The 2024 Library of Congress National Book Festival returned to the Washington Convention Center on Saturday, August 24. The festival’s theme this year, “Books Build Us Up,” explored how reading can help connect us and inform our lives. It’s through books that readers can develop strong bonds with writers and their ideas – relationships that open the entire world, real or imagined, to us all.
The Library of Congress National Book Festival is one of the most anticipated literary events in the United States. Since its inception in 2001, the festival has grown into a grand celebration of books, authors, and the joy of reading. Held annually in Washington, DC, this festival attracts tens of thousands of book lovers, offering a unique opportunity to engage with some of the most renowned authors from across the globe.
Throughout the day, attendees heard conversations from authors of various genres across the festival's many stages. Award-winning author James Patterson chatted about his recent nonfiction book, “The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians: Their Stories Are Better Than the Bestsellers,” and James McBride discussed his latest novel “The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store.”
Historian Doris Kearns Goodwin took readers on an emotional journey in her latest book, “An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s,” an account dedicated to the last years of her husband’s life after serving as an aide and speechwriter to Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson, and Sen. Robert F. Kennedy. Erik Larson, author of “The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War,” brought to life the pivotal five months between the election of Abraham Lincoln and the start of the Civil War.
The Library of Congress National Book Festival is more than just a gathering of authors and readers; it’s a celebration of the written word and its power to bring people together. Whether you’re a lifelong book lover or just starting to explore the world of literature, the festival offers something for everyone.
From engaging discussions with authors to hands-on activities for children, the festival is a testament to the enduring appeal of books in an increasingly digital world. As one attendee succinctly put it, “This festival reminds us why we love books—they have the power to educate, entertain, and connect us in ways nothing else can.”
The festival is funded by private donors and corporate sponsors who share the Library’s commitment to reading and literacy. Since 2010, National Book Festival Co-Chairman David M. Rubenstein has been the festival’s lead benefactor.
Tamron Hall and Lish Steiling on "A Confident Cook"
Photo credit: CeCe Cogar
Tamron Hall and Lish Steiling's presentation at the Library of Congress National Book Festival was met with enthusiasm and excitement from attendees. The duo's engaging chemistry and relatable storytelling resonated well with the audience, many of whom were eager to learn more about their new cookbook, "A Confident Cook."
This an exciting new cookbook to be released on September 3, 2024. This collaboration between Emmy Award-winning talk show host and journalist Tamron Hall and her good friend, award-winning chef Lish Steiling, aims to empower beginners and curious cooks in the kitchen.
During their main stage discussion, Hall and Steiling shared personal anecdotes about their friendship and culinary journeys, which captivated the audience. They demonstrated a few simple recipes live, showcasing their approachable cooking style. Attendees appreciated the practical tips and techniques offered, which emphasized confidence in the kitchen.
Audience members expressed their delight on social media platforms, sharing snippets of the event and praising the authors' warmth and humor. Comments highlighted how Hall and Steiling made cooking feel accessible and fun, encouraging many to try their hand at the recipes from the book.
One attendee tweeted, "Just saw @TamronHall and @LishSteiling at the #NatBookFest! Their energy is infectious, and I can't wait to try the recipes in 'A Confident Cook'!" Another remarked, "I loved how they made cooking feel like a conversation with friends. Can't wait for the book!"
The subsequent book signing session was also a hit. Fans lined up to meet Hall and Steiling, eager to get their copies of "A Confident Cook" signed. The authors took time to chat with each fan, posing for photos and sharing personalized messages. Many attendees left the signing feeling inspired and excited about their new culinary adventure.
The Friendship Behind the Book
The story of this cookbook began when Tamron Hall and Lish Steiling first met while working at the Today show. What started as a professional relationship blossomed into a friendship filled with kitchen adventures, laughter, and learning. Their shared experiences and passion for cooking inspired them to create a cookbook that would bring the same joy and empowerment to others.
Photo credit: CeCe Cogar
What's Inside "A Confident Cook"?
The cookbook is designed to be a comprehensive guide for those starting their culinary journey. It covers essential topics such as:
Selecting necessary kitchen tools (and which ones to skip)
Stocking a pantry effectively
Cooking for various group sizes, from solo meals to gatherings
Readers can expect a variety of delicious recipes, including:
Baked French Toast with Sparkling Berries
Crispy Fried Chicken
Harissa Roasted Carrots with Queso Fresco
Chai-Spiced Pudding
The book also features cocktails and mocktails, like the intriguingly named "Not Tonight, Satan".
Pictured: Tamron Hall (left), Librarian of Congress Dr. Carla Hayden (center), and Lish Steiling (right)
About the Authors
Tamron Hall is a well-known Emmy Award-winning talk show host and journalist. She has expanded her career to include cookbook author, bringing her engaging personality and curiosity to the culinary world.
