MARTHA BARNETTE
Writer. Radio host. Word nerd.
I co-host the long-running radio show and podcast A Way with Words. My new book combines the joy of language and my own story, from my Appalachian roots through my study of Ancient Greek, and the fun of conversations with thousands of listeners.
Praise for Friends with Words
Sarah Ogilvie, author The Dictionary People
"Martha Barnette is an inspiration to all worders. Friends with Words is a captivating and joyous read about language, identity, and, most importantly, life and love."
Mary Norris, New York Times bestselling author of Between You and Me
“Blessed are they who have met Martha Barnette in person or listened to her on the radio, for they shall hear the sound of her inimitable voice in every line of this richly satisfying book. Barnette luxuriates—she absolutely wallows—in words, and her enthusiasm for language is infectious. She takes us into the studio and on the road, revealing trade secrets and sprinkling in just enough personal history to whet the appetite. Bravissima! Chef ’s kiss! A delight from intro to epilogue!”
Ellen Jovin, bestselling author and star of Rebel with a Clause
“A joyful, enchanting, always-entertaining word excursion along the wide-ranging paths of our human experience.”
Martha on the Move:
Events and
Appearances
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August 7
Warwick’s Bookstore
San Diego, California
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August 23
University of San Diego
San Diego, California
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​October 26
Madison, Wisconsin
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October 28
"The Language of Climate Resilience”
October 28
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November 1
Lexington, Kentucky
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November 4
Louisville, Kentucky
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More events and book festivals are in the works for 2025, so check back soon!
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​​​​​​​​​2024
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January 20
WNIN Public Radio Winter Gala
Featured speaker
Evansville, Indiana
January 24
Georgetown University
Introducing Dr. Emily Wilson,
translator of The Iliad
Thalia Potamianos Annual Lecture Series
Check out the Photo Gallery
Washington, DC
April 4
ACES conference
Keynote speaker
San Diego, CA
April 18
Oregon Heritage Conference
Forest Grove, OR
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2025
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May 14
An Evening with Martha and Grant
University of South Carolina
Columbia, South Carolina
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May 15
Rotary District 7770 Conference
Luncheon speaker
Columbia, South Carolina
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Publishers Weekly review
“With a conversational tone and an infectious sense of curiosity, Barnette makes a strong case for the mundane magic of words.”
Library Journal review
“[Barnette’s] engaging, curious, and friendly on-air style translates well to the page … Ideal for word and language lovers.”
Contact
General inquiries and bookings: (619) 796-5455
Email: info@marthabarnette.com
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Have a question for the public radio show and podcast “A Way with Words”? Visit our show's website or call or text 877-929-9673 (toll-free in the U.S. and Canada)