Books do more than tell stories—they spark movements, challenge perspectives, and create moments of connection. Michael Fischer’s How Books Can Save Democracy proposes that literature is an essential tool for the relationships and mutual understanding needed to sustain a democratic society. Reporter Char Adams (Black-Owned: The Revolutionary Life of the Black Bookstore) writes a compelling history of Black political movements told through the lens of Black-owned bookstores. Packed with stories of activism, espionage, violence, and perseverance, the book is an enlightening story of community, resistance, and joy. This session is not an escape from reality—rather, it’s a rehearsal for the kind of society we still hope to build through books and bookstores.
Photo Credit: JerSean Golatt
Char Adams is a former reporter for NBC News and People. Her writing on race and identity has appeared in The New York Times, The New Republic, Oprah Daily, Vice, Teen Vogue, and Bustle. She is a proud Philadelphia native and now lives in the Dallas–Fort Worth area.
Her new book is Black-Owned: The Revolutionary Life of the Black Bookstore.
Photo Credit: Jeri Krentz
Michael Fischer is the Janet S. Dicke Professor in Public Humanities at Trinity University. He is the author of four books on literary analysis and critique and has been widely published in magazines and journals. He lives in San Antonio, Texas.
Michael joins the Book Festival to discuss his latest book, How Books Can Save Democracy.
