Join award-winning journalist Scott Latta for a book signing and conversation about his compelling new work, Gods of the Smoke Machine. In this eye-opening book, Latta explores America’s largest megachurches, uncovering hidden stories of trauma, abuse, and unchecked power. From the personal accounts of survivors to the influence these churches wield over politics and society, Latta exposes the human cost behind a booming religious empire.

With a decade of experience reporting on conflict, displacement, and climate change across the globe, Latta combines investigative rigor with deeply human storytelling to shed light on one of America’s most influential (and least accountable) institutions.

Even if you’ve never set foot in a church, this conversation will reveal how these powerful networks shape our society, our politics, and our search for meaning.

Scott Latta lives in Portland, Oregon, and has contributed to The Believer, CityLab, Modern Farmer, and more.

This event is free and open to the public. Registration is encouraged.