Fringe events added to 2018 Book Fair
Miami, Oct. 4, 2018- Catch a film with a literary theme, grab a libation with journalists at a Sob Sisters mingle, and much more during the 35th anniversary of Miami Dade College’s (MDC) Miami Book Fair (MBF). The largest and most comprehensive community-rooted literary gathering in the country will take place Nov. 11 – 18, including its acclaimed Street Fair, Nov. 16-18, at MDC’s Wolfson Campus in downtown Miami, but a few events will take place outside the Wolfson Campus.
Following is a list of off-site, MBF’s fringe events:
Film Screening: Becoming Astrid
Tuesday, Nov. 13, 7 p.m.
MDC’s Tower Theater, 1508 SW 8th St., Little Havana. Tickets $10 at miamibookfair.com
Young Astrid Lindgren, future author of the beloved Pippi Longstocking series, is eager to break free from the confines of her religious upbringing, so she accepts an internship at a local newspaper and attracts the attention of its editor. Astrid becomes pregnant, and later secretly gives birth to a son whom she leaves in the care of a foster mother. When the foster mother falls ill, Astrid uses her imagination and flair for storytelling to reconnect with her son. Despite her struggles, Astrid emerges with a newfound courage that will later form the foundation of a vast and beloved body of work. In partnership with Miami Film Festival. Media partner: The New Tropic
Sob Sisters Unite @ Bar Nancy in Little Havana
Wednesday, Nov. 14, 7 p.m., FREE
Bar Nancy, 2007 SW 8th St., Little Havana
Reclaiming “Sob Sisters,” the old-timey name for female tabloid reporters, this Brooklyn reading series founded by nonfiction authors–ADA CALHOUN (Wedding Toasts I’ll Never Give), and KAREN ABBOTT (Liar Temptress Soldier Spy) among others–will bring laptops and cocktails together for a night of readings, talking shop, gossiping about agents and editors, and drinks. The night will also feature authors from the 2018 Book Fair program, including Anna Clark, Kim Brooks, as well as Miami-based authors and journalists reading from new works. This is a celebration of female journalists and nonfiction writers (regardless of experience), but all are welcome. Media partner: The New Tropic.
Drink and Draw @ The Standard Hotel
Thursday, Nov. 15, 7 p.m., FREE
The Standard Hotel, 40 Island Avenue, Miami Beach
Join host, CONOR MCCREERY, for a hilariously graphic night of cocktails and comics. First, renowned illustrators GEORGE O’CONNOR, DEAN HASPIEL, MAGGIE THRASH and others will go marker-to-marker in a book-themed draw-off competition. Then drawing tables are turned as attendees work in teams to create their own illustrations. Prizes, drinks, and fun guaranteed. Sponsored by The Standard Hotel and Media partner: The New Tropic.
Geek Girl Brunch: Book Fair Edition
Sunday, Nov. 18, 10 a.m., For information on how to attend email geekgirlbrunchmiami@gmail.com
Books & Books Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami
Miami Book Fair and the Geek Girl Brunch Miami chapter team up for a Sunday brunch like no other. Grab a mimosa, the best superhero outfit, and get geeky over books and bacon with a visiting comics author. This exclusive event is for the coolest geeks out there and you can be one too! To become a member of the Miami chapter, apply online at geekgirlbrunch.com/join. For more information on Miami’s Geek Girl Brunch, email geekgirlbrunchmiami@gmail.com or follow them on twitter at @GGB_MIA. In partnership with Books & Books and Geek Girl Brunch. Media partner: The New Tropic
About Miami Book Fair
Founded in 1984 by Miami Dade College and partners, Miami Book Fair engages the community through inclusive, accessible programs that promote reading and support writers year-round. The annual eight-day festival has grown into the largest and most comprehensive community-rooted literary gathering in the United States. The Fair features readings and discussions with the world’s most renowned authors, generating discourse on contemporary literature and current issues of international importance. The Fair also include culinary presentations; live music and interdisciplinary performances; interactive, educational activities for children; and more than 200 booksellers and publishers during the Street Fair. Events take place in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole and French. In addition to the annual festival, the Miami Book Fair responds to community needs with a year-round schedule of activities, including The Little Haiti Book Festival, highlighting Haiti’s literary acumen; creative writing and publishing workshops; author presentations; reading campaigns; and Read to Learn Books for Free, a partnership with The Children’s Trust that distributes more than 150,000 free books a year to children in Miami-Dade County.
Miami Book Fair is made possible through the generous support of the State of Florida and the National Endowment for the Arts; the City of Miami; Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners; Miami-Dade County Public Schools; the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau; the Miami Downtown Development Authority; and the Friends of the Fair; as well as many corporate partners. Miami Book Fair: Building community, one reader at a time.
Miami Book Fair media contact: Lisa Palley, 305-642-3132, lpalley@bellsouth.net