From November 13 to November 20, Miami will once again welcome visitors through its multi-cultural doors for the annual Miami Book Fair International. It is expected to draw more than 250,000 literary fans from all over the world.
Miami Book Fair International (MBFI) is the largest and most prevalent literary fair in America. Past fairs have seen more than 300 writers read from books in English, Spanish, Portuguese and Haitian Creole at the multi-cultural fair.
In 2010, the Miami Book Fair International attracted a record number of 129,000 visitors, 2,345 exhibitors from 39 countries and 2,700 journalists. The eight-day literary party focuses on two things: multi-culturalism and education. As a result, it features activities for people all ages. MBFI attracts educators, students, artists and authors alike.
Highlights of the Miami Book Fair International
In its 28th year, MBFI, jammed-packed with events and activities, kicks off on Sunday, November 13, 2011 with its popular 'Evenings With…' series starring Rosanne Cash, daughter of music legend Johnny Cash. Rosanne Cash will present her memoir, Composed, at 7 pm Sunday. The series features six nights of readings and discussions with noted authors from around the world. This year’s lineup includes Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Ron Suskind, best-selling authors Nicole Krauss and Dorothy Allison, film director John Sayles, and the much-anticipated award-winning singer and civil rights activist Harry Belafonte.
Each year, the book fair highlights one country. This year’s country is China. Because China is the focus this year, the fair has teamed up with the Confucius Institute at MDC, presenting a day-long symposium on China’s culture and language on Friday, November 18, from 9am-4pm. This symposium will include a round-table discussion with China’s most important contemporary writers.
Cultural Focus Featuring Authors Worldwide
If the symposium on China isn’t enough culture, the fair will introduce books and authors from every corner over the globe. MBFI’s cultural range encompasses stimulating programs including an Ibero-American program, author presentations in French and Portuguese, a huge African-American presence, and 'Caribbean Voices' which features writers from the Caribbean diaspora discussing independence in the region.
On Thursday, November 17, at 11.30am, Cedella Marley, the oldest child of late reggae artist Bob Marley, discusses her book, One Love (Chronicle Books, $16.99), about her life. Coincidentally, the Harry Belafonte, American legend of Jamaican descent, discusses his new memoir My Song (Knopf, $30.50) on Tuesday’s 'Evening with…' discussion at 6pm.
Out-of-the-Box Events Alternative to Readings
While the fair showcases standard literary fair, it also offers several alternatives for those who want a respite from readings. This year, the fair will debut 'Literary Death Match', an Idol-style reading event where authors compete against each other. Foodies can view cooking demos by cookbook authors and chefs from Miami Dade College’s Culinary Institute. Fairgoers can also take pleasure in the return of 'Twilight Tastings', a series of happy hours prior to the weekday evening programs.
Children and teens can participate in magic shows, a comic exhibit and musical theater in addition to readings by children and young adult authors while art-lovers can view any one of the art exhibits free to the public at MDC’s Freedom Tower, including renowned artist Kadir Nelson’s We are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball. Nelson’s accompanying book presentation will take place at 6.30pm on Monday, November 14, at the Wolfson Campus Auditorium.
More Than 300 Authors at Street Fair
The Street Fair Festival of Authors starts on Friday, November 18, and includes more than 300 authors from all over the world signing first editions, original manuscripts and other collectibles. Free to the public on Friday, the fair continues on Saturday and Sunday for $8. Those aged 13-18 and over 62 pay $5 while 12-year-olds and under go free on Saturday and Sunday.
Miami Book Fair International is a phenomenal literary event that can’t be missed. It has something for everyone from three to 83. Promote literacy and have fun while you do it. The events and activities are too numerous to mention. For more information, times, and maps, visit: www.miamibookfair.com.
