Author events: Plan your festival adventure
Schedule subject to change. See baybookfest.org for any updates.
Saturday, June 3 10 A.M.
1. Witness and Testimony: The Past and Present of Native America: William Bauer, Layli Long Soldier, T. J. Stiles, and Louis Warren, moderated by Greg Sarris What stories and lessons from Native American history illuminate the present day for Native Americans? (Alta Stage at Freight & Salvage)
2. Hidden Stories: Three Fiction Writers on Telling the Truth: Vanessa Hua, Shanthi Sekaran, and Esme Weijun Wang, moderated by Sandhya Dirks Behind appearances are stories. People are harboring secrets in Shanthi Sekaran’s “Lucky Boy.” A former celebrity is on the run in Vanessa Hua’s “Deceit and Other Possibilities.” Characters cope with mental illness in Esme Wang’s “The Border of Paradise.” (Berkeley City College, Auditorium)
3. My Literary Friend: Dani Shapiro and Hannah Tinti Talk: Dani Shapiro, Hannah Tinti Art never occurs in a vacuum. Author and editor Hannah Tinti talks with bestselling author Dani Shapiro about mentorship, literary friendships and the surprising joys and hard truths of living the writer’s life. Sponsored by One Story. (David Brower Center, Goldman Theater)
4. Writing from Africa: Lesley Nneka Arimah, Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi, and Sarah Ladipo Manyika, moderated by Aaron Bady Where is Africa in world literature? Three authors discuss what it means to tell their own stories, in their own words and languages, and the journey their work takes to arrive in print, at home and abroad. Sponsored by Transit Books. (David Brower Center, Tamalpais Room)
5. First Books: What It Took to Get There: Colin Barrett, Jonas Lüscher, Pajtim Statovci, Aura Xilonen, moderated by Joan Frank There’s a book in all of us, but what does it take to get it out into the world? Hear four successful authors’ expert advice. They come from Ireland, Switzerland, Finland and Mexico, and all saw publication in their home countries and the United States. Sponsored by the Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation, the Consulate General of Switzerland in San Francisco, Culture Ireland, FILI - Finnish Literature Exchange, Finlandia Foundation National, Pro Helvetia, the Consulate General of Mexico in San Francisco and the State of Jalisco. (Hotel Shattuck Plaza, Boiler Room)
6. Trippin’ with Ayelet Waldman: Ayelet Waldman, Sylvia Brownrigg Ayelet Waldman’s latest book, “A Really Good Day,” follows her month-long experiment with small doses of illegal LSD to treat her depression. She and Sylvia Brownrigg (“Pages for You”) offer large doses of hilarity and heart while diminishing the stigma of mental illness. (Hotel Shattuck Plaza, Crystal Ballroom)
10:30 A.M.
7. Emerging Voices: Young Authors Writing Competition 2017 Winners: Come hear contest winners read their winning pieces from our third annual Young Authors Writing competition with this year’s prompt, “Change: The world, and the people in it, are in a constant state of flux; nothing truly ever remains the same.” (Berkeley Public Library, Community Meeting Room)
11 A.M.
8. Writers and Artists Whose Books You Love, Part 1: A Picture Book Extravaganza for Kids and Their Adults: Ana Aranda, Jon Agee, Gennifer Choldenko, William Joyce, and Michael Slack, moderated by Alex Green Calling both children and adults to celebrate the joy of reading. No one’s ever too old to read a great story — even if it’s meant for kids. These stellar picture-book creators share key moments and inspirations from their journeys as visual storytellers. (San Francisco Chronicle Stage in the Park)
11:15 A.M.
9. The Legacy of Juan Rulfo: A Celebration: Mauro Javier Cárdenas, Enrique Chagoya, Cristina Rivera Garza, Guadalupe Nettel, and Aura Xilonen, moderated by Jane Ciabattari Juan Rulfo, mantled as the father of magic realism, is much less well known than the many writers who have looked to him for inspiration. On the 100th anniversary of Rulfo’s birth, this international panel introduces Rulfo and celebrates his legacy. Sponsored by the Consulate General of Mexico in San Francisco and the State of Jalisco. (BAMPFA, Barbro Osher Theater)
11:45 A.M.
