Photos by Ava Kitzi
With the Unbound Book Festival returning to Columbia for its 10th celebration of local literacy, poetry and aspiring writers, Unbound President Katie Doherty suggests six books to prepare for the talks, panels and conversations. While it is not necessary to complete these novels or have background knowledge of them to enjoy the festival, consider purchasing one of these books from any of Columbia’s local shops
or checking one out at the library! These books will inform Unbound’s programming, be topics of discussion or their authors will be featured. Happy reading!
“Pachinko” — Min Jin Lee
This historical fiction epic follows a Korean family’s immigration and readjustment to Japan. The novel follows a timeline from 1910 to 1989 and reflects on poignant themes of power, discrimination and the role of women in society. The novel was adapted to an Apple TV series in 2022. Author Min Jin Lee will be the keynote speaker at Unbound on Friday, April 18.
“By The Fire We Carry” — Rebecca Nagle
This book is a collection of reports on the forced diaspora of Native American tribes and their ongoing, generational strife for sovereignty and justice. This historical report shines an important light on the ongoing battle for Native land. Nagle is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, an activist and public speaker. “By The Fire We Carry” was listed in both The New Yorker’s and Esquire’s Best Books of 2024.
“We Need No Wings” — Ann Ann Dávila Cardinal
Take flight with this magical fiction novel following main character Teresa Sanchez, a woman struggling with grief until she learns she has the power to levitate. This fantasy story eloquently juggles themes of love, loss, religion and magic. Dávila Cardinal is a Vermont-based author and has penned young adult novels and horror-comedies, and her short stories have been featured in several anthologies.
“The Poet & The Architect” — Christine Stewart-Nuñez
Stewart-Nuñez, poet-laureate and writer, released this collection of poems ranging in topics from comedy and tragedy to introspection and self reflection. The collection received the 2018 Whirling Prize, an annual honor awarded by the University of Indianapolis to compelling writing. She has also received several awards for her other essays and collections of poetry. This anthology of poems aims to connect with the readers and “unfold a vast yet fragile terrain.”
“Marlena” — Julie Buntin
“Marlena” alternates between the adolescence of main character Cat and her best friend, Marlena and adult Cat’s reflection on their friendship and coming of age in a troubled town. This is Buntin’s debut novel; it profoundly handles heavy themes of grief, mania, addiction and nostalgia. The novel was lauded inpublications such as Vogue and The New York Times for its depiction of youth, aging and time.
“Life And Death Of The American Worker” — Alice Driver
Reminiscent of the muckraking era of journalism, this expose on Tyson Foods reveals the dangerous labor practices the corporation enforced. This persistent, detail-driven work exposes a deadly chemical accident in 2011, the cover-up and the lives of terrified immigrant workers in its wake. Driver hails from Arkansas, where Tyson Foods is headquartered; this work is close to home, startling and the result of decades of investigation.
