Bookworm Festival Tickets On Sale!

It’s time for the rest of us late-rising birds (I guess that would be owls, then?) to get our shot at buying tickets for the upcoming Bookworm International Literary Festival. Here, we list the events most likely to sell out fast, as well as some of our own recommendations. Get ‘em while they’re … not sold out!

So yes, you might feel like there’s a whole lot of gum-flapping about the excitement of the BLF. Maybe you can’t help but wonder if it’s a feast for the famished. But the more I've covered the festival, the more I’m convinced we’d all be sad without these great literary events invigorating the city’s cultural scene every year. If you love books and good talks and have never been to the BLF, you should do yourself a favor and check out at least one event this year. (Extra incentive: hanging out in one of the world’s 20 most beautiful bookstores.)

Which ones are worth the ticket prices (we know, they can add up)? Here’s The Bookworm’s insider take on which events will be gone pronto:

Super Sad True Love Story with Gary Shteyngart
Mar 9, 8pm
RMB 180 (entrance to author talk + special opening night cocktail party)
The headliner of this year’s BLF, Shteyngart is everyone’s favorite James Franco-exploiting YouTube star and wicked satirist. Most of you probably don’t need convincing as to why this guy’s worth lining up for, but just in case, here’s the New York Times’ review of his latest and here’s the take from Slate.com. For more, check out the following interviews with our man Gary (and don't forget to look for ours in the March issue of the magazine):

On finding super sad love in a super sad future (NPR, audio)
On the anti-social truth behind social media (the Atlantic)
On his dystopian future coming true (Huff Post)

… And UPDATE: mid-way through writing this post, we have just confirmed that this event is now sold out. But never fear, there’s always the waiting list, and the earlier you get on it, the better your chances. Now, scoot!

The Economist Panel
Mar 10, 2pm
RMB 100
It’s The Economist. You’ll sit with Gady Epstein, James Miles and Ted Plafker as they talk about how China will continue to scare the bejeezus out of other world leaders. Fun, right? For all aspiring journalists, or just people who like to get their panties in a twist over current global politics and economics.

Tiger Head, Snake Tails: China Today, How It Got There and Where It is Heading with Jonathan Fenby
Mar 10, 12noon
RMB 80
Jonathan Fenby has been around the China block a few times, and he’s here to impart all that wisdom on to you. Sitting cross-legged optional.

Here on Earth: the Natural History of the Planet with Tim Flannery
Mar 14, 1pm
RMB 80
Science writer Tim Flannery’s takes you from Earth’s start as a galactic cloud of dust and gas, through its shift from toxic metal oceans to life-sustaining water and into the emergence of early life.

China in Ten Words with Yu Hua
Mar 14, 8pm
RMB 100
You’ve probably heard about this author from either of his previous celebrated novels, To Live or Brothers. But in this latest nonfiction work, he gives such startling and beautiful details about growing up in China that you can’t help but drown in the contradiction of his love for the country and his grief for its ills.

Committing Journalism
Mar 21, 1pm
RMB 100
Tania Branigan (The Guardian), Cao Haili (Caixin), Mary Kay Magistad (PRI’s The World) and Evan Osnos (The New Yorker) share all about reporting in China. It’s a big hit every year, as you’ve probably noticed when you tried to buy tickets on the first Monday but had to console yourself with two-for-one burgers at Blue Frog instead.

Other events we think deserve your attention:

Jamrach's Menagerie with Carol Birch
Mar 17, 8pm
RMB 65
Her book is an adventurous coming-of-age tale about a boy who almost gets eaten by a tiger, then goes out to see to track down an even more dangerous beast – the dragon. It being Booker Prize shortlisted was obvious, its not winning was not. (One of the more affordable events, too.)

If You Didn’t Laugh, You’d Cry: Humour, Satire and the Absurd
Mar 11, 4pm
RMB 80
Also known as “the sneaky way to catch Shteyngart in action if his other event is sold out.” But that wouldn’t be fair to Andrei Kurkov, an amazing author in his own right, whose recent absurdist novel features a pet penguin. Together, talk about turning their grief into humor.

Please Resist Me: a Performance with Luka Lesson
Mar 11, 8pm
RMB 80
The spoken word performance is like the crazy energetic core of every BLF. You may not “get” slam poetry, but when those words are flowing at you by the best spoken word performers this side of the Meridian, you will get amped. This year’s Luka Lesson packs extra punch.

Wolves Unleashed – How to Train Wolves for Film
Mar 15, 3pm
RMB 65
Andrew Simpson will tell you all about how to rise in the wolf ranks and not get eaten. Very good life skills. Plus, we hear real wolves will come and carry off audience members who are misbehaving.*

*This is not true.

And of course, for the first time ever, the Beijinger’s very own cheeky events:

Choose Your Own Adventure
Mar 14, 10pm
RMB 50.
You know you loved ‘em … kept your fingers stuck in 6 different spots because you couldn’t commit to any of the storylines. Well, here’s your chance to experience it live, in “You are a Beijinger!” with parts written by BLF authors Luka Lesson and Tim Clare. Trust us, it’s gonna be good.

Pop-Up Magazine
Mar 16, 8pm
RMB 80
It’s like if you were reading our magazine and suddenly our editors and the crazy people we interview popped out of the pages and started talking to you. Except maybe a little less creepy than that. Join us for awesome, interactive live sections, including Dining, Bars + Clubs, Ecology, Arts + Culture, Style and more! Plus, prizes and giveaways, just like our real mag.

And don’t forget, we’re doing a writing contest, “Beijing in Six Words”, where you can win yourself some BLF tickets. So keep those six words coming.

In the meantime, happy ticketing! For more on individual events and info (including those not mentioned here, of which there are many), check out the festival's official website.

Photo: NYTimes.com