Library of Congress

National Book Festival

Author Festival Reflections

  • Festival Reflections
    Festival Reflections (04:27)
    The 2010 National Book Festival attracted 150,000 festivalgoers and more than 70 best-selling authors. Organizers and book lovers share highlights of last year’s festival and reflect on the reasons why it has grown into the nation’s premiere literary event.
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  • Authors speak about e-readers
    The Writer's View: How will e-readers change the book as we know it? (06:31)
    Sales of e-readers continue to grow at an astronomical rate. Will the advent of this new technology change the book as we know it? Will e-books encourage reading or signal the death of conventional “paper and ink” books? National Book Festival authors share their thoughts on how technology will change the way we read.
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  • Authors speak about changing society
    The Writer's View: How would renowned authors change society? (06:13)
    Find out what your favorite authors think about life and the world around them. How would such renowned authors as Isabel Allende, Ken Follett, Diana Gabaldon, David Remnick, Scott Turow and others change society?
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  • Kareem Abdul Jabbar
    Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: National Book Festival Reflections (01:16)
    NBA Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who appeared at the National Book Festival in 2004, turns his attention to reading.
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  • Julia Alvarez
    Julia Alvarez: National Book Festival Reflections (01:20)
    Julia Alvarez, who appeared at the National Book Festival in 2009, equates books with freedom. “It’s so wonderful that we come together to celebrate the act of freedom.”
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  • David Baldacci
    David Baldacci: National Book Festival Reflections (00:42)
    David Baldacci shares his thoughts on the creative process.
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  • Tiki Barber
    Tiki Barber: National Book Festival Reflections (01:47)
    Tiki Barber talks about the importance of collecting the nation’s collective memory.
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  • Nevada Barr
    Nevada Barr: National Book Festival Reflections (00:45)
    Nevada Barr shares her thoughts on the creative process.
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  • James Billington
    James H. Billington: National Book Festival Reflections (01:34)
    Librarian of Congress James H. Billington issues a call to action. “Embrace and evangelize the cause of reading and learning.”
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  • Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi
    Holly Black/Tony DiTerlizzi: National Book Festival Reflections (01:14)
    Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi deliver a challenge to parents.
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  • Judy Blume
    Judy Blume: National Book Festival Reflections (01:09)
    Judy Blume describes her connection to libraries.
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  • Barbara Taylor Bradford
    Barbara Taylor Bradford: National Book Festival Reflections (01:49)
    Barbara Taylor Bradford, who appeared at the National Book Festival in 2004, recalls how libraries nurtured her love of reading.
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  • Douglas Brinkley
    Douglas Brinkley: National Book Festival Reflections (01:30)
    Douglas Brinkley honors the book.
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  • Geraldine Brooks
    Geraldine Brooks: National Book Festival Reflections (01:37)
    Geraldine Brooks describes the importance of books.
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  • Marc Brown
    Marc Brown: National Book Festival Reflections (01:49)
    Marc Brown talks about his experience at the 2004 National Book Festival.
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  • Andrew Carroll
    Andrew Carroll: National Book Festival Reflections (00:46)
    Andrew Carroll discusses his experience at the National Book Festival. “There is a wonderful sense of energy and a wonderful sense of community at an event like this.”
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  • Kevin Clash
    Kevin Clash: National Book Festival Reflections (01:31)
    Kevin Clash and Elmo of “Sesame Street” share a special message.
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  • Harlen Coben
    Harlen Coben: National Book Festival Reflections (01:01)
    Harlan Coben reflects on the value of books.
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  • Michael Connelly
    Michael Connelly: National Book Festival Reflections (01:01)
    Michael Connelly sets his priorities.
    “It (National Book Festival) really celebrates the power and importance of storytelling.”
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  • Jim Cramer
    Jim Cramer: National Book Festival Reflections (01:13)
    Jim Cramer talks about the business of books.
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  • Jeffery Deaver
    Jeffery Deaver: National Book Festival Reflections (01:17)
    Jeffery Deaver discusses his experience at the National Book Festival. “The festival has been absolutely wonderful.”
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  • Carmen Agra Deedy
    Carmen Agra Deedy: National Book Festival Reflections (01:30)
    Children’s author Carmen Agra Deedy, a festival favorite, demonstrates her multilingual skills.
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  • Paula Deen
    Paula Deen: National Book Festival Reflections (01:12)
    Cooking celebrity Paula Deen talks about one of her memorable festival moments.
    “I would not miss this event for anything.”
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  • Kate DiCamillo
    Kate DiCamillo: National Book Festival Reflections (01:49)
    Kate DiCamillo talks about the importance of books.
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  • E. L. Doctorow
    E. L. Doctorow: National Book Festival Reflections (01:02)
    E. L. Doctorow shares some insight into the writing process.
    “Writing requires an extended act of concentration.”
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  • Bruce Feiler
    Bruce Feiler: National Book Festival Reflections (01:49)
    Bruce Feiler, who will be appearing at the National Book Festival in 2010, talks about the power of books.
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  • Vince Flynn
    Vince Flynn: National Book Festival Reflections (01:01)
    Vince Flynn talks about the importance of celebrating the book.
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  • John Hope Franklin
    John Hope Franklin: National Book Festival Reflections (02:06)
    Historian John Hope Franklin, who passed away at the age of 94 on March 25, 2009, appeared at the National Book Festival in 2006. He shares some insights into the value of celebrating books. “It [National Book Festival] stimulates the mind.”
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  • Arthur Frommer
    Arthur Frommer: National Book Festival Reflections (01:49)
    Arthur Frommer recalls his experience at the festival in 2004.
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  • Diana Gabaldon
    Diana Gabaldon: National Book Festival Reflections (01:49)
    Diana Gabaldon talks about the creative process of writing.
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  • Neil Gaiman
    Neil Gaiman: National Book Festival Reflections (01:16)
    Neil Gaiman talks about his experiences at the National Book Festival.
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  • Leeza Gibbons
    Leeza Gibbons: National Book Festival Reflections (01:08)
    Leeza Gibbons discusses her experiences at the National Book Festival.
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  • Julia Glass
    Julia Glass: National Book Festival Reflections (01:51)
    Julia Glass talks about her love of books.
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  • Annette Gordon-Reed
    Annette Gordon-Reed: National Book Festival Reflections (00:47)
