The incomparable Alexander McCall Smith will present the just-released ninth in the Isabel Dalhousie series, The Uncommon Appeal of Clouds.
Have your friends said that your life story should be a book, but you do not know where to start? If so, plan to attend this seminar. Pre-registration is required.
In this session we'll discuss the impact books and reading have had on inmates' lives both in and out of prison.
This panel of veterans will discuss the role writing plays in assisting vets' reentry to the civilian world and helping to intellectualize the war experience while also raising awareness.
An amazing panel of multi-talented scholars talks about black culture, and especially the role of music in shaping it.
For a fiction experience set during the Boston Book Festival, take a listen to Books, Actually, an audio flash-fiction project created by some of Boston's most exciting writers for The Drum Literary Magazine and the BBF.
A Nobel Prize winner and a provocative futurist both present mind-blowing presentations on the mind in this landmark session.
Scholars and novelists alike have delighted in revisiting and reimagining the rich material of the ancient epic poems since, well, since forever. Re-energize your reading of The Iliad with this engaging discussion.
Numerous economic challenges will face the winner in this year’s presidential race. Some of the world’s leading economists offer analysis and advice.
2012 marks the 150th anniversary of Edith Wharton's birth, and the old girl still feels as relevant as ever, thanks to a crop of new publications, both fiction and nonfiction.
How do novelists approach religion, belief, and the mysteries of the unseen? Three distinguished authors discuss distinctly different approaches.
Lorrie Moore said, "A short story is a love affair, a novel is a marriage." Our all-star panel will revel in the intense thrill of short fiction.
Several of today's most exciting and articulate young novelists will discuss the role of setting, both time and place.
It's your turn behind the microphone in this flash-fiction recording session. No need to sign up ahead of time--just take a number when you arrive and be ready to step up to the mic and read your very, very short story.
Will books on paper survive? Will all libraries be digital? Will kids, fed a steady diet of iPad apps, even read books? Join a top-notch panel of experts to consider these questions and more.
Chris Ware, Charles Burns, and Chip Kidd will present their most recent graphic novels. And one of the brightest young stars of the genre, Gabrielle Bell, will show hers as an opening act for the session.
If you are fascinated by all things British and literary, this session is for you!
It's the 75th anniversary of the publication of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit, so let's celebrate!
In this seminar, Hank Phillippi Ryan will share her secrets for writing crime fiction, from concocting a crime and designing a protagonist to the all-important role of revision. Pre-registration required.
There have been, it turns out, many notable Jewish athletes in the annals of sports. Who knew? Join our panelists for a seriously amusing discussion of Jewish jocks.
2012's BBF kids' keynote will be delivered by the elusive and mysterious Lemony Snicket, author of the wildly popular Series of Unfortunate Events.
Four memoirists dissect the crucial relationship of parent and child.
Come hear about these irresistible cities from two highly entertaining and erudite experts.
Join author Anna Solomon for a discussion of the poignant One City One Story pick.
The talented teens from Mass LEAP's blend of powerful emotion, provocative ideas, and rhythmic words straddles the space between poetry and storytelling.
What better place to enjoy readings by a group of acclaimed Irish American poets than in an Irish pub while enjoying a brew?
It seems like a good time to assess the state of political culture of our country, and let's begin by saying the news is not great. Join in the discussion with some veteran observers.
Work together with friends, parents, and our volunteers to sharpen your detection skills with our hands-on activities. Pretty soon you'll be ready to take your place alongside Sammy Keyes and Encyclopedia Brown!
Listen to three readings on the theme of families in beautiful Trinity Forum.
Listen to some fabulous writers read from their work in beautiful Trinity Forum.
Three extremely talented writers share their distinct artistic visions, with readings from their new publications in lovely Trinity Forum.
What does it take to write an advice column? Get the lowdown from two of the best. Pre-registration required.
Do you have a novel, photo book, or cookbook that you want to see beautifully bound or turned into an ebook? Learn how with Blurb's suite of free self-publishing tools. Pre-registration required for Section 1.
Three wickedly observant authors take the stage to deliver some witty and perhaps biting satire.
Have you ever wanted to see your favorite picture books and fairy tales come to life? Here's your chance, thanks to the creative and enthusiastic teens who make up Hyde Square Task Force's Youth Literacy Theatre.
Let's talk about cities, specifically our city. Panelists representing a variety of perspectives will discuss how well Boston is doing, and you can join the discussion, too.
The Whitey Bulger story is a case of the truth being stranger than fiction. Come meet some authors who have spent a good part of their lives chasing and chronicling the elusive Bulger.
Three authors will discuss their new nonfiction that derives from personal experience.
The approaching 50th anniversary of The Feminine Mystique seems like a good time to assess where women stand today in the workplace, at home, in society.
Any story can keep you turning pages, but mysteries offer readers extra motivation to find out "whodunit"! Discover how authors of recent middle-grade mystery novels create a sense of suspense.
It's tempting to think that picture books are relics of another time. But these accomplished authors and illustrators demonstrate that the picture book is more relevant than ever.
An actor will read the first page of YOUR unpublished manuscript for the audience and a panel of experienced agent judges.
Our presenters will have a discussion about how--and why--YA authors write about adversity.
Ten years ago, the notion of being constantly connected to the Internet seemed far-fetched. Now? Not so much. We'll try to wrap our heads around the future in this lively session.