32 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JULY 16-22, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com LIT Book festivals are often specific to a place. The Miami Book Fair transforms downtown Miami into an eight-day literary street fair, while The New Orleans Book Festival at Tulane University unfolds with an academic tone. Carmel’s event is still shaping its own identity, one tied to the area’s rich literary past and present. Even though this is only the festival’s second edition it has already drawn one of publishing’s biggest names: Pulitzer Prize winner Jane Smiley. She’ll join a morning panel, “Stories That Stay With You,” from 9:3010:30am, alongside Meredith May, author of the international bestselling memoir The Honey Bus, and local author Lisa Crawford Watson. The conversation will be moderated by journalist and author Alison van Diggelen, who will present her own 2025 book, The Love Project: A Journey of Intimate Conversations, later in the afternoon. “As moderator, I’m planning to explore the art and craft of writing a book, and what it takes in terms of tenacity, humor and community support,” van Diggelen says. “I’ll tease out some amusing and insightful stories and wisdom from these three very experienced writers, as well as some dos and don’ts in terms of writing craft.” The festival is free and open to all ages of both readers and writers. After the morning panel, a Book Expo (11am-3pm) brings together more than 30 authors spanning thrillers, memoirs and poetry, where visitors can buy signed copies directly from the writers. Among them are novelist Brooke French, whose Letty Duquesne series traces fatal viruses and terrorism; Loreen Gibbons, whose memoir All Eternity Lies Before Me began as letters recounting a Cold War naval disaster; Army veteran Brendan Kelly, author of PowerPoint Ranger; Michael Dove, author of Paradox at Pebble Beach; playwright-turned-novelist Joyce Sherry, a former Ray Bradbury collaborator; Professor Emerita Nükhet Kardam; first-time novelist Evan Pellervo and more. The day closes with a session from 2:30-3:30pm with van Diggelen discussing The Love Project. “I’ll be reading some humorous quotes from my book just before the Hearts of Carmel reveal,” she says, referring to an art exhibit that awaits both those who love books and visual arts. Carmel Book Festival 9:30am-3pm Saturday , July 18. Carmel Plaza, Ocean and Mission, Carmel. Free. (831) 624-3877, tinyurl.com/CarmelBookFest. DANIEL DRIEFUSS Good Words Carmel Book Festival returns for the second year, with Jane Smiley among the authors. By Agata Popęda Alison van Diggelen, a former BBC journalist, turned her reporter’s lens to Carmel with a book that explores the people who make the community unique. Cornucopia Community Market offers quality nutritious and environmentally safe products, free of artificial additives and preservatives. Your Source for Local and Organic Food for a Healthy Lifestyle HAPPY SUMMER! • Natural, Organic Produce • Fresh Bakery and Deli • Olive Oil/Vinegar/Local Honey • Wine, Beer, Juice, Coffee and Tea Selections • Fresh, Organic Dairy Products • Healthy Snacks • Vitamins and Nutritional Supplements • All Natural Bath and Body Products Your Local Health Food Store OPEN MON-FRI 9AM-7PM SAT & SUN 10AM-6PM 831-625-1454 26135 Carmel Rancho Blvd, Carmel (at the mouth of Carmel Valley)
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