10. Activism at a Crossroads: Micah White and Becky Bond, moderated by Monika Bauerlein
Micah White (co-creator of Occupy Wall Street and author of “The End of Protest”) and Becky Bond (former senior adviser to Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign and co-author of “Rules for Revolutionaries”) will offer guidance for a new era of social change and activism. Sponsored by Mother Jones Magazine. (Alta Stage at Freight & Salvage)
11. From Every Angle: Women Writing About the Body: Roxane Gay, Sonya Renee Taylor, and Sarai Walker, moderated by Aya de Leon This panel brings together women authors across genres of memoir, fiction and poetry. In an era where body positivity and fat liberation increasingly push back against body shaming and fatphobia, what do they hope to achieve through the stories they tell? (Berkeley City College, Auditorium)
12. Understanding the Other: How Emotion Shapes Politics and Can Heal our Divides: Arlie Hochschild in conversation with Deirdre English UC Berkeley sociologist Arlie Hochschild’s recent “Strangers in Their Own Land: Anger and Mourning on the American Right,” was one of the six books recommended by the New York Times to help understand Trump’s win. Her research method is empathy. Sponsored by Mother Jones Magazine. (David Brower Center, Goldman Theater)
13. The Great Outdoors, Urban and Otherwise: The Delights and Joys of Taking a Closer Look at the Nature Around Us: Michael Branch, Nathanael Johnson, in conversation with Mary Ellen Hannibal
Go outside. Just for a moment, be still, eyes and ears wide open. A desert rat, an urban environmentalist, and a citizen scientist find common ground in this discussion of the importance — and delights — of being present in nature (wherever we find it). Sponsored by
Point Reyes Books. (David Brower Center, Tamalpais Room)
14. Absurd and Hilarious: Stories About Money: Jonas Lüscher, Paul Murray, and Doree Shafrir, moderated by J.K. Dineen Jonas Lüscher (author of the German Book Award-nominated “Barbarian Spring”), Paul Murray (“The Mark and the Void,” a novel about a financial crisis), and Doree Shafrir (“Startup,” a novel about a $600 million idea) will talk turkey on making money funny. Sponsored by the Consulate General of Switzerland in San Francisco, Culture Ireland, Pro Helvetia, and The Jewish Community Center of the East Bay. (Hotel Shattuck Plaza, Boiler Room)
15.1 Publishing’s Roles and Responsibilities in a Post-Truth Era: Naheed Hasnat Senzai, Marissa Moss, J.L. (Jessica) Powers, Rachael Small and Lise Quintana, moderated by Brooke Warner In a publishing climate rife with fake news, questions arise about free speech, our cultural response to truth and gatekeepers. This spirited conversation explores the state of the industry and the roles and responsibilities of different players. Sponsored by Zoetic Press. (Hotel Shattuck Plaza, Crystal Ballroom)
15.2. Our #ownvoices: Local Authors and Educators on Diversity in Kids Lit: Janine MacBeth, Innosanto Nagara, Dulce Torres, and Sara Rizik Baer, moderated by Sanam Jorjani The hashtag #ownvoices brought diverse storytellers to news feeds encouraging children and adults to write about their experiences in their own voices. The Oakland Literacy Coalition leads a dynamic conversation on #ownvoice's use in the classroom and beyond. (Berkeley Public Library, Community Meeting Room)
Noon
16. Collecting the Pieces: Fiction and Trauma: Oddný Eir, Jonas Hassen Khemiri, and Katie Kitamura, moderated by Stephen Sparks How do we process loss? What role does memory play in mourning? The novelists gathered here — from Iceland, Sweden, the United States and Norway — all use extraordinary restraint to create great emotional impact. Sponsored by the Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation, the Icelandic Literature Center and the Literary Hub (lithub.com). (Magnes Museum)
12:15 P.M.
