Through Facebook, I noticed that the authors for the 2009 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C. have been announced. Thank God I was sitting down when I read it! Click here for the link to the site which contains the entire list. The following are the ones I’m absolutely thrilled and excited about:
TEENS & CHILDREN
Judy Blume ~ OMG!! I read so much of her work growing up. What girl out there didn’t read Are You There God, It’s Me, Margaret a billion times in preparation for adolescence? Let’s not even talk about one of my favorite characters of all time, Ramona.
FICTION & FANTASY
Junot Díaz ~ I haven’t read The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, but I’ve read so much about it.
John Grisham ~ I know there will be so many readers excited to hear him speak. I’m not a huge fan, but the man has an incredible following. My mother loves his work. I would love to get his autograph for her, but I doubt the lines will allow it.
John Irving ~ Of all the authors, John Irving is the adult author one I’m most looking forward to hearing. I will be waiting in his line. I’ve only read The Cider House Rules, but you can bet I’ll be reading A Prayer for Owen Meany and others before September roles around. What an outstanding author to have at the festival!
Jodi Picoult ~ I’ve really grown out of enjoying her novels, but her work was instrumental in helping me when my PPD was at its most severe. In turn, this is where the inspiration for my initial reading challenge and blog came from. I have very fond memories of being up at 3AM because of my anxiety and reading her books. I’m certain you’ll have to get there early to hear her and bring someone to stand in for you in her autograph line.
Nicholas Sparks ~ Not a fan, but I am nearly alone in category. I know that there will be minions there to see him.
Jeannette Walls ~ I so loved The Glass Castle. I know that she will be a wonderful speaker!
David Wroblewski ~ The Story of Edgar Sawtelle fans are going to love this!
MYSTERIES & THRILLERS
David Baldacci ~ A Virginia native – and he lives only about 30 minutes from me.
Michael Connelly ~ Tell me people won’t be excited to hear him?
HISTORY & BIOGRAPHY
Sue Monk Kidd ~ I loved The Secret Lives of Bees and I really didn’t love The Mermaid Chair. Despite the 50/50 average, I would love to see her if I can.
Azar Nafisi ~ I haven’t read Reading Lolita in Tehran, but I’d love to hear her speak. I’m sure she’ll be fascinating.
If you’re planning on attending (or even if you’re not), who are you most excited about?
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It’s a great line up of authors! I can’t wait!
.-= Jenn’s Bookshelf´s last blog .. =-.
I’m standing in the “Not a Fan of Nicholas Sparks” corner, right there with ya.
.-= Nicole´s last blog .. =-.
In addition to Judy Blume, I would love to meet: Mo Willems (squee!), Lois Lowry, Nikki Grimes, Sharon Creech, Shannon Hale (squee!), Rick Riordan (squee!) and Jacqueline Woodson (squee, squee squee!)
Jealous! have fun dear:)
Can’t wait! And I love this year’s poster!
.-= rhapsodyinbooks´s last blog .. =-.
Jeanette Walls spoke at BEA (without notes, I might add) and she was fantastic!
.-= Kathy´s last blog .. =-.
Sounds groovy, chica!
.-= Sher´s last blog .. =-.
Oh, I’ll have that thing for you shortly, too!
David Wroblewski is a funny guy. He was on a panel at the Festival of Books in Los Angeles this past April.
Judy Blume?? I am so green with envy. You need to meet her!
.-= Ti´s last blog .. =-.
Wow, that is one fully-loaded schedule! What I wouldn’t give to be there! My pubescent years revolved around Judy Blume!
.-= Sandy´s last blog .. =-.
I would love to meet Azar Nafisi — Reading Lolita in Tehran is one of my favorite books of all time.
Serena and I are planning to attend. Sounds like it will be a great time!
.-= Anna´s last blog .. =-.
Also Ken Burns, one of the best documentarians of our time! It would also be interesting to meet Gwen Ifill.
I am in the same camp as you. I enjoyed Secret Life of Bees but not crazy about Mermaids Chair. But she is a wonderful speaker and loved her. The only author I would like to her is John Irving there is no one that thrills me. A few years ago I would have said Grisham but your tastes change as you get older.
I would like to go to the DC festival though.
.-= Susan´s last blog .. =-.
Azar Nafisi and Junot Diaz would both be fascinating. And Judy Blume!
Those are some big names there. I think of all of them, John Irving would be the one I’d like to meet the most. But I would get too tongue-tied to speak to him.
.-= Amber´s last blog .. =-.
That’s a great list of authors. You’ll have a great time for sure! I think the one I’d be the most excited about would be Diaz.
.-= Nymeth´s last blog .. =-.
Isn’t it it a great lineup? I’m so excited to get down on the Mall and walking around to see everyone!
I love to see who will be at the book festival next. I cannot wait to go again this year!
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