The Boston Book Festival took place in Copley Square on Saturday, marking its eighteenth year with a vibrant gathering of authors, booksellers, and readers. The renovated venue was bustling with attendees carrying green Daunt tote bags and books, drawing thousands to the event.
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As in previous years, the festival showcased various literary organizations, including university publications, independent journals, and news outlets. Attendees engaged with interactive booths, such as the ‘Spin the Wheel’ games for merchandise, particularly popular was the large wheel hosted by GBH. The iconic character Arthur delighted children with photo opportunities at the Brainstorm tent. At Mass Poetry’s booth, community members shared their sentiments about Boston through hanging sonnets. The ‘Pop Up Poets’ table also captured interest, where poets created original works on typewriters for eager patrons.
Beyond the activities, the festival hosted 80 free sessions featuring over 200 best-selling and award-winning authors. Events were held at various notable venues in the city, including the Boston Public Library and Old South Church. Headliners included fiction keynote speakers Edwidge Danticat, winner of the 2026 PEN/Nabokov Award, and Imbolo Mbue, recipient of the PEN/Faulkner Fiction Award. Emily Wilson, the first woman to translate “The Odyssey” into English, also spoke, highlighting the epic in relation to Christopher Nolan’s film adaptation.
In addition to literary stars, the festival highlighted local figures, including Joanne Chang of Flour Bakery, who discussed cookbook writing and food culture alongside food writer Tarajia Morrell and pastry chef Tanya Bush, moderated by Deborah Becker. Chang, who transitioned from studying economics to the restaurant industry, emphasized how cookbooks allow a connection with readers, inviting them to engage with recipes on a deeper level.
The conversation addressed the challenges cooks and bakers face in an attention-driven economy, where eye-catching presentation and delectable taste are crucial. Chang noted that unlike quick-scroll recipes found online, cookbooks delve into the stories and efforts behind the creations, fostering a more meaningful connection between writers and readers.
This discussion exemplified the festival's broader celebration of literature and storytelling, reinforcing the importance of connection—whether sharing a coffee, writing poetry, or participating in local events.