18. All About Cornelia Funke: Meet and Hear the Beloved Author of Inkheart, The Reckless Series, Lilly and Finn and More! Cornelia Funke Join beloved children’s author Cornelia Funke, the creator of “Inkheart,” the Reckless series, “Lilly and Finn,” and her latest, “The Book No One Ever Read.” Take part in the debut of this picture book that is sure to become a classic. In collaboration with the Goethe-Institut
San Francisco. (San Francisco Chronicle Stage in the Park)
1 P.M.
20. Speak Your Truth: A Youth Speaks Writing & Performance Workshop: Teens! Come tell the stories that sit heavy on your chest. Youth Speaks poet mentors will help you express your truths in this free writing and performance workshop. All levels welcome and encouraged in this safe space. Sponsored by Youth Speaks. (Berkeley Public Library, Community Meeting Room)
21. The Long 60s: The Counterculture’s Influence in Contemporary America: Mat Callahan, Gretchen Lemke-Santangelo, David Talbot, and Fred Turner, moderated by Peter Richardson The Summer of Love brought us sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll, but it was also a decade of extremes and radical cultural change that, in many ways, mirrors today. Join historians and journalists for an explosive look at how counterculture meets cyberculture. Sponsored by Reed Schmidt. (Cornerstone)
1:15 P.M.
22. Our Trump, Our Television, Our Bad Luck: David Thomson A lecture. A warning. A lamentation. A diatribe. From the renowned film critic, historian and author of more than 20 books, including the recent “Television: A Biography.” (BAMPFA, Barbro Osher Theater)
1:30 P.M.
24. Paul Hawken’s Drawdown: Real Solutions for Climate Change: Paul Hawken in conversation with Mark Hertsgaard Hawkens’ “Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming” shows a realistic path to roll back global warming within thirty years. Come learn how humanity has the means at hand to address this potentially devastating threat. (Alta Stage at Freight & Salvage)
25. A Journey into the Life of Rumi: Brad Gooch talks with Michael David Lukas Brad Gooch, bestselling author of “Smash Cut,” “Flannery” and “City Poet,” brilliantly brings Rumi to life, exploring his time and place and reminding us how poetry transcends both. Sponsored by Society for Art and Cultural Heritage of India (SACHI). (Berkeley City College, Auditorium)
26. Fiction at the Edges: On Trauma, Displacement and Loss: Krys Lee in conversation with Elizabeth Rosner Debut novelist Krys Lee, in “How I Became A North Korean,” focuses on individuals in desperate circumstances. Lee’s characters, forced into exile, must find ways to retain their humanity in the midst of aching upheaval. Berkeley author Elizabeth Rosner talks with Lee, considering the multitude of ways that literature can address modern life’s most urgent and painful challenges. Sponsored by Literature Translation Institute of Korea (LTI Korea). (David Brower Center, Goldman Theater)
27. Thrillers: Secrets of the Craft: John Lescroart, Thomas Rydahl and Bradley Spinelli, moderated by Keith Raffel Three bestselling authors reveal the essential ingredients for writing a captivating thriller. Sponsored by the Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation, the Danish Arts Foundation, the Royal Danish Embassy, and Mystery Writers of America, Northern California Chapter. (David Brower Center, Tamalpais Room)
28. Post-Picture Books: Fantastic Fiction for Elementary School Readers: Gennifer Choldenko, Mike Jung, Adam Mansbach, and Judd Winick, moderated by Regan McMahon Moving from picture books to more text and fewer pictures is easy for some young readers and not so much for others. These writers successfully bridge the gap. They’ll talk about their work, inspirations, characters, and strategies to hold kids’ eyes on books. (Hotel Shattuck Plaza, Boiler Room)
29. Walter Mosley — Walking the Wild Side: Walter Mosley in conversation with Laurie R. King With 55 critically acclaimed books, Mosley is one of America’s best-known and most beloved living writers across many genres. Learn how Mosley crafts his trademark accessibility and creates narratives that both entertain and instruct. Sponsored by Northern California Chapter, Mystery Writers of America. (Hotel Shattuck Plaza, Crystal Ballroom)
1:45 P.M.
