BRIAN DOHERTY, THE AUTHOR OF "DIRTY PICTURES", WILL ATTEND THE FESTIVAL

Discover the untold narrative history of Underground Comix in Brian Doherty's groundbreaking work, "Dirty Pictures." Doherty's book sheds light on a revolutionary movement that redefined American culture in the 1960s, exploring taboo themes of sex, drugs, and societal rebellion. Through vivid storytelling and extensive research, Doherty unveils the lives and legacies of iconic creators offering a comprehensive examination of this transformative art form. "Dirty Pictures" is a must-read for anyone interested in the subversive power of comics and their enduring impact on society.

SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO PAUL AUSTER

Join us as we honor the memory of Paul Auster, the esteemed author and filmmaker, who passed away on April 30 at the age of 77. During the festival, we will host a special session dedicated to "Smoke." the captivating 1995 film that explores the profound influence of words, crafted by Auster and directed by Wayne Wang.Born into a Jewish family in New Jersey, Auster studied literature at Columbia University in New York, but then spent several years working as a translator in Paris. He was influenced not only by fellow Paris exile Samuel Beckett, but French exponents of the nouveau roman, or “new novel”, such as Alain Robbe-Grillet. Auster’s own fiction, with its labyrinthine twists and turns, eventually became more popular in France than in the United States. His first work, The Invention of Solitude, was published in the US in 1982 and his career took off in the late 1980s.

DISCOVER TWENTYNINE PALMS AND JOSHUA TREE PARK WITH E-BIKES

We're thrilled to team up with HIGH DESERT E BIKE to offer festival attendees an exclusive $10 discount on electric bike rentals from November 7th to 10th. With the festival spanning multiple downtown Twentynine Palms locations, navigating the event will be made effortless. You can also plan half-day tours of the nearby Joshua Tree Park. Use the promocode BOOKFEST10 to book your electric bike. For more information info@highdesertebike.com 

CELEBRATING COMIX

The festival will feature a celebration of 1970s underground comix culture, offering attendees the chance to explore this era through rare books and a panel session dedicated to the 1960s counterculture movement. During the session, attendees will learn about the work of influential artists such as R. Crumb, Art Spiegelman, Trina Robbins, Terry Richards, Spain Rodriguez, Harvey Pekar, and Howard Cruse, among others. These creators challenged societal norms by addressing taboo subjects like sex, drugs, and social commentary, contributing to a new wave of comic book expression. Additionally, the festival will acknowledge the important contributions of the Wimmen's Comix Collective in shaping feminist narratives within the underground scene. Attendees will have the opportunity to delve into the history of this movement, exploring both its ideological battles and artistic achievements, and highlighting its lasting impact on American culture and artistic expression.  

WELL-KNOWN LOCAL AUTHOR, SUSAN RUKEYSER, WILL ATTEND THE FESTIVAL

Susan Rukeyser is a writer based in Joshua Tree, California, where she has resided since 2017. Originally from Connecticut, she spent a significant period living in the suburban South before finding her true home in the desert. In Joshua Tree, Susan is an active member of the writing community, providing support and encouragement to fellow writers. With a background in the publishing industry, Susan previously served as a Senior Book Buyer for Baker & Taylor, where she worked with some of the most dynamic bestsellers of the time. She also has experience as an editor, having edited weekly small press book reviews at Necessary Fiction for three years. Susan holds a Creative Writing MA from Lancaster University, UK. 

DESERT LITERARY SHOWCASE

The inaugural Desert Literary Showcase, organized in partnership with the Writers of the Purple Sage and the Desert Writers Guild, promises to be a vibrant celebration of literature in the Mojave Desert region. Scheduled for Friday, May 17th, at 5 PM at Corner 62, this event aims to spotlight local and emerging authors while promoting their books to a wider audience. Featuring esteemed authors such as Corina Gillett, Renee Gurley, Rose Baldwin, Mike Vail, and John Sierpenski, the showcase will offer attendees an enriching experience of readings and book signings. In addition to the main event, the Desert Literary Showcase will play a pivotal role in the two-day book fair by hosting a special area dedicated to meet-and-greet sessions and readings with Mojave Desert authors. This initiative underscores the festival's commitment to fostering connections between writers and readers while providing valuable exposure opportunities for talented authors in the region.  

the 29 PALMS BOOK FESTIVAL IS LAUNCHING THE “Off-Program”

Save the date for the upcoming Twentynine Palms Book Festival's Off-Program events, leading up to the main festival.

29 PALMS SILENT BOOK CLUB N°2 | Sunday, May 26th, 11 AM - 1 PM. Experience the second gathering of the 29 Palms Silent Book Club! Join us for a serene reading session with local book enthusiasts. Bring any book, no assigned reading, just BYOBook! This monthly event aims to  connect with fellow book enthusiasts in person, while supporting the Twentynine Palms Book Festival. See you there! Details are available HERE.

WORDS & MUSIC

Join us Sat. May 4th at 3PM, to celebrate the release of the first book by Blue Books, a new publishing imprint. A Journal of the Plague Years is an anthology of writing from the startup magazine of the same name that has attracted some of America’s best writers.

Readings by Steve Erickson, Paul Cullum, Brian Cullman, and Susan Zakin. 

Music by Rosa Pullman and Hunter and The Wick’d.

Free event presented by Blue Books and the Off Program of the 29 Palms Book Festival. Refreshments. Parking available.

