The annual Iowa City Book Festival will take place from October 18 to 25, attracting a variety of writers, including several Pulitzer Prize winners. This eight-day event, organized by the Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature, will kick off with the Paul Engle Prize presentation to Christopher Merrill, who retired last year after 25 years as the director of the International Writing Program at the University of Iowa.
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John Kenyon, the director of the Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature, recognized Merrill as one of the community's prominent literary figures, highlighting his contributions to Iowa City's literary status. "He’s done so much to make Iowa City the kind of place that is worthy of this City of Literature designation," Kenyon stated.
This marks the festival's 18th year, and Kenyon aims to present a balanced lineup that includes fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and various genres. This year’s participants feature Pulitzer-winning authors such as Yiyun Li, Nicholas Kristof, and Marilynne Robinson, as well as poets Paula Cisewski and Mark Leidner, and sci-fi and horror writers including Darby Harn and Bruce Walters.
Many events are free to the public, including a discussion between Robinson and Kristof on October 19. Kenyon mentioned, "I keep hearing from people saying, ‘How do I buy tickets for that?’ You don't have to. It's free. Just show up early enough that you can get a seat."
Another notable event is narrative journalist Megan Greenwell’s presentation on her book "Bad Company," which explores the impact of private equity on American workers. This event will be held on October 20, sponsored by the UI School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
The festival will coincide with the Refocus Film Festival, fostering collaboration between authors and filmmakers. Kenyon expressed hope that the festival will encourage community members to engage with diverse ideas and stories, ultimately enhancing their understanding and creativity.