The Mississippi Book Festival’s third turn around the block of the State Capitol in downtown Jackson kept more than 6,400 book lovers enthralled as they packed panels, heard stories, gained insights, reveled in the festival vibe and bought books by the tote-load and the thousands. Dr. Carla Hayden, Librarian of Congress, joined by Governor Phil Bryant and other state dignitaries kicked off the festivities and unveiled the Mississippi Literary Map of the state’s classic and emerging authors. Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Richard Ford (Between Them, Independence Day) and New York Times best-selling author Greg Iles (Natchez Burning trilogy) topped a long list of contemporary authors on hand for a day that was also peppered with fun and insights from state and regional culinary personalities, photographers and visual and musical artists. Kids and teen activities, including new best-selling Jackson author Angie Thomas (The Hate U Give), ensured a festival that reached readers of all ages, and the debut of “Face-to-Face” time with select authors gave fans a chance for photos and more intimate book signing time with their favorites. Outdoors, the literary lawn party was in full swing, too, with live music, food trucks and the lively exchanges of readers and writers of every persuasion.
Meg Cabot Speaks
Acclaimed Children’s author Meg Cabot will speak to 750 4th graders from Jackson Public Schools. At the end, they will each receive a free copy of Cabot’s Middle School Princess #3: Royal Crush. Elee Reeves and her daughters will introduce Cabot, who is best known for the The Princess Diaries series of books.
Imagination Playground, Wheel of Wonder, Bookmaking, and Snowflake Fun
Presented by Phil Hardin Foundation and the Fay B. Kaigler Children’s Book Festival
Stop by between 9:00 am and noon for fun with interactive exhibits from the Mississippi Children’s Museum. Build big with Imagination Playground. Spin and win with the Wheel of Wonder. Tell your story with Bookmaking. Create your own Snowflake Fun.
Festival Kick-Off with Dr. Carla Hayden, Librarian of Congress
Governor Phil Bryant, Lieutenant Governor Tate Reeves, and Speaker of the House Philip Gunn will join Dr. Carla Hayden, Librarian of Congress, and Congressman Gregg Harper to kick off the 2017 Mississippi Book Festival. During the opening, Dr. Hayden and special guests will unveil the state’s exciting new Literary Map, commissioned by the Mississippi Library Commission and the Center for the Book.
C-SPAN LIVE presented by Entergy
A Conversation with the Librarian of Congress
Presented by the Mississippi Humanities Council and the University of Southern Mississippi Friends of the Library
Mississippi Congressman Gregg Harper, Chairman of the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress, joins Dr. Carla Hayden, the Librarian of Congress, in conversation. Dr. Hayden is the 14th Librarian of Congress.
C-SPAN LIVE presented by Entergy
In the Middle
Presented by University of Southern Mississippi
Middle Grade Children’s authors discuss their novels and writing for children ages 8 to 12.
Things Like the Truth
Presented by Margaret and Bob Montgomery
Journalists and essayists discuss the journey to finding the truth with moderator Jimmie E. Gates of the Clarion-Ledger.
Poetry
Presented by the Mississippi Arts Commission and the University of Mississippi
Poet Laureate of Mississippi, Beth Ann Fennelly, brings together a cast of national poets.
Art in Mississippi
Presented by Beard & Riser Architects
This distinguished panel of artists explores the many facets of art in Mississippi.
Eudora Welty’s Legacy
Presented by the Eudora Welty Foundation and the Mississippi Arts Commission
Leading Eudora Welty scholar Suzanne Marrs is joined by critics and writers to discuss Eudora Welty’s enduring influence.
Local Food
Try tasty local foods from these vendors along West Street and enjoy—under the sun shade or in the shade!
Bessi Roo’s | Crunch Time Concessions | Deep South Pops | Green Ghost Tacos | Hog Heaven BBQ | J B’s Chicago Style Beef Etc. | LurnyD’s Grille | The Manship Wood Fired Kitchen | Small Time Hot Dogs | Sweetwater Blue’z | T&J Concessions | T&J Concessions Sno Cones | Southern Sweets & Treats
Kidnote
Presented by the Phil Hardin Foundation and the Fay B. Kaigler Children’s Book Festival
Kick-off a morning of kid-friendly fun with a beloved children’s author and award-winning illustrator. A special hour for kids of all ages to let their minds soar!
Booksellers
Booksellers are showcased at the center of the festival in our Independent Bookseller Tents, directly across from the Book Signings Tent.
Big House Books | The Clarion-Ledger | Dogwood Press | Jackson Friends of the Library | Ke Francis / Caron Gallery | Lemuria Books | Lorelei Books | Mississippi Museum of Art | Nautilus | Turnrow Books | University Press of Mississippi | Usborne Books
Authors Alley
Meet authors and artists selling their most recent works along Mississippi Street.