Desert General @ Corner 62 - 73552 Twentynine Palms Hwy - Twentynine Palms

DESERT LITERARY SHOWCASE | Friday, May 17th, 4 PM - 7 PM. Explore the rich literary environment of the Mojave Desert, featuring local and published authors. Join us for an inspiring event celebrating diverse voices and compelling stories from our community. In partnership with the Desert Writers Guild and Writers of the Purple Sage, we aim to promote independent authors living in the Mojave Desert, showcasing their works and inviting festival attendees to immerse themselves in the vibrant literary culture of the region.

UFO BOOK PARTY | Saturday, August 10th, 2 PM - 8 PM. Ahead of the Meteor Shower (12/13 August) and in celebration of our festival's focus on UFO literature, join us for a UFO BOOK PARTY! We'll highlight Twentynine Palms' deep connection to UFO culture, culminating in the launch of Chris Campion's upcoming book "Saturation 70," revealing the untold story of Gram Parsons and Anthony Foutz's dystopian science fiction movie shot during Georges Van Tassel's 1969 Space Convention. Browse rare editions and out-of-print books at the event.

CRAFTING YOUR LATE BLOOMER WRITING CAREER.

Join our panel of authors and publishing experts for a concise yet impactful discussion tailored to senior aspiring writers. From finding your unique voice to navigating publishing options, we'll cover essential tips and strategies to kickstart your writing career. Discover how to overcome challenges, build your online presence, and find supportive communities in this empowering session. 

WAR LITeRATURE.

Embark on a thought-provoking journey into the realm of war literature in an intimate festival session. Engage with war authors and veteran soldiers as they dissect what truly defines a remarkable war book. From raw personal narratives to nuanced reflections on the human cost of conflict, discover the depth and complexity of storytelling in wartime. Join us for a poignant exploration of the realities, challenges, and triumphs portrayed in war literature, offering profound insights into the human experience amidst chaos and adversity.

never underestimate the desert.

You’re invited to an immersive journey into the heart of the Mojave Desert’s physical, geological, and cultural wonders. Three engaging sessions, on Saturday 9th, festival attendees will delve into the Mojave’s essence alongside acclaimed writers, architects, academics and artists. From insightful discussions to thought-provoking presentations, each session promises to deepen our understanding and appreciation of this extraordinary desert ecosystem.

FIRST LIST OF AUTHORS.

Get ready for the big reveal on May 7th as we unveil our first list of authors for the upcoming Twentynine Palms Book Festival! Brace yourselves for a diverse mix of established icons, rising stars, and for the first time ever, poets! Stay tuned for the lineup that promises to ignite your imagination and celebrate the magic of storytelling. Save the date and prepare for a literary journey like no other!

BOOKS DON’T NEED CHARGERS

A key segment of the bookfair, The Young Readers Zone, organized in collaboration with Brown Bag Bookshop, promises an immersive experience filled with interactive storytelling and engaging activities tailored for children – and their parents. With a wide spectrum of children's literature available, our objective is to foster a love for reading and inspire young imaginations. Join us in this vibrant space designed to ignite a passion for storytelling and lifelong learning among our youngest festival attendees.

BOTANICAL LITERATURE WILL TAKE CENTER STAGE.

Discover the essence of botanical literature in a captivating live session led by author, artist and professor Trinie Dalton. Explore beyond plant identification to delve into ethnobotany and sociohistorical narratives. Panelists will showcase Mojave-based botanical literature, highlighting its cross-disciplinary appeal. Join us to uncover the rich interplay between humans and plants in a dynamic, image-rich genre. Don't miss this opportunity to engage in discussions on graphic design and collaborative bookmaking.

TRIBUTE TO U2 AND ANTON CORBIJN

The Twentynine Palms book festival proudly commemorates the historic passage of U2 through the Mojave Desert in 1987, when they recorded their iconic album "Joshua Tree," which sold 25 million copies. Sponsored by the Harmony Motel, celebrating its 20th year, where the legendary band stayed, the tribute pays homage to this momentous occasion. The celebration will feature a special book section at Desert General, focusing on U2 and Anton Corbijn, the renowned photographer who documented the group's epic journey across the Mojave Desert.

TWO LIVE SESSIONS TO BE MODERATED BY DESERT AUTHOR RUTH NOLAN

College of the Desert creative writing professor and desert author Ruth NOLAN will curate and moderate two event sessions at the festival. Nolan will moderate a Native American Roundtable literary reading and discussion featuring Native authors from the California Deserts and Inland Southern California, authors to be announced, and a reading showcase featuring creative writing students and faculty from the College of the Desert creative writing department.

DESERT LITERARY SHOWCASE

Partnering with the Desert Writers Guild and the Writers of the Purple Sage, the festival will deploy efforts to promote independent authors in the Mojave Desert and their books. Regrouped under the Desert Literary Showcase banner, these authors will take center stage during pre-festival parties at Corner 62 in Twentynine Palms on May 17 and September 13, featuring readings and book signings. During the festival itself, authors will have access to an umbrella display area at the book fair and to various exposure opportunities.

REMEMBERING ROUTE 66

Guest authors will share insights into Route 66's history during the 1920s to 50s during one of the festival’s live sessions. It's a chance to explore the iconic highway's past. Adding local relevance to the conversation, it is also an opportunity to take a day trip after the festival to visit a short stretch of Historic Route 66, now known as National Trails Highway, just north of Twentynine Palms, that leads to the towns of Ludlow, Klondike, Bagdad, Amboy, Essex, Fenner and Goffs.