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David Giffels to Speak at Akron Book Fest

Staff Report / Akronlocal.org

**Award-Winning Author David Giffels to Speak at Akron Book Fest**

David Giffels, an acclaimed writer and former columnist for the *Akron Beacon Journal*, will be sharing his insights and expertise at the upcoming Akron Book Fest on March 8. The event, organized by the Akron-Summit County Public Library, will feature a panel titled “Author Fuel,” where Giffels will join fellow writers Mary Biddinger, Seth Borgen, and Aimee Seu to explore the behind-the-scenes elements of writing that often go unnoticed.

Giffels is widely recognized for his work chronicling the culture and stories of the American Midwest, especially its Rust-Belt identity. Dubbed “the bard of Akron, Ohio” by the *New York Times Book Review*, his writing dives deep into the heart of Ohio and beyond. His books reflect a mix of memoir, journalism, and cultural observations, including the notable *Barnstorming Ohio: To Understand America*. This book, published in 2020, was celebrated as one of *Library Journal*’s Best Books of the year and praised by *Publishers Weekly* for its blend of personal reflection, reportage, and political insight.

Giffels’ other titles have also received significant recognition. His memoir, *Furnishing Eternity*, won the Ohioana Book Award and was listed as a New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice. Similarly, *All the Way Home* is a two-time Ohioana Book Award winner and an Oprah Fantastic Summer Read. His essay collection, *The Hard Way on Purpose*, was longlisted for the PEN/Diamonstein-Spielvogel Award and described as a New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice.

Beyond his books, Giffels has coauthored biographies of the band Devo and contributed articles and essays to distinguished publications like *The New York Times Magazine*, *The Atlantic*, and *Esquire*. He also wrote for MTV’s *Beavis and Butt-Head*. Currently, Giffels is a professor of English at the University of Akron, where he teaches in the NEOMFA creative writing program.

For book enthusiasts, the Akron Book Fest presents an opportunity to hear directly from Giffels and other prominent voices in literature. Seating for panels and workshops will be on a first-come, first-served basis. For more details, visit akronlibrary.org.

Source: Akron-Summit Library

Source Type: Library

Source Location: Akron

Feb 20, 2025 at 6:30 PM

Library