This event will take place at the Hammer Theater in San José and is being hosted by San José State University, with Kepler’s as the official bookseller.
Pulitzer Prize winning author Barbara Kingsolver receives the 2026 "In the Souls of the People" John Steinbeck Award, which is given annually by San José State University to writers, artists, thinkers, and activists whose work captures Steinbeck’s empathy, commitment to democratic values, and belief in the dignity of people at the fringes of our society. Before the award ceremony, Ms. Kingsolver will read from her new novel, Partita, which is inspired by her lifelong love of classical piano. A selection of pieces featured in the book will be performed live onstage by SJSU student pianist Crystal Liong.
All tickets (except discounted SJSU student tickets) will include a copy of Partita, which will be available for pick-up at the event. Please note that Ms. Kingsolver will not be signing books at this reading. This event is made possible thanks to the College of Humanities and the Arts' Artist Excellence Programming Grant. Proceeds from the event benefit Steinbeck in the Schools, a program offering free curriculum for K-12 students and teachers.