It’s hard to find the time to read. Work, social engagements, the commute to work, chores. They all find a way of cutting into our reading time. And that’s before the endless barrage of distractions that lie constantly in wait, never further than a click away.
That’s where the Aspen Literary Festival comes in. From September 25 – 27, the Roaring Fork Valley will host a series of subject-oriented author talks, panel discussions, shared feasts, parties, pop-up booksellers and other attractions. The three-day public bookcation is designed to remind us that reading isn’t just for dull edification, but is a playful, engaging and social act.
“Our festival is one where you can see a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer, discover a debut novelist you didn’t know, and then maybe have coffee with both of them,” said Adrienne Brodeur, Executive Director of Aspen Words and event head honcho. “It’s an opportunity to step outside of the relentless churn of life.”
Now in its second year, the festival is set to continue the momentum generated by year one, a celebration Brodeur happily describes as having been “fairy dusted.” This year’s lineup features close to 30 presenters and is stacked with heavyweights like Jennette McCurdy, Veronica Roth and Kwame Alexander. Hometown darling Maria Semple will be there, discussing her latest novel, Go Gentle. “We were very strategic with making sure the lineup makes sense as a cohesive whole,” said Brodeur.
Ticketed events take place throughout the weekend at the Wheeler Opera House and cover themes like Beyond the Known World, and Bad Decisions, Great Stories. Tickets run $45 per session. A good deal of the proceedings are free with registration. Additional author talks run throughout the weekend at the Aspen Community Church and the Pitkin County Library. Those who want the full experience can opt for a Friends of the Festival Pass.
Festival organizers carefully designed the event to encourage interactions between authors and readers. “Instead of authors being on high, you can follow them around and have lunch with them,” said Brodeur. “It’s part bookstore, part dinner party.”
The festival’s layout is decidedly loose and open ended, leaving the town plenty of room to get involved. This spring, the Aspen Meadows Resort launched its own lending library, complete with books from last year’s authors as well as a continually updated roster with the latest releases from the upcoming talent. Guests can check out books from the likes of Michael Lewis, Kevin Kwan and Elin Hilderbrand to be enjoyed throughout their stay. The library will be available all year, helping to cement the festival’s goal of keeping reading as a constant.
High in the mountains, it’s quiet enough for readers and writers to hear themselves think. For anyone who still harbors fond memories of storytime, the Aspen Literary Festival is not to be missed.
The Aspen Literary Festival takes place from Friday, September 25 to Sunday, September 27. Free event registration for general admission can be done here.
A lending library, featuring the festival authors, will be available year round at Aspen Meadows Resort at 845 Meadows Road, Aspen.
