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Make sure you check out the Texas Book Festival! It's November 1 and 2 and it sounds like a blast! I would be there if I could just because it sounds like so much fun! Here's the full press release I received this morning:
It probably doesn't take you much convincing to get up and head to the nearest book festival. But want your whole family to join you? It might take some enticing. Like a kids tent. Or smothered barbeque and margaritas. Wait, what?
The American family may be related, but when it comes to their literary tastes, it's tough getting everyone on the same page. Fortunately, the 2008 Texas Book Festival (www.texasbookfestival.org)-taking place November 1st and 2nd in Austin, TX-offers an opportune time to get the whole family talking about ideals, literature - and even punk rock etiquette.
Among this year's Festival lineup? Dads will love Alice Schroeder's new book on Warren Buffett, Sex and the City -loving moms will make a beeline to hear Evan Handler (aka "Harry Goldenblatt") talk about his latest memoir. Disgruntled, mall-job-hating teenagers will dig Jeff Martin's new book-"The Customer is Always Wrong." Even the 10-and-under set have a slew of children's author rockstars, first and foremost R.L. Stine.
Few events serve eclectic tastes as well as the Texas Book Festival. Now in its 13th year, the Texas Book Festival's 2008 line-up is perhaps its most diverse ever. The Festival's literary menu offers something for everyone. Issues ranging from "What's the solution to our foreign oil dependency?" to "What is Tucker Carlson's favorite meal?" are all on the table.
With over 180 other authors - T. Boone Pickens, R.L. Stine, Marion Winik, Amanda Hesser, Alice Schroeder, Christopher Buckley, Mark Sarvas and Tom Piazza among them - Austin is making a distinct break with other book festivals by rallying the city's performance-heavy atmosphere. That means concerts, film screenings, and cooking competitions in addition to book readings. It's a book festival for the ADD among us, and judging by audience numbers - last year drew in 45,000 attendees - crowds and families couldn't be happier.
Quick facts about the Texas Book Festival:
" Founded by Laura Bush in 1995, it is the model for the National Book Festival.
" Will host over 180 authors at this year's Festival
" Has contributed over two million dollars to Texas Public Libraries since its inception
All proceeds from the Texas Book Festival are donated to Texas public libraries. In addition, children's book authors attending the Festival will participate in an annual program called Reading Rock Stars, visiting local public schools, reading their works, and distributing free signed books to students. All festival sessions are free, and all are open to the public.