Each week, we offer a roundup of the best literary events in the city. All events are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted. Want to submit an upcoming event for consideration? Go here.

Harold McGee (Keys to Good Cooking)

Thursday, December 15, 7 pm, at the JCCSF (3200 California St.)

A James Beard Award-winning writer and food scientist, McGee appears frequently as The New York Times' "Curious Cook," testing hypotheses on everything from cold-brewing coffee and tea to why a subset of eaters loathe cilantro. His new book helps home cooks make the most of recipes; in this chat, he'll discuss gastronomic trends, best practices, and other culinary mysteries. Tickets are $20 for the general public, $17 for JCCSF members, and $10 for students.

Rebecca Wilson (A House with No Roof: After My Father's Assassination)

Wednesday, December 14, 7 pm, at Book Passage Corte Madera (51 Tamal Vista Blvd.)

Rebecca Wilson's father, Dow, was a union leader and civil rights activist who rubbed some people the wrong way, and in 1966, one of them assassinated him on the streets of SF. Her grieving mother uprooted the family from Mexico to L.A. to Bolinas, as her older brother turned to drug smuggling and her teenage sister rebelled. When her mother was diagnosed with cancer, the entire Wilson family was forced to come to terms with the loss of their husband and father. Anne Lamott provides an introduction to this heartbreaking, yet gently funny memoir.

Diana Henriques (The Wizard of Lies: Bernie Madoff and the Death of Trust)

Wednesday, December 21, 7 pm, at the JCCSF (3200 California St.)

Henriques (above), the New York Times' lead reporter on the Bernie Madoff scandal, had unprecedented access to the Ponzi schemer, and is the only journalist to have interviewed him from prison. Her book compiles interviews with former Madoff employees and swindled investors, and discusses how future financial scandals could be prevented. Tickets are $20 ($25 premium) for the general public, $17 ($20 premium) for JCCSF members, and $10 for students.

Feast of Words: "Celebrate," with Arisa White

Tuesday, December 20, 7 pm, at SOMArts (934 Brannan St.)

This monthly literary potluck will feature December guest Arisa White (Post Pardon), whose poetry explores sexuality, coming of age, geography, and trust. Five dishes inspired by White's work will be served up by the youth volunteers of Old Skool Cafe, and attendees are encouraged to bring a dish of their own for discounted entry. After the meal, a creative competition of on-the-spot writing centered around the "Celebrate" theme will take place. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door, and $5 for those bringing a potluck dish.