National Book Festival in Washington, DC

15 years ago

Did any of you have the chance to attend? I went with a friend. There were some great authors there and it was standing room only to hear many of them speak. But the entire day was free and we could listen to any of them that we chose. The downside was that those we did hear only seemed to want to use the time as a giant commerical for their latest book (conveniently available in the nearby Barnes and Noble tent for full price.)

There was a great big area for getting books signed. The lines were hours long... and me being a rather impatient person, I didn't wait in any of them. No author's signature seemed worth that much of my lifetime. Especially since my favorite author's been dead 105 years.

The great part was being surrounded by fellow booklovers. All over the mall area in DC, there were folks carrying book bags, folks with book-related sayings on their shirts, and well, just a great feeling of commeraderie. All in the shadow of the Washington Monument and the Smithsonian Castle.

And I came home with about 125 free bookmarks, too. (the paper kind.)

PAM

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Comments (31)

J C
15 years ago
I am very envious of you! Someday I will get to this festival. I think bits of it appear on CSPAN.

My brother is an avid attendee of book signings, he would have loved it! I would, like you, rather hear ideas and opinions rather than commercials.

A few years ago I went to hear one of my favorite authors speak. I had never been to anything like that, and I agonized over taking a copy of my favorite book on the off chance he might sign it for me. I decided against it, and was surprised to find that fully 3/4 of the audience carried their own favorite volume. It also seemed to be a point of pride to have an old, dog-eared copy.

Imagine my surprise when I opened a package few weeks later and out fell a copy of my favorite book by this great author. Inside was a birthday greeting and signature. My brother had purchased the book, sent it to him with a stamped envelope, and now it sits on my shelf in a place of honor.

Well, I have got a bit off track from the book festival. What authors did you see? It sounds terrific. Being surrounded by booklovers has to be a great experience.
veronicae
15 years ago
I also dream of going, but it seems every year it conflicts with something that does have more importance. And I always figure I can watch it on CSPAN. Except this year, the politicians took over the weekend. I see that individual presentations are appearing each weekend, but not the same as watching it all day Saturday.
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kkay_md
15 years ago
Yes, I went to this for the first time. I had to con my husband into going to some exhibits at the National Gallery of Art, and then suggested we wander through the festival. He resisted, but finally (reluctantly) agreed. By the time the day was over, he was thrilled with the event. Sure hope the festival tradition continues--I won't have to resort to subterfuge next time!
frances_md
15 years ago
I went to the Festival maybe three years ago. It was a drizzly day but still very crowded. I spent too much time in lines and had not planned it out very well but was able to hear Michael Connelly speak and had him sign a book. Of course, his signature could be anything -- it doesn't resemble a signature! Khaled Hosseini was in the next signing booth and there was hardly anyone in his line. I had not yet read The Kite Runner or I would have gone straight there after Connelly signed. Even with being so unprepared, I thoroughly enjoyed my time there.

Since I've known what to expect and how to plan better, I've had commitments and have not been able to go back. Maybe next year..............
pam53
15 years ago
I was unable to attend this year but went last yr. for the first time and like you enjoyed it thoroughly! I, too, came home with lots of bookmarks and heard Jodi Picoult speak. I had just read her book 19 Minutes which I think is her best by far and even brought it to be signed, but was alas, too impatient for the lines. It was a beautiful sunny warm day and I was there with both my daughters(they both live in Maryland). I hope to attend again next year.
twobigdogs
Original Author
15 years ago
Hello friends.
Here is a complete listing of all of the authors that were at this amazing one-day event: Oh, and before I post the list, I would like to get on my soapbox for Target Stores for one moment. They were the sponsors of more than one genre. They spent oodles of money handing out free tote bags and even the "Target Dog" was there. If you have a choice in shopping venues, please know that Target really supported this Book Festival.
PAM

And now, the list:
CHILDREN
Sponsored by AT&T

Tiki Barber
Jan Brett
Marc Brown
Laura Bush & Jenna Bush
David A. Carter
Doreen Cronin
Betsy Lewin
Kadir Nelson
Doreen Rappaport
David Shannon
Judy Sierra
Dionne Warwick

