There is a certain kind of excitement that can only be found at a book festival. Readers wander from one title to another, authors share the stories behind their work, and unexpected discoveries happen simply because someone decided to pick up a book. That sense of curiosity and connection is what makes the Bookmarks Festival of Books & Authors 2026 such a special literary gathering. Taking place in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the festival brings together people who share a love for books while creating opportunities to discover new authors, explore different perspectives, and celebrate the many stories that bring communities together.
The Bookmarks Festival of Books & Authors 2026 concluded last September 26–27, 2026, marking the festival’s 21st anniversary. The main celebration transforms downtown Winston-Salem into a lively destination for readers, featuring author panels, readings, book signings, exhibitors, vendors, food trucks, and activities for visitors of all ages. The festival also welcomes young readers with a dedicated children’s area where children can participate in activities and receive free books, making the celebration an experience that families can enjoy together.
Literary festivals such as Bookmarks offer something that cannot always be found through a simple visit to a bookstore or an online search. They create a space where readers can encounter books in a more personal way. A panel can provide insight into an author’s creative process, a book signing can turn a title into a memorable keepsake, and an unexpected conversation can lead a reader toward a story they might never have discovered otherwise. It is this combination of literature and human connection that continues to make book festivals valuable to the publishing community.
Among the titles proudly represented by Citi of Books at this year’s festival is “Natural Behavior: The Evolution of Behavior in Humans and Animals Using Comparative Psychology and Behavioral Biology” by Burton A. Weiss, Ph.D.. The book offers readers another distinctive voice to discover and reflects the variety of stories and perspectives found within our publishing community. We are excited to introduce this work to the festival audience and give visitors the opportunity to explore the author’s ideas, experiences, and creative vision through the pages of the book.
“Natural Behavior: The Evolution of Behavior in Humans and Animals Using Comparative Psychology and Behavioral Biology” by Burton A. Weiss, Ph.D. is a wide-ranging exploration of how behavior has developed across the natural world, from the simplest living organisms to human beings. The book approaches this immense subject through the complementary fields of comparative psychology and behavioral biology, examining how evolution, learning, instinct, population phenomena, and biological development have shaped the ways living creatures behave.
Rather than focusing exclusively on either humans or animals, the book places both within the larger story of life on Earth. Weiss considers the evolution of behavior across a broad range of organisms and discusses topics such as the development of the human brain, hominization, interactions with Neanderthals, natural selection, and humanity’s impact on the planet. The book also reflects on the history of scientific thought and the gradual movement away from viewing human beings as the unquestioned center of the universe.
This book is compelling because it invites readers to explore one of the most fascinating questions in science: Why do humans and animals behave the way they do? Instead of examining human behavior in isolation, Burton A. Weiss places humanity within the much larger evolutionary story of life. This comparative approach can help readers recognize both the extraordinary complexity of human beings and the biological connections humans share with other living creatures.
Ultimately, Natural Behavior is a compelling read for anyone interested in human behavior, animal behavior, evolution, psychology, and biology. Burton A. Weiss offers a broad scientific journey that begins with the foundations of life and extends to some of the most complex questions surrounding humanity. By showing how behavior connects organisms across the evolutionary landscape, the book encourages readers to see themselves not apart from nature, but as part of its continuing and remarkable story.
Citi of Books at Bookmarks Festival of Books & Authors 2026 — celebrating authors, discovering new perspectives, and giving more stories the opportunity to find their readers.