From its genesis, Las Vegas was essentially sought after for its lax gaming and marriage laws. While not necessarily the ideal foundation for a city, Las Vegas has nonetheless continued to thrive, and adapt, over the years and maintain its stature as one of the most sought after travel destinations in the world. Despite this popularity, people are not generally drawn to Las Vegas for its cultural attributes. But in this respect, our Valley has made forward strides as well. From Broadway shows that grace the theaters on the Strip, to art galleries, cuisine of international renown, resident dance troupes, the upcoming Smith Center for the Performing Arts, as well as a flourishing literary community.
Books have always been an important vessel for the written word and, just like Las Vegas, have evolved over time. Volumes are still appreciated as an antiquary for those who relish in the beauty and character of a hand-crafted, leather-bound cover, or the historical thrill of a first edition. Yet literary works continue to make waves with contemporary trends as well. From the advancements in e-books and wireless readers, to the eco-conscious IndieBound mission (IndieBound.org), on par with the ‘buy local’ philosophy, encouraging book lovers to support local businesses and celebrate independents to the benefit of community, economy and environment.
Given the current economic climate, where businesses large and small are teetering on the brink of closure or have already succumbed to that fate, it’s hard not to appreciate the IndieBound battle-cry. In just this past year, Las Vegas has experienced the loss of independent bookstores such as Cheesecake and Crime, a loveable book-nook where you could devour intriguing mystery novels as well as homemade cheesecake all in one setting; as well as The Reading Room at Mandalay Bay, where one could experience literature and author signings on the Strip. Not to disappreciate chain stores, who offer character of their own — for instance, head to the Borders at Town Square and you will find an extensive local section of Nevada-centric titles. But often times, in venturing outside the box, it is refreshing and rewarding to head to those independent, niche stores that offer a little something different
• Book Nooks with a Niche
Consider Amber Unicorn Books, member of the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America, where owners Myrna and Lou Donato, who share a strong aversion to becoming idle in their later years, have been specializing in cookbooks and gastronomy as well as a large selection of metaphysical, military, art, science fiction and fantasy, and first editions since 1981.
Or Dead Poet Bookstore, where owners Linda & Rich Piediscalzi have managed to create and maintain a used books oasis, with an atmosphere that encourages customers to browse the book selection and indulge in the charm of the surroundings since 1994.
Las Vegas is also home to Genesis Books and Gifts, essentially a 12-step store which strives to provide the Las Vegas community with books, resources and other 12-step gifts for recovering alcoholics and their friends and families.
And for those who yearn for a bit of history with their literature, Bauman Rare Books at The Palazzo is the ultimate. Essentially a book gallery, Bauman’s houses numerous antiquarian volumes, including a 1687 edition of Chaucer’s “Works,” a first edition of “A Farewell to Arms” signed by Hemingway, a first edition of Twain’s classic “Huck Finn,” and a rare first edition of Beethoven’s magical Fifth Symphony. In addition to books, Bauman’s also offers unique documents, such as a lengthy autograph letter signed by President Lincoln and a military document signed by Napoleon as emperor. Given its location, Bauman’s is the ideal solution for those late-night literary cravings — where else could you purchase a first edition of James Joyce’s “Ulysses” at 10:30 on a Saturday night?
• Turn the Page
The literary scene in Las Vegas is a unique and eclectic one, and if you are looking to get involved there are a number ways to turn the page in your literary evolution. Visit your local bookstore or library and check out what authors, writing workshops or book discussion groups they are hosting that month. Or simply pop down to your neighborhood Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf which features new local reads each month through their Book of the Month program.
Consider joining a book club or even start your own. You can focus on a singular genre — be it history, romance, or science fiction. Or if you need a hand to jumpstart your book club experience, check out some of the many guide books out there such as “The Readers’ Choice” by Victoria Golden McMains, or even “Recipe for a Book Club” by Mary O’Hare and Rose Storey, which combines good reading with good eating.
Writers, whether aspiring or established, can benefit from the annual Las Vegas Writers Conference, marking its sixth year next April, and join writing professionals, agents, industry experts and colleagues as they share their knowledge on all aspects of the writer’s craft through panels, workshops and one-on-one pitch sessions.
