The Book Day: Local Voices, Desert Stories.
Sunday, May 18 at Kitchen in the Desert
2 PM to 6 PM
Twentynine Palms, CA — As the countdown to the 2025 Twentynine Palms Book Festival begins, the community is invited to a special literary afternoon on Sunday, May 18 at Kitchen in the Desert in Tin Town. Organized by Desert General, The Book Day will shine a spotlight on the rich and diverse voices of our local literary scene, offering a warm and lively gathering for readers of all ages.
Festivities begin at 2 PM, giving attendees a chance to enjoy Kitchen in the Desert’s renowned brunch beforehand. In partnership with the Desert Writers Guild and the Mojave Sage Writers, the day will feature live readings from celebrated regional authors including Cindy Rinne, Francis Moss, Donna Tomlinson, John Sierpinski, Rose Baldwin, Greg Gilbert, Mike Vail and Cheryl Montelle. All featured books will be available for purchase at a special 5% discount.
Families are encouraged to attend—Brown Bag Books will curate a special children’s corner filled with inspiring titles to help young readers discover the joy of books.
Adding to the festivities, The Book Day will welcome four distinguished guest authors for special appearances and conversations with readers:
Jardine Libaire, novelist, screenwriter, and co-founder of P.O. Box from Outerspace. She is the author of White Fur and Here Kitty Kitty, known for poetic, visceral storytelling.
Ruth Nolan, poet and former wildland firefighter, whose work (Ruby Mountain, After the Dome Fire) captures the fragile beauty and urgent stories of the Mojave Desert.
Ted Meyer, Twentynine Palms–based artist and writer, whose debut collection In the Room Sinatra Died offers darkly funny, moving stories drawn from life with Gaucher’s disease.
Brian Townsley, editor of Starlite Pulp and author of A Trunk Full of Zeroes and Outlaw Ballads, whose noir fiction appears in Mystery Tribune, Black Mask, and more.
Musical duo Sister John Angela will bring their distinctive blend of folk and “desert jazz” to the celebration, offering live performances at the end of the afternoon.
The event will conclude with the official unveiling of the 2025 Twentynine Palms Book Festival program featuring the list of confirmed authors and a preview of the festival poster designed by Ana Criado Zahonero, a Joshua Tree-based artist who will be in attendance.
The Book Day is free and open to the public. Parking available. Kitchen in the Desert | 6427 Mesquite Avenue. Twentynine Palms.
For more information, follow @DESERTGENERALSTORE or send an email to pz@thedesertgeneralstore.com
