TBF People – Page 2 – Texas Book Festival

Dalia Azim

By Ke'ara Hunt on October 24, 2022

Dalia serves as the Texas Book Festival’s Deputy Director. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Modern Thought and Literature from Stanford University and published her first book, Country of Origin, in 2022. Her writing has appeared in The Washington Post, The New York Times, Texas Highways, American Short Fiction, Aperture, Glimmer Train, and Other Voices, among other places. Before joining TBF, she was the manager of executive initiatives and chief diversity and inclusion officer at the Blanton Museum of Art, where she helped oversee the realization of Ellsworth Kelly’s Austin, the Blanton’s new grounds initiative, and the museum’s DEAI priorities. She previously worked as a senior researcher at the Dedalus Foundation and as a curatorial assistant at the Museum of Modern Art. She was an Op-Ed Public Voices Fellow at the University of Texas at Austin and has received the First Star honor from American Short Fiction, the Staff Excellence Award from the Blanton Museum of Art, and the Lee Tenenbaum Award for exceptional curatorial work at MoMA. She is a member of the Austin Bat Cave Board of Directors and judged the 2022 Balcones Prize in Fiction for Austin Community College.

Staple Reads Recommended by TBF Interns

By Ke'ara Hunt on October 14, 2022

Hi everyone! My name is Emily Hirsh, and if you know me (which you probably don’t), you’d know that working with a book festival is something plucked straight out of a dream for me. What makes working here even better, though, is being in good company, which is why I’m so excited to introduce the Texas Book Festival’s 2022 interns: Valeria Guerrero, Amelia McConnico, Alex Steele, Yuliana Mireles-Marin, and Noor Iqbal. We’ve put together a list of our top five favorite books or book adaptations – after all, what better way is there to get to know someone than to learn about their favorite reads?

VALERIA GUERRERO, Literary Intern

Top five book-to-film adaptations (they’re also personal favorites):

1) Pride and Prejudice (2005) by Jane Austen

It is no surprise that like the book, this movie is an absolute classic. From the beautiful cinematography to the iconic Mr. Darcy strutting through the meadow at dawn, and the perfect musical score, there is nothing better than watching Pride and Prejudice (aside from reading it). I watch it at least once a month.

2) The Maze Runner by James Dashner

Is there a better book-to-movie adaptation? I don’t think so. James Dashner’s The Maze Runner is the perfect mixture of suspense, action, and the slightest pinch of horror that makes the stakes of Thomas and his friends all the more exciting. It’s still a favorite even after reading and watching it for the first time.

3) The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks

The Notebook is a sweet and heartbreaking novel full of beautiful language that reminds me that love can surpass all odds, like class, time apart, and health complications. The movie is surprisingly different from the novel! If you love a good cry, get your tissues ready because both the novel and film are tear-jerkers. This book is a must-read for everyone who loves the movie!

4) Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

The absolute worst tear-jerker but in the best way possible. I swear I had swollen eyelids and snot running out of my nose from how hard I cried with this book. Beautifully written, Moyes reminds us to “live boldly” and love freely while we still have the time. Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin are incredible on the screen as they bring this touching story to life.

5) The Martian by Andy Weir

I’m a sucker for both space books and films with Matt Damon in them, thankfully this is both. The perfect mix of science fiction and humor wrapped up in film and book that I think is perfect for anyone looking for a good laugh. I remember this being the first book that actually made me laugh out loud. My entire family loves the film, and my grandma doesn’t speak English…it’s that good.

AMELIA MCCONNICO, Development Intern

Top five favorite books:

1) Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

I read this book over the summer while I was a counselor at summer camp. Being at camp is the perfect opportunity to read all the books you have wanted to read, and this one was on my list. The start of the book was slow for me, but once I got into it I could not put it down. The entire book takes place in one day, with flashbacks to the main character’s childhood, but this style of writing was captivating.