30. The Elusive Truth: Jonas Hassen Khemiri and John Toomey, moderated by John Sepulvado We know we can’t trust everything we read online, but when it comes to fiction, where does truth fit in? Two engaging and entertaining novelists, whose recent works involve mysterious deaths and the hunt for answers, tackle just such a question. Sponsored by the Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation and Culture Ireland. (Magnes Museum)
31. Cooking Like Samin: The Art of Salt, Fat, Acid, and Heat: Samin Nosrat and Wendy MacNaughton, in conversation with Davia Nelson Samin Nosrat has taught everyone how to cook — professional chefs, children and even Michael Pollan. Nosrat and illustrator Wendy MacNaughton will share the four elements of delicious meals: salt, fat, acid and heat, in this conversation with Davia Nelson of NPR’s Kitchen Sisters. (San Francisco Chronicle Stage in the Park) 3 P.M.
34. Wanderlust: Essaying Forth: Oddný Eir and Geoff Dyer, interviewed by Ethan Nosowsky In Eir’s “Land of Love and Ruins” and Dyer’s “White Sands: Experiences from the Outside World,” these two genre-defying authors explore the meaning of travel and pilgrimage as well as the connections between imagination and reality, place and identity, story and myth. Sponsored by the Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation and the Icelandic Literature Center. (Cornerstone)
3:15 P.M.
36. Roxane Gay Takes the Stage: Roxane Gay in conversation with Rafia Zakaria Renowned fiction writer, essayist and activist Roxane Gay casts her incisive gaze at issues of race, class and gender. Her new collection of stories is “Difficult Women.” Sponsored by The New Republic. (Alta Stage at Freight & Salvage)
37. Cleve Jones: Rising Up: Cleve Jones, interviewed by Scott James Mentored by LGBT rights pioneer Harvey Milk, Jones is the author of “When We Rise,” which inspired a recent ABC mini-series. Hear Jones’ personal telling of nearly four decades of activism at the heart of the gay rights movement. (Berkeley City College, Auditorium)
38. Makers!: Dale Dougherty The world we inhabit was built by makers — curious, enthusiastic, amateur inventors whose tinkering habit sparked whole new industries and changed the world. Get inspired by Dougherty, the original maker, MAKE magazine publisher and Maker Faire Festival creator. (David Brower Center, Goldman Theater)
39. State Lines: California’s New Poets: Rebecca Gaydos, C.S. Giscombe, Jacques Rancourt, Mai Der Vang, and Arisa White, with John McMurtrie introducing Acclaimed poet and UC Berkeley professor C. S. Giscombe introduces four emerging poets who explore issues such as immigration, race, gender, sexuality and empathy — and ways to find beauty in this divided country. (David Brower Center, Tamalpais Room)
40. Worlds We Create: Young Adult Fantasy Writers on Creating Alternate Realities and Memorable Characters: Traci Chee, Lisa Maxwell, Shannon Messenger, and Amy Tintera, moderated by Alex Green Learn the secrets behind creating worlds in the most popular story form there is — fantasy — from four memorable, smart, innovative writers. What keeps them, and their readers, hooked? (Hotel Shattuck Plaza, Boiler Room)
41.1 Showdown: Trump vs. the Deep State: Peter Dale Scott and Robert Scheer in conversation with David Talbot
Some of the deepest thinkers about power in the U.S. engage in a provocative discussion about the showdown that is now pitting Trump against his vast national security complex. Who will win? Will democracy be the loser, no matter who triumphs? (San Francisco Chronicle Stage in the Park)
3:30 P.M.
41.2 Nordic Noir: The World’s Best Thrillers?: Hans Olav Lahlum, Thomas Rydahl, Erik Axl Sund, and Vidar Sundstøl, moderated by Mal Warwick Northern Europe is a hotbed for bone-chilling thrillers. Hear Nordic masters Thomas Rydahl (Denmark), Hans Olav Lahlum (Norway), Erik Axl Sund (a pseudonym for two writers in Sweden) and Vidar Sundstøl (Norway) on what makes a thriller thrilling. Sponsored by the Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation, the Danish Arts Foundation, the Royal Danish Embassy, the Norway House Foundation, and NORLA - Norwegian Literature Abroad. (Magnes Museum)
4:45 P.M.