    Award-winning author Annette Gordon-Reed, who appeared at the National Book Festival, talks about the importance of reading.
    “Reading is fundamental to democracy.”
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  • Heloise
    Heloise: National Book Festival Reflections (02:14)
    Heloise shares a hint for lifelong success.
    “Reading...the best thing in life”
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  • Khaled Hosseini
    Khaled Hosseini: National Book Festival Reflections (01:49)
    Khaled Hosseini shares his reasons for writing.
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  • Kay Bailey Hutchinson
    Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson: National Book Festival Reflections (00:49)
    Kay Bailey Hutchison talks about the importance of the National Book Festival.
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  • Gwen Ifill
    Gwen Ifill: National Book Festival Reflections (03:12)
    Television journalist Gwen Ifill talks about the importance of books and reading.
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  • John Irving
    John Irving: National Book Festival Reflections (02:42)
    John Irving discusses his thoughts on the creative process.
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  • Steven Kellogg
    Steven Kellogg: National Book Festival Reflections (02:41)
    Steven Kellogg talks about writing for the online serial adventure “Exquisite Corpse.”
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  • Leigh and Leslie Keno
    Leigh & Leslie Keno: National Book Festival Reflections (00:46)
    Leigh & Leslie Keno describe the thrill of reading.
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  • Jeff Kinney
    Jeff Kinney: National Book Festival Reflections (01:27)
    Best-selling author Jeff Kinney, who appeared at the 2009 National Book Festival, explains the secret of his success.
    “Write for adults”
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  • Ted Kooser
    Ted Kooser: National Book Festival Reflections (01:49)
    Ted Kooser talks about the creative energy of the National Book Festival.
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  • Cong. John Lewis
    U.S. Rep. John Lewis: National Book Festival Reflections (01:16)
    Congressman John Lewis reflects on his participation in the 2004 National Book Festival.
    “It (Library of Congress) is the place where we learn.”
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  • Patricia Maclachlan
    Patricia MacLachlan: National Book Festival Reflections (01:49)
    Patricia MacLachlan explains how books enrich the nation’s youth.
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  • Cong. Kendrick Meek
    U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek: National Book Festival Reflections (01:38)
    Congressman Kendrick Meek brought his family to the National Book Festival in 2003.
    “I look forward to continuing to support it [National Book Festival].”
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  • Andrea Mitchell
    Andrea Mitchell: National Book Festival Reflections (01:29)
    Andrea Mitchell compares the creative process of journalism to that of writing a book.
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  • Brad Meltzer
    Brad Meltzer: National Book Festival Reflections (02:06)
    Mystery author Brad Meltzer talks about a different kind of thriller.
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  • Stephenie Meyer
    Stephenie Meyer: National Book Festival Reflections (01:15)
    Stephenie Meyer reflects on her festival experience in 2006.
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  • Walter Mosley
    Walter Mosley: National Book Festival Reflections (01:45)
    Walter Mosley tells why he has fun at the National Book Festival.
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  • Robert B. Parker
    Robert B. Parker: National Book Festival Reflections (01:49)
    Robert B. Parker reveals a different talent.
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  • Katherine Paterson
    Katherine Paterson: National Book Festival Reflections (00:47)
    Katherine Paterson, the current Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, appeared at the National Book Festival in 2004.
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  • James Patterson
    James Patterson: National Book Festival Reflections (00:51)
    James Patterson reflects on the role of the nation’s library.
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  • Richard Peck
    Richard Peck: National Book Festival Reflections (01:49)
    Richard Peck talks about the importance of the written word.
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  • George Pelecanos
    George Pelecanos: National Book Festival Reflections (01:49)
    George Pelecanos recalls interacting with his fans in 2006.
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  • Nathaniel Philbrick
    Nathaniel Philbrick: National Book Festival Reflections (01:14)
    Nathaniel Philbrick describes the importance of preservation.
    “The present is the past in the making.”
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  • Terry Pratchett
    Terry Pratchett: National Book Festival Reflections (01:49)
    Terry Pratchett describes one of his passions.
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  • Anna Quindlen
    Anna Quindlen: National Book Festival Reflections (02:14)
    Anna Quindlen explains why literacy is a civic duty.
    “Reading is the ultimate democratic act”
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  • Kathy Reichs
    Kathy Reichs: National Book Festival Reflections (01:09)
    Kathy Reichs reflects on her experience at the National Book Festival in 2006.
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  • David Remini
    David Remini: National Book Festival Reflections (01:27)
    David Remini reflects on his book about the House of Representatives.
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  • Cokie Roberts
    Cokie Roberts: National Book Festival Reflections (01:20)
    Cokie Roberts reflects on the impact of the Library of Congress’ educational outreach.
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  • Kay Ryan
    Kay Ryan: National Book Festival Reflections (01:55)
    Kay Ryan wants to personalize the reading experience.
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  • John Sandford
    John Sandford: National Book Festival Reflections (00:35)
    John Sandford discusses his experience at the National Book Festival.
    “I had a lot of fun”
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  • Marisa de los Santos
    Marisa de los Santos: National Book Festival Reflections (00:57)
    Marisa de los Santos reflects on the magic of writing.
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  • John Scieszka
    John Scieszka: National Book Festival Reflections (01:14)
    Jon Scieszka, who appeared at the 2009 National Book Festival, discusses the online serial adventure, “Exquisite Corpse.”
    “The idea was to play around with storytelling.”
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  • Lisa Scottoline
    Lisa Scottoline: National Book Festival Reflections (00:36)
    Lisa Scottoline describes one of her passions.
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  • R. L. Stine
    R. L. Stine: National Book Festival Reflections (01:53)
    R. L. Stine explains his motivation for writing.
    “My whole career has been about getting kids to read.”
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  • Alexandra Stoddard
    Alexandra Stoddard: National Book Festival Reflections (02:05)
    Alexandra Stoddard talks about the connection between authors and readers.
    “Certain authors change your life.”
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  • Scott Turow
    Scott Turow: National Book Festival Reflections (01:27)
    Scott Turow explains why libraries should take the lead in promoting reading.
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  • Judith Viorst
    Judith Viorst: National Book Festival Reflections (00:50)
    Judith Viorst reflects on her festival experience.
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  • Dionne Warwick
    Dionne Warwick: National Book Festival Reflections (00:47)
    Dionne Warwick talks about the importance of literacy.
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    10-Year Retrospective

