Unbound can't-miss events, from Amazon to horror stories, sports writing to Kansas City lit

Aarik Danielsen, Columbia Daily Tribune
Updated ·2 min read

Next week, the Unbound Book Festival returns to downtown Columbia with events for every sort of reader.

From panels on sports and horror stories to blueprints for fending off Amazon's dominance, the festival stretches itself across literary landmarks and interests. Here are just nine of this year's truly promising offerings.

Sports, Centered

Matthew Salesses
Matthew Salesses

It's impossible to "stick to sports," because every game involves people with complex, real lives. Writers Matthew Salesses, Nandi Comer and Peter Geye will consider the wide world of telling sports stories. 10 a.m. Saturday at The Broadway Hotel.

The Revolution Will Not Be Westernized

Historical fiction writers including Columbia's own Phong Nguyen and Jocelyn Cullity, along with Vanessa Riley, will discuss remarkable women characters who fought wars and guided movements well outside the Western world. 10 a.m. Saturday at Serendipity Salon.

After Dobbs

Angela Hume, Jennifer Haigh and Natalie Y. Moore discuss what their writing might look like after the landmark abortion case, and what it will mean to tell the story of reproductive rights. 11:45 a.m. Saturday at The Broadway hotel.

The Horror! The Horror!

In every horror story, real and terrifying truths emerge. Benjamin Percy, Gabino Iglesias and Ann Dávila Cardinal will excavate the truly frightening in this panel. 11:45 a.m. Saturday at The Broadway hotel

How to Resist Amazon and Why

Poet and bookseller Danny Caine envisions a future in which retail giant Amazon doesn't maintain a stranglehold on the book industry. He'll discuss that vision with Unbound founder and Skylark Bookshop owner Alex George. 11:45 a.m. Saturday at Ragtag Cinema.

A Conversation with Lydia Millet

Lydia Millet
Lydia Millet

The eminent novelist — author of "Dinosaurs," "A Children's Bible" and more — will discuss her career and the way her work branches into other genres in conversation with University of Missouri professor Sam Cohen. 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Ragtag Cinema.

(Re)Writing Kansas City

A quartet of Kansas City-based authors — Desideria Mesa, José Faus, CJ Janovy and Whitney Terrell — will discuss issues and implications they witness working within the city's distinct literary community. 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Serendipity Salon.

Ross Gay reads 'Be Holding'

One of this year's keynote speakers, the poet and essayist will his 2020 book-length work of poetry, dubbed a "love song" to the great NBA talent Dr. J, from front to back. 5 p.m. Saturday at Serendipity Salon.

"After Yang" screening

An android companion (Justin H. Min) is a beloved member of a family (Colin Farrell, Jodie Turner-Smith and Malea Emma Tjandrawidjaja) in "After Yang."
An android companion (Justin H. Min) is a beloved member of a family (Colin Farrell, Jodie Turner-Smith and Malea Emma Tjandrawidjaja) in "After Yang."

Writer-director Kogonada's 2021 film received serious critical acclaim. The sci-fi narrative is based on a short story by Unbound author Alexander Weinstein, who will participate in a post-film discussion. 8 p.m. Sunday at Ragtag Cinema; ticket purchase necessary.

Find the full festival schedule at https://www.unboundbookfestival.com/schedule.

Aarik Danielsen is the features and culture editor for the Tribune. Contact him at adanielsen@columbiatribune.com or by calling 573-815-1731. Find him on Twitter @aarikdanielsen.

This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: A post-Dobbs world, Amazon resistance and Ross Gay at Unbound festival