Preview of Wisconsin Book Festival

For many, September means the kids go back to school, the roads are less congested headed north, and it’s time to pack the shorts away and pull out the fleece. September also means it’s time for the Wisconsin Book Festival in Madison.

For five days, September 29 – October 3, the streets of Madison are filled with book lovers and authors bumping shoulders. Venues all around the city host authors from afternoon into the night. Authors range from historical writers to award-wining contemporary fiction writers. This year is no exception.

Below are a few highlights of the festival. The complete schedule of events can be found at http://www.wisconsinbookfestival.com.

• Wednesday, September 29

7:30 – 9:30 pm, Capital Theatre/Overture Center

“Michele Norris: The Grace of Silence: – National Public Radio’s host of All Things Considered will be discussing her latest novel, The Grace of Silence.

• Thursday, September 30

7:30 – 9 pm, Avol’s Bookstore

“Verse Wisconsin” – Verse Wisconsin celebrates their special issue on belief. Joining Verse’s editors Sarah Busse and Wendy Vardaman, are Karl Elder, Madison’s Poet Laureate Fabu, Susan Firer, Max Garland, Derrick Harriell, and John Koethe.

• Friday, October 1

5:30 – 7 pm, Promenade Hall/Overture

“The Gods Will See You Now: Five Wisconsin Poets on Matters of the Spirit” – Five award-winning Wisconsin poets, Bruce Dethlefsen, Karla Huston, Richard Roe, Dave Scheler, and Wisconsin Poet Laureate Marilyn Taylor explore the more elusive destinations of the spirit and the psyche.

8 – 10 pm, Barrymore Theatre

“Friday Night Festival of Fiction” – Act one begins at 8 pm and features Danielle Evans and Susanna Daniel. Act two, starts at 9:15pm and will feature Lan Samantha Change, director of Iowa Writer’s Workshop and author of award winning books Hunger and Inheritance. Chang will read from her latest novel All is Forgotten, Nothing is Lost. Gary Shteyngart will round out the evening reading from his new novel Super Sad True Love Story.