2) The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley

This novel is a murder mystery that kept me on my toes the entire time I read it. Set in the beautiful city of Paris, a sister travels to an apartment owned by a family to find out what happened to her missing brother. The ending shocked me in the best way possible!

3) To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

This is a classic that almost everyone in the world has read, but that does not make it any less special to me. Reading this freshman year of high school was truly transformative for me, and I will always remember the valuable lesson of treating everyone equally with the respect that it taught so many other people and me.

4) Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

This novel was my latest read after hearing all the hype about it over the summer with the movie being released. I will say that I did see the movie first, but I enjoyed the book so much more. This is a captivating story about love and loss and finding your way back to those who treat you with respect. This is a new favorite!

5) Beach Read by Emily Henry

I really enjoyed Beach Read because it was an easy read for me. The story flowed well, and the romance that the novel portrayed was beautiful. Although some people may not think of a romance novel as something they need to read, they should read this book. It was funny, thoughtful, and heartwarming.

ALEX STEELE, Event Production & Logistics Intern

Top five favorite books:

1) The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

When I told my thesis advisor I was planning on doing another reread of this book she replied “certainly four times is enough.” Margaret Atwood is such a clever author and each time I read this text I walk away understanding something I didn’t before. This book is also on many banned books, so you know it has to be good!

2) The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis

This was the first epistolary novel (a book told through a series of letters), and I was instantly hooked on the style. Lewis reminds readers what it is to be human and that the greatest enemy of humanity is complacency if you’ve already read this one I highly recommend checking out The Oh Hellos album titled Dear Wormwood for further reading/listening.

3) Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas

Heir of Fire is the third book in a series, so this may be cheating! Keeping it as spoiler free as possible, this installment marks immense growth in the main character and Maas’ writing style. The mental health journey of the heroine changed my life plus you get to experience a rich fantasy world. Pick up the first book, Throne of Glass, to start on this epic journey.

4) The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Another story with a unique narrative approach. The Book Thief is well-loved for a good reason. With Death as the narrative guide, experience an equally heartwarming and heartbreaking tale. This instant classic was the first book that made me cry. I dare you to get through it without Kleenex on hand.

5) The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin

While this list is in no particular order it just made sense to put this here. The Fifth Season is the first book in The Broken Earth trilogy. Jemisin became the first author to win the Hugo award three years in a row and for all three novels in a trilogy with this work. She is a master of world-building and knows just how to subvert the suspicions of the reader. Not only is the book an excellent work of fantasy, but it is also brilliantly written and full of diversity. If you have just five minutes, watch Jemisin’s 2018 Hugo Award for Best Novel acceptance speech here.

YULIANA MIRELES-MARIN, School & Community Programs Intern

Top five favorite books:

1) Still Life with Tornado by A.S King

King’s use of magic realism to tell the story of a struggling 16-year-old girl has been in my mind since the first time I read it in high school. The use of repetition and simplest writing helps explore hard topics about abuse and bullying in an earnest and captivating way.

2) Dracula by Bram Stoker

From vampires climbing on walls in lizard-like ways to a group of vampire hunters who don’t quite know what they’re doing – what’s not to like about this literary classic? Dracula is successfully able to both entertain and question the human condition.

3) Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko

The beautiful writing style along with the powerful story of Tayo makes for a wonderful read that I was unable to put down until finished.

4) The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis

Such a beautifully crafted story and McGinnis uses elements found in most YA contemporary books to explore teenage romance and anger toward the way things are at times. I first read this book in high school and have continued to reread it many times since.

5) Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan

Read for the first time when I was a child, Esperanza Rising is such a touching and beautiful story that has been with me since the first read it and has influenced me greatly.

NOOR IQBAL, Literary Intern

Top five favorite books:

1) For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf by Ntozake Shange

Although I’m not a fan of musical theater, this choreopoem combined theater, poetry, song, dance, and colors in a way that raised goosebumps on my arms when I first read it. It validated the feeling of having to choose between the multiple identities I carry and, even now, it reminds me that I am just a person, not a representative.

