Nov 13-15, 2026
Community Center by Freedom Plaza
The Twentynine Palms Book Festival brings together 100+ authors for 20+ panel discussions, VIP talks, workshops, and offsite events celebrating the people, landscapes, and stories of California's Mojave Desert and beyond. From memoir, crime fiction, Indigenous storytelling, poetry, veterans' voices, children's literature, and the American West to conservation, history, music, and creative careers, the program reflects the diversity of today's literary world while creating opportunities for readers and writers to exchange ideas and discover new voices.
Friday 13 November @ 11:00 AM | Presentation
From Gliders to Global Force: The History of the 29 Palms Marine Base.
Award-winning author and retired U.S. Army Lt. Colonel John J. McBrearty traces the remarkable evolution of the Twentynine Palms Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center—from its beginnings as a World War II glider training site to its role today as a major Marine Corps training installation. Drawing on military history, research, and storytelling, McBrearty explores how the base has shaped the history, identity, and growth of Twentynine Palms while honoring the generations of service members who have trained and served in the California desert.
Sunday 15 November @ 4:30 PM | Workshop
Writing the Return: Storytelling as Therapy for Veterans and Their Families.
Hosted by retired U.S. Army Lt. Colonel John J. McBrearty, this meaningful conversation brings together John R. Cole, Bory Thach, Agustin Ramirez, Greg Buffington, Fred “Bo” Dunning, Will Torres, Michelle Katz, and Jake Harriman to explore how storytelling can help veterans and their families process military experiences, navigate the transition to civilian life, and build resilience. Drawing on their personal journeys and professional expertise, the panel examines writing as a powerful tool for healing, reflection, and strengthening community.
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