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After pausing its annual Comic-Con event for book lovers following COVID, ReedPop is bringing back its BookCon event next month. BookCon combines pop culture and books under one roof. This year’s event, being held at the Javitz Center in New York City on April 18 and 19, promises two days of exciting author panels, an exhibit halls with an array of bookish vendors, workshops, book signings, and more. The organizers are billing it as an event for readers, by readers.
Curious what’s on the schedule? The event organizers have shared the plans to get attendees excited for what’s to come.
- Game Changing TV: Celebrating Heated Rivalry (Saturday, 4/18 at 11 AM, Main Stage): This panel discussion about book adaptations will highlight the success of Heated Rivalry with author Rachel Reid and showrunner Jacob Tierney.
- Spotlight on Tomi Adeyemi and Her Brand New Blockbuster Novel: The Siren (Saturday, April 18 at 11 AM, Room 408-410): Learn all about the bestselling YA author’s forthcoming novel, The Siren.
- The Power of Storytelling: The Joy of Queer Escapism and a Celebration of Trans and NB Voices (Saturday, April 18 at 11 AM, Room 1A23-24): Authors Aiden Thomas, Casey McQuiston, and Kate Bornstein will talk about the power and meaning of representation in literature.
- Spotlight on R.F. Kuang (Saturday, April 18 at 12:30 PM, Main Stage): Bestselling author of Katabasis, Yellow Face, The Poppy War, and other novels will talk about her career, her wide range of books, and what’s next for readers.
- We Tell Our Own Stories: Indigenous Authors Claiming Space and Reimagining the Future (Sunday, April 19 at 2 PM, Room 408-410): Hear from authors Rebecca Roanhorse, Darcie Little Badger, and Moniquill Blackgoose about writing the past, present, and future of Indigenous stories.
- Narrating Blockbuster Audiobooks (Sunday, April 19 at 2 PM, Room 1A01-02): If you’re an audiobook fan, you won’t want to miss this panel with the voices behind some of your favorite listens. Hear from Julia Whelan (Great Big Beautiful Life), Helen Laser (The Wedding People), Joniece Abbott-Pratt (The Marvellers) and Rebecca Soler (Fourth Wing) about the fun, the secrets, and the challenges of audiobook performance.
In addition to a slate of panels, attendees will have the chance to take part in interactive sessions, including things like book trivia and puzzles. There will be how-to classes to enjoy, including fore edge painting, map making, and more.
For more information about BookCon, the schedule, or where and how you can attend the show, check out the BookCon website.
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BookCon, via its parent company ReedPop, faced criticism when asked to address their ties with sister company LexisNexis, which has provided data tools for use by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). ReedPop issued a response in late January.
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