Hawk & Sparrow — Written by Ayana Gray
Little Rock-based New York Times Bestselling Author Ayana Gray returns to NWA Book Fest this year to talk about her brand new gilded-age inspired fantasy novel “Hawk & Sparrow”, which follows a struggling young reporter and a wealthy sorcerer who must fake a romance to solve a murder. We're so excited to welcome Ayana to NWA Book Fest and to have her discuss this enchanting new book!
If We Survive the Night — Written by Jo Salazar
Previous NWA Book Fest attendees may feel like they have déjà vu if they picked up Jo's book “The Dead Weight” last year at NWA Book Fest, when she attended as an independent author. This year, we're so excited to welcome her back as a traditionally published author! “If We Survive The Night” is the first book in The Dead Weight series, and it follows Quinn, a resident at a treatment center for “troubled” teenage girls. When Quinn and her best friend Keisha sneak out one night and accidentally witness the start of the zombie apocalypse, they must fight to survive and try to escape.
Letters of a Poet Dying — The Selected Correspondence of Frank Stanford edited by A.P. Walton; and The Life and Poetry of Frank Stanford by James McWilliams
Students and Alumni of the University of Arkansas, as well as students of poetry may be familiar with the prolific poet Frank Stanford, who is best known for his 15,000-line epic, “The Battlefield Where the Moon Says I Love You.” Walton is the editor of the first book of letters by Stanford, releasing this month, and McWilliams authored the Pulitzer-finalist biography. Together, the team edited the new third edition (and first scholarly edition) of Stanford's major epic. We are fortunate enough to have both joining us at NWA Book Fest this year, in what is sure to be a fascinating discussion of Stanford's life, work, and impact.
Bloodworth & Grave — Written by Marisa Haartz
While most of the books on this list are Young Adult friendly, a warning: this one is strictly for the grown-ups. “Bloodworth & Grave” is a dark gothic romantasy with a paranormal mystery, while giving us a Romeo & Juliet retelling that explores how the lines of love and hate can become blurred. We're thrilled to have Marisa joining our Romantasy Panel discussion at NWA Book Fest, along with some of our other favorite local authors! BONUS: Marisa is releasing a novella, “Eden & Walsh”, this month.
Adulting for Amateurs: Misadventures of a Geriatric Millennial — Written by Jess Gutierrez
If you are forty-something but feel like you're still looking for the adult in the room, this is the book for you. Jess Gutierrez brilliantly breaks down what it's like to be 42, have a mortgage, have kids, and still feel like you have no idea what's going on. It's relatable, LOL-funny, makes you feel just a little less crazy, and reminds you that we're all out here just winging it and that's okay. Come see Jess at NWA Book Fest and leave feeling a little lighter!
NWA Book Fest is September 26th at the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville. For more details and a full schedule of events, visit nwabookfest.com