Inaugurated in 2001, the Juniper Literary Festival showcases exciting new writing and explores issues vital to the literary arts, helping to ensure their vitality, plurality, and accessibility. This year, we are excited for a return to an in-person event, and for the opportunity to introduce our newly admitted poets and writers to the vibrant literary community here at UMass and the Pioneer Valley as a whole.

Readings and receptions are open to members of the Five College community with a valid school ID, and the general public with proof of vaccination. Per UMass policy, masks are required regardless of vaccination status. Registration for each event is required.

Download the 2022 Juniper Festival Poster

 

Full Schedule

Friday, April 1

Reading | Great Hall, Old Chapel, 6pm | Register

Join us for a reading with novelist Mona Awad and poet Mai Der Vang. Awad’s latest novel, All’s Well, is a searing indictment on society’s collective refusal to witness and believe female pain. Vang’s Yellow Rain, a 2022 Pen America Literary Award finalist, is a work of documentary, poetry and collage that calls out the erasure of a history, and the silencing of Hmong refugees. A book signing and reception will follow.

Live Lit | Multi-Purpose Room, Old Chapel, 8pm | Register

The long-standing reading series, run by and featuring current MFA students.

 

Saturday, April 2

Alumni Reading and Conversation | Great Hall, Old Chapel, 4pm | Register

Help us welcome back four UMass MFA alumni for a reading and conversation: Emily Hunt (MFA ‘13), author of Dark Green; Robin McLean (MFA ‘11), author of Pity the Beast; Wendy Xu (MFA ‘14), author of The Past; and Jung Yun (MFA ‘07), author of O Beautiful. A book signing and reception will follow. A book signing and reception will follow.