Brooklyn Book Festival 2015

A few weeks back, I traveled to Brooklyn, NY for the Brooklyn Book Festival....(One of the many perks of living in the DC area, you can go to NY for the day.)

Now, if you love books and writers, I highly recommend that you attend book festivals. Book festivals are normally free, and you can spend the day or days, depending upon the length of the festival, up close and personal with some of your favorite writers. 

Me and Kiese Laymon

I really wanted to see and hear Kiese Laymon, the author of How to Slowly Kill Yourself and Others in America at the Brooklyn Book Festival. However, based on my arrival time and the time of the session where he was a participant, I knew attending his session was an impossibility. 

But, you know me, I went to the building where his session was being held, and sure enough, his session was over, but guess who was standing in front of the building?

My people, we hugged and talked like we had been knowing each other for decades, and I can’t wait to read more of his writings.

Me and Marlon James

In preparation for the BOCAS literary festival that I attended in Trinidad earlier this year, I read A Brief History of Seven Killings by Marlon James. Now, I was extremely disappointed that Marlon did not make it to Trinidad, but guess who I happened to be sitting next to as I ate brunch at this swanky, outdoor cafe in Brooklyn?

Well, you know how I am highly favored, and not only did I get the chance to talk to Marlon, but I also got the opportunity to take a picture with him and to attend the session where he was a participant.

Highly Favored!

Me and Taiye Selasi

I had a little free time in between session, and I decided to peruse the books to decide which session I would attend next.

On one of the tables, I saw the title Ghana Must Go by Taiye Selasi. This book peaked my interest, because I have traveled to Ghana, and I have never read a fictional book that is set in Ghana. So, I bought the book and attended the session. 

Selasi was quite confident and delightful, and I can’t wait to read her book....

The people in the picture above are writers, Vladimir Lucien and Ifeona Fulani, whom I met at the BOCAS literary festival, and I just happened to run into them at the Brooklyn Book Festival. 

This literary world is getting smaller and smaller....

This Brooklyn Book Festival was short but mighty.... And, you may want to consider adding it to your list of things to do if you love books and writers!

“Seize the Day!"