The 32nd Miami Book Fair International kicks off this Sunday at the Wolfson Campus of Miami Dade College with the appearance of Patti Smith, who will be reading fragments of her most recent book M Train. During the period of eight days the fair will be presenting more than 350 international authors and all kinds of activities.

During the past 32 years an impressive amount of renowned writers have been invited to the fair to read to new audiences. Mario Vargas Llosa, John Updike, Isabelle Allende, Tom Wolfe, Alice Walker and Hunter S. Thompson (who delighted the public by pouring a bottle of Wild Turkey over himself) to name a few, are among the list of speakers that have appeared during the Miami Book Fair history.  

Besides featuring readings and conversations, the literary gathering also showcases a Street Fair that presents more than two hundred booksellers and other vendors. The Street Fair is basically the main attraction and takes place on several blocks of Downtown Miami, where the campus located.

In addition, several special programs will be present this year, including the Ibero-American Authors Program that presents a full program in Spanish; the Children’s Alley, an interactive area for kids; the Antiquarian Annex, which showcases rare tomes; and a special section for Comics that will include panels with creators Craig Thompson, Scott McCloud, Jennifer Hayden and others

Finally, the Fair also offers The Kitchen, which presents cookbook authors conducting demonstrations, as well as panels for food enthusiasts, in partnership with the college’s Miami Culinary Institute.

Too Much Love readers might be interested in visiting the Exile + Fjords Art and Lit Book Lounge, where you can browse through a selection of artist’s books, hand-picked art, and literary magazines in this indoor space.

For tickets and additional info visit: miamibookfair.com | Fairgoers guide

Listen to a fragment of M Train narrated by Patti Smith