Mary Abraham | Joyce Ainsworth | Jacquelyn C. Allen | Melanie Atkins | Douglas Babington | David Billings | Lottie Bogan | W. Clark Boutwell | Felicia Brookins | Wanda Nance Brooks | Alison Buehler | Joshua Cable | Melissa Carrigee | John S. Case | Chauncey Citchens | Thelma B. Cousin | Dorothy A. Day | Andy Delancy | Janet W. Ferguson | Beth McAdams Ford | Paula Goddard | Jane Golden | Elizabeth Guider | Ann Hollowell | Shirley Kianna Hopkins | H. Grady Howell Jr. | Wanda Fay Jackson | Lizy Jacob | Benny H. Jenkins | Emma A. Jimenez | Mark W. Johnson | Kimberly B. Jones | Larry Jorgensen | Hannah Kay | Jazz Keyes | Michael Lackey | LaDonna Marie | Anne Martin | Ava Lisa Maxey | Mike McCall | Patrick McCloud | Sarah McGee | Tom McGraw | Clea McLemore | Robert Moore | Virginia Sue Mordecai | Ricky Nobile | Darden North | Cleveland Payne | Katherine Dupont Phillips | Katina Rankin | Robert Rogers | Evelyn McDade Roughten | Tyra E. Rowell | Richard Schwartz | Janice A. Singleton | Andrew Snorton | Jackie Warren Tatum | Janet Taylor-Perry | Sister Alies Therese | Diane Thomas-Plunk | Michael Hicks Thompson | Thomas J. Ward Jr. | Candice A. Whigham | Clinton Ink Slingers
Exhibitors on the Lawn
Organizations (non-profit, government, charitable) have it made in the shade with a provided tent and table on the Capitol grounds. Please note: No sales are allowed in this area.
Bookfriends of the University Press of Mississippi | Eudora Welty House and Garden | Margaret Walker Center | Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience | Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters | Mississippi Library Association | Mississippi Public Broadcasting | Mississippi State University | Mississippi Today | Mississippi University for Women, MFA in Creative Writing | Visit Jackson | Visit Mississippi | Visit Oxford | Volunteer Mississippi | WT3 Foundation
Stories from the South
Presented by the University of Mississippi
Short story writers of today come together to discuss their craft.
The Heritage of Mississippi Series (Bicentennial Feature)
Presented by Bradley, Arant, Boult, Cummings, LLP and Mississippi State University
In celebration of Mississippi’s Bicentennial, Katie Blount of Mississippi Department of Archives and History leads a discussion between writers of the Heritage of Mississippi Series.
C-SPAN LIVE presented by Entergy
A Different Angle
Presented by Carroll Warren & Parker
These publishing go-getters join together to chat about their experiences and how they are making their book ideas a reality.
Historical Fiction
Presented by Henry Barbour
Edgar Award nominee Matthew Guinn delves into the art of the historical novel with some of today’s most acclaimed authors.
Two Cooks in the Kitchen
Presented by Regions Bank
Vivian Howard, star of the PBS television show A Chef’s Life, and John Currence, creator of many restaurants including Big Bad Breakfast, discuss cooking and the south.
The Power of the Picture Book
Presented by Sara and Bill Ray
Led by Ellen Ruffin, curator of the de Grummond Collection at the University of Southern Mississippi, this collection of authors and illustrators discusses the powerful influence Picture Books make in children’s lives.
Write for Mississippi
Presented by the Mississippi Humanities Council
Write for Mississippi is an organization working to implement diverse projects that use creative writing and storytelling to further community engagement. One such project is a series of creative writing workshops that places guest writers into public high schools. Hear from the authors and teachers who have been implementing this project across Mississippi.
Hue, 1968: A Turning Point of the American War in Vietnam
Presented by Y’all Politics
Interviewer Howard Bahr, novelist and naval Vietnam Vet, will interview Mark Bowden about his masterful landmark work on the Battle of Hue, the story of the centerpiece of the Tet offensive and the bloodiest battle of the entire Vietnam War.
C-SPAN LIVE presented by Entergy
Rising Stars in Young Adult
Presented by Carroll Warren & Parker and the Junior League of Jackson
Vermont College of Fine Arts graduate Mandy Smith is joined by a host of Young Adult novelists to explore the growth of the genre.
PBS NewsHour was on hand to tape this presentation and included a portion in the September 24, 2017 PBS NewsHour edition. Click here to view.
A Really Big Lunch
Presented by Sarah McCullough
This panel will focus on the work of our beloved Jim Harrison and his posthumous collection of food essays. His friends gather to share their stories at the festival.
Capturing Mississippi
Presented by the Mississippi Humanities Council
Folklorist William Ferris moderates a discussion between photographers from Mississippi and across the country.
Her Story
Presented by Portico Jackson Magazine
Five noted women authors discuss their most recent works, as well as the opportunities and challenges unique to women writers.
Larry Brown, the South, and the Modern Novel
Presented by Wise Carter Child & Caraway
Larry Brown’s longtime friend, Richard Howorth, brings together a few of the author’s friends to share Brown’s effect on their work and to discuss their own books.
Mississippi Middle Grade Readers (Bicentennial Feature)
Presented by Cornerstone Consulting
In celebration of Mississippi’s Bicentennial, these Mississippi authors talk about writing for Middle Grade Readers.
