Literary light at the end of the pandemic tunnel

No sooner did I see notice that one of the summer’s literary delights in Dallas – the Festival of Books and Ideas – had been cancelled than it popped back up, this time in virtual form. The Dallas Virtual Book Festival excises the best part of the “books” portion of the festival – author readings.

Twenty-two North Texas writers read excerpts from their children’s, middle grade, young adult, and adult books. Readings by children’s and middle grade authors include Netflix sensation Julie Murphy (Dumplin’ and more), to picture book author Jennifer Drez (Goodnight Dallas), Jen Betton, Rosie J. Pova, Kena Sosa, J Tillman, Michael Merschel, Katie Proctor, Melanie Sumrow, and Rebecca Balcárcel.

YA writers include Draegon Grey, Lyn I. Kelly, C. Michael Morrison, and Alex Temblador. Adult books include works of fiction and nonfiction from Carole Fowkes, A’Mera Frieman, Brantley Hargrove, memoirist Sarah Hepola (Blackout: Remembering the Things I Drank to Forget), and A. Lee Martinez (Constance Verity Saves the World). 

Best of all, there’s no having to mark our festival programs with a limited number of “must-hears” and rush from room to room to catch out favorites when we can listen to all at our convenience.

At this time, I haven’t seen information about how long the virtual book fest will remain online, but it seems safe to say, it will be available until the Dallas library branches are able to reopen safely.

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image: Mi Minhaz from Pixabay

Although the Dallas Museum of Art is rescheduling the remainder of this season’s Arts & Letters Live programs, it’s also offering some virtual gems. Sorry to be behind on this, but as of today, May 11, tickets are still available for a virtual session with Sue Monk Kidd, discussing The Book of Longings. Tickets are $45 for the public, $42 for DMA members, educators and students. The cost includes the private viewing link, a signed bookplate, and a hardcover copy of the book. See the site for tickets and details.

DMA follows up May 20 with a virtual book club discussion of The Book of Longings, led by bestselling author Kathleen Kent. (Note, Ms. Kidd will not appear at this discussion.) Book club tickets are $10, available at the site.

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Some Dallas bookstores are planning reopenings in accordance with latest state guidelines. Indie store Interabang Books, doubly hit by last fall’s tornado and the current pandemic, is now open at its new location, 5600 W. Lovers Lane, #142, in Dallas. Although the number of in-store customers is limited to not more than 10 at a time, curbside pickup is still available. See the site for hours and details.

Dallas-based chain HalfPrice Books has also reopened all its North Texas stores. Store capacity will be limited depending on the size of the store. Even in areas where local government orders do not mandate masks, customers are encouraged to do so. Reusable bags are not currently allowed, nor are stores allowed to buy merchandise from customers at this time. Check the site for details.

Used bookstore Lucky Dog Books is experimenting with abbreviated hours for in-store browsing, and still offers home delivery, curbside pickup and books by mail. At this point, it also accepts merchandise from customers through through curbside and home delivery. Check the site for details.

Independent Dallas bookstores Deep Vellum and The Wild Detectives are not currently open, but check their sites for additional information.

Stay safe, everyone, and keep reading!