Elva Crist
Every autumn, the Chippewa Valley comes together to celebrate literature, artists, and community at th Chippewa Valley Book Festival. Every iteration of the festival features an array of writers and events that appeal to the many facets of this community, and this year is no exception.
As a lover of literature and learning, I eagerly await October. In the meantime, I have selected my top five festival events to share with you. My passion for nonfiction, nature, craft, culture, history, and language informs these choices. Please explore these choices, as well as the festival’s full schedule, to create your own itinerary, based on your unique fascinations and areas of curiosity.
Wisconsin Chefs, Farmers, and the Magic of Locally Produced Food: A Speaking Event with Lori Friedrich
During this event, food writer Lori Friederich will explore the journeys and inspirations that created Wisconsin Field to Fork: Farm Fresh Recipes from the Dairy State, a new book that blends the recipes and stories of Wisconsin. This book is filled with a deep love for the land and people of Wisconsin, and this conversation with Friederich will undoubtedly delve into the importance of creating local food networks, one of today’s most fascinating and pressing issues. With Friederich’s expertise as both a chef and writer, she can offer great insight into the power of food to build community and communication.
This speaking event is the perfect choice for food enthusiasts, farmers and those who support them, nature lovers, and anyone who cares for Wisconsin.
Explore our state’s stories with Friedrich on Wednesday, October 22nd, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., in the Riverview Room at L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library.
Youth Skill-Building Workshop: Bookbinding for Young Beginners
One of Chippewa Valley Book Festival’s most interactive events, Bookbinding for Beginners will offer young readers and crafters the opportunity to learn an age-old craft that has changed the course of our world. In learning to bookbind, participants will gain a greater appreciation for the art of the physical book and make something with their hands in a world increasingly focused on the virtual.
In my small, homespun experience rebinding old books, I found it to be not only technically riveting, but a powerful way to build friendships.
This event is perfect for any young person curious about books, art, or crafting. Be sure to register soon to guarantee your place among other new bookbinders!
Connect with your creativity on Thursday, October 23rd, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., in the RCU Dabble Box Makerspace at L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library.
Poetry and Trauma: South Asian Women’s Voices Across Nations with Lopamudra Basu and Feroza Jussawalla
This experience is special even among the other book festival events for the diversity of the perspectives offered. Not only will Lopamudra Basu and Feroza Jussawalla discuss the process of editing and creating Sing, Slivered Tongue, a new poetry anthology focused on trauma and the women of the South Asian diaspora, but several poets featured in the anthology will be virtually performing their contributions. These poets are Prathim-Maya Dora-Laskey, Anuja Ghimire, Zilka Joseph, and Mary Anne Mohanraj.
This is an exciting opportunity to explore various perspectives, cultures, and forms of poetry in one dynamic hour.
Listen to the voices and words of these poets on Friday, October 24th, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., in the Riverview Room at L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library.
Author Leif Enger discusses “I Cheerfully Refuse”
This event is a delightful opportunity to learn from Leif Enger, the author of the successful and timely novel I Cheerfully Refuse, the saga of a man battling grief, the elements, and the nature of his time and society.
In addition to being a literal exploration of the beloved Lake Superior, this is also an examination of the threats we face as a society and how humanity can survive in even the most harrowing of times. For those who wish to reflect on the present and the future, in all of its contradictions, this book and discussion will be invaluable.
Explore this poignant novel with Enger on Saturday, October 25th, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., in the Riverview Room at L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library.
Dickey Chapelle: Defending Democracy Through Journalism with Lorissa Rinehart
There is never a time when learning from and about strong women is not needed, or a place where free speech will not need defending. In this discussion, Lorissa Rinehart will use her book First to the Front: The Untold Story of Dickey Chapelle, Trailblazing Female War Correspondent to delve into the struggle to protect democracy through its greatest ally, freedom of expression.
Using Chapelle as an example of bravery and unwavering principle in the face of pressure and censorship, Rinehart will share her insights on how and why the legacy of this remarkable American matters.
Choose this event for its timeless themes, adventurous spirit, and for the story of one writer’s integrity and perseverance.
Discover a little-known trailblazer with Rinhart on Saturday, October 25th, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., in the Riverview Room at L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library.
All five events are offered in-person and virtually.
For information on all of the events featured at the Chippewa Valley Book Festival and registration, visit their website.