42. Lindy West Takes the Stage: Lindy West Two years ago, Lindy West’s confrontation with a nasty troll showed the world how to fight back via technology. With her debut memoir, “Shrill,” West shares her truths about #ShoutYourAbortion!, being a
large woman, being loud, being a feminist and being funny. (San Francisco Chronicle Stage in the Park)
5 P.M.
43. Masha Gessen on Truth, Lies and Totalitarianism in Russia and the U.S.: Masha Gessen in conversation with Orville Schell Are we headed toward a new Cold War? Join Russian-American Masha Gessen (“The Future Is History: How Totalitarianism Reclaimed Russia”) and Orville Schell (“Wealth and Power”) for insight into the state of protest, free speech and human rights. Sponsored by The Jewish Community Center of the East Bay. (Alta Stage at Freight & Salvage)
44. Let There Be Laughter: Michael Krasny On Stage: Michael Krasny Michael Krasny illuminates a culture and teaches laughter as he delves into the themes, topics and forms of Jewish humor. Meet the man you listen to on the radio four mornings a week. (David Brower Center, Goldman Theater)
45. When the Back Breaks: An Investigative Reporter Reveals All on the Back Pain Industry: Cathryn Jakobson Ramin Investigative journalist Cathryn Jakobson Ramin (“Carved in Sand”) took a look at the reality of spine medicine. The results were not pretty. She explains what works, what doesn’t and how to get on the road to recovery. (David Brower Center, Tamalpais Room)
46. How to Speak Up: A Story of Courage: Laura Atkins and Stan Yogi In 1941, young Fred Korematsu refused to be forced into the United States’ Japanese internment camps. Atkins and Yogi share Fred’s courageous story, how he made the United States a fairer place for all and how you too can speak up for what matters. (Hotel Shattuck Plaza, Boiler Room)
5:15 P.M.
47. Noir at the Bar: Tony Broadbent, emcee, with Walter Mosley, Hans Olav Lahlum, Bill Moody, Heather Haven, Nick Mamatas, Mysti Berry, Ann Parker, and Randal Brandt Share some toasts with local and international mystery writers who have mastered the form. Order a cocktail, take sips of their work as they give riveting short readings and join the banter! Sponsored by the Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation, NORLA - Norwegian Literature Abroad and Norway House Foundation. (Cornerstone)
7 P.M.
48. Radical Hope: Staying Sane, Awake and Engaged in Dangerous Times: Jeff Chang, Aya de Leon, Parnaz Foroutan, Karen Joy Fowler, Katie Kitamura, Cherrie Moraga, Achy Obejas, Meredith Russo and Kate Schatz, moderated by Carolina De Robertis “Radical Hope,” a new anthology conceived by Oakland writer Carolina De Robertis shortly after the latest Presidential election, compiles “love letters” by award-winning novelists, poets, political thinkers and activists in response to our times. Don’t miss this festival highlight! (Alta Stage at Freight & Salvage)
Sunday, June 4 10 A.M.
49.1 Writers and Artists Whose Books You Love, Part II: A Picture Book Extravaganza for Kids and Their Adults: Candace Fleming, Cornelia Funke, Gianna Marino, Innosanto Nagara, Dashka Slater, and Eric Rohmann, moderated by Walter Mayes “Read it again!” So goes the litany of kids wanting their favorite book again. Adults too have favorites among authors they read to their children or enjoyed in their youth. Stellar, muchloved authors and illustrators gather here, for a perfect Sunday morning for kids, families and avid, book-loving fans, to talk about their love of storytelling, of making books and what they’re working on now. (Book signings follow; you may buy books at the festival, and bring a few from home, too.) This indoor event is free; no tickets required. In cooperation with the GoetheInstitut San Francisco. (Alta Stage at Freight & Salvage)
49.2 When Reality Meets Science Fiction: Cory Doctorow, Meg Elison, and Zachary Mason, moderated by Annalee Newitz Large-scale, far-in-the-future stories tend to get the glory in the sci-fi canon. But what happens when reality already feels like science fiction? (David Brower Center, Goldman Theater)
50. The Facts of Life: Love, Loss, What Comes Next: Martha Cooley, John W. Evans, and Marissa Moss, moderated by Elizabeth Farnsworth Memoirists write about the brutal realities of life: what befell them, how they felt, the miseries, the joys and especially what happened next. Working via one of the most popular forms of literature today, our panelists discuss moving through the storm of heartbreak. (David Brower Center, Tamalpais Room)
51. Spinning Stories and Telling Tales: Exploring Cultural Appropriation via South Asian Children’s Literature: Arjun Gupta, Sunaina Maira, Mitali Perkins, and Ginee Seo, moderated by Sadaf Siddique Stories are the lifeblood of a culture’s survival, but who has the right to tell someone else’s story? Writers and editors break down the far-reaching effects of appropriation and reasons why we need truthful, authentic cultural representation more than ever. Sponsored by Kitaabworld. (Hotel Shattuck Plaza, Boiler Room)
52. New Irish Fiction: Colin Barrett, Paul Murray, and John Toomey, moderated by Rosemary Graham Why does this small, rocky island have such outsize influence on world literature? Who is coming along in the footsteps of James Joyce, Frank O’Connor and Edna O’Brien? Meet three members of an exciting new generation of Irish fiction writers. Sponsored by Culture Ireland. (Hotel Shattuck Plaza, Crystal Ballroom)
11:15 A.M.
