Miami Book Fair, the Ultimate Best Seller
The annual event evolves for an even greater literary assortment.
Art Basel Miami Beach isnt the only superlative cultural fair in the U.S. to be hosted in our hometown. Long before the art world descended here every December, the Miami Book Fair has been touted as the nations oldest and largest literary powwow with 250,000 people turning out to hear and meet more than 600 authors.
A large majority of authors are making their debut this year, said director of programs Lissette Mendez, citing newcomers as diverse as the poet Eileen Myles and father and daughter fashion figures Tommy and Ally Hilfiger, who will appear during the event at downtowns Miami Dade College Wolfson Campus from November 13-20. Theres also the Property Brothers [HGTV residential makeover sensations]. They are hot, smart and build things!
The fair promotes local writers, too, which isnt a difficult task considering the enormous amount of talent in our backyard. Mendez reports 35 percent hail from Florida, a trend that continues to grow thanks to statewide universities undergraduate and graduate creative writing programs.
South Florida has become a fertile ground for creativity whose community has moved here from all over the world to attend one of these prestigious programs, said Mendez, who received her MFA in creative writing from FIU and whose poetry and nonfiction has been published nationally.
Though the week features National Book Award winners among emerging and established literary celebrities, some authors arent the usual suspects. Local artist Carlos Betancourt discusses Imperfect Utopia, a comprehensive book featuring his vibrant, mixed media works, with the Bass Museum of Arts director Silvia Cubi and U.S. Inaugural Poet Richard Blanco, who contributed text for it. Coconut Grove-based branding expert Bruce Turkel shares insight from his new book, All about Them: Grow Your Business by Focusing on Others. Novices are welcome to try their hand at writing as well.
We brought back #6WordsMiami, which invites everyone to submit six-word stories inspired by the city. Many entries will be shared on WLRN or read at the fair, she said.
More additions address every facet of the community. Young Adult genre fans are posting all over social media about the surge in their favorite authors like NY Times-bestselling novelists Leigh Bardugo and Alexandra Bracken. ReadCaribbean launches with 100 authors and readings in a pastiche of languages from Spanish to Creole. The Kitchen Stadium expands from its former, tight accommodations to space for 250 attendees. Chefs and food entrepreneurs, such as Sheila G. Mains, who follows the success of her star snack, Brownie Brittle, with Butter and Chocolate: 101 Creative Sweets and Treats Using Brownie Batter, perform throughout the week.
Even non-readers can find something at the fair. Mendez reimagined the Porch as a place to grab a beer and listen to a mashup of live music, cabaret and improv, or partake in an interactive experience, whether giant coloring-book murals or journaling.
Its a sweet spot for socializing and meeting people. Building community is our primary mission at the fair.
Socials