Sharon Felzer, founder of the Jackson Hole Book Festival, said the best compliment she received from last year’s attendees is that their “brains were tired.”
“Last year, the panel conversations really got people so inspired,” she said. “We’re creating very unique roundtables of those who don’t necessarily sit at the same table together.”
This year’s festival, which is free, is set to run from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday at Snow King. Felzer anticipates at least 300 readers to attend.
With a roster that includes Rick Atkinson, Maureen Dowd, Tracy Daugherty, Gina María Balibrera, Maria Kelson and Guy Trebay, it’s easy to assume many of the sessions will be standing room only.
“I’ve never been to Jackson Hole, but I’m sure it’s beautiful,” New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd said in a statement relayed by Felzer.
“When I was little, my brother took me to see ‘Shane’ at the American Film Institute. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to see where one of my favorite movies was filmed and be a part of an incredibly cool festival with a bunch of great writers.”
Since the book festival’s inception, Felzer has been after one thing: good discussion. For example, having Dr. Giovannina Anthony, a Jackson OBGYN, moderate a discussion with Sharon Malone, M.D., the author of “Grown Woman Talk,” has the makings of “a stunning conversation,” Felzer said.
Felzer has worked to bring in voices that aren’t “just ‘left of center,’ ” including authors like Christine Rosen from the conservative American Enterprise Institute and Max Boot, who wrote a biography of Ronald Reagan.
The 25 programming options are set to pack in conversations on AI, history, economics, the environment, style and journalism. In an afternoon panel set to be moderated by journalist and conservationist Marcia Kunstel, the discussion will focus on reporters’ experiences gathering information. Panelists will include Dowd, New Yorker contributor Ruth Marcus, The Wall Street Journal’s Amy Gamerman and Science magazine’s Charles Piller.
With the support of a Wyoming Humanities Council grant, the festival is extending its reach this year to more Cowboy State residents. About 75% of this year’s programming will be livestreamed in partnership with the Wyoming Library Association.
A benefit for the festival is set for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday. Tickets cost $250. Address and directions will be provided with ticket confirmation.
For more information, visit JacksonHoleBookFestival.org.