55. Cuba!: Cristina Garcia, Rachel Kushner, and Achy Obejas, moderated by Joshua Jelly-Schapiro For decades Cuba has been an American obsession, a political flashpoint and a forbidden paradise. Four writers — two from Cuba and two other experts for whom Cuba is passionate muse — explore Cuba yes-
terday, today and tomorrow. (BAMPFA, Barbro Osher Theater)
11:45 A.M.
56. Reveal Live: Reporting, Writing and Being Between the Lines: Vanessa Hua, Krys Lee, and Guadalupe Nettel, moderated by Al Letson Borders are complex in today’s political and cultural landscape. In this special edition of Reveal Live, host Al Letson is joined by three writers: Krys Lee from Korea, Guadalupe Nettel from Mexico and Vanessa Hua from the Chinese immigrant community in San Francisco. Sponsored by the Center for Investigative Reporting, Margaret and Will Hearst, Literature Translation Institute of Korea (LTI Korea), the Consulate General of Mexico in San Francisco and the State of Jalisco. (Alta Stage at Freight & Salvage)
57. The Lessons of History, Alternate or Otherwise: Ellen Klages, John Scalzi, Nisi Shawl, and Gregory Benford, moderated
58. The Mastery of Mystery: Making a Great Whodunit: Wendy Hornsby, Ellen Kirschman, and Vidar Sundstøl, moderated by Steve Hockensmith
Four established authors take the mystery out of writing mysteries in this lively conversation spanning the globe. Whether inspired by real life, folklore, deeply-hidden family secrets or humor, these mystery writers will clue you in. Sponsored by the Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation, Mystery Writers of America, Northern California Chapter, the Norway House Foundation, and NORLA - Norwegian Literature Abroad. (David Brower Center, Tamalpais Room)
59. Reality Bites: Fiction About Teens’ Real Lives: Kristin Elizabeth Clark, Kim Culbertson, Sandhya Menon, and Alexandra Sirowy, moderated by Alex Green Four acclaimed authors who write for young adults share how they capture those unique interior worlds — the joys, the pitfalls, the intimate struggles. (Hotel Shattuck Plaza, Boiler Room)
60. One Story Magazine Talks Short Stories!: Jim Shepard, Karen Shepard, and Naomi J. Williams, with Hannah Tinti Short stories are, in the words of Lorrie Moore, “second to none in power and efficiency.” Hannah Tinti, novelist and cofounder of the literary short story magazine One Story, explores the American short story with three One Story authors. Sponsored by One Story. (Hotel Shattuck Plaza, Crystal Ballroom)
Noon
61. Jussi Adler-Olsen: Denmark’s No. 1 Crime Writer: Jussi Adler-Olsen interviewed by Cara Black With more than 15 million books sold worldwide, Danish writer Jussi Adler-Olsen shares insights on the process of crafting international sensations. He talks with New York Times bestselling detective novelist Cara Black. Sponsored by the Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation, the Danish Arts Foundation and the Royal Danish Embassy. (Magnes Museum)
62. Feminist Activism through Popular Fiction: Aya de Leon, Meg Elison, Kate Raphael, and Sarai Walker, moderated by Claire Light In today’s popular culture, “strong female lead” characters and “difficult women” are more common than ever before. But does that make a story feminist? What about the intersectional feminist landscapes of their stories? (Cornerstone)
12:15 P.M.
