The ultimate activities guide for June 16 – 22, 2017.
1. Will Schwalbe with Michael Schulder: Books for Living
Friday, June 16
10 A.M. @ Atheneum Great Hall
Will Schwalbe, author of bestseller The End of Your Life Book Club, returns to Nantucket with his newest book, Books for Living. In this discussion with journalist and former CNN executive producer Michael Schulder, Schwalbe will talk about our need as a human race to read and the many benefits and rewards we reap from doing so. For more information, click here.
2. Bernie Swain: What Made Me Who I Am
Friday, June 16
11:30 A.M. @ The Dreamland Harborview Room
Listen to firsthand accounts of today’s most accomplished leaders through the writing of Bernie Swain, co-founder and chairman of the Washington Speakers Bureau, at The Dreamland this Friday morning. Take in the experiences and defining moments of powerful influencers including Madeleine Albright, Doris Kearns and Tom Brokaw. For more information, click here.
3. James J. O’Connell: House Calls to the Homeless
Friday, June 16
3:30 P.M. @ The Dreamland Harborview Room
Join Dr. James J. O’Connell, the only doctor in Boston who still makes house calls to the homeless, as he reveals the veracity about providing care to the most vulnerable. Dr. O’Connell was recently featured in N Magazine and will be speaking with Editor Rob Cocuzzo. For more information, click here.
4. Jodi Picoult: Along the Color Line
Saturday, June 17
9 A.M. @ Unitarian Meeting House Sanctuary
Identify the truth behind difficult issues of race, privilege and power as Jodi Picoult discusses her new novel, Small Great Things, that the Washington Post called “the most important novel Jodi Picoult has ever written.” The story focuses on an African American labor and delivery nurse who has no choice but to assist a baby when the newborn goes into cardiac distress, despite the white parents’ request not to touch their child. For more information, click here.
5. Local Author Tent
Saturday, June 17
9 A.M. – 1 P.M. @ Atheneum Garden
Interact with over 30 authors of all genres from Nantucket and New England this Saturday morning at the Atheneum Garden as they talk with readers and sell their books under the garden tent. For a list of participating authors and more information, click here.
6. Laurie Halse Anderson: Finding Your Voice
Saturday, June 17
12 P.M. @ Unitarian Meeting House Sanctuary
Find your voice and speak up in a conversation with New York Times best-selling author and two-time National Book Award nominee Laurie Halse Anderson at the Unitarian Meeting House Sanctuary. Widely recognized for her use of humor and sensitivity to cope with difficult times, Anderson’s work is read and admired by readers of all ages. For more information, click here.
7. Elliot Ackerman with Lea Carpenter: Through the Eyes of the Other
Saturday, June 17
1 P.M. @ Atheneum Great Hall
Critically acclaimed author and decorated Marine veteran Elliot Ackerman will join novelist Lea Carpenter in a conversation on the humanity that transcends the political and cultural differences of war. Ackerman, who has served five tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, is traveling from Istanbul to Nantucket to continue sharing his stories of war, compassion, and morality. For more information, click here.
8. James Gleich: Tea and Time Travel
Saturday, June 17
3 P.M. @ Nantucket Community School
Take a walk back in time with bestselling author James Gleick as he leads an enlightening discussion on the evolution of time travel. Hosted at the Nantucket Community School, Gleick’s presentation will play off his latest book, Time Travel, a history of the curious notion that has inspired science fiction enthusiasts for decades. Light refreshments will be provided by Nantucket Bake Shop. For tickets and more information, click here.
9. Nantucket Young Playwrights
Saturday, June 17
4 – 5 P.M. @ White Heron Theatre
Discover the talents of young playwrights as local students see their original plays come to life, performed by professionals at White Heron Theatre. For tickets and more information, click here.
10. Cisco Send-Off Party
Sunday, June 18
12 – 3 P.M. @ Cisco Brewers
Join readers and writers alike at Cisco Brewers for the final chapter of the Nantucket Book Festival. Enjoy drinks, food, and conversation with the festival’s presenting authors to wrap up a weekend celebrating literary life on Nantucket. For more information, click here.
