2023 Book Festival Event Schedule

The Paradox of Democracy

A Fridays at Newcomb Event

Tripp Friedler (The Tunnel) discusses the importance of mental health awareness and strategies for fostering well-being. The conversation delves into mental health challenges, stigma and how to create supportive environments for healing.

Actor Michael Cerveris talks with Artistic Director Oskar Eustis about The Public Theater's groundbreaking work over the past two decades and examines how theater can serve as both a reflection of society and a platform for change.

Join Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Anne Applebaum for a compelling discussion on Autocracy, Inc., her latest book exposing the global network of modern dictators. From Russia to China, she reveals how autocrats collaborate to undermine democracy—and what we can do to fight back. Don’t miss this urgent and eye-opening conversation on the future of freedom.

Panelists explore the historical significance of the Mississippi River, its vital role in American commerce, and the challenges it faces in a changing environment.

Laysha Ward reflects upon her life's journey and shares her inspiring and holistic approach to intentional leadership through purpose, integrity, self-care and total well-being.

Join us for an engaging discussion on two thought-provoking books that explore the intersection of environmental action, science and policy. In Birding to Change the World, Trish O’Kane shares her journey from investigative journalist to dedicated ornithologist, showcasing how birdwatching and community activism helped protect Warner Park from development. Meanwhile, The Presidents and the Planet by Jay Hakes delves into the evolution of U.S. climate policy, highlighting the influential yet often overlooked figures who shaped early climate change efforts from the 1950s to the 1990s.

 

This session is presented in partnership with the Tulane Environmental Law & Policy Summit. 

From Mardi Gras Indians and Baby Dolls to parade culture and marching krewes, New Orleans' street traditions are vibrant expressions of the city's identity. Photographer Eric Waters, journalist Cheryl Gerber, and Mardi Gras Indian Queen Cherice Harrison-Nelson discuss the ethics of documenting these traditions, balancing visibility with respect. Moderated by Echo Olander, author of I Wanna Do That!, this conversation explores the power and responsibility of capturing the city's culture.

Dr. Anthony Fauci reflects on his Brooklyn boyhood, his multi-decade career in public service and the state of global public health. Join Walter Isaacson as he talks with Dr. Fauci about his journey of service.

Panelists reflect on the responsibility of intellectuals in challenging injustice and shaping national discourse.

Astronaut Cady Coleman shares her extraordinary experiences from space in this captivating conversation with Sarah Gelman, Head of Books Editorial at Amazon. From the wonder of space exploration to the lessons in leadership and teamwork learned while orbiting Earth, this conversation offers insights into how space missions drive innovation and inspire change on a global scale.

Join our panelists as they discuss their boldly original, genre-defying works of fiction. From Pemi Aguda's eerie yet everyday tales of modern-day Laos (Ghostroots), to Cebo Campbell's near future fantasy of an altered Southern landscape (Sky Full of Elephants), these works of fiction are a testament to the power of vividly inventive storytelling.

 

Please note, Cristina Rivera Garza (Death Takes Me) was previously included in this panel discussion and is no longer able to attend the festival.

Marie Quintana in a testament to resilience, hard work, and the pursuit of success shares her remarkable story of fleeing Cuba with her family, navigating a new culture and climbing the ranks to become a respected corporate leader.

Join Griffin Dunne for an insightful discussion about his family memoir, The Friday Afternoon Club, and his career in film, television and beyond. From writing to acting and producing, Dunne shares his journey in the entertainment industry and reflects on the stories he's helped bring to life.

Archie Manning discusses his football legacy and what leadership means on and off the field, offering insights into the game of football, family and the values that have guided his career.

General David H. Petraeus reflects on his career in military leadership, offering insights into the complex relationship between strategy, diplomacy and warfare, and sharing his perspective on global security challenges.

Connie Chung's memoir, filled with colorful tales of rivalry and triumph, reveals what it's like to be a woman breaking barriers in the world of television news. With wit and honesty, Connie shares behind-the-scenes insights and details of her singular life.

In his bold and allegorical debut novel, Cebo Campbell takes readers on an imaginative father/daughter journey through a hauntingly changed Southern landscape. Join moderator Daniel Black as he talks with Campbell about Sky Full of Elephants.

In a world where distractions abound and our attention is fragmented, literature offers a unique opportunity to slow down and recontextualize humanity's place. This spring, at the New Orleans Book Festival, The Atlantic will deepen its exploration of the American idea through the lens of literature. We will convene some of the 21st century's most celebrated authors, essayists, and poets to examine the complexities of today's cultural landscape. With a blend of historical urgency and nuance, we'll unpack how these bold written works highlight past and present injustices and paint a vision for a more equitable future to sustain the promise of the American idea.

Join philosopher Adam Sandel for an enlightening conversation on the intersection of philosophy, neuroscience and mindfulness. From the pressures of modern success to the transformative power of the mind, this discussion will offer deep insights into what it truly means to thrive.

Moderator Nathaniel Rich (Second Nature) leads a conversation with Martha Park (World Without End), Madeleine Watts (Elegy, Southwest), and Joselyn Takacs (Pearce Oysters) about how they explore apocalypse, survival, and faith across fiction and nonfiction. From environmental collapse to personal reckonings, these writers examine how we imagine the end—and what comes after.

Industry leaders explore the entire journey of a bestselling book, from initial concept to global success. The discussion delves into the dynamics among writer, agent and publisher in making a literary dream come true.

