West Hollywood Book Fair

This was my first time attending the fair and I enjoyed myself, and will attend again. The only criticism I have is that the stages were too close together. I understand this in an intimate affair, and I appreciate that. However, Park Stage had director William Friedkin and as he was telling his interesting stories (like actor Gene Hackman not being his choice for the role in The French Connection — he actually wanted Jimmy Breslin), he was in competition with the folks on the poetry stage so many feet away. It was as if the poets were getting louder and louder, until finally Mr. Friedkin stated he could «talk just as loud as them, but I won’t.» It made me wonder how Sally Kellerman did as she was on the same stage previously (we missed her). Who wants to listen to a war of the voices?!

A lower-​key alternative to the Festival of Books, especially if you don’t feel like braving throngs of humanity just to browse a few book booths. My mission was not as a browser, but as an exhibitor, to promote my new book, «Rally of a Purple Heart». The booth for our small publishing operation, Chances Press LLC, was assigned to a slightly obscure but well-​situated location near the Culinary Pavilion. We served up some tasty romance and erotica, but other than that the placement was an odd one and probably where they stick the folks they don’t know how to categorize. Nonetheless, the setup was well-​organized, with fully-​covered canopies for us folks that made presenting all day a bit more tolerable out of the sun. Friends and familia enjoyed the food trucks, and the port-​a-​potties were surprisingly clean. Kiddies enjoyed the playground, convenient since the fair is at West Hollywood Park. I will gladly attend again next year to do more shameless self-​promotion.

We have been fortunate to participate in the book fair for the last two years with staged readings and will again this year. This is truly an awesome FREE event with lots of great events, vendors, and very good food selection. If you’ve never been, do check it out — and stop by the Wicked Lit booth while you’re around!

What can I say? If you love books and meeting new people, great place.

This is a great local book fair, but not so local that it’s small minded or insipid. While it doesn’t quite rival the LA Times Festival of Books held yearly at UCLA, it’s damn good.
The Book Fair is in it’s 8^th year, and previous years have featured panels of well known authors on every subject. They don’t shy away from controversial politics, bawdy humor, sex of every kind … I mean really … every kind, and mystery. Contemporary fiction is well represented. Those of you who love cook books will find them here in abundance. I’ve heard some wild erotic poetry in a section they set aside for spoken word.
There are always food vendors, and food trucks. If nothing appeals, there’s several good restaurants close by.
Since I’m not into competing for space with aggressive stroller Moms, I reluctantly admit that there is a kiddie lit section.