A Recap of the Boston Book Festival 2011

If you’re wondering how the Boston Book Festival went this past Saturday, it was kind of a dud. It was my own fault for a late start and poor planning. We browsed the tents, went to the wrong event then went to the correct event, which by that point had been deemed at capacity. After that we browsed the Google book tent and waited for the Local Talent reading at the Old Trinity Church.

Let me tell you, this event was worth waiting for and pretty much redeemed the day for me. Steve Almond, Laura Harrington, and Michael Klein read from their forthcoming or already released projects. They were each funny and personable, and the Q&A session at the end was laid back and informative. I wrote about the experience for TNGG Boston, a Boston.com blog that I write for along with other 20-somethings. So, if you’re interested, check out the three lessons I learned as a young writer at the Boston Book Festival.

Fox News endorses Steve Almond’s new book

Genius book trailer here for Steve Almond‘s newest book of short stories. I’ll let you find out the title from the video…

If you’re as excited as I am now, come see him read at the Boston Book Festival (October 15th!) or at Porter Square Books on November 28th.

Best American Short Stories 2010 Hors D’oeuvres: Bite-sized reviews & upcoming giveaway

By Melanie Yarbrough

I know, I’m way overdue of a rundown of the much-anticipated panel discussion on The Best American Short Stories 2010. To make up for the time you’ve no doubt spent refreshing your browser, we’re giving away a brand-spanking new copy of this year’s anthology, signed by editors Richard Russo and Heidi Pitlor, and contributors Steve Almond and Brendan Mathews. Keep an eye out on Twitter for the official contest! In preparation for the big night, I spent the majority of my train rides and weekend mornings reading through the collection. Shane did an amazing job interacting with Heidi Pitlor’s introduction to the series, now for some bite-sized reviews for what’s inside. [SPOILER ALERT: So, do yourself a favor, and buy this book or follow us on Twitter for a chance to win it.]

How Steve Almond Rocked My Face Off & How I Will Now Rock Yours

By Melanie Yarbrough

I got home from the Boston Book Festival around 7:30 last night, and frankly, I was pooped. After nine glorious hours of readings, chatting, perusing and venturing into the churches of Boston, my brain was abuzz with all I wanted to write about: How Steve Almond has once again won my heart and those of my friends? The woman who read last at the Guided Open Mic and killed it? The Web of Relationships panel discussion about how Twitter and Facebook are (or aren’t) being incorporated into contemporary literature? Instead, I didn’t write about anything. You’re welcome.

Today, after a little bit of rest, I’m a little bit clearer-headed. So here’s a nugget on my favorite event from the festival (Spoiler Alert: There’s a giveaway at the end!):

Nerd Out & Get the Word Out: Boston Book Festival 2010

By Melanie Yarbrough
They have Woodstock and Lillith Fair, Burning Man and even a Strawberry Picking Festival. And finally, last year, Boston started its annual book festival, for the rest of us.

This Saturday, October 16th, marks the second annual Boston Book Festival in Copley Square (which means a great view of the Boston Public Library!). They’ve posted the schedule and description of events here, and I thought I’d share what I’m most excited about. Ready, set, nerd out!