E-meet literary icons at SIBF’s live-stream fest
sharjah — As the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) goes hybrid this year, some of the world’s most famous literary talents will be beaming inspiration through live-stream events lined up from November 4 to 14.
The socially distanced edition of the fair will see books exhibited in-person and cultural events hosted on the ‘Sharjah Reads’ virtual platform.
Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority under the theme ‘The World Reads from Sharjah’, the eprogramme features 64 online events and activities that can be accessed by audiences from around the world.
Among the stars participating in the 11-day cultural extravaganza is Richard Williams, an American spoken word artist, poet, and filmmaker known by his stage name Prince Ea, whose inspirational and thought-provoking content has accumulated over one billion views on social media.
Robert Kiyosaki, the US author of Rich Dad Poor Dad who has challenged and changed the way millions of people think about money, will also be there.
Canadian author Yann Martel, 2002 Man Booker Prize winner for Life of Pi, is another key personality to look forward to in this SIBF edition.
From around the world
Other prominent literary figures at the upcoming SIBF include Ian Rankin, the UK’s bestselling crime writer and author of A Song for the Dark Times; Italy’s Elisabetta Dami, renowned children’s author and creator of the popular Geronimo Stilton series; and Canada’s Neil Pasricha, whose roster of bestselling works — including You Are Awesome — focuses on gratitude, happiness, resilience, and trust.
The UK’s Kate Mosse, author of nine novels and short story collections, including the multimillion selling Languedoc Trilogy will be making an appearance, and so will Najwa Zebian, the Lebanese-Canadian author of Sparks of Phoenix, who draws on her own experiences of discrimination, and abuse to encourage others to live, love and create fearlessly.
Dr Shashi Tharoor, an awardwinning Indian writer and a former diplomat — who has authored 20 books centred around India and its history, culture, politics, and society — will also be part of a session.
Prominent young adult authors to look out for include Kimberly Jones, an African-American novelist, human rights activist, and author of I am Not Dying With You Tonight; and New Zealand’s Lang Leav, an evocative poet and winner of a Qantas Spirit of Youth Award.