The Wisconsin Book Festival is gearing up for the fall kickoff to its 2021–22 programming season, with a hybrid approach for author events — some virtual and others in person. In-person events will take place on Saturday, October 23, during the annual fall celebration weekend. Attendees and authors will be required to adhere to any public health orders issued at that time.
Highlighted author programs include:
Award-winning educator and historian Carol Anderson for The Second, 7 p.m. Thursday, October 21 (virtual)
Literary fiction icon Miriam Toews for Fight Night, 8:30 p.m. Thursday, October 21 (virtual)
Radio host, journalist and public speaker Celeste Headlee for Speaking of Race, 7 p.m. Friday, October 22 (virtual)
Wisconsin’s own Nickolas Butler for Godspeed, 3 p.m. Saturday, October 23 (in person)
Whiting Award recipient Jaquira Diaz for Ordinary Girls, 3 p.m. Saturday, October 23 (in person)
Best-selling thriller writer Nick Petrie for The Breaker, 4:30 pm Saturday, October 23 (in person)
Award-winning sportswriter and biographer Mirin Fader for Giannis, 6 p.m. Saturday, October 23 (in person)
Defense attorney, motivational speaker and nonprofit leader Jarrett Adams for Redeeming Justice, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, October 23 (in person)
Intrepid journalist and science writer Mary Roach for Fuzz, presented in partnership with the Wisconsin Science Festival, 11 a.m. Sunday, October 24 (in person)
Programs scheduled in the weeks leading up to the fall celebration include:
#metoo movement founder and activist Tarana Burke for Unbound, 6 p.m. Thursday, September 23 (virtual)
Internationally renowned multi-genre writer Sandra Cisneros for Martita, I Remember You, 7 p.m. Tuesday, September 28 (virtual)
Memoirist Bobby Love and wife Cheryl Love for The Redemption of Bobby Love, 7 p.m. Thursday, October 7 (virtual)
Feminist essayist and memoirist Melissa Febos for Girlhood, 7 p.m. Tuesday, October 12 (in person)
The Wisconsin Book Festival is presented by Madison Public Library in partnership with Madison Public Library Foundation. For program details and the full schedule, go to wisconsinbookfestival.org. The schedule is subject to change based on public health guidelines for COVID-19.
Follow the festival on Facebook and Instagram (@wibookfest) or on Twitter (@wibookfestival) for bonus content.