THIS WEEK’S LITERARY EVENTS

Michael W. Twitty, “The Cooking Gene: A Journey Through African American Culinary History in the Old South.” Author, blogger, and culinary historian Twitty traces the roots of his family and the charged politics surrounding the origins of soul food, barbecue, and all Southern cuisine in his 2017 memoir. From noon-4 p.m., Twitty will give a barbecue demonstration at the Smith Family Farm. 11 a.m. June 16. Keynote lecture, signing, barbecue demonstration. Free. Atlanta History Center’s Kennedy Theater, 130 W. Paces Ferry Road N.W., Atlanta, 404-8144150, atlantahistorycenter.com. Also appearing: Noon June 17. Barbecue demonstration. Smith Kitchen, Smith Family Farm. Tommy Curry, “The Man-Not: Race, Class, Genre, and the Dilemmas of Black Manhood.” Professor of philosophy and Africana studies at Texas A&M University, Curry challenges how we think of and perceive the conditions that affect all black males through evidence that challenges long-held biases, mythologies and outright lies that have been promoted for decades. 3 p.m. June 17. Talk, signing. Free. Auburn Avenue Research Library, 101 Auburn Ave. NE, Atlanta, 404-613-4001, afpls.org/ events-aarl Wendy Wax, “Best Beach Ever.” Forced to rent out or lose their beloved seaside hotel, the ladies of Ten Beach Road move into nearby cottages believing the worst is over — only to discover just how uncertain their futures really are. 6:30 p.m. June 19. Talk, signing. Free. FoxTale Book Shoppe, 105 E. Main St., Woodstock, 770-516-9989, foxtalebookshoppe.com/ events/

Ambassador Rick Barton, “Peace Works: America’s Unifying Role in a Turbulent World.” Drawing on his lifetime of experience as a diplomat, foreign policy expert, and State Department advisor, Barton offers a transformative

approach to foreign affairs as well as concrete and attainable solutions for the future. 7 p.m. June 19. Talk, signing. Free. Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum, 441 Freedom Parkway, Atlanta, 404-8657100, jimmycarterlibrary.gov/events/

Jonathan French, “The Grey Bastards.” In the Atlanta author’s grimy, pulpy, fantasy masterpiece, a band of hard-talking, hog riding, half-orc brawlers are the good guys who keep the civilized folk safe. 7 p.m. June 19. Launch party. Free. Eagle Eye Book Shop, 2076 N. Decatur Road, Decatur, 404-486-0307, eagleeyebooks.com