Rizal Library presents Best Sellers and the City

MANILA, Philippines – What makes a book a best seller? Are the most “literary” works necessarily the more popular ones? Does selling a lot mean selling out?

Lovers of books, literature, and reading are invited to discuss these questions and more at Best Sellers and the City on November 13 at the Rizal Library, Ateneo de Manila University. The day-long event is presented by the National Book Development Board (NBDB) and the Rizal Library.

Canadian scholar and literary critic Peter Swirski headlines the impressive roster of speakers and moderators for the day. His keynote will focus on the implications of the unprecedented explosion of cultural creation and transmission on the study of literature, cultural institutions, and civilization in general.

Four panel discussions follow throughout the day, featuring speakers from all areas of the publishing business, among them popular komiks artist and author Manix Abrera, internationally published author Samantha Sotto, National Book Store’s Xandra Ramos-Padilla, and Anvil Publishing’s Karina Bolasco.

To view the program of events and the complete list of authors, and to pre-register for the event, please click here. Registration is free, and snacks will be provided during the event.

Best Sellers and the City is part of the 4th Philippine International Literary Festival. Dubbed “Text and the City,” the lit fest will take place in major universities in Metro Manila from November 11 to 14 and will culminate at the Ayala Museum on November 15.