For many, the San Antonio Book Festival is more than just an event —– it’s an opportunity to spark connections, build precious memories and explore the vast world of reading. The festival invites authors to engage with their audiences, a unique experience for all involved.
The festival, started in 2013, hosted its 13th annual gathering at the Central Library and UTSA Southwest Campus on April 12. It welcomed readers to engage with authors, attend panels and play games. In addition, the festival hosted some Trinity writers, such as professor of English Andrew Porter and Murchison distinguished professor of the humanities Norma Elia Cantú. The event was free and all community members were welcome to visit.
Porter has participated in the festival since its first year in 2013. This year, Porter was promoting his new book “The Imagined Life” and participated in a panel called “Family Secrets in Action” alongside author Caoilinn Hughes.
“The San Antonio Book Festival provides a wonderful opportunity for members of the San Antonio community to come together to celebrate their love of reading, and writing and books, and it also provides a great opportunity to showcase our beautiful city and our vibrant literary culture,” Porter said.
The family-friendly event offers a variety of activities for both adults and kids. From lectures from authors to colorful games, the festival has many options for all.
“Personally, as a parent, I also really love the fact that they have so many fun activities and events for kids, creating a fun and exciting experience for them, one that centers on books and reading,” Porter said.
Similarly to Porter, Cantú has deep ties to the San Antonio Book Festival. This year, Cantú featured her book, “¡Somos Tejanas! Chicana Identity and Culture in Texas,” with her co-editor and former student, Jody A. Marín. The book explores themes of identity, community, healing, reflection and story-telling. Cantú and Marín spoke to a full house, and many audience members attended a book signing after the reception.
“[We] worked on the book for years, so it’s really rewarding to see so many people come out and enjoy the book and just be there with us,” Cantú said. “It was also kind of inspiring to see the next generation.”
Patricia Partida, attendee of Cantú and Marín’s breakout session, got the chance to connect with the authors at a book signing.
“This was the first time I have ever gotten an author to sign a book for me, so it was amazing,” Partida said. “I really appreciate the city of San Antonio and SAPL for putting on these kinds of sessions and elevating those authors.”
In addition, the Trinity University Press played a major role in promoting local authors at the festival. Laurie Roath Frazier published her book, “Navigating Rocky Terrain: Caves, Karsts, and the Soul of Unseen Spaces,” through TU Press and spoke about the book at the festival. The book’s essays explore themes of change, flourishing in uncertainty and complex journeys. Frazier’s work draws a metaphor between ecological and personal healing, and its interdisciplinary nature attracted a wide audience.
“I wanted to write science in a way that it would reach people,” Frazier said. “These ideas of loss and change are so universal. I mean, we all do experience it at some point. Also, it is a big issue in the environmental world right now — there’s so much loss and change, so I thought they would go hand in hand.”
For many authors, participating in the festival is rewarding beyond measure. Frazier appreciated TU Press for exposing her work to a wider audience by submitting her book to the festival.
“I really wanted to be able to publish at a local press, and I am so thankful that Trinity picked up my book,” Frazier said.
In addition, Frazier appreciated the festival’s role in supporting emerging authors and writers. The event served as a networking opportunity, allowing authors to engage with each other and their audiences.
“Having a place for authors to meet their audience is great,” said Frazier. “It’s a wonderful way to connect with other writers.”