Join Edgar “Dook” Chase IV as he talks with Marcelle Bienvenue, Eric Cook, Chef E.J. Lagasse and Donald Link about how their culinary creativity has shaped the city's iconic food scene. From gumbo to haute cuisine, this conversation reveals the stories behind the dishes that define the Big Easy.

Chef Alexander Smalls (The Contemporary African Kitchen), Biruk Alemayehu of Addis NOLA and Serigne Mbaye of Dakar NOLA explore how African culinary traditions have influenced global cuisine and the diaspora's evolving food culture.

This session will open with a special introduction from Honorary Festival Co-Chair Gayle Benson. Panelists offer a retrospective look at the history and cultural significance of the Superdome, with insights into its role in New Orleans’ identity and its lasting and continued impact on sports, music and community life.

Join CRISPR co-inventor Jennifer Doudna for an in-depth discussion on the revolutionary gene-editing technology that's reshaping biology. Moderated by Walter Isaacson, this conversation explores the science, ethical considerations and future possibilities of CRISPR, as well as the impact it will have on medicine, agriculture and beyond.

Join us for an engaging discussion about Don Lemon’s latest book, I Once Was Lost, where the veteran journalist reflects on his personal and professional journey, exploring themes of redemption, identity, and resilience. Whether you're a longtime fan or just curious about his perspective, this conversation promises to be thought-provoking and timely.

Panelists Sarah LaBrie (No One Gets to Fall Apart) and Bernice McFadden (Firstborn Girls) delve into the complex art of writing memoirs about personal struggles and triumphs and share the challenges of putting raw, vulnerable experiences onto the page.

 

Please note, Cristina Rivera Garza (Liliana’s Invincible Summer) was previously included in this panel discussion and is no longer able to attend the festival. 

Writer Mike Sacks sits down with Jessi Klein—co-executive producer and head writer for Inside Amy Schumer, producer and co-star of Big Mouth, showrunner and executive producer of I Love That for You, and author of the comedy memoirs You'll Grow Out of It and I'll Show Myself Out: Essays on Midlife & Motherhood. Together, they share personal experiences in the world of humor, offering anecdotes and insights into comedy writing across print, television and beyond.

As America faces one of the most polarized political landscapes in modern history, what will it take to bridge the divide? In this timely and thought-provoking conversation, Karl Rove, former senior adviser to President George W. Bush, and David Axelrod, former senior adviser to President Barack Obama, will come together for a candid, bipartisan discussion on the challenges and opportunities facing the nation. Moderated by The Atlantic’s Elaina Plott Calabro, Rove and Axelrod will share insights from their years at the highest levels of government and politics on both sides of the aisle and offer unique insights into how the country can move forward in an era of deep division. 

Rachel Khong (Real Americans), Crystal Hana Kim (The Stone Home) and Madeleine Watts (Elegy, Southwest) discuss their recent fiction works as they explore the complexities of family and inheritance, identity, societal breakdown and nearly impossible tests of love and forgiveness.

Join David Greenberg and Eddie S. Glaude Jr. as they honor the life of civil rights icon John Lewis and reflect on how his commitment to justice continues to resonate and inspire.

New Orleans author and journalist Jason Berry talks with Casey Michel (Foreign Agents: How American Lobbyists and Lawmakers Threaten Democracy Around the World) about a segment of the foreign lobbying industry guiding U.S. policy.

Kevin Belton talks with Chefs Nina Compton (Kwéyòl/Creole: Recipes, Stories, and Tings from a St. Lucian Chef's Journey) and Nini Nguyen (Dac Biet: An Extra Special Vietnamese Cookbook) about New Orleans' diverse cultural heritage and how it continually shapes the contemporary food scene.

Join Darren Walker, president of the Ford Foundation and one of the most influential voices in philanthropy, for an inspiring conversation about his remarkable career and lifelong commitment to social justice. From his journey growing up in a small Texas town to leading one of the world's largest foundations, Walker has redefined how philanthropy can address inequality, empower communities and drive systemic change.

Government is more than a system—it's people. This conversation explores the often-overlooked individuals who keep the country running and their evolving role in government and American society. Panelists explore how the essential business of government makes our lives possible and how much it matters.

From artificial intelligence to evolving social platforms, new technologies are reshaping how we consume and engage with news. What is the new media landscape and how are legacy media outlets reacting and adapting? Join moderator and former chair of NBC news Andy Lack, media critic Ken Auletta, journalist and political analyst Molly Jong-Fast and data journalist Nate Silver as they explore the fast-moving transformation of media in the digital age.

In Imani Perry's Black in Blues, the color blue serves as a lens through which the author looks at race in a way that transcends politics or ideology. Join her as she delves into the concept of Blackness and how it has been intertwined with the color blue in countless ways throughout history.

Panelists discuss the history of New Orleans as revealed through its streets and architecture, uncovering the city’s hidden past and how it continues to shape its present.

Hear from the author, Chelsea Follett, in conversation with Allan Carey, about a diverse group of cities, ranging from ancient Athens to Song-era Hangzhou. The book and conversation will explore some common themes from these extraordinary cities: most cities reach their creative peak during periods of peace; most centers of progress also thrive during times of social, intellectual and economic freedom, as well as openness to intercultural exchange and trade. Learn more about these extraordinary cities, the impact they have had on advancing human progress and the key conditions that allowed for their success.