63. On Power: Dacher Keltner Many have assumed that acquiring power involves force and manipulation. But psychologist Dacher Keltner turns those notions on their heads in “The Power Paradox,” arguing that empathy and humility are far more influential. (San Francisco Chronicle Stage in the Park)
1:15 P.M.
65. The Art of Investigation: Journalists Meet Crime Writers: Erik Axl Sund (Jerker Eriksson, and Håkan Axlander Sundquist), in discussion with Michael Montgomery How do crime novels and investigative reporting differ and connect? Erik Axl Sund is the pseudonym of two Swedish writers, author of the hyper-dark novel “The Crow Girl.” Journalist Michael Montgomery has reported on some of the most heinous real-life mysteries around the world. Sponsored by the Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation, the Center for Investigative Reporting, and Margaret and Will Hearst. (BAMPFA, Barbro Osher Theater)
1:30 P.M.
66. Kingdom of Olives and Ash: Michael Chabon, Fida Jiryis, Rachel Kushner, Yehuda Shaul, and Ayelet Waldman, moderated by Daniel Sokatch Award-winning authors Ayelet Waldman and Michael Chabon invited an international roster of writers to visit the Israeli-occupied territories on individual journeys of their own design. What followed were moving, heartbreaking and infuriating stories. Sponsored by the New Israel Fund and Anne Germanacos. (Alta Stage at Freight & Salvage)
67. A Paintbrush of Her Own: The Lesser-Known History of Women Artists: Bridget Quinn Have you ever read an art book or sat in an art history class and wondered: Where are the women artists? Art historian Bridget Quinn tackles the mainstream art world’s tendency to ignore women artists with her book, “Broad Strokes.” (David Brower Center, Tamalpais Room)
68. No Time Like the Present: Jack Kornfield in Conversation with Wes Nisker: Jack Kornfield, Wes Nisker They’re longtime friends and two of America’s most respected Buddhist teachers. In a new book, Kornfield tells us we all can be happy and free right now, no matter the circumstances. Nisker (“Scoop”), also a comedian and radio host, will interrogate. (David Brower Center, Goldman Theater)
69. The Ferocity of Love: Sylvia Brownrigg, Edan Lepucki, Shanthi Sekaran, moderated by Barbara Lane How far would you go for someone you love? These authors take provocative looks at relationships between parents, children, lovers and friends. (Hotel Shattuck Plaza, Boiler Room)
70. Imagining the Other: Using Fantasy to Build Empathy: Randy Henderson and Erika Lewis, moderated by Ellen Klages You’ve no doubt heard the adage, “Write what you know,” but what if you want to write about aliens, dragons, wizards or people from an entirely different culture? Three writers debunk the myth that “knowing” trumps all. (Hotel Shattuck Plaza, Crystal Ballroom)
71. Race and Resistance in the Trump Era: Fighting Words and Wisdom from The Nation and Black Lives Matter: Alicia Garza, Walter Mosley, Steve Phillips, and Joan Walsh, moderated by Mark Hertsgaard Join some of The Nation’s finest current contributors for a fierce discussion on how to advance racial justice in today’s America. Panelists include Alicia Garza (co-founder of Black Lives Matter); Steve Phillips (founder of Democracy in Color); essayist and novelist Walter Mosley; national political correspondent Joan Walsh and investigative editor Mark Hertsgaard. Sponsored by The Nation Magazine. (San Francisco Chronicle Stage in the Park)
1:45 P.M.
73. The State of Cannabis: Emily Brady and Beau Kilmer, in conversation with David Downs Marijuana expert Beau Kilmer and author Emily Brady will divulge the latest in pot policy and explore whether California’s hopes for a smooth transition should remain, well, high. Moderated by David Downs, Cannabis editor of the San Francisco Chronicle. (Cornerstone)
2 P.M.
74. Living in Two Worlds: Crossing Borders and Identities to Create Home: Lesley Nneka Arimah, Laleh Khadivi, Carolina De Robertis, and Pajtim Statovci, moderated by Michael Holtmann Border-crossers and novelists Lesley Nneka Arimah (“What It Means When a Man Falls from the Sky”), Laleh Khadivi (“A Good Country”) and Pajtim Statovci (“My Cat Yugoslavia”) contemplate a life between the lines. Sponsored by the Center for the Art of Translation, the Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation, FILI - Finnish Literature Exchange, and Finlandia Foundation National. (Magnes Museum)
3:15 P.M.