The Reading Stack
Presented by BKD CPAs & Advisors
Find out what these industry insiders have in their reading stack and what their suggestions are for your next book club pick.
Celebrating our Roots: A Tribute to Mississippi’s Musical Heritage
Presented by the Mississippi Arts Commission
From musicians to writers and tastemakers, this well-rounded collection of music lovers discusses music in Mississippi with moderator Scott Barretta.
Greg Iles and Stanley Nelson with Jerry Mitchell
Presented by The Clarion-Ledger
Jerry Mitchell leads New York Times bestselling author Greg Iles and Stanley Nelson in a discussion about the events in their books, both fact and fiction.
Write for Mississippi Workshop
Write for Mississippi is an organization working to implement diverse projects that use creative writing and storytelling to further community engagement. Join the authors who have been taking a series of creative writing workshops into public high schools across Mississippi.
U.S. Presidents
Presented by Taggart, Rimes & Graham
Executive Director and Managing Editor of the Ulysses S. Grant Association, John Marszalek leads this diverse group of authors through the lives of United States presidents and the men who served them.
Live C-SPAN coverage presented by Entergy
A Culture of Food
Presented by the Mississippi Arts Commission and Mississippi State University
The festival brings together a collection of authors to discuss food histories and their influence on the cultures around them.
Face-to-Face with Greg Iles and Stanley Nelson
Meet Greg Iles and Stanley Nelson in this intimate signing and photo op event immediately following their panel presentation in the Galloway Sanctuary. Greg and Stanley will sign books here and not in the signing tent.
National Literary Panel
Presented by Butler Snow
Oxford American editor Eliza Borne leads a conversation with four authors from the national literary stage.
Mississippi History
Presented by the Mississippi Humanities Council in partnership with the “Legacy of Race” initiative of the National Endowment for the Humanities
Leading history writers come together with Pamela Junior, Director of the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, to discuss pivotal moments in Mississippi’s history.
C-SPAN LIVE presented by Entergy
Southern Fiction
Presented by Hederman Brothers Printing
Today’s writers come together to discuss the power of the Southern narrative.
A Year in Mississippi
Presented by Mississippi State University
“A Year in Mississippi” is a collection of forty essays, ten per season, celebrating significant events and traditions throughout the state. Join contributors as they discuss the background, history, and emotions of these events.
The Enduring Mystery with Otto Penzler
Presented by the University of Mississippi
Bestselling Mystery writers come together to discuss this fiction mainstay.
How Mississippi Changed America
Conversations About the Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi and the Nation
Historians, scholars and experts discuss the civil rights movement in Mississippi, ground zero for the national struggle. On the cusp of the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum’s opening, hear how the stories the museum tells and history it shares are as much about America as Mississippi. As the people in the trenches in this state fought for change, their strategies and activities affected the movement beyond its borders — including other states and the powerful halls of the nation’s capital.
SPONSORED BY
The Margaret Walker Center at Jackson State University, the Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center, the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, Tougaloo College and the Mississippi Book Festival
HELD IN CONNECTION WITH
The Mississippi Bicentennial Celebration and the opening of the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and the Museum of Mississippi History
FUNDED BY
Bicentennial Grants from the Mississippi Humanities Council and Visit Mississippi, and a grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation
Angie Thomas Speaks
New York Times best-selling author, and Jackson’s own, Angie Thomas will speak to 750 9th Graders from JPS. Each child will receive a free copy of Thomas’ new book, The Hate U Give. Mississippi Arts Commission Executive Director Malcolm White will introduce Thomas.
PBS NewsHour was on hand to tape this presentation and included a portion in the September 24, 2017 PBS NewsHour edition. Click here to view.
More Than Just a Cookbook
Presented by Community Foundation of Greater Jackson and First Commercial Bank
Some of our favorite chefs gather to share secrets, stories and, most of all, their love of food.
First Fiction: The Discovery of the Debut
Presented by Mississippi State University
Mississippi transplant and writer Richard Grant discusses the road to publication with these debut authors.
Southern History
Presented by Pigott Law Firm, PA
From the schoolhouse to the courthouse, join these writers as they look back at events that shaped the South and its people.
C-SPAN LIVE presented by Entergy
Voices of Home
Presented by the Mississippi Library Commission
Join Tracy Carr, director of the Mississippi Center for the Book, for a discussion of Mississippi writing from four current Mississippi writers.
Mississippi Encyclopedia (Bicentennial Feature)
Presented by Donna and Jim Barksdale and the Mississippi Humanities Council
In celebration of the release of this all-encompassing work on Mississippi, editors of the Mississippi Encyclopedia come together to discuss this 20-year project in the making.
A Special Report: Vietnam Fifty Years Later
Presented by Y’all Politics
Bestselling author Mark Bowden and Congressman Trent Kelly will share a conversation. These two will participate in a riveting discussion about America’s involvement in Vietnam with a special emphasis on the military veterans. Stay for book signing afterward!