2) The Sirens of Titan by Kurt Vonnegut

I searched for “what is satire” when I was 14 and this popped up. Since then, I’ve reread this multiple times because I am amazed at how many existential themes a single novel can address. Greed, belonging, family, love, memory, the purpose of life – and to top it all off, there’s intergalactic time travel and futuristic planets!

3) A Place for Us by Fatima Farheen Mirza

Fatima Farheen Mirza masterfully switches between multiple perspectives and timelines to create a complete picture of a Pakistani Muslim family in America and their joys and heartbreaks. I hold this book so close to my heart because it put so many feelings and experiences I had into words for the first time.

4) Luster by Raven Leilani

Elegant and free-flowing prose (especially about the human condition) always hooks me. Raven Leilani’s command of language creates a main character who is imperfect and confused but relatable and loveable in this novel exploring art, class, race, love, and sexuality.

5) The Frog and Toad series by Arnold Lobel

My love for reading started with children’s books, especially the Frog and Toad series. It shows how two friends’ relationship is strengthened through solving their issues together. Besides the adorable illustrations and comforting color palette, these books use simple situations to teach valuable lessons that are applicable throughout our entire lives.

EMILY HIRSH, Marketing & Communications Intern

Top five favorite books (at the moment):

1) The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury

I remember reading this book in seventh grade and thinking it was strange in the best way. I recently read it again, and I have to say – that initial reaction holds up. This is a beautiful, thought-provoking novel that always has me staring at the ceiling rethinking every perspective I’ve ever had. It might also be the root of my extreme fear of outer space, but c’est la vie.

2) The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green

This collection of short essays centers on Green’s observations of the world and how humans fit into it. Ranging from discussions about Dr. Pepper to species longevity, every chapter had me hooked, and Green’s uncanny ability to provoke emotion makes this book extremely special to me. Bonus points go to whoever can guess which chapter made me cry.

3) The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

You know how when you say a book made you laugh out loud, but you really mean it just made you exhale through your nose or pull a quick smile? When I say this book makes me laugh, I actually mean it – it took me forever to finish the first time because I kept having to take breaks! Adams mixes dry wit, absurdist comedy, satire, and science fiction so easily that you don’t even think about all the elements he’s balancing (effortlessly, I might add).

4) Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah

As someone who grew up watching The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, I vividly remember the day Trevor Noah took over as host, and Born a Crime is a fascinating look into where it all started – his childhood, his fascinating relationship with his mother, and his personal experience with apartheid. Noah’s sense of humor translates so well on the page, even when writing about some of the most difficult moments of his life. This book is educational and entertaining, heart-wrenching and heartwarming at once. Update: Noah just announced that he will no longer be the host of The Daily Show starting in 2023.

5) Book Lovers by Emily Henry

I feel like romance is often unfairly assumed to be a “lesser” genre, and Emily Henry takes care to counter this stereotype in all of her novels. In Book Lovers, Henry crafts a delicate balance of witty criticism and simultaneous respect for romance tropes in this sweet, funny, and thoughtful love story. The best way I can describe my affection for this book is that I want to read it when I feel sick.

It’s nice to meet you all, and we hope to see you at the Festival in November!

Nearly 300 authors will appear at the 2022 Texas Book Festival, which takes place November 5-6 in downtown Austin. The Festival is free and open to the public! Check out our full-author lineup. Stay tuned for the Schedule release next week!

Anna Dolliver

By Anna Dolliver on September 6, 2022

Anna serves as the Texas Book Festival’s Operations Coordinator. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a double major in Asian Cultures and Languages and English literature alongside a certificate in creative writing. After studying in Indonesia for a summer, Anna spent two years teaching English in Taiwan through the Fulbright program. Her favorite genres include experimental fiction, urban fantasy, graphic novel, poetry, and memoir. In her spare time, you’ll often find Anna drawing, learning languages, or keeping her book-eating cat Mothwing away from her reading materials.

