Tucson Festival of Books returns with star-studded lineup
Best-selling authors and local writers will be among the 300 authors taking part in the popular Tucson Festival of Books.
Chris Richards/University Communications
As spring returns to the University of Arizona campus, book lovers from around the world will gather for the 2025 Tucson Festival of Books. Taking place March 15-16 on the Mall, the festival will feature more than 300 authors, as well as hands-on science exhibitions and family-friendly entertainment.
"Tucson is a city that reads and writes," said Abra McAndrew, executive director of the festival. "So, it is perfect that right here in our backyard, we bring together some of the most inspirational and informative thinkers, the best storytellers and the brightest literary minds for one incredible weekend."
In addition to best-selling authors such as Sandra Brown, Craig Johnson, Scott Turow, Sebastian Junger and Julia Phillips, the festival lineup includes Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer; actor Edward Burns; former Los Angeles County prosecutor Marcia Clark; New York Times columnist and Pulitzer Prize winner Maureen Dowd; and NPR correspondents Nell Greenfieldboyce and Sarah McCammon.
Johnson, the best-selling author of the "Longmire" mystery series that inspired the show, will receive this year's Festival Founders Award, an honor reserved for literary figures whose work sparked imagination and enriched readers' lives.
Other authors presenting at the festival include:
- Jason De León, a professor of anthropology and Chicana/o studies and the director of the Cotsen Institute of Archaeology at the University of California, Los Angeles and executive director of the Undocumented Migration Project. His book "Soldiers and Kings" won the 2024 National Book Award for nonfiction.
- Billy Collins, a former U.S. poet laureate celebrated for his accessible and witty poetry collections. His latest collection is titled "Water, Water."
- Rob Sheffield, a renowned music journalist, author and columnist for Rolling Stone since 1997, covering music, television and pop culture. His new book, "Heartbreak is the National Anthem," looks at Taylor Swift's influence on pop music.
- J.A. Jance, a former resident of Bisbee, Arizona, and a U of A alum, will debut her 80th book, "Overkill," at this year's festival.
- Tess Gerritsen, an internationally bestselling suspense author of medical thrillers who is best known for writing the series that inspired the "Rizzoli & Isles" television series.
- Keith O'Brien, an award-winning journalist and New York Times bestselling author whose latest book, "Charlie Hustle," is a biography about baseball hits leader Pete Rose.
- Ali Hazelwood, a New York Times best-selling author and author of peer-reviewed articles about brain science. Her newest book is "Deep End."
Current and former university employees will also present as authors at this year's festival, including:
- Simmons Buntin, Director of Marketing and Communications, College of Information Science
- Christopher Cokinos, Professor Emeritus, Department of English
- Alison Hawthorne Deming, Regents Professor Emerita, Department of English
- Dr. Allan J. Hamilton, Professor, College of Medicine – Tucson, and Executive Director, Arizona Simulation Technology and Education Center
- Tom Holm, Professor Emeritus, Department of American Indian Studies
- Abby Limmer, Assistant Director of educational outreach, Center for Middle Eastern Studies
- Farid Matuk, Associate Professor, Department of English, and Program Director, Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing
- Melani Martinez, Senior Lecturer, Department of English
- Gary Nabhan, Research Social Scientist Emeritus, Southwest Center in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Mary-Frances O'Connor, Professor, Department of Psychology
- Cristina D. Ramírez, Professor and Department Head, Department of English
The University of Arizona Poetry Center will be recognized for "outstanding service and dedication to the Tucson Festival of Books," McAndrew said, and will be presented with an award at this year's Author's Table Dinner.
Beyond the books, the festival features a diverse mix of experiences. Science City, one of the festival's most unique attractions, returns with interactive exhibits that spotlight the science behind everyday life, personal health, the natural world and future innovations. The attraction includes more than 80 organizations – including dozens from the university.
"Science City is such a hands-on, interactive experience – and I love how the university has played a key role in making it such a signature part of the festival," McAndrew said. "Not many book festivals also have a STEM component, and we're really grateful to the university for that."
The festival also includes live music and performances, and interactive events for children and families. Festivities begin with a Children's Storybook Parade, followed by music and dance showcases, circus performances and street entertainers. Families can also attend story time sessions, take part in arts and crafts table activities, and meet some of their favorite literary characters.
McAndrew also highlighted this year's Creative Arts Teen Summit, at which about 300 local students will participate in writing and illustration workshops led by award-winning young adult book creators. The effort is led by E. Sybil Durand, associate professor of teaching, learning and sociocultural studies.
This year's animal mascot is the Mexican free-tailed bat, which can be found in the Western United States, throughout Central America and in parts of South America.
Attendees can get help planning for and navigating the festival by using the Tucson Festival of Books mobile app, which includes event times and locations, author profiles, a parking map, a list of food vendors and more. The app is available in the Apple Store and on Google Play.
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