Mississippi Book Festival, August 18

This year’s Mississippi Book Festival is next weekend, August 18, on the grounds of the state capitol in Jackson. Free, open to the public, featuring hundreds of authors and dozens of events, including the protean Jesmyn Ward and Salman Rushdie, this year’s festival promises to be the best yet. If you’re anywhere in the area, brave the humidity, clear off your nightstand, and come ready to revel in a day with thousands of other readers, writers, and book-lovers. Full schedule and panel information available here.