Volunteer Call 2022

By Ke'ara Hunt on August 25, 2022

Calling book lovers everywhere! The Texas Book Festival is back and better than ever, and we’re asking for your help to put on the best book festival yet. Our volunteer registration form is now LIVE, and we’d love for you to join us November 5-6! We are proud to be FREE for all to attend, but we need your help to share our mission. If you are passionate about literacy, culture, and community, you would make a perfect volunteer.

As a volunteer, you’ll get to:

Be a part of the ace TBF team
Chose the times and venues that work best for you
Help to produce programming and connect with your favorite authors
Spread the joy of reading and all things books

Plus, you’ll get a free volunteer T-shirt. We couldn’t do a fraction of the programming we have available each year without the help of our wonderful volunteers, and we’d love for you to join the team.

We can’t wait to see you! Please reach out to oliviahesse@texasbookfestival.org with any questions or concerns.

Helen Watkins

By Susannah Auby on July 6, 2022

Helen began her career as an equity trader in Houston, then Dallas, for two banks and various hedge funds in Texas. After moving to Austin in 1996, she has remained involved in the Junior League and then joined the Helping Hand Home as a volunteer. She served on, and then chaired, the Grant Committee for the Women’s Fund with the Austin Community Foundation for many years. Her children attended St. Stephen’s Episcopal School in Austin where she served as President of the Parents’ Association and then on the Board of Trustees. Helen then went to work, helping to establish I Live Here, I Give Here as the Non-Profit Coordinator. She has recently retired after 10+ years on the Board of Advisors with Literacy First, also serving as the Board Chair. She remains involved with many non-profits in Austin, as well as chairing the Community Outreach board with HSW Investment.

Staff Reads for Pride Month

By Ke'ara Hunt on May 29, 2022

The Texas Book Festival is reading with pride to recognize LGBTQ+ lived experiences reflected and championed in the pages of great storytelling. Below is a list of our recommended pride reads to celebrate LGBTQ+ authors, literature, and culture! Tag us on social media at @texasbookfest and #readwithpride to let us know what you are reading for pride month.

Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson

I guess 1985 was a long time ago, making Jeanette Winterson’s debut novel Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit a classic. Winterson’s writing contains so much craft and beautiful imagery, while still being about the lives of real people. Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit is a coming-of-age story about a young girl torn between religion and her own sexuality, told with humor and sadness. — Claire Burrows, Deputy Director

The Work Wife by Alison B. Hart (Preorder now)

I’m a sucker for stories about navigating the glitz, glamour, and sometimes glib Hollywood life. Even more so, I’m quite fond of stories about the folks behind-the-scenes who are just trying to get by while creating paths for the stars to shine. A job is a job – even while working in Tinsletown. I am looking forward to reading Alison B. Hart’s The Work Wife, a tale of a personal assistant walking the tightrope of life working for a movie mogul and his family. What would you do to get the job done? — Ke’ara Hunt, Communications and Marketing Coordinator

R E D by Chase Berggrun

Chase Berggrun’s R E D is a book-length erasure of Bram Stoker’s Dracula which creates a new narrative of gender transition and selfhood. More than clever and thoughtful, the chapters of R E D drip of hurt and want, particularly in lines like “A detail in a pool of blood / the body gathered in an awkward kink / I dress myself in easy anything.” — Gavin Quinn, Programs and Financial Coordinator

Other Voices, Other Rooms by Truman Capote

Truman Capote’s first novel is a dreamy coming-of-age story set in a decaying Mississippi mansion. As always, Capote writes with great tenderness, and while the book isn’t actually an autobiography, the characters and themes of his life percolate in this early work. You can see a foreshadowing of the brilliant, humorous, and tragic legend he would ultimately become. — Susannah Auby, Development Manager

You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson

Leah Johnson’s debut novel tells the story of high school senior, Liz Lighty, and her unexpected quest to become prom queen, a very big deal in her prom-obsessed Indiana town. Liz doesn’t fit in but, despite her intense social anxiety, agrees to participate in the contest in hopes that the prize money will get her one step closer to attending her dream college and living the life she’d always dreamed about. Once Mack, the new girl in town and fellow prom queen contestant, enters the scene, the rom-com vibes begin. This book was such a joy to read and Liz Lighty might just be my favorite YA character of all time. — Michelle Hernandez, School and Community Programs Coordinator

Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic by Alison Bechdel

I am not a graphic novel expert with a Ph.D. in the topic like our own Claire Burrows, but I really enjoyed Bechdel’s coming-of-age memoir in which Bechdel traces her journey to self-awareness that she is gay as well as her complex relationship with her closeted gay father. Poignantly told with humor and honesty, Bechdel details the perspective of a child coming into the knowledge of herself, her family, and the world. The musical was great also, which I took my then-14-year-old son to when the show came through town and we both loved it. — Lois Kim, Executive Director

Less by Andrew Sean Greer

Heartfelt and funny, this fictional—and Pulitzer Prize-winning— portrait of a midlife author balancing a career and revisiting his past was one of my favorites of 2017. Read it before the next book in the series—Less Is Lost—releases this fall. — Matt Patin, Literary Director

Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris

David Sedaris never fails to impress, and though I’m only halfway through this essay collection, I can easily say this is the most I’ve laughed at reading a book in a long time. Sedaris approaches blunders in life with eager eyes and a pen in his hand, ready to turn any embarrassment or tragedy into stand-up comedy. That being said, the essays are not without merit, and while you may laugh your way through them, you’ll also inevitably feel some sort of truth about the human experience that lingers on your mind for weeks following their conclusion. — Olivia Hesse, Event Production and Logistics Coordinator

Be a Volunteer Committee Chair with TBF!

By Olivia Hesse on May 24, 2022

Love volunteering with TBF, but want to do more? Not a volunteer and just want to get more involved with the Texas Book Festival? Look no further! TBF is looking for Volunteer Committee Chairs for multiple positions to help run the 2022 festival tents. Anyone can apply and everyone is welcome, we just ask that you have a passion for books and a desire to serve the literary community!

What is a Volunteer Committee Chair?

Volunteer Committee Chairs (VCCs) are an integral part of what makes the Texas Book Festival Weekend a successful annual event. We have 1-3 VCCs at each Festival venue in and around the Texas State Capitol. Each VCC or VCC team is in charge of a certain venue and the volunteers assigned to shifts at the venue.

Ideal VCCs are flexible, able to delegate tasks, have a can-do attitude, and are good at problem-solving on the spot. Some VCC positions require extra qualifications.

VCCs must be available during the entire Festival Weekend, have some flexibility during the week leading up to the Festival, and be able to attend monthly meetings leading up to the Festival beginning in June. These meetings are necessary for getting to know the other VCCs as well as for training in emergency protocols, learning the Festival layout, and other pertinent information.

Main Responsibilities Include*:

Managing volunteers in their selected shifts at the assigned venue
Coordinating the setup and breakdown of the assigned venue
Welcoming Festival attendees and maintaining an inviting atmosphere
Acting as a resource for Festival authors and moderators in the assigned venue

* Each VCC position will have slightly different responsibilities/schedule depending on their assigned tent.

We could not run the festival without the help of our amazing VCCs, and we’re excited to add new faces to our team! If you have any questions or are interested in becoming a VCC, please contact Olivia Hesse (oliviahesse@texasbookfestival.org).

Olivia Hesse

By Ke'ara Hunt on May 23, 2022

Olivia serves as the Texas Book Festival’s Event Production and Logistics Coordinator, responsible for organizing volunteers, general setup, and assistance with logistics for Festival Weekend and year-round programming. She holds bachelor’s degrees in English and Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin and a Certificate in Creative Writing. She’s lived in the Austin area her whole life, is passionate about the art of storytelling in whatever form it may take, and served as the Events Production intern for TBF prior to joining full-time.

