The Southern Festival of Books kicked off its 35th annual tribute to the written word at the Tennessee History Museum with a gala reveal of the first 100 authors confirmed to take part in the literary festivities this year. Scheduled to take place Oct. 15-22 in venues at the Tennessee History Museum, the Tennessee Library and Archive, Bicentennial Mall, and other locations around Nashville, this year’s festival promises to present a diverse array of authors to interest readers of all ages and authors of all genres.
Organized under the umbrella of Humanities Tennessee, the Southern Festival of Books brings interest, fun, and excitement to Nashville bibliophiles like me every year. Think of it as “Librarian Barbie” lets her hair down. A good time is always had by all and looking through the list of authors who will be participating in discussions of their work this year, the good times are guaranteed to keep on rolling.
Hometown author Holly Gleason edits together numerous interviews and conversations she had with local music legend, John Prine for her book, Prine on Prine. Holly’s work is well known here in Nashville and she has penned numerous articles about local artists for The Contributor. She probably knew John Prine better than any other writer. I’m looking forward to her talk.
Other authors with works on Music City themes include: Paula Blackman’s, Night Train to Nashville and Tim Ghianni’s Pilgrims, Pickers, and Honky-Tonk Heroes.
Local literary maven Ann Patchett will discuss her novel Tom Lake, and always entertaining Carl Hiaasen will discuss a work from his teen and YA catalog Wrecker.
Noted Nashville architect behind the design of some of the most iconic structures in town, Kim Hinton, writes about the history and importance of The Bicentennial Mall.
Whether you’re an early reader, a seasoned bibliophile, or haven’t picked up a book since high school, this year’s Southern Festival of Books will introduce you to an author who writes just for you. To follow along as new authors are added, go to sofestofbooks.org or humanitiestennessee.org.
Hope to see you there!