Your 2022 DSM Book Festival TBR List

The 2022 DSM Book Festival will bring four accomplished authors to Greater Des Moines (DSM). At the event, these headlining authors will share their thoughts and stories behind the books that have gone on to receive awards and acclaim. Maybe you’ve read their most recent release, but if not, you might want to add it to your TBR (to-be-read) list. See summaries and for headlining author books below.

Imbolo Mbue

How Beautiful We Were

Publication Year: 2021

Mbue’s most recent novel, “How Beautiful We Were,” was named one of the ten best books of the year by The New York Times and People. It explores Kosawa, a fictional African village, as it deals with environmental degradation over the course of decades. The story is told through the perspectives of a generation of children as the people of Kosawa fight back against an American oil company and a corrupt government.

Dawnie Walton

The Final Revival of Opal & Nev

Publication Year: 2021

Music-lovers will enjoy Dawnie Walton’s “The Final Revival of Opal & Nev,” which follows an interracial rock duo — Detroit’s Opal and Britain’s Neville Charles — through their rise to fame, career breakup and years later reunion. Walton’s book was a “Good Morning America” buzz pick and named a best book of 2021 by Former President Barack Obama.

Stephanie Land

Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive

Publication Year: 2019

In Stephanie Land’s “Maid: Hard work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive,” the author recounts making ends meet as a maid while taking classes online, taking care of her young daughter, living in a homeless shelter and finding time to write. The book has since been made into a miniseries for Netflix.

Angeline Boulley

Firekeeper’s Daughter

Publication Year: 2021

“Firekeeper’s Daughter” is a novel about Daunis, a biracial Ojibwe woman who wants to study medicine, yet finds herself taking care of her mother when she meets hockey star Jamie. Their meeting leads to a shocking murder, a criminal investigation and a journey into culture and community. “Firekeeper’s Daughter” has won the Goodreads Choice Award for Young Adult in 2021 and in 2022, the William C. Morris Award and Michael L. Printz Award. It will be adapted into a TV series for Netflix

You can purchase the books above through our local DSM Book Festival partner, Beaverdale Books, and find more DSM Book Festival information here.

If you're interested in purchasing a VIP ticket, which includes perks like an autographed book, premier seating, access to the VIP Suite and complimentary beverages, purchase the Headliner VIP +One, Premier VIP, Elite VIP or Diamond VIP package here.

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