The state of Cincinnati’s literary scene is as strong — and diverse — as ever.
Proof, you seek? Check out this list of locals who have nurtured the written word in one way or another in recent weeks:
• Cincinnati-based authors Peter Seidel and James Braziel published impressive dystopian fictions set in desolate, not-so-distant futures. (Both have appearances at Joseph-Beth Booksellers coming up: Braziel discusses his Snakeskin Road at 7 p.m. Thursday, and Seidel discusses his 2045: A Story of Our Future at 7 p.m. on Sept. 15. Get Joseph-Beth details here.)
• Noted HarperCollins editor Rakesh Satyal delivered his first novel, Blue Boy, a consistently funny, often lyrical coming-of-age tale informed by his own suburban Cincinnati childhood.
• A plethora of crafty publications — from Forklift Ohio and Milk Money to Red Panda Comics and Clay Street Press — recently took part in a well-attended small press/independent vendor fair at CS13 art gallery.
• UC professor/graphic novelist Carol Tyler unveiled her latest book, You’ll Never Know, a powerful memoir about her father’s experiences during World War II.
And that’s just a taste. Things will only heat up as the weather turns chillier.
The Mercantile Library caps another stellar year with a pair of acclaimed visiting novelists: On Sept. 17, Chris Bohjalian, author of The Double Binds and Skeletons at the Feast, will talk about “The Modern Novel," and A.S. Byatt (pictured), author of the Booker Prize-winning Possession: A Romance, will deliver the 22nd annual Niehoff Lecture on Oct. 10. (Get Mercantile Library details here.)
And, perhaps most notably, October also brings back the rapidly expanding extravaganza known as Books by the Banks, a daylong celebration 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Duke Energy Center that features panels with local, regional and national authors who work in a variety of genres and styles. (Get event details here.)
