Do you often escape the real world to a fantasyland of adventure, mystery, or even a romantic love story? We know your ailment – you are a classic bookworm. Well avid readers alike will gather this weekend, March 13 and 14, to celebrate literacy and discover more than 450 novels and their brilliant authors at the Tucson Festival of Books taking place at The University of Arizona’s outdoor mall.
Now you can meet the author of your next read or even one of your favorites as these literary masterminds will come together to discuss and autograph their books. But that’s not all, Tucson Festival of Books, presented by the Arizona Daily Star and Diamond Children’s at University Medical Center, will features writing workshops and competitions, panel presentations, live cooking demonstrations, children's activities, storytelling, artists and musicians – and all absolutely free to the public!
“It's the best shopping mall ever for book lovers!”
Guests can mingle Saturday and Sunday, starting at 9:30 a.m. and running until 5:30 p.m., with such great writers as John August, successful screenplay author, to Anthony Zinni, retired Marine general who's written two top-selling non-fiction books. Click here for Authors A-Z to check out all 450 authors and presenters.
If not for the exciting reads, come for the exciting food! Local dining favorites will keep your bellies satisfied as you peruse the festival. Restaurants on the festival’s menu include the beloved Pastiche, Beyond Bread, Zivaz, Fat Greek University and more.
In addition to the authors, co-creators of the comic strip “Zits” Jim Borgman and Jerry Scott, along with leading science writers, Dr. Gary Small ("The Memory Bible") and Dr. Hendrie Weisinger ("Nobody's Perfect"), will appear at the festival.
This year’s Tucson Festival of Books is making a shout out to the kids from toddlers to teens as there will be characters from their favorite books and a circus performance with “a literary twist.” Teens can meet such celebrated authors as Matt de la Pena ("Ball Don't Lie") and Frank Beddor ("The Looking Glass Wars").
More than 50,000 people attended the Festival last March -- raising $200,000 for Literacy for Life Coalition, Reading Seed and the University of Arizona. This weekend’s festival is expected to surpass last year’s, which large attendance made it one of the top book festivals in the nation.
Tucson Festival of Books’ proceeds will go to several local literacy groups all year long.
For more information on the Tucson Festival of Books please visit tucsonfestivalofbooks.org.
