‘There is an intimacy to reading: it’s just us and the author; our subjective response and their generous, imaginative understanding of a world that we share but may struggle to articulate. Yet for book lovers, there are moments beyond that connection, beyond the private joy of reading. We find and build community in bookstores and libraries, at book clubs and festivals.’

‘The New York Times Book Review has been loved for generations for bringing solitary readers into one another’s orbit. In this live event, Daily Books editor John Williams and a selection of Book Festival guests, including authors Douglas Stuart, Paul Mendez and Maaza Mengiste, relish that tradition, coming together to discuss their work, and how they’re trying to make sense of the mess we’re in. They talk about what they’re reading and recommending, from books for comfort to works that have made them change their minds.’

‘In the words of Maurice Sendak, ‘That is part of the beauty of all literature. You discover that your longings are universal longings, that you’re not lonely and isolated from anyone. You belong.’’

This is a live event, with an author Q&A.

Part of our The New York Times Series series of events.

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