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 “Palasandra: Book One of the Kiger Collection” by Mark Friedrich. 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.
“Palasandra: Book One of the Kiger Collection” by Mark Friedrich is an imaginative and beautifully conceived story inspired by the lives and mysterious history of the Kiger mustangs, horses also referred to as the Orianas. As the first installment in a planned seven-book collection, the book invites readers into the wild landscapes of southwestern Oregon and imagines the experiences of these remarkable horses before, during, and after their discovery by humans. The story blends known historical details, legends, and creative imagination to explore questions surrounding the origins and lives of the modern-day Kiger mustang.
At the center of the book is Palasandra and her herd, whose story represents an imaginative attempt to fill in the gaps left by history. The Kiger mustangs discovered near Beatys Butte attracted attention because of their distinctive dun coloration and physical characteristics resembling Spanish horses from centuries earlier. While some aspects of their history are known, other questions remain open to speculation, giving Friedrich an opportunity to create a narrative shaped by wonder, nature, and the enduring mystery of wild horses.
This book is a compelling book because it transforms a fascinating piece of natural history into an imaginative reading experience. The Kiger mustangs themselves provide an intriguing foundation for the story, with their distinctive appearance and mysterious historical origins inspiring questions that continue to capture the imagination. By building a narrative around what might have happened during the lives of Palasandra and her herd, Mark Friedrich gives readers an opportunity to experience history and nature through storytelling.
Through Palasandra and her herd, readers are invited to imagine a world of wild landscapes, extraordinary animals, and stories that may never be fully recorded in history but can continue to live through the power of imagination.
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.