Above photo of (left to right) Oxford citizen, Eddy Rester, talking to author Michael Farris Smith at the conference’s opening event at Off Square Book Tuesday night. (by Allen Brewer)
By Allen Brewer
The Center for the Study of Southern Culture is hosting the 25th annual Oxford Conference for the Book this week with events scattered across town.
The associate director of publications at the center, James G. Thomas, organized the events
“I started directing this event in 2015, but I was here for the first conference,” Thomas said. “The conference brings all kinds of scholars and writers to the University.”
The conference kicked off Tuesday at Off Square Books by Oxonian author Michael Farris Smith. Smith just published his fourth novel, the Fighter, this month and was present to sign copies and talk about his book.

Smith’s Book, the Fighter. (Allen Brewer)
“For me, this is a first-time experience, but for a first-time experience I really enjoyed it,” senior exercise science and pre-physical therapy major Mat Windom said. “Judging off this one, I would like to be able to make more of the other events.”
The Events continued Tuesday at the J.D. Williams Library with a welcome lunch at the archives and Special collections on the libraries third floor at 11 a.m.
Reading and Conversation continue that night at Off Square books with author Jonathan Miles at 5 p.m.
On Thursday, a panel called ‘The Latino Experience in the South” hosts in the Overby Center at 9:30 a.m. Thacker Mountain Radio also hosts a special conference show at the Lyric Theater at 6 p.m.
The events wrap up on Friday with the closing reception and book signing at Off Square Books at 5 p.m.
“I think it’s a great opportunity,” Manager of Square Books Len Roberts said. “I really think there is an event for everyone no matter what you like to read or what your personality is.”
For a list of all the events featured in the conference, go to www.oxfordconferenceforthebooks.com.