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Carlie Pierre
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For the third consecutive year, the Salem Literary Festival will feature acclaimed author Julia Alvarez, bringing our community together through the shared experience of reading, and this year’s selection promises to be extraordinary. This event will be a fantastic opportunity to experience both Julia Alvarez and the Salem Literary Festival in action.
A Celebrated Author Comes to Salem
Award-winning Dominican-American author Julia Alvarez will grace Salem with her presence on Sunday, September 7 at 3 pm at Salem Academy Charter School. She’ll be discussing her latest work, “The Cemetery of Untold Stories” (El cementerio de los cuentos sin contar), in conversation with Keja Valens, Professor of English at Salem State University. The event will feature Spanish interpretation, ensuring accessibility for our diverse community.
About This Year’s Featured Book
Alvarez’s seventh novel is a work of magical realism that follows Alma, a retired author who inherits land in the Dominican Republic. Rather than building a traditional home, she creates something far more intriguing—a cemetery for her unfinished manuscripts and stories. But as any good magical realist knows, buried stories have a way of refusing to stay put, and drama inevitably ensues. It’s a fascinating concept, which Julia Alvarez will explore further during the Salem Literary Festival.
This compelling narrative explores themes of creativity, legacy, and the stories we tell ourselves—making it perfect for community-wide discussion and reflection.
How to Get Your Free Copy
The Salem Athenaeum and its partner organizations are making reading accessible to everyone in this community. Free copies of “The Cemetery of Untold Stories” will be available throughout Salem at these locations:
- Salem Public Library
- Salem Athenaeum
- Little Free Libraries citywide
- Special community events including:
- Fiesta en la Calle (June 14)
- Ice Scream Bowl at Salem Common (August 8)
- Salem Farmers Market at Old Town Hall (August dates)
Look for books with the distinctive “One Book, One Salem” sticker. The concept is simple: read it, then either return it to help the next person discover it or share it with friends and family to keep the conversation growing.
Audio Books Available!
Thanks to a generous donation from Recorded Books, 25 audio copies are available for those who prefer listening. Individual download codes can be requested by contacting staff@salemathenaeum.net. These audio offerings complement the experience of the Salem Literary Festival featuring Julia Alvarez.
Summer Discussion Events
The community conversation begins long before September’s main event:
- Spanish Edition Focus: An information session at Espacio in July will introduce the Spanish edition, with a book club discussion to be scheduled.
- English Book Club: Join Professor Keja Valens at the Salem Athenaeum on August 15 for an in-depth discussion.
- Author Event: The culminating conversation with Julia Alvarez herself on September 7.
Save the Date
Join us on Sunday, September 7, at 3 pm for an afternoon with Julia Alvarez at Salem Academy Charter School. This free event promises to be a highlight of Salem’s cultural calendar. Participating in the Salem Literary Festival with Julia Alvarez is not to be missed!
The Salem Literary Festival continues its mission to inspire literacy and celebrate both contemporary authors and classic literature. Since 2017, the Salem Athenaeum has proudly presented this festival, creating a gathering place for intellectually curious readers and lifelong learners.
Join the Community Conversation
Whether you read in English or Spanish, prefer physical books or audiobooks, enjoy formal discussions or casual conversations, there’s a place for you in One Book, One Salem 2025. Share your thoughts and help spread the word by using #1book1salem2025 on social media.
This program exemplifies what makes Salem’s literary community special—our commitment to bringing people together through the power of stories. It’s made possible through a grant from the Salem Cultural Council and the collaborative spirit of organizations, including the Salem Athenaeum, Salem Public Library, and dedicated volunteers.
Ready to join Salem’s literary adventure? Pick up your copy of “The Cemetery of Untold Stories” today and become part of our community’s shared reading journey. Salem Literary Festival.