Boston Book Festival

A good story, well told, is the aim of screenwriters and novelists alike. This year, we’re kicking off the BBF with an exploration of storytelling in these different modes, as told by three pros who have seen both sides. Hometown favorite Tom Perrotta is no stranger to Hollywood, having seen several of his books adapted for the big screen; these days, he’s busy creating the third and final season of HBO’s The Leftovers, based on his own bestselling novel. One-time television writer turned current bestselling author Maria Semple’s structurally playful new novel, Tomorrow Will Be Different, has been called “achingly funny” by Kirkus. Meanwhile, Semple’s beloved novel Where’d You Go, Bernadette is also under development as a feature film. And Emma Donoghue, whose latest historical novel, The Wonder, grapples with faith and trust, has also tackled the task of adaptation, transforming her award-winning novel Room into an equally decorated film, earning Oscar and Golden Globe nominations for best adapted screenplay. Joining these three talented and versatile storytellers is Robin Young, cohost of WBUR’s Here & Now and also an award-winning documentary filmmaker. Sponsored by Hachette.