Lish Steiling is an award-winning chef with a vast background in cooking. Her expertise and ability to make cooking look easy are evident throughout the book.
The Cookbook's Impact
"A Confident Cook" is more than just a collection of recipes. It's a testament to the power of friendship, the joy of learning, and the confidence that comes from mastering new skills in the kitchen. By sharing their own journey, Tamron and Lish hope to inspire readers to embark on their own culinary adventures, free from pressure and full of fun.
With its blend of practical advice, delicious recipes, and friendly guidance, this cookbook promises to be a valuable addition to kitchens everywhere, especially for those looking to build their confidence in cooking.
Max Greenfield's "Good Night Thoughts" and His Recent Library of Congress National Book Festival Appearance
Photo credit: CeCe Cogar
What do we do when our thoughts are racing? And they’re made worse by knowing it’s bedtime and we’ve got to get to sleep?! Right away! Beloved actor Max Greenfield has a few ideas. He talks about his brand-new picture book, “Good Night Thoughts”,- at this event, in conversation with moderator Chasten Buttigieg.
Max Greenfield, best known for his role on the hit TV show "New Girl", has recently ventured into the literary world with his new book, "Good Night Thoughts". This children’s book, filled with whimsical illustrations and thoughtful reflections, marks Greenfield's debut in the realm of children's literature. His recent appearance at the Library of Congress National Book Festival has drawn considerable attention to this fresh addition to the world of children's books.
Max Greenfield's recent appearance at the Library of Congress National Book Festival was a highlight of the event. This year, Greenfield's participation added a touch of celebrity to the festival, attracting a large crowd eager to hear about his foray into children's literature.
During the festival, Greenfield engaged in a lively discussion about his book, sharing insights into the creative process behind Good Night Thoughts. He also participated in a book signing session, where fans had the opportunity to meet him and get their copies of the book autographed. The author’s candid and engaging demeanor resonated with attendees, further cementing his presence in the literary community.
As Greenfield continues to explore new creative endeavors, his fans and readers eagerly anticipate what he will bring to the literary world next.
Festival Authors
More than 90 of the nation's best authors, poets and illustrators, discussed their work and answered questions at the National Book Festival.
Peng Shepard, American Author
Peng Shepherd, a rising star in the world of contemporary literature, has quickly established herself as a master of crafting intricate, immersive worlds. With each novel, she beckons readers into realms where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur, creating narratives that are as thought-provoking as they are enthralling. Her ability to weave together complex characters with rich, atmospheric settings has earned her a devoted following and critical acclaim. In this exploration, we delve into the mind of Peng Shepherd, uncovering the inspirations, themes, and storytelling techniques that make her one of the most compelling voices in modern fiction.
Literary Works
Peng Shepherd's published books include:
"The Book of M" (2018)
"The Future Library" (2021)
"The Cartographers" (2022)
"All This and More" (2024)
Her debut novel, "The Book of M," received widespread acclaim and was optioned for television adaptation.
Awards and Recognition
Shepherd's works have garnered several accolades:
2019 Neukom Institute Literary Arts Award for Debut Speculative Fiction
2020 National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship
"The Future Library" won the 2022 Ignyte Award for Best Novelette
Her books have been featured as "Best Book of the Year" by the Washington Post and "Best Book of the Summer" by the Today Show and NPR.
Writing Career
Shepherd's journey as an author began early in life. She wrote short stories for her mother as early as kindergarten, always incorporating elements of magic or the strange. Her passion for writing continued through high school and university, though she struggled with completing projects.
In her mid-twenties, Shepherd decided to pursue writing seriously. She enrolled in NYU's MFA program to gain structure and learn how to finish and revise drafts. It was during her second year in the program that the idea for her first novel began to take shape.
Writing Style and Themes
Shepherd's work often explores dystopian and speculative themes. She is particularly drawn to dystopian literature because it allows her to explore what it means to be human. Her novels blend elements of fantasy, science fiction, and thriller genres, creating imaginative and thought-provoking narratives.
Peng Shepherd's unique blend of speculative fiction and compelling storytelling has established her as a notable voice in contemporary literature. Her works continue to captivate readers and critics alike, exploring complex themes through imaginative and engaging narratives.
Edan Lepucki, American Novelist
Edan Lepucki is an American novelist known for her debut novel "California" and subsequent works. Here are some key details about her career and life:
Books
Lepucki has published several notable works:
"California" (2014) - Her debut novel that became a New York Times bestseller
"Woman No. 17" (2017) - Her second novel
"If You're Not Yet Like Me" (2010) - A novella
"There's No Place Like Home" (2019) - A short story published as part of the "Warmer" collection
Career Highlights
"California" debuted at #3 on the New York Times Best Sellers list and was a #1 Best Seller on the Los Angeles Times list
"Woman No. 17" received positive reviews from publications like the Washington Post, New York Times, and San Francisco Chronicle
She is the founder and co-director of Writing Workshops Los Angeles
Personal and Interesting Facts
Lepucki grew up in Los Angeles, California
She graduated from Oberlin College and the Iowa Writers' Workshop
Her favorite place to read is in the bathtub
She created the popular Instagram account "Mothers Before"
Lepucki co-hosts a podcast called "Mom Rage" with fellow writer Amelia Morris
Inspiration to Become an Author
Lepucki dreamed of becoming a writer from the moment she learned to read. She credits her time working at Book Soup, an LA-based bookstore, as a formative experience that led her to pursue writing as a career. Being surrounded by a supportive community of creative people inspired her to pursue her art.
