World Voices

File this one under "If only I lived in New York..."

The PEN World Voices Festival launches its fifth annual celebration of global literature on April 27. The insanely great line-up of established and emerging authors from 40 countries take the stage in venues across New York City for 6 packed days of conversations, panels, performances and readings.

Events include the first U.S. appearance by Jean-Marie Gustave Le Clézio since being awarded the 2008 Nobel Prize in Literature; The "PEN Cabaret" with musical and spoken word performances from Lou Reed, Laurie Anderson, Carrie Brownstein and Walter Mosley; and An Afternoon with International Graphic Novelists with artists like Yoshihiro Tatsumi, Adrian Tomine, and David Polonsky, the lead animator behind Waltz with Bashir. Plus talks and readings from Bernado Atxaga, Ian Buruma, Edwidge Danticat, David Grossman ... The mind reels.

Far far too many amazing writers and events to list. Click here for a complete list of 2009 Festival Participants.