TEENS & CHILDREN
Sponsored by Target

Mary Brigid Barrett
Joseph Bruchac
Sharon M. Draper
Neil Gaiman
Steven Kellogg
Katherine Paterson
Andrea Davis Pinkney
Matthew Reinhart
Robert Sabuda
Jon Scieszka
Charles R. Smith, Jr.
R. L. Stine
Judith Viorst

FICTION & MYSTERY
Louis Bayard
Geraldine Brooks
Sandra Brown
Marisa de los Santos
Philippa Gregory
Andrew Klavan
James McBride
Brad Meltzer
Richard Price
Francine Prose
Peter Robinson
Salman Rushdie
Alexander McCall Smith

HISTORY & BIOGRAPHY
Sponsored by James Madison Council

Rick Atkinson
Michael Dobbs
Kimberly Dozier
Tony Horwitz
Kay Bailey Hutchison
ImmaculÃ©e Ilibagiza
Walter Isaacson
David Maraniss
Cokie Roberts
Bob Schieffer
Daniel Schorr
Paul Theroux
Gordon S. Wood

HOME & FAMILY
Sponsored by Target

Ellen Birnbaum
Warren Brown
Eleanor Clift
George Duran
Arthur Frommer
Pauline Frommer
Julie Morgenstern
Mike Richman
Nancy Schulman
Cathy Scott
Michelle Singletary

POETRY
Sponsored by National Endowment for the Arts

Eavan Boland
Dan Chiasson
Elsa Cross
Michael Lind
Michael S. Harper
Molly Peacock
Stanley Plumly
J. Allyn Rosser
Kay Ryan, Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry for 2008-2009

SPECIAL GUESTS
Bob Lanier and NBA/WNBA players: Chris Duhon and Ivory Latta
River of Words featuring Pamela Michael and David Gewanter
sheriz6
15 years ago
What a list of authors! I've not paid any attention to this event in the past, but now I'm thinking I should make an effort to get there. I'm boggled by the prospect of having Neil Gaiman, Tony Horwitz, Geraldine Brooks, Cokie Roberts, and Julie Morgenstern -- all favorites of mine -- in one place at one time. I had no idea of the scope of it ... thanks for sharing that list, PAM.
twobigdogs
Original Author
15 years ago
sheriZ6 and others, we'll have to keep an eye out for next year's itinerary. The scary part is this: Laura Bush, herself a librarian, started the National Book Festival. As we all know (and many of us are tired of hearing about) there is a presidential election coming up and we'll have a new president next year. I wonder if the festival will continue after Mrs. Bush is no longer in the White House. If anyone hears anything, please pass on the info! Thank you friends.

On another side note, many of us have wished to say hello to fellow RP-ers. The book festival next year may be a wonderful time and place to meet.

PAM
frances_md
15 years ago
PAM, I did see an item about Mrs. Bush the other day where she stated that the National Book Festival will continue to be a priority for her after she leaves Washington. It appears to be very successful based on the number of authors who participate and the number of people who attend.

I agree that it would be a great place for RPers to meet up -- it couldn't be more appropriate, could it? Of course, that is easy for me to say since I live in the area. I just need to remember not to schedule any Master Gardener activities for that day.
kkay_md
15 years ago
Oh, it would be fun to meet up with fellow RP-ers at this event next year!

I'm delighted to hear that Laura Bush intends to continue spearheading this festival. Really, it is a wonderful event.
sheriz6
15 years ago
It would be great to meet up and attend the Book Festival next year. DC is about a 7-hour drive from my house, which is definitely do-able. It would be so neat to meet everyone.
J C
15 years ago
I really must attend next year. My mind is boggled by the number of wonderful YA authors all in the same place at the same time. I would love to hear any of them speak, even if they were reading the phone book. It would be terrific to meet some RPers too!
ccrdmrbks
15 years ago
DD will be married and living within metro distance next year-I emailed she and her fiance and told them we are going!
twobigdogs
Original Author
15 years ago
drat cece, I thought we could drive down together! I'd be happy to drive to a metro station and take the train into The Mall.

Okay then, this is great! Let's try to get together down there for a day of meeting and greeting friends while surrounded by books and authors... and maybe, if we have time, a side trip to the Library of Congress?

