Getting the word out to all those in Portland–Wordstock is coming up next week on November 7-9, 2008. Go here for more info. Wordstock is the biggest book festival in Portland. Last year, Adrian Tomine was here. I would’ve loved to see him talk about Shortcomings. If anyone hasn’t yet checked out Shortcomings, I can all but guarantee that you’ll like it.
I love books, I read all the time, and I’m constantly talking about books, but I don’t think I have ever been to an actual book festival. And unfortunately, depending on circumstances beyond my control, I may miss this one too. 
This year, Lawson Inada and Derek Kirk Kim will be here. Lawson Inada edited a book of historical pieces about the Japanese American internment called “Only What We Could Carry.“ With all the interest that I have in oral histories, I’d definitely like to hear him speak about this book. I have a friend who has this book and speaks highly of it. According to the School Library Journal on Amazon.com,
The editor of this unusual anthology has drawn from a wealth of material: poetry, prose, biography, news accounts, formal government declarations, letters, and autobiography along with photographs, sketches, and cartoons that reflect the tragedy of the internment. Taken as a whole, it conveys the deep anguish felt by Japanese who defined themselves as citizens of the United States and yet lost their rights as citizens during a time of national fear.
This book looks fascinating. It’s very important to preserve our history, oral and written, and it’s great that they have assembled remembrances of this history from so many sources. This is definitely on my to-read list.
I haven’t yet checked out Derek Kirk Kim’s work. Good as Lily looks good…as lily. 
If anyone has read this one, let me know.
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