  • 10th Anniversary National Book Festival 2010
    National Book Festival 10-Year Retrospective (03:45)
    The Library of Congress National Book Festival will celebrate its 10th year on Sept. 25, 2010! Authors, event organizers and book-lovers share their impressions in a look back at “A Decade of Words and Wonder.”
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    Festivalgoers Share Their Experiences

  • 2005 festivalgoer #1
    2005 Festivalgoers #1: National Book Festival Reflections (00:34)
    Festivalgoer discusses her experience at the 2005 National Book Festival. “It's amazing…good selection of books, great authors and illustrators here.“
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  • 2005 festivalgoer #2
    2005 Festivalgoers #2: National Book Festival Reflections (00:44)
    Festivalgoer shares her insights. “I think it's wonderful to get that personal background, especially on your favorite authors.”
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  • 2003 festivalgoer #3
    2003 Festivalgoers #3: National Book Festival Reflections (01:06)
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    A husband and wife share their experience at the 2003 National Book Festival. “We are part of a group of people who value reading.”
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  • 2003 festivalgoer #4
    2003 Festivalgoers #4: National Book Festival Reflections (00:36)
    A teacher talks about her experience at the National Book Festival. “I come down to get bookmarks.”
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  • 2003 festivalgoer #5
    2003 Festivalgoers #5: National Book Festival Reflections (00:40)
    A festivalgoer shares some highlights of the 2003 National Book Festival. “His [U.S. Poet Laureate] poetry spoke to me.”
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  • 2003 festivalgoer #6
    2003 Festivalgoers #6: National Book Festival Reflections (00:36)
    Festivalgoers reflect on the 2003 National Book Festival “I enjoy seeing the families.”
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    Public Service Announcements

  • Clint Eastwood PSA
    Clint Eastwood Public Service Announcement (00:40)
    America’s most famous tough guy has an important message.
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