The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
THIS WEEK’S LITERARY EVENTS
Edward Lee, “Buttermilk Graffiti: A Chef ’s Journey to Discover America’s New Melting Pot Cuisine.” Korean-born Kentucky chef and restaurateur and author Lee delves into the mashup that is American food: the people behind it, the traditions, the innovations, and the memories. In conversation with Bob Townsend of the AJC, Chef George Yu and Chef Andy Gonzales will weave Chinese, Latino, Texan and Southern flavors into a melting pot of a pop-up. 7 p.m. May 14. Talk, signing. $35 includes signed copy of book. Highland Inn Ballroom, 644 N. Highland Ave., Atlanta, 404-681-5128, acappellabooks.com/ events.php
Brad Todd, “The Great Revolt: Inside the Populist Coalition Reshaping American Politics.”
With co-author Salena Zito, veteran Republican strategist Todd reported across five swing states and over 27,000 miles to answer the pressing question: Was Donald Trump’s election a fluke or did it represent a fundamental shift in the electorate that will have repercussions for years to come? 2 p.m. May 15. Talk, signing. Free. Tall Tales Book Shop, Toco Hill Shopping Center, 2105 LaVista Road NE, Atlanta, 404-6362498, talltalesatlanta.com/ events.html
Thomas Ricks, “Churchill and Orwell: The Fight for Freedom.” Ricks, the Pulitzer Prize-winning Pentagon correspondent for The Washington Post and bestselling author of “The Generals,” returns with a dual biography of Winston Churchill and George Orwell, whose vision and courage in the face of the threat of authoritarianism helped preserve democracy for the world. 7 p.m. May 16. Mark Bittman, “How to Grill Everything.” The man who taught us how to cook everything returns with the definitive guide to grilling — everything from cedarplank salmon to unexpected treats like avocado, watermelon or pound cake. 7:30 p.m. May 17. Talk, Q&A, signing. $15. Marcus Jewish Community Center, Zaban Park, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody, 678-8124000, atlantajcc.org
Virginia Willis, “Secrets of the Southern Table.”
In her new cookbook, award-winning chef and author Willis adds to the delicious recipes with profiles of the diverse chefs, farmers and other culinary influencers who are shaping “Queer Magic: Power Beyond Boundaries” with Maisha Najuma Aza, Cazembe Abena and Giariel Foxwood. While sharing ancestral traditions from East to West, North to South, African, Native, Nordic, Witch, Pagan, Indigenous Earth-based practices, and more, each contributor to this anthology exists beyond the boundaries of what is considered “normal,” whether they carry the mantle of queer identity or not. 7:30 p.m. May 19. Panel discussion, signing. Free. Charis Books & More, 1189 Euclid Ave. NE, Atlanta, 404-524-0304, charisbooksandmore.com/
Talk, signing. Free. Jimmy Carter Library & Museum, 441 Freedom Parkway, Atlanta, 404-865-7100, jimmycarterlibrary.gov/ events/
contemporary Southern cuisine. 2 p.m. May 19.
Signing. Free. FoxTale Book Shoppe, 105 E. Main St., Woodstock, 770-5169989, foxtalebookshoppe. com/events/