Travel Photo Thursday
We call it TFOB: Tucson Festival of Books. Even though the gathering is only a few years old, it is enormous and anybody who lives in Tucson, or happens to travel to Tucson in March will have the opportunity to meet hundreds of authors and learn about an enormous number of communication-related things. Just show up at the University of Arizona Campus on the designated weekend.
I’m bringing you just a small sample from March 9 and 10, 2013. This year it rained on Saturday, and the temps never got much above 50 degrees. That’s COLD for Tucson, folks! But on Sunday, the sun returned and those who persevered through the blustery Saturday were rewarded with warm sun. The necessity turned from umbrellas to sun screen and parasols.
I met several authors who make locale an important part of their books, and I’m eager to take a look at their newest writing. Have you read books by any of these writers? I’ve listed their LATEST works below the picture, except for Jenn McKinlay who writes four books a year, so just pick your favorite from her various series.
And then there were a well-know writer we have discussed here before–Nevada Barr; and the REALLY well-known Larry McMurtry. And a panel of three mystery writers, Nevada Barr, J.A. Jance (although I”ve read several of this wildly popular western mystery writer’s books, somehow none have made it into A Traveler’s Library) and Margaret Coel. Their panel was moderated by Arizona mystery writer, Betty Webb. Nevada Barr was just about the funniest person at the Festival, although the funniest MAN had to be Alan Zweibel, one of the original writers for Saturday Night Live and writer for several comedies including It’s Garry Shandling’s Show and my favorite mystery, Monk.
If your feet get tired, you can always get a shuttle ride to the free parking. This ride is a novelty–a pedicab business that started recently at University of Arizona and is expanding rapidly, the owner proudly told me. WIFI on a pedicab??
Have you been to a gigantic book festival? Should we go there?
This has been my contribution to this week’s Travel Photo Thursday. For more photos from around the world, be sure to click over to Budget Traveler’s Sandbox and see what everyone is sharing this week.
I’d put in a good word for the Virginia Festival of the Book, too. it’s held in late March in Charlottesville.
I’ve been to the Texas Book Festival — it’s held in the autumn on the grounds and inside the state capitol building in downtown Austin. It being Austin, there’s usually a music area with fine music as well as books and authors and book related kid stuff as well. I’d recommend it.
the Tucson one sounds great. I’d have stood in line to hear Nevada Barr, JA Jance, and Margaret Coel too. each has such a different way of writing about the west through mystery stories, I expect hearing all three on the same panel was fun.
I’ve heard about Austin and Charlottesville, Kerry. I have no way to compare, because I’ve only been to Tucson’s Festival. But when we were in Ireland I noticed that there were a lot of literary towns–places that not only had book festivals, but some had year-round literary events.
My girl (then 5 years old) and I attended the Texas Book Festival the Spring before we moved to Malaysia. I was excited that she was so interested in it, even when we were in the non-kid tents. This one in Tucson sounds wonderful. There’s a Literary Festival in Penang but I’ve somehow never attended.
I took my grand daughter when she was only three, and as we left, she said “When we come next year….” Music to my ears! The Tucson Festival has an enormous section for small kids, and another for pre-teens and teens, including music by and for teen groups. AND there’s a gigantic science section where the University of Arizona’s science departments can strut their stuff–more than just books.
I\’ve not been to a book festival but I\’m certainly not opposed to the idea. I wonder if we have one near my neck of the woods? You\’ve given me something to consider.
Looks like you had a ball, Vera.
I’ve been to several large and small ones. It’s like Heaven to me to sit and listen to an author read (especially when they read well) from their work.
Inside Journeys: Interestingly, none of the programs I attended included readings by the authors. Instead they talked about their books and the writing life.
I would love to attend a large book festival but haven\\\’t yet. What a great opportunity to meet some authors and discuss their works!
I have never contemplated an enormous book show before, but I would definitely go.
Hope you can see the one in Tucson some time, Jan. It is overwhelming, but definitely worth while.
Book Lovers Mob Tucson: Photos http://t.co/baVqDQNTut