Authors Tommy Orange and Deborah Jackson Taffa in Conversation

The 2nd annual Heartland Book Festival will take place on October 12 at the Central Library in downtown Kansas City with authors, books, activities, and more! Join us for a moderated discussion in Kirk Hall with authors Tommy Orange and Deborah Taffa.

Tommy Orange and Deborah Jackson Taffa talk with the Library’s Cindy Hohl about their latest books: Orange’s Wandering Stars – a follow-up to the Pulitzer Prize finalist, There There – and Taffa’s Whiskey Tender: A Memoir. The authors share their perspectives on the Native American experience, past and present, as well as stories of identity, addiction, family, and survival.

Book signing with Deborah Jackson Taffa to follow. Signed bookplates will be available from Tommy Orange.

Moderator Cindy Hohl is a member of the Santee Sioux Nation, Nebraska, and has acted in roles in state, national, and international library organizations. This includes the American Indian Library Association (AILA) and others affiliated with the ALA, as well as the Freedom to Read Foundation.

The Heartland Book Festival is co-presented by the Kansas City Public Library, Missouri Humanities, and the Missouri Center for the Book.

Photo Credit: Michael Lionstar

"This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, 2023-LCP3-EDU23-117.

Este proyecto ha sido posible en parte por el Instituto de Servicios de Museos y Bibliotecas, 2023-LCP3-EDU23-117.

Host or Publisher Heartland Book Festival