Friends from other countries, you already know the festival is held in Washington DC, if you plan on being in the USA during this festival, it would be wonderful to have you join us!
PAM
veer
15 years ago
PAM, It is many years since I was last in Washington. I remember the beautiful Autumn weather and taking in the Folger Shakespeare Library. Has anyone been there? Next year I'll have to join you in spirit.
bookmom41
15 years ago
I wish you hadn't posted this! I'm less than an hr from DC but tend to avoid events with crowds. After reading the author list, especially some of the children/teen authors, I'm sorry I didn't make the effort. Glad to hear it will continue after the regime change.

Alexander McCall Smith is on the list. Rather ruins my mental image of him, chained to his typewriter into the night, hurriedly finishing the next installment of his Telegraph story before dawn breaks...
pam53
15 years ago
bookmom-it's really not too bad as to crowds-there is so much space. I went last year as both my daughters live in Maryland, but this year had a conflict. If we will meet-I am definitely on for next year!!!
ccrdmrbks
15 years ago
PAM-you're on. Veer-yes, DD and I have been to the Folger-there is a little theater within the library and we have seen plays there.
iamkathy
15 years ago
I haven't been here much recently but this thread jumped out at me. I have this on my list of things to do before I die, along with a visit to the Library of Congress. I also have a son living hear the DC area and, shame on me, haven't made it over there for a visit yet although I hope to get there before the next festival.

Hopefully someone in this group will remember to post the details of next year's festival. I too am more excited about being with fellow booklovers, even more than actually meeting any of the authors that attend, and would love to meet up with some of you.

I'm adding a link to the official website. I only looked briefly at this site but didn't see anything on there about next year's festival.

Here is a link that might be useful: National Book Festival Official Website
bookmom41
15 years ago
Funny, Kathy, I checked the website earlier today, too, and googled also, looking for next year's date. Fingers crossed that there will be a next year...
twobigdogs
Original Author
15 years ago
cece,
Excellent. I am "penciling" you in my advance planning calendar right now. I cannot wait for next year's festival!

PAM
christinmk z5b eastern WA
15 years ago
I have read this post with anguish laced with a great deal of jealousy. An entire fair devoted to books! What fun! And to meet up with those from our RP tribe too! Do let us, who cannot go, know how it goes next year. Maybe even post some pics of the event and everyone???
I simply live in the wrong Washington...:-(
CMK
iamkathy
14 years ago
Had to pop this one back up to the top. It's true. The Obama's will support this again in 2009. Thank goodness. Check out the list of authors attending.

I finally made it to DC earlier this year and visited one of the three buildings that comprise the Library of Congress. Quite impressive and I'm looking forward to returning so I can check out the other two buildings. Thinking this would be a good opportunity to do so.

Here is a link that might be useful: The 2009 National Book Festival
ginny12
14 years ago
Tho you may not be able to get there in person, this is heavily covered on TV--hours and hours, and most enjoyable for booklovers, needless to say.
frances_md
14 years ago
So many of my favorites and others whose works I admire are going to be there as well as the author of The Story of Edgar Sawtelle. What I wouldn't give to have a little time with him just to ask, "Why?".
veronicae
14 years ago
Last year it wasn't covered...some news story/senate bill took over the airwaves that weekend. I am embarrassed to admit I can't remember what...but I was very frustrated, having planned on quilting and watching.
Chris_in_the_Valley
14 years ago
Interesting. I used Kathy's (Iamkathy) link above to check out this year's authors. Jeanette Walls, author of the harrowing memoir The Glass Castle is listed under fiction and fantasy. Editorial on the believability of her memoir?
pam53
14 years ago
We once talked of meeting up there. If I can get my two daughters interested (they live in Maryland) I will be there. We went two yrs ago and it was great.Anyone interested in meeting?
kkay_md
14 years ago
I will probably be there with my husband; it will be our 22nd wedding anniversary! We went last year (we're about 20 minutes from the mall, by Metro) and loved it.
twobigdogs
Original Author
14 years ago
I plan on going. I was there last year and the best best part for me was simply being surrounded by so many fellow bbliophiles.

But I need restaurant help. WHERE can I find a decent restaurant within walking distance? Anyone know?

PAM
kkay_md
14 years ago
Do you mean a restaurant that is not in a museum? (The Museum of the American Indian has fabulous food, and is on the Mall--only open from 10-5:30, alas.)

There's Jaleo's which is on 7th street and not too far.

National Book Festival in Washington, DC

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