• Bring on the Book Festival
A focal point of the literary community, that readers can revel in, is the annual Vegas Valley Book Festival (VVBF), www.vegasvalleybookfestival.org. Now in its eighth year, the festival provides a range of exciting literature experiences to a growing audience widely representative of the community. Running from November 4–8th, the festival hub will be at the Historic Fifth Street School in downtown Las Vegas. The festival has brought together a number of key literature organizations in the Valley to share resources, build audiences, advance the craft of writing and share the joys of reading.
As the largest annual literature event in Las Vegas, the festival is founded on the simple premise of bringing together those who love to write books and those who love to read books. This year the event will feature over 100 writers, primarily Nevada authors, to celebrate contemporary literature, fiction and non-fiction in all genres. The festival boasts a full schedule of readings, panel discussions, book signings, workshops, poetry and spoken word performances, exhibitions, children’s literature, comics and special events.
“The Vegas Valley Book Festival has become one of the signature cultural events each year in Las Vegas,” said Geoff Schumacher, member of the VVBF Editorial Committee. “The organizers put together a high-caliber and diverse lineup of writers and other creative types who are certain to offer thought-provoking views on everything from the craft of writing to the politics of the moment.”
The festival is the product of several organizations’ efforts, with the City of Las Vegas Office of Cultural Affairs serving as a kind of managing partner, and working with the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District, Nevada Humanities, Stephens Press, the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Black Mountain Institute and the UNLV Creative Writing Department.
“We have been able to network together these primary literature providers, leveraging resources and sharing audiences, with a simple premise of bringing together those who write books and those who love to read them. Ultimately, our model is a good match for the economic times, delivering a kind of one-stop shopping for literature experiences — and it’s all free and open to the public,” explains Richard Hooker, program coordinator for the VVBF.
• From Poet Laureates to Literary Trolleys
Kicking off the four-day festival will be Kay Ryan, the Poet Laureate of the United States. Ryan, known for her mastery of wordplay and internal rhymes, will present the opening keynote address, also marking Ryan’s first appearance in Las Vegas.
On Friday, Mayor Oscar Goodman will open the book festival’s poetry night as the VVBF joins forces with First Friday. Hosts Claudia Keelan and Jarret Keene will present a literary pageant on wheels — “The Sin City Sonneteer Spectacle” — featuring an eclectic cadre of bards, spoken-word artists and performance poets, including Donald Revell and Elizabeth Quiñones, as they weave their way through The Downtown Arts District between 6 and 10 p.m. This literary trolley will stop at select art galleries and bars downtown while onlookers will have the opportunity to listen to and observe these fine word warriors as they share their celebrated verse.
Saturday offers a variety of author sessions and readings, not to mention numerous book signings. Beginning with Signature Presenter Cheech Marin, as the legendary comedian opens the day with a discussion of his life as an actor, and now, as a children’s author.
Followed by the “Reader’s Choice” panel where local book clubs were asked to recommend their favorite authors to contribute to this panel discussion. The finalists are Indu Sundaresan, author of “Splendor of Silence,” Margaret Coel with “The Spirit Woman,” and Vicki Pettersson, “City of Souls: The Fourth Sign of the Zodiac.” Each session will be followed by an opportunity to meet, greet and have books signed by the authors.
That afternoon will mark the debut of the final installment of the novel “Restless City.” This serial novel has been a collaborative effort on the part of seven select, local authors including H. Lee Barnes, John Irsfeld, Brian Rouff, Leah Bailly, John L. Smith, Constance Ford and Vu Tran. As one author completed a chapter, the next took the storyline into their own hands. With seven creative minds working on this piece, there’s no limit to where the hero of the tale, Daniel Brady, will wind up. A project of the VVBF and sponsored by CityLife, the chapters have been released over the past few months and can be read at lasvegascitylife.com. Vu Tran will read and reveal the novel’s conclusion.
Saturday evening will wrap-up with an extraordinary presentation by author and Las Vegas Review-Journal columnist John L. Smith at the Clark County Library Theater entitled Amelia’s Long Journey. When Smith’s eight-year-old daughter Amelia was diagnosed with a deadly tumor in October 2004 he experienced first-hand both the pain and power behind the
age-old adage to “write what you know.” Smith was faced with the decision whether to keep some of the painful memories and experiences to himself, or share them with the newspaper’s readers. He bravely chose the latter and, along the way, he came to an understanding not only about his remarkable daughter and the fragility of his family, but about his own writing. A collection of his stories about his daughter, “Amelia’s Long Journey” (Stephens Press) will debut at the festival.
