Get Lit at the Library of Congress National Book Festival!
Okay, bookworms, bibliophiles, and anyone who just loves a good story—listen up! The Library of Congress National Book Festival is back, and it’s gonna be LIT (pun intended, obviously). Mark your calendars for August twenty-fourth because you won’t want to miss this epic literary extravaganza.
Picture this: a whole day dedicated to the magic of storytelling, right in the heart of Washington, D.C. It’s free, it’s fun, and it’s the perfect place to geek out over your favorite authors and discover some amazing new reads.
What’s the 4-1-1?
The festival kicks off at nine in the morning and goes all the way till eight in the evening, giving you ample time to soak up all the bookish goodness. Head over to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center to join the party. And hey, even if you can’t make it IRL, no worries! The main stage events will be livestreamed, so you can catch all the action from the comfort of your couch (probably with a good book, right?).
Ready to Dive into Some Seriously Good Books?
This year’s theme is all about “Celebrating the Power of Storytelling,” and let me tell you, they’ve got a lineup of authors that’ll blow your mind. From historical fiction to juicy thrillers to thought-provoking nonfiction, there’s something here for every kind of reader. Let’s take a sneak peek at some of the literary superstars who’ll be gracing the festival with their presence:
Fiction Fanatics, Rejoice!
Calling all fiction lovers! This year’s festival is jam-packed with some of the biggest names in the game. Get ready to meet:
- James McBride: He’ll be dishing about his historical fiction masterpiece, The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store, which just so happens to be a Barack Obama fave. Talk about cool points!
- Sandra Cisneros: Get ready to celebrate the fortieth anniversary of her iconic coming-of-age novel, The House on Mango Street. This is one event you def don’t wanna miss, trust me.
- Rebecca Yarros: Calling all “romantasy” fans! Dive into the enchanting world of Yarros’s popular Empyrean series. Prepare to be swept away!
- Claire Messud: She’ll be spilling the tea on generational family secrets alongside authors Donna Hemans (author of The House of Plain Truth) and Rachel Khong (who penned Real Americans). They’ll be focusing on Messud’s latest novel, This Strange Eventful History. Sounds juicy, right?
- David Baldacci: The king of courtroom thrillers is back with his latest page-turner, A Calamity of Souls. Get ready for a wild ride!
Nonfiction Nerds, Unite!
If you’re all about that real-talk, then buckle up because the nonfiction lineup is fire! Get ready to expand your mind with these literary giants:
- Renée Fleming: The legendary soprano will be chatting about her anthology, Music and Mind: Harnessing the Arts for Health and Wellness, with none other than neuroscientist Daniel J. Levitin, author of I Heard There Was a Secret Chord: Music as Medicine. Talk about a power duo!
- David Rubenstein: You know him, you love him… he’s a billionaire and the owner of the Baltimore Orioles. Rubenstein will be in conversation with historian Douglas Brinkley, discussing his book The Highest Calling: Conversations on the American Presidency. Sounds like a fascinating glimpse into the world of power and politics.
- Doris Kearns Goodwin: The queen of presidential history herself will be sharing incredible insights from her memoir, An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s. Prepare to be transported back in time!
- James Patterson: The thriller master takes on a new kind of mystery—unveiling the fascinating lives of booksellers and librarians in his nonfiction work The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians: Their Stories Are Better Than the Bestsellers. I mean, with a title like that, how can you resist?
- Erik Larson: Prepare to be captivated as Larson delves into the historical thriller genre with his latest book, The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War. History buffs, this one’s for you!
- Carlos Lozada & Jeffrey Rosen: Get ready for a thought-provoking dialogue about politics and writing as these two brilliant minds collide. Lozada will be drawing from his book The Washington Book: How to Read Politics and Politicians, while Rosen brings his insights from The Pursuit of Happiness: How Classical Writers on Virtue Inspired the Lives of the Founders and Defined America.
- Monica Hesse & Candace Fleming: Calling all history and mystery fans! These amazing authors will be unraveling the captivating world of codebreaking. Hesse will focus on her book The Brightwood Code, and Fleming will discuss The Enigma Girls: How Ten Teenagers Broke Ciphers, Kept Secrets and Helped Win World War II.
Special Literary Treats You Won’t Want to Miss
In addition to the incredible author talks, the festival is serving up some extra-special literary treats:
- Romance Writing: Get ready to swoon as bestselling authors Casey McQuiston (The Pairing, Red, White & Royal Blue) and Abby Jimenez (Just for the Summer) dish about their inspirations and what makes the romance genre so damn good.
- Remembering James Baldwin: Acclaimed authors Ayana Mathis (The Unsettled) and Viet Thanh Nguyen (A Man of Two Faces: A Memoir, A History, A Memorial) will lead a powerful discussion reflecting on the enduring legacy of the iconic writer and activist James Baldwin.
Beyond the Books: More Reasons to Get Hyped!
With over ninety authors participating, the Library of Congress National Book Festival is gonna be an absolute blast. But hold up, there’s more! Not only can you hear your favorite authors speak, but you can also:
Rub Elbows with Literary Greats
That’s right, folks! This isn’t just about sitting and listening—it’s about connecting with the brilliant minds behind the words. You’ll have the chance to meet and interact with authors, snag autographs (hello, prized possessions!), and maybe even get a selfie or two.
Fuel Your Inner Bookworm
We all know that intense book talk can work up an appetite. Don’t worry, they’ve got you covered! The festival will have a variety of food vendors on site, so you can grab a bite to eat and refuel between all the literary adventures.
Score Some Bookish Swag
No book festival would be complete without some awesome swag, am I right? You’ll find booths upon booths of bookish goodies—from tote bags and t-shirts to journals and quirky bookmarks. It’s the perfect opportunity to stock up on gifts for the book lovers in your life (or, let’s be real, for yourself!).
Don’t Miss Out on This Literary Extravaganza!
Whether you’re a die-hard book nerd or just looking for a fun and inspiring way to spend the day, the Library of Congress National Book Festival is an event you won’t want to miss. So grab your book-loving buddies, mark your calendars, and get ready for a day filled with the magic of storytelling.
Plan Your Visit Today!
Ready to dive into the wonderful world of books? Head over to the official Library of Congress National Book Festival website for the full author lineup, schedule details, and all the need-to-know info:
Trust me, it’s gonna be epic!