77. Tor Books presents Science Fiction and the Resistance!: Cory Doctorow, John Scalzi, Annalee Newitz, and Charlie Jane Anders Catch these top writers in an epic discussion about science fiction and fantasy — where it’s been, where it’s heading and how it’s shaped pop culture, politics and the realms of possibility. (Alta Stage at Freight & Salvage)
78. Putting Your Money Where Your Heart Is: Andrew Behar and Clair Brown, moderated by Kate Campbell Andrew Behar (“The Shareholders Action Guide”) and Clair Brown (“Buddhist Economics”) shed light on how to think through our relationship with money in terms of our values. Sponsored by North Berkeley Investment Partners. (David Brower Center, Goldman Theater)
79. Gentrification, Evictions and the State of Our Cities: Paul Madonna and Peter Moskowitz, moderated by Narda Zacchino Journalist Peter Moskowitz (“How to Kill a City”) and artist Paul Madonna (“All Over Coffee”) uncover the forces behind gentrification evictions, how this phenomenon changes cities and how to fight back. (David Brower Center, Tamalpais Room)
80. Who Is American Poetry? Four Poets on Citizenship and Engagement in Turbulent Times: Charif Shanahan, Layli Long Soldier, Michael Shewmaker, moderated by Matthew Zapruder The landscape of contemporary poetry has never been so multitudinous, and the question of who gets to be called American has become suddenly urgent. Four poets discuss their work and what it means to be writing in America — as immigrants, as citizens, as humans — today. (Hotel Shattuck Plaza, Boiler Room)
81. Beyond Travel Writing: Journey and Meaning: Geoff Dyer, Joshua Jelly-Schapiro, and
Tom Lutz, moderated by Leah Garchik Places are ideas as much as they are geographic realities. Join these three highly intriguing travel writers, who have covered the world with pen and heel, on an intellectually rollicking journey navigated by San Francisco Chronicle weekday columnist Leah Garchik. Sponsored by the Los Angeles Review of Books. (San Francisco Chronicle Stage in the Park)
4 P.M.
83. Forces of Nature: Susan Griffin and Starhawk Susan Griffin celebrates the 40th anniversary reissue of her feminist classic “Woman and Nature.” (Magnes Museum)
5 P.M.
84. Master of the Legal Thriller: A Conversation with Scott Turow: Scott Turow, interviewed by T.J. Stiles The author of “Presumed Innocent” and ten other widely praised novels, Turow has sold more than 30 million copies worldwide. Join him for a discussion of his new novel, his career and his work with the Authors Guild to protect authors’ rights. Sponsored by the Authors Guild. (Alta Stage at Freight & Salvage) 85. Under 21 Open Mic @ The Bay Area Poetry Festival, Presented by Youth Speaks: Flex your skills at this late afternoon open mic. Come to inspire and be inspired by amazing young artists across the Bay Area performing spoken word, music, dance and more. Participants must be under 21 years old to get on the mic. Sponsored by Youth Speaks. (San Francisco Chronicle Stage in the Park)
5:30 P.M.
86. Radically Brief: Super-Short Writing from Terrific Bay Area Writers: Frances Dinkelspiel, Grant Faulkner, Cristina Garcia, Molly Giles, Scott James, Lee Kravetz, Michael David Lukas, Elizabeth McKenzie, Nayomi Munaweera, Elizabeth Rosner, Shanthi Sekaran, T.J. Stiles, Matthew Zapruder. and host/ emcee Janis Cooke Newman LitCamp has challenged some of the Bay Area’s most talented authors to write two minutes’ worth on any radically controversial/hilarious/sexy/ dramatic topic just for the festival — which they’ll read in this fast-paced (and very entertaining) evening. The bar will be open! Sponsored by LitCamp. (Cornerstone)