The final day of the festival promises to be entertaining for Vegas history novices and buffs alike. Journalist and author Geoff Schumacher, historian Michael Green, journalist Myram Borders, and author and humorist Jack Sheehan will host the Great Characters from Las Vegas History panel. From Bugsy Siegel and Benny Binion to Howard Hughes and Steve Wynn, eccentric and visionary characters populate Las Vegas history — and this panel of local experts will break down who among them was truly important and who was just colorful. “The Great Characters panel promises to be lively and interesting to anyone remotely interested in how Las Vegas grew from a remote railroad stop into an international destination,” said Schumacher, organizer and moderator of the session. “The word ‘characters’ accurately reflects the fascinating folks who made their mark on this place.”
Presenting the closing keynote address will be E.L. Doctorow, one of America’s most accomplished and acclaimed living writers. Doctorow is the author of such weighty tomes as “The Book of Daniel” and “City of God” as well as the recipient of numerous commendations including a Guggenheim Fellowship, the National Book Award, two National Book Critics Circle Awards and the PEN/Faulkner Award, among others
• For the Children
Cognizant of the fact that a love for the written word takes root at an early age, the festival also features the companion event, the Target Children’s Book Festival, which ensures that there is something for readers and writers of all ages. Children’s author Kevin Janison will be one of this year’s presenters.
“I’m thrilled to be involved with the book festival again this year,” said the local meteorologist. “Kids in this era are faced with so many distractions: computer and video games, cell phones, 500 channels on TV, and the list goes on and on and on. I look at this as an opportunity to show the kids how much fun they can have reading and writing, and ultimately how those skills will make them a better person.”
The children’s festival will take place Saturday, November 7th in Centennial Plaza (adjacent to the Historic Fifth Street School) and will present children’s authors, book giveaways, story time events, staged performances, a puppet show, educational booths, arts and crafts, costumed characters, and other activities fostering literacy for kids.
“The Target Children’s Book Festival brings literacy to life. And many of the participating organizations give out free books, in both English and Spanish. It is an awesome sight to see a child’s excitement as they are handed their very own book, and sometimes their first book,” said Brian Kendall, program coordinator. “Event attendees will be treated to valuable information about reading programs and services. Hopefully the event will serve as a sparkplug in exciting the children of Clark County to the importance of reading.”
Books are not only a crucial aspect of our cultural community, but given these tough economic times, they are also valued as an affordable and necessary escape. Whether experiencing foreign lands through an author’s travel memoir, learning from another’s trials and tribulations in a biography, or losing yourself in the plot of a good fiction novel, books are a wonderful way to enlighten and enliven. And what’s more, there’s excuse not to get literary when you have a book festival in your own back yard
Vegas Valley Book Festival Offers WorkshopsFor Aspiring Writers
While all sessions at the Vegas Valley Book Festival, being held from November 4-8 at the Historic Fifth Street School in downtown Las Vegas, are beneficial to the budding writer, the festival also hosts workshops more specific to the writing and publishing process.
Best-selling urban fantasy novelist Vicki Pettersson will discuss in detail the hottest-selling market right now — Fantasy. In Beyond Twilight and True Blood Pettersson explicates on readers’ current fascination with the worlds full of vampires, werewolves and all things that go bump in the night, and explains how to use fantastical elements to create the escapist fiction that readers are craving.
For those with a more nonfiction interest, look to the City of Second Chances panel for inspiration. Las Vegas is infamous for second chances and new starts, author and columnist John L. Smith, Douglas Unger (author, “Leaving the Land and Looking for War”), and Cheryll Glotfelty (editor, “Literary Nevada: Writings from the Silver State”) will share tales about people who reinvented themselves in Las Vegas. Perhaps you’ll discover you have your own story to tell.
Founders of Red Rock Review, Richard Logsdon, Tina Eliopulos, H. Lee Barnes and Todd Moffitt, will present a panel discussion directed at those who want to submit their works for publication to magazines in Working with Literary Journals. The panel will address a number of queries and concerns, such as: What do I say in my cover letter? What are the editors looking for? What do I do if my work is rejected?
The local chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators will also present a workshop with author Ellen Hopkins entitled Picturing the Story.
