Photo by Mauricio Gudino, Jr.
Yes, we really do read in this city, and the second annual San Antonio Book Festival (April 5) is a flattering indicator.
[Photos] Texas Book Festival: San Antonio Edition 2013
First, let’s cut to the chase and talk about a new punch to the event--the closing program. The Literary Death Match, bills itself as a “a hilarious mix of ‘Def Jam Poetry’ and ‘American Idol.’” It’s a performative storytelling competition that has flung ink in sexysmart cities like Portland, Boston, New York, Vancouver, and now San Antonio. The literary antics will take place at the Empire Theatre followed by a cocktails and the live music of Cryin’ D.T. Buffkin & the Bad Breath.
Getting back to the actual family-friendly festival, the headlining act is TV news icon Jane Pauley. She’s pushing her new book, which is something of a call to action for the Boomers,
Your Life Calling: Reimagining the Rest of Your Life. Sandra Cisneros will pay us a visit from Mexico with her latest
Have You Seen Marie? Fernando A. Flores, based in Austin, wins the Best Title Ever contest with his book
Death to the Bullshit Artists of South Texas, Vol. 1. And Ignacio Garcia will be telling us about the time Mexicans could ball, back before World War II. (Truly --
When Mexicans Could Play Ball: Basketball, Race, and Identity in San Antonio, 1928-1945.) Plus,
Kenny Braun has a posh black and white photography book called Surf Texas. Who knew Texas is one of the top six surfing states in America? You'll find the full line-up of participating scribes on the festival’s site.
More than 80 writers from across the country are coming this time around, so make like Terry Gross, read up and get your author interviews on. You might begin by brushing up on these four attending writers who we've previously featured:
Renowned Journalist Nick Kotz Covers His Family’s SA History In New Book
'Dallas 1963' Co-Author Bill Minutaglio Discusses JFK In Texas
Music Journalist Robert Hilburn Talks About His Book, 'Johnny Cash: The Life'
Interview With Public Lands Historian Char Miller
