From fiction to legal dissections: Brooklyn book festival’s offerings for the legal community

September 22, 2023 Rob Abruzzese

A scene from a past Brooklyn Book Festival at Borough Hall.
ebrooklyn media/file photo

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The Brooklyn Book Festival, recognized as New York City’s premier literary festival, has announced its diverse range of events for its 2023 edition, from Sept. 24 to Oct. 2.

This year, the festival promises a fusion of events, both virtual and in-person, spanning across all five boroughs and echoing the dynamism of Brooklyn’s myriad communities. While the festival offers something for everyone, the legal community, in particular, will find a plethora of intellectually stimulating sessions.

Now in its 17th year, the Brooklyn Book Festival stands out not only as a testament to the literary talent the city nurtures but also as a platform that intersects various disciplines. This year, legal minds can look forward to an array of events relevant to their community.

This year, lawyers, judges, and legal aficionados are particularly courted with sessions that intersect narratives of societal norms, justice and storytelling.

Two standout events encapsulate this union:

Where Lurks the Darkness? A virtual event that will start on Sept. 24 at 3 p.m., this discussion dissects the psyche of suspense narratives in modern society. Alafair Burke, a bestselling crime novelist, and Kashana Cauley lead the conversation, which will reflect on societal constructs, security, and self-preservation.

Reclaiming Power Through Collective Resistance and Law – This will be the final event of the day that takes place inside Brooklyn Law School’s Moot Courtroom located at 250 Joralemon St. This dialogue delves deep into the very bedrock of democracy, society, race and the legal edifice. Engage with eminent voices, including Professor Jocelyn Simonson and Pulitzer laureate Héctor Tobar, in a timely discussion on justice, collective resistance and the future of democracy.

While these discussions promise intellectual depth, the festival also nods to Brooklyn’s rich literary lineage. This year, it pays homage to Hilton Als, Brownsville’s literary luminary, with the prestigious Best of Brooklyn, or “BoBi,” Award.

Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso describes the festival as an embodiment of the borough’s spirit, celebrating authors from varied backgrounds and perspectives. This year’s offerings truly echo his sentiment, providing a rich tapestry of voices and insights.

To explore the broader festival’s landscape, dive into the full schedule, and register for events, attendees are directed to the official Brooklyn Book Festival website (https://brooklynbookfestival.org/). Given the expected demand, especially for the law-centric sessions, early registration is advised.