Global lit fest taps Greg Sarris
Who knows what COVID-19will do to in-person book festivals in 2022, but those who want an alternative experience can head for “Literature Live Around the World,” a streaming bonanza featuring the Bay Area’s own Greg Sarris.
The one-day event has tapped literary festivals from 12countries to celebrate local authors and culture. Sarris takes the final spot with Cherilyn Parsons of the Bay Area Book Festival to chat about the ascendancy of Native American literature in the U.S.
A longtime activist and leader — he’s chairman of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria — Sarris has written extensively about Na- tive American culture in such works as “Grand Avenue,” a short story collection that became an HBO production about tribal life around Santa Rosa; and the wonderfully titled examination of American Indian texts, “Keeping Slug Woman Alive.” His forthcoming work “Becoming Story: A Journey Among Seasons, Places, Trees and Ancestors” examines his own life through the lens of history from past traumas to future possibilities.
Folks who peruse the seven-hour, 12-item festival will find other thought-provoking presentations, such as how the novel “Dustfall” emerged from a deadly Australian asbestos disaster, and a segment featuring Norway’s Linn Ullmann discussing a book dealing with suppressed memories, with live accompaniment from a musician known for yodels and throat-singing.
Details: Events livestreaming 5-11a.m. Saturday, and will be available on demand two days afterward; Greg Sarris Q&A is 11a.m.; all events free, no registration is necessary; full schedule and archived streams available at baybookfest.org/bergen2022.