Meeting Authors and Readers at National Book Fest 2023

While the mercury was rising on the streets of DC on Saturday, August 12, inside the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, temps were cool and spirits were high. Apart from the chance sighting of “Where’s Waldo” and Clifford the Big Red Dog, the celebrities of this year’s National Book Festival were the dozens of well-known and up-and-coming authors who led programs on a wide range of topics—from the impact of AI and the shadowy reign of J. Edgar Hoover to climate change and Southern Noir.

Massachusetts Center for the Book held its own with a booth in the Roadmap to Reading, and amid the excitement and organized chaos of the day, hosted four Massachusetts-based authors for appearances and book signings. We also had the opportunity to feature two fantastic titles as part of the “Great Reads from Great Places” initiative—Ben Shattuck’s Six Walks in the Footsteps of Henry David Thoreau as the adult pick, and Tricia Elam Walker and Ekua Holmes’ Dream Street as the children’s selection. Western Massachusetts authors had an especially strong presence at this year’s Festival, with Grace Lin, Jarrett Krosoczka, and Sarah Weinman all participating.

Jarrett Krosoczka signs books for fans of all ages at this year’s National Book Festival.

Jarrett J. Krosoczka’s fans lined up for a meet and greet and received free copies of Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute, while Grace Lin connected with readers as she signed her Newbury Honor Book, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon. And Sarah Weinman inscribed copies of her true-crime thriller, Scoundrel: How a Convicted Murderer Persuaded the Women Who Loved Him, the Conservative Establishment, and the Courts to Set Him Free. Last but not least, Jennifer De Leon, popped by to sign Don’t Ask Me Where I’m From and chat about her fantastic new book, Borderless.

Readers wait in line for signed copies of Sarah Weinman’s Scoundrel: How a Convicted Murderer Persuaded the Women Who Loved Him, the Conservative Establishment, and the Courts to Set Him Free.

And, that’s a wrap on National Book Festival 2023. We’ll look forward to seeing you at next year’s Fest and promoting the authors and books that make the Massachusetts literary scene so strong.