person at the festival, including Dr. Anthony Fauci,  former chief medical advisor to the president, who will be the opening speaker on Nov. 2. 

Throughout her political career, Pelosi has been characterized as a polarizing political figure by both the right and left wings, but most vehemently by the Republican party for her stances on gun control and increased taxation on the wealthy, as well as her role in twice impeaching former president Donald Trump.

She was the focus of numerous threats of violence during her career, including an attack on her home in 2021, when vandals wrote graffiti on her San Francisco home, sprayed fake blood on it and left a severed pig’s head in the yard.

Pelosi’s husband, Paul, suffered significant injuries in late October 2022 when he was attacked by a hammer-wielding assailant who broke into the couple’ San Francisco home shouting, “Where’s Nancy?”

The suspect, David DePape, told police he was planning to take the congresswoman hostage, ask her questions and break her kneecaps if she lied.

Three weeks after the attack and a day after Republicans officially won control of the House Chamber in the 2022 midterms,  Pelosi announced that she would not seek any Democratic leadership role while still remaining in Congress.

During the 2023-24 Congressional session, the longtime Democrat has sponsored or signed onto bills to combat homelessness, protect children and raise the minimum wage. 

Her book, “The Art of Power” is currently #4 on the New York Times Best Seller List (hardcover, non-fiction).

The MJCCA also announced today two new authors to its lineup. Noa Tishby, two-time New York Times bestselling author will share her insights on the current challenges facing Israel. Lior Raz, the celebrated Israeli actor and co-creator of the television series “Fauda,” will share behind-the-scenes stories from his acclaimed series and offer a look into his future projects, including his upcoming role in “Gladiator 2.”

The MJCCA’s lineup for the remainder of the festival will also include such authors as:

• Emily Giffin, author of “The Summer Pact: A Novel”
• Seinfeld Actor and Comedian Michael Richards, author of “Entrances and Exits”
• John Quiñones and Maria Elena Salinas, co-authors of “One Year in Uvalde: A Story of Hope and Resilience”
• Mitch Albom, Bestselling author of “Tuesdays with Morrie” and “The Little Liar: A Novel”
• Amir Tibon Journalist and Author of “The Gates of Gaza: A Story of Betrayal, Survival, and Hope in Israel’s Borderlands”
• Stuart Eizenstat, Former U.S. Ambassador to the European Union and Author of  “The Art of Diplomacy: How American Negotiators Reached Historic Agreements that Changed the World”
• Joan Nathan, Author of “My Life in Recipes: Food, Family, and Memories”

All events will occur at the MJCCA, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody, GA, 30338. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the official MJCCA Book Festival event page.