StoryFest: A Tale Of Something For Everyone

Quietly — but very popularly — the Westport Library’s StoryFest has become the largest literary festival in Connecticut.

This year’s event — the 4th annual — runs from October 28 through November 2. There is something for every age.

And every type of reader.

Michael Lewis

The kickoff (October 28, 7 p.m.) features a virtual conversation with politics and  Wall Street writer Michael Lewis. His 16th book,  The Premonition: A Pandemic Story, follows a biochemist, public health worker and federal government employee as they confront the pandemic, and realize the federal government’s response is woefully inadequate.

Lewis will be interviewed by award-winning journalist Lisa Belkin. She spent 30 years at the New York Times, as national correspondent and medical reporter. To register, click here.  https://westportlibrary.org/event/michael-lewis/

The next night (Friday, October 29, 7 p.m.), Mallory O’Meara launches her new book Girly Drinks!

It tells the history of the female distillers, drinkers and brewers who have played a vital role in the creation and consumption of alcohol. Drinking is not just (and has never been) about. men. To register for the virtual presentation — including a recipe for a signature drink by SoNo 1420 — click here.

On the day before Halloween (Saturday, October 30, 10 a.m.), young readers will read Pink or Treat with Victoria Kann (and enjoy a Pinkalicious parade. Costumes are encouraged. Click here to register.

Saturday programming continues at 1 p.m. with a virtual panel discussion of When Things Get Dark: A Shirley Jackson Anthology. It’s a collection of new short stories inspired by, and in tribute to, the famed author (and former Westport resident).

Panelists include Stephen Graham Jones, Seanan McGuire, John Langan, and Paul Tremblay. Click here to register.

The final event on October 30 (7 p.m.) is an an All Hallow’s Eve in-person celebration with 2 of horror fiction’s biggest stars: authors Stephen Graham Jones (My Heart is a Chainsaw; The Only Good Indians) and Grady Hendrix (Final Girls Support Group). Click here to register.

Mitch Albom

StoryFest emds pm Tuesday, November 2 (7:30 p.m.) with a special in-person event. Bestselling author Mitch Albom launches his newest book: The Stranger in the Lifeboat. It’s a fresh take on themes that have defined his work. Click here to register.