Poet and author Crystal Wilkinson will discuss her new book, “Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts: Stories and Recipes from Five Generations of Black Country Cooks,” Thursday, Nov. 13 at the Library of Virginia.

The book blends memoir and cookbook, tracing the hidden legacy of Black Appalachians through nearly 40 recipes and stories spanning five generations. Wilkinson, a former Kentucky poet laureate and professor at the University of Kentucky, said the book reflects a family that has lived and worked in the mountains for more than a century. 

The event is part of the Carole Weinstein Author Series, which brings both new and well-known authors to the library to highlight Virginia authors and subjects. A book signing will follow the talk, and copies will be available at the Virginia Shop. 

The talk is free and seating in the library’s Lecture Hall is first come, first served. Limited free parking is available in the deck beneath the building. The talk runs from 6 to 7:30 p.m.