The BookFest, renowned for hosting vital conversations on the world’s literary stage, is back for its next edition on October 21st and 22nd. This award-winning, free biannual event will feature numerous eminent authors, providing an enriching experience for readers and writers alike. You don’t want to miss out on these standout books that will be featured at the upcoming The BookFest Fall 2023:
1. Kelly Anne Manuel – Children’s Audiobooks series
Kelly Anne Manuel has captivated readers with her unique collection of children’s books. With 31 titles, inspired by the profound poems echoing in her heart and mind, she provides children a daily dose of inspiration. Titles such as The World Small, The Boots Rain, and My Name Is Light promise to resonate with young minds. And now, with the long-awaited video and audiobook adaptations produced through AMPlify and Pro Audio Voices, these gems come to life with a musicality that adds a new dimension to Manuel’s masterpieces. The narrator Phil Schoen’s enchanting narration and the added music and sound effects promise an immersive auditory experience for young listeners.
2. Korynn Newville – Indiscernible Elements: Calcium
Korynn Newville, an artist, designer, and environmental activist, marries her passion for the environment and art in Indiscernible Elements. Drawing from her architectural thesis, the book explores the idea that architecture needs to embrace the concept of life and death from broader perspectives. Nominated for the Schiff Foundation Fellowship Award, this masterpiece underscores the importance of seeing beyond just a human standpoint in design. With her academic background from renowned institutions and her keen observation from nature, Korynn presents thought-provoking arguments that are both enlightening and riveting.
3. NJ Ayuk – A Just Transition: Making Energy Poverty History with an Energy Mix
NJ Ayuk’s A Just Transition is a profound exploration of how global “green” energy policies impact the energy economies of Africa. In a world rapidly globalizing, policies can sometimes overlook local nuances, leading to unintended consequences. Ayuk critically assesses the International Energy Agency’s ambitious green energy directives and how they unintentionally stymied Africa’s rich oil and gas potential. The book delves into complex topics like energy poverty, the role of natural gas in Africa, and the unintended harm caused by foreign aid. Ayuk’s insights shine a light on the importance of crafting informed policies that can nurture a prosperous future for Africa.
4. Susy Smith – Ascendant
In a post-apocalyptic world, Lacy Monroe and her lover Jace are bound by love, yet separated by the tyranny of Senator Thomas Monroe, Lacy’s uncle. Ascendant picks up the thrilling saga, with Lacy sent on a dangerous mission to Mexico City and Jace embarking on a covert operation in New Mexico. Their quest is for survival, for reconnection, and to overthrow the sinister senator. This novel, a sequel to the acclaimed Asylum, offers a roller-coaster ride, blending action, romance, and suspense, sure to resonate with fans of dystopian fiction.
5. P.L. Hampton – Shadowland
Aaron Langford’s life takes a dark turn in Shadowland. Initially dismissing a divination tray gifted by his friend Otis Thomas, Aaron soon finds himself entangled in supernatural occurrences, culminating in the disappearance of his children, Asher and Imani. As the world closes in on Aaron, accusing him of the unthinkable, he embarks on a perilous journey, guided by the mysterious Urbi Houna. With an intriguing blend of suspense and the supernatural, the book offers readers a thrilling quest to decipher the line between life and death.
6. Bill Stevenson – Ricky’s Dream Trip to the Ancient Worlds
Join Ricky on a dream-fueled adventure through time in Bill Stevenson’s captivating anthology. Traveling alongside his “pop pop,” Ricky encounters ancient wonders like the pyramids of Egypt, the lands of the Ancient Olympics, and the awe-inspiring sights of Ancient Rome. Across three captivating stories, readers are introduced to historical figures, from Tutankhamen to Aristotle to Julius Caesar, each narrative seamlessly merging education with imagination. This volume, combining three award-winning titles, promises an engaging journey through time, complete with insightful information and activities for young explorers.
7. Jonathan Pruitt – Amber Menhir
The world stands on the precipice of destruction in Jonathan Pruitt’s Amber Menhir. As the enigmatic ‘Calamity’ inches closer with every dawn, humanity’s survival hinges on the menhirs – grand bastions of knowledge and magic. Tara Langcraw, heralded as the next magical prodigy, enters the Amber Menhir with friends Roland Ward and Peony Bianchi. But this sanctuary of learning harbors dark secrets and fierce rivalries. Tara and her companions soon discover that defiance can carry a heavy price, especially when the fate of the world is at stake.
8. E. A. Smiroldo – The Silent Count
In the midst of escalating climate catastrophes, Dara Bouldin, a nuclear engineer, carries a vision to reverse the dire trajectory of Earth’s fate. While grappling with personal chaos from familial debts to a fractured engagement, Dara’s fervor to combat climate change remains undeterred. Her groundbreaking solution captures the attention of the highest corridors of power, from the CIA to the President. However, as she stands on the precipice of monumental change, an unearthed secret catapults her into a global conflict with unforeseeable consequences. In this pulse-pounding narrative, E. A. Smiroldo masterfully blends personal turmoil with planetary stakes, reminding us to tread lightly with our wishes.
9. Steven Joseph – Snoodles in Space: A Snoodle, The Zoodle Kidoodles, and One Happy Schmoodle
In the whimsical sequel, Snoodles in Space: A Snoodle, The Zoodle Kidoodles, and One Happy Schmoodle, Steven Joseph and Andy Case transport readers to an interstellar noodle escapade. When the Zoodle Kidoodles from planet Zoodle kidnap bakers Norman Noodle and Sally Stroodle, they demand an improbable brain surgery for their grand leader, Cloodle the Grand Roodle, and aid in spacecraft repairs. Earth’s noodle reserves hang in the balance. Uniting the inventor of the Snoodlemobile, Herbie Snoodleman, with the once antagonistic Sour Croodleman and his peculiar propulsion invention becomes Earth’s unexpected salvation. Dive into this cosmic Wackadoodle Tale for a blend of humor, culinary capers, and out-of-this-world adventures.
The BookFest is undeniably a treasure trove for literature enthusiasts. With such a diverse array of authors and titles, The BookFest promises to be a literary blast. Whether you are a regular attendee or a first-timer, be sure to mark your calendars and visit TheBookFest.com for more details. While you’re visiting make sure to check out their giveaways to win all these books, plus more and prizes.
