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Are you in the market for a great summer read to flick through the next time you visit one of the best New York beaches? You can always hit one of the best book stores in the city, but don’t over look these awesome literary conventions and fairs happening this summer. Cop excellent literature, get your favorite novellas signed and listen to talks hosted by some of your favorite authors (and celebrities) when you go. FYI: The first one kicks off this weekend!
May 6: Bronx Book Fair
The theme for the fifth edition of this massive community festival is “Building the Bronx’s Literary Future,” and the event packs a full day of speakers, activities and opportunities to hear about learning and literacy in the borough. Check out talks from The New Yorker’s incoming poetry editor Kevin Young, bookstore Lit Bar’s owner Noëlle Santos and more; pick up books from more than 30 vendors; and head to workshops like “Zine Publishing and Beyond.” Bronx Library Center, 310 E Kingsbridge Rd, Bronx (bronxbookfair.com). Sat 6 11am–7pm; free.
May 28: Queens Book Festival
Nab tickets ASAP for this book fete in Queens featuring talks, readings and book signings from over 50 authors and writers. The festival is free to attend, but if you want a good seat during panels with your favorites, you'll have to shell out $10 to $65. The official author lineup will be announced tomorrow, so keep your peepers peeled. LIC Landing, 52–10 Center Blvd (queensbookfestival.nyc). May 28 11:30am–7pm; $10–$325.
Jun 3 + 4: BookCon
Let’s get lit…erary! Whether you read nonfiction, sci-fi or romance novels, there’s an event for everyone and every genre at this fest. Geek out during talks hosted by some of your favorite authors (i.e. Margaret Atwood), and prepare for endless squealing during celebrity panels, including a chat between Chad Michael Murray and author Heather Graham about their collaborative title American Drifter. Also on the lineup, Marvel star Krysten Ritter speaks on her psychological suspense novel Bonfire, and Kevin Hart hosts a Q&A for his work I Can’t Make This Up: Life Lessons. Javits Center, 655 W 34th St (212-216-2000, thebookcon.com). June 3 10am–7pm, June 4 10am–5pm; June 3 $35, June 4 $30, kids $10.
Sept 17: Brooklyn Book Festival
Hey, bookworm—you don’t want to chew your way out of the Big Apple the weekend of September 17. Instead celebrate the written word during this literary throwdown, featuring more than 300 writers, poets and authors from around the world. Past attendees include Margaret Atwood, Jacqueline Woodson and Ralph Nader, all of which participated in panels and readings while discussing their latest works. Brooklyn Borough Hall and Plaza, 209 Joralemon St, Brooklyn (brooklynbookfestival.org). Sept 17; free.