The 2024 AViD Lineup is here! Six fantastic authors are taking part in five events over three months here in Des Moines, including America's most popular storyteller, one of America's most acclaimed novelist, a debut author garnering incredible buzz, a beloved romance author, and two of the most popular thriller writers in the country.
Jasmine Guillory
Thursday, June 13 | 7 PM | Central Library
Dubbed “the undisputed queen of the modern-day romance,” Jasmine Guillory is the beloved New York Times-bestselling author of The Wedding Date, The Proposal, and more. Her newest novel, Drunk on Love, is an intoxicating and sparkling romance set in the lush backdrop of Napa Valley.
Kaveh Akbar
Thursday, March 21 | 7 PM | Central Library
Kaveh Akbar’s debut novel, Martyr!, was released in January to universal acclaim, with The New York Times Book Review calling the story “miraculous.” The story follows a newly sober second-generation Iranian-American as he embarks on a profound, remarkable search for meaning and for a family secret.
James Patterson
Wednesday, April 10 | 7 PM | Scottish Rite Consistory (519 Park Street)
With more than 425 million books sold, James Patterson is the most popular storyteller in modern history. His new nonfiction book, The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians, tells the stories of the “detectives” and “treasure hunters” who can’t wait to help you find your next favorite book.
NOTE: Patterson will only be signing copies of his new book, The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians, at the event.
Gregg Hurwitz & Nick Petrie
Thursday, May 2 | 7 PM | Central Library
Two of the country’s most popular action writers will swap stories during this special AViD event. Gregg Hurwitz is the author of the Orphan X series, which follows Evan Smoak, a black book government assassin. Nick Petrie writes the Peter Ash series, about a mystery-solving war veteran with PTSD.
Joyce Carol Oates
Thursday, May 30 | 7 PM | Central Library
Joyce Carol Oates is one of the great novelists in American history. Oates has published 58 novels, a number of plays and novellas, and many volumes of short stories, poetry, and non-fiction. Her 1969 novel them won the National Book Award, and she is a five-time finalist for the Pulitzer Prize.