Her favorite book genres are literary fiction, personal essays, and short fiction stories. She is often accompanied at the office by (unofficial) TBF Mascot, Otis the Shih-Tzu. Outside work, you can find her running slowly around Town Lake, reading at Zilker, or hanging out with Otis.

Staff Reads for AAPI Heritage Month

By Ke'ara Hunt on May 11, 2022

In celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander heritage month, the staff at Texas Book Festival presents some of our favorite AAPI stories. From love stories that transcend time, delicious recipes that come to life on Instagram, sound advice to navigate working on a K-drama, and more! Check out the full list below and follow us on social media (@texasbookfest) to let us know your AAPI recommendations!

Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo

Malinda Lo’s beautifully written, award-winning YA novel is a love story set in and around 1950s Chinatown. I was immediately drawn in by protagonist Lily’s story and fascinated by the navigation of the intersection of being both Chinese-American and queer during a time when it wasn’t safe to be either. If you want to take a deep dive into the author’s research and story after reading the book, I highly recommend you visit Malinda Lo’s blog. – Michelle Hernandez, School & Community Programs Coordinator

Flip the Script by Lyla Lee

Check out Texas author Lyla Lee’s Flip the Script. Not only is this a game-changing YA romance novel, but it’s also fun, sweet, and set in the world of K-dramas. Make sure to follow Lyla on Instagram for some of the best bookish social media out there. – Claire Burrows, Deputy Director

The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen

I have a soft spot for stories about stories — particularly if they’re about bringing people together. Trung Le Nguyen’s The Magic Fish centers on a son who is having trouble coming out to his mom as gay, but the pair navigate this unfamiliar gap in their relationship by reading fairy tales from the library. This tender premise is intimately brought to life with Nguyen’s monochromatic illustrations. – Gavin Quinn, Programs & Financial Coordinator

The Emperor of All Maladies by Siddhartha Mukherjee

A sweeping history of cancer from an expertly informed medical and scientific perspective, for certain, but also from a deeply human one. It’s precisely what I was searching for not long after my own family faced this “regal” malady, and it’s a book I sometimes recommend—when asked and when the time is right—to friends whose families have faced the same. – Matthew Patin, Literary Director

The Korean Vegan by Joanne Lee Molinaro

This year I’m shaking up my at-home meals! I’ve been vegan for nearly three years now but I’ve become way too comfortable with the recipes that I tend to cook up. I discovered Joanne’s videos on Instagram a year ago and I must say that they are a work of art! Every meal has a story and Joanne’s shared wisdom will not only make you hungry, but you will feel the urge to step into your kitchen to cook something that will make you feel good – body and soul. I cannot wait to test out these recipes! Check out this great compilation video of #KoreanAuntyGivesAdvice! – Ke’ara Hunt, Communications & Marketing Coordinator

The Gold Diggers by Sanjena Sathian

While this imaginative and riveting story has the Indian American coming of age experience at its heart, it also asks difficult questions about what parents will do to ensure the success of their offspring and how those fierce ambitions shape the children well into adulthood. This book is begging for deep discussions! – Susannah Auby, Development Manager

Category: TBF People

Dalia Azim

Staple Reads Recommended by TBF Interns

VALERIA GUERRERO, Literary Intern

AMELIA MCCONNICO, Development Intern

ALEX STEELE, Event Production & Logistics Intern

YULIANA MIRELES-MARIN, School & Community Programs Intern

NOOR IQBAL, Literary Intern

EMILY HIRSH, Marketing & Communications Intern

Anna Dolliver

Volunteer Call 2022

Recommended National Book Foundation Reads

Michelle Hernandez, School & Community Programs Coordinator

Ke’ara Hunt, Communications & Marketing Coordinator

Claire Burrows, Deputy Director

Olivia Hesse, Event Production & Logistics Coordinator

Lois Kim, Executive Director

Matt Patin, Literary Director

Susannah Auby, Development Manager

Helen Watkins

Staff Reads for Pride Month

Be a Volunteer Committee Chair with TBF!

Olivia Hesse

Staff Reads for AAPI Heritage Month