Books have a way of helping us see the world a little differently, bringing perspective and humanity to our daily lives. At this year's National Book Festival, NPR is once again celebrating the writers, thinkers, journalists, storytellers and readers who keep that curiosity alive.
NPR is honored to once again partner with The Library of Congress at the National Book Festival, an annual event that convenes authors and thousands of book lovers to create more informed and inspired communities. The festival takes place on August 22 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.
This year, NPR hosts and journalists Michel Martin, Regina Barber, Mary Louise Kelly, Andrew Limbong, and Justine Kenin will moderate conversations with some of the nation's most prolific and creative authors, storytellers, poets, and translators. Tickets are free and required. A selection of programs will be livestreamed online and videos of all programs will be available shortly after the festival.
WAMU hosts Jenn White and Tamika Smith, along with WAMU reporter Sarah Y.Kim, will also moderate author discussions throughout the day. The NPR Member organization will have a booth in the Expo Hall featuring a Public Media Book Nook, with works by public media figures, as well as free bookmarks and buttons.
Join NPR's hosts and journalists as we celebrate the joy of books and reading through in-depth conversations that connect readers with authors:
Behind the Lies: Literary True Crime with Pamela Colloff and Patrick Radden Keefe
Moderated by Jenn White, Host of 1A
When: August 22 from 12:30 - 1:30 pm ET.
Where: Walter E. Washington Convention Center - Ballroom A (Level 3, South Building)
Our Ghosts and Stories Never Leave Us: Historical Fantasy by Sunyi Dean and Hayley Gelfuso
Moderated by Regina Barber, Host of NPR's Short Wave
When: August 22 from 2:00 - 3:00 pm ET
Where: Walter E. Washington Convention Center - West Salon GHI (Street Level, South Building)
Food, Nature and Our American Legacy with Nephi Craig and Beronda L. Montgomery
Moderated by Michel Martin, Host of NPR's Morning Edition
When: August 22 from 2:00 - 3:00 pm ET
Where: Walter E. Washington Convention Center - East Salon ABC (Street Level, South Building)
Friends Who Are Family, Family Who Are Friends: Novels by Tayari Jones and Ann Patchett
Moderated by Mary Louise Kelly, Host of NPR's All Things Considered and Sources & Methods
When: August 22 at 5:00 - 6:00 pm ET
Where: Walter E. Washington Convention Center - Ballroom A (Level 3, South Building)
Into Other Worlds: Poetry Translation with U.S. Poet Laureate Arthur Sze and Emily Wilson
Moderated by Andrew Limbong, Art Desk Reporter and NPR Book of the Day co-host.
When: August 22 from 5:00 - 6:00 pm ET.
Where: Walter E. Washington Convention Center - West Salon GHI (Street Level, South Building)
Families Are Messy, Aren't They?: New Fiction by Karan Mahajan and Bsrat Mezghebe
Moderated by Justine Kenin, Editor of All Things Considered
When: August 22 from 6:30 - 7:30pm ET.
Where: Walter E. Washington Convention Center - West Salon GHI (Street Level, South Building)
Mostly Okay and Only Crying a Little, with Jenny Lawson and Maria Semple
Moderated by Tamika Smith, local host of All Things Considered on WAMU 88.5 and Consider This from WAMU.
When: August 22 from 6:30 - 7:30 pm ET.
Where: Walter E. Washington Convention Center - Ballroom A (Level 3, South Building)
In Love with Love: YA Novelist Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Moderated by Sarah Y. Kim, Reporter at WAMU
When: August 22 from 6:30 - 7:30 pm ET.
Where: Walter E. Washington Convention Center - Room 202 (Level 2, South Building)
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