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.