Natchez — Hattiesburg author and chef Robert St. John will be signing books and discussing his eighth book ““Dispatches from My South: Reflections and Recipes From a Southern Food Scribe” from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday at Turning Pages Books & More, 520 Franklin St.

In this eighth book in seven years, St. John has published an all-encompassing memoir of what it was like growing up in the Deep South and what life is like for a restaurateur, chef, author, columnist, husband and father in the 21st century South.

“Dispatches from My South” includes chapters on childhood, fatherhood, family life and the quirkiness and chaos of the holiday season.

As he is prone to do, St. John strays into the dark world of strange foodstuffs and obscure eating practices. Follow along as he travels the country eating his way through the finest restaurants and the lowliest of joints.

In addition to the greatest hits from his popular weekly food/humor column, this volume includes never before released writings, poems, and essays, as well as his moving pieces written in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

St. John also includes his Top 40 recipes of all time in addition to 20 new, soon-to-be favorites. Among the classic recipes are the corn crab seafood gumbo and wild mushroom risotto along with new favorites such as the Mississippi barebecue shrimp, blackened shrimp pie and Muz’s fudge cake.

To reserve copies of St. John’s books call 601-442-2299.