Even if you’re not a reader, you want to attend the Texas Book Festival this weekend. If you are a reader, you absolutely must.
Created by First Lady Laura Bush in 1995, the Texas Book Festival draws about 40,000 visitors every year, according to their website. With a book signing tent, live music, author readings and panel discussion, all occurring right downtown, it’s no wonder. The website’s colossal listing of events makes it hard to decide which ones to choose over the others. Here are a few you should star on your calendar.
Austin City Limits: 35 Years in Photographs
Since 1979, Scott Nelson has been photographing the Austin City Limits television show. Going on 36 seasons, it’s currently the longest running rock-‘n’-roll music show in history. Seeing the greats pass before your eyes in still-frame is bound to be a showcase to remember. Be at the Paramount Theatre on Saturday, from 11:15 to 12pm.
Jeff Lindsay
If the author’s name doesn’t ring a bell, his work certainly will: Dexter, the popular Showtime TV show, is based on his first Dexter novel, Darkly Dreaming Dexter. However, he’s written five so far. Although the first season stays relatively close to the first book, the rest of the series goes in a completely different direction than the novels. If you love Dexter on screen and need another fix, consider picking up the books; the most recent, Dexter Is Delicious, just came out. To indulge in your dark side, be at the Paramount Theatre at 2pm on Saturday.
The Living Waters of Texas
Before wandering around the capital’s concrete all day getting heatstroke, ground yourself in the aqua beauty of Texas. Charles Kruvand presents landscape photography at the Capital Extension Room, E2.010 at 10am Saturday.
The Onion’s Jean Teasdale
The Onion is second in popularity only to The Austin Chronicle on the streets of Austin, TX. Maria Schneider, the human behind the text, writes humor columns for the paper, and now she’s written A Book Of Jean’s Own! Stop passively reading The Onion and throw yourself into the laughter headfirst at First United Methodist Church on Saturday, 12:30pm.
Awkward Family Photos
We all think our own family is the weirdest. After attending this reading, you’ll wonder if that’s true. Based on AwkwardFamilyPhotos.com, the book by the same name shows pictures and tells tales of the most unrefined, genuine family moments. To gain faith in your own family’s normality, be at the First United Methodist Church at 1:30pm on Saturday.
The Cartoon Introduction to Economics
With the words “stand-up economist” describing Yoram Bauman, PhD, this will either be an extremely pathetic attempt at humor, or a fantastically ridiculous (yet accurate and extensive) interpretation of microeconomics. With Bauman’s prestige and the history of the Book Festival, my money’s on the latter. To find out, visit the Capitol Extension Room E2.010 at 3pm on Saturday.
If none of these appeal to you, no worries; there’ll be a couple dozen more options floating around. Children’s activities will also be in full swing, from The Cat in the Hat fun to a “Zombies v. Unicorns” event. For a full listing of all the event options, visit http://www.texasbookfestival.org.
What Not to Miss at the Texas Book Festival