Edan Lepucki's success as an author, particularly with her debut novel "California," has established her as a notable voice in contemporary American literature, especially in the realm of speculative and climate fiction.
Library of Congress Prize for American Fiction Winner James McBride
James McBride is the latest recipient of the Library of Congress Prize for American Fiction. Librarian of Congress Dr. Carla Hayden bestows McBride with the prize, and McBride has a conversation with NPR’s Michel Martin at this event about his latest novel “The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store” and his writing career as a whole.
James McBride is the author of The New York Times bestseller and Oprah’s Book Club selection “Deacon King Kong”; “The Good Lord Bird,” winner of the National Book Award; “The Color of Water”; “Song Yet Sung”; the story collection “Five-Carat Soul”; and the James Brown biography “Kill ’Em and Leave.” His debut novel, “Miracle at St. Anna,” was turned into a 2008 film. In 2016, McBride was awarded the National Humanities Medal. He is also a musician, a composer and a current distinguished writer-in-residence at New York University. McBride’s most recent New York Times bestselling novel, “The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store,” is featured at the 2024 National Book Festival.
American History Is Native History, with Ned Blackhawk and Kathleen DuVal
Joint Appearances at the 2024 National Book Festival
Blackhawk and DuVal participated together in several events at the 2024 National Book Festival:
Panel Discussion: They were featured speakers in a session titled "American History Is Native History," which took place on Saturday, August 24, 2024, from 12:10 pm to 1:10 pm EDT.
Book Signing: Following their panel discussion, Blackhawk and DuVal held a joint book signing session on the same day from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm EDT at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
These events highlight the significance of their work in reshaping the understanding of American history, particularly in relation to Native American perspectives and experiences. Their joint appearances suggest a collaborative approach to presenting and discussing the integration of Native American history into the broader narrative of American history.
Ned Blackhawk and Kathleen DuVal are both prominent historians who recently participated in the 2024 National Book Festival at the Library of Congress. America didn’t begin in 1776. Ned Blackhawk (“The Rediscovery of America”) and Kathleen DuVal (“Native Nations”) address and rectify the erroneous history that casts Native American people as groups without innate sovereignty consistently on the periphery of American history. Moderated by Shelly C. Lowe.
Ned Blackhawk
Ned Blackhawk is the Howard R. Lamar professor of history at Yale University and an enrolled member of the Te-Moak Tribe of the Western Shoshone. He is a distinguished scholar in Indigenous history, having authored or co-edited four books on the subject. His most recent work, "The Rediscovery of America: Native Peoples and the Unmaking of U.S. History," won the 2023 National Book Award in nonfiction and was featured at the 2024 National Book Festival.
Kathleen DuVal
Kathleen DuVal is a professor of history at an unspecified institution. While less information is provided about her background in the search results, she is also recognized as an expert in her field.
Sandra Cisneros' "The House on Mango Street" Celebrates Its 40th Anniversary
Cisneros (right) in conversation with NPR journalist Rachel Martin (left).
Sandra Cisneros made a notable appearance at the Library of Congress National Book Festival. This event marked a significant moment for fans and scholars alike, as Cisneros engaged in discussions about her work and its relevance in contemporary society. During the festival, Cisneros participated in a panel discussion that explored themes from "The House on Mango Street" and reflected on the novel’s enduring impact.
"The House on Mango Street" recently celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2024. This milestone marks four decades since its initial publication in 1984. The anniversary has been commemorated with various events and discussions, including Sandra Cisneros' appearance at the Library of Congress National Book Festival. This significant milestone highlights the novel's lasting impact and its continued relevance in literature and cultural discourse.
The festival also featured a book signing session where attendees had the opportunity to interact with Cisneros and gain personal insights into her creative process. The event was well-received, with attendees expressing admiration for Cisneros' ability to articulate the complexities of cultural identity and personal resilience.
"The House on Mango Street" remains a vital work that continues to resonate with readers and scholars. Its recent spotlight at the Library of Congress National Book Festival reaffirmed its importance in the literary world. Through its evocative storytelling and exploration of universal themes, Cisneros’ novel endures as a powerful reflection on the human experience, offering a voice to those often unheard and illuminating the richness of cultural diversity.
