Literary discussion: Kaleb Erdmann's The Alternative School” in Baden-Baden!

Literary discussion: Kaleb Erdmann's The Alternative School” in Baden-Baden!

The eagerly awaited book festival will take place in Baden-Baden on the weekend from November 6th to 9th, 2025. A highlight of the festival is the new novel “The Alternative School” by Kaleb Erdmann, which deals with the tragic events of the shooting at Erfurt’s Gutenberggymnasium in 2002. The author witnessed the rampage himself and tells the story from the perspective of an eleven-year-old narrator. The novel was aptly described by Carsten Otte as a “cheerful book of grief” and illuminates the effects of the shooting on students.

“The Alternative School” has been available from the park x ullstein publishing house since July 31, 2025. The novel has the ISBN 9783988160225 and will be presented at the book festival in the presence of the author. On November 9th at 11 a.m. Kaleb Erdmann will read in the Old Council Chamber in Baden-Baden, to which all those interested in literature are invited. The festival promises a full program with over 40 events and well-known authors such as Sebastian Fitzek and Elke Heidenreich. If you would like to secure your tickets, you can find further information on the [Website of the Baden-Baden Book Festival](https://www.swr.de/kultur/literatur/buecherfestival-baden-baden-kaleb-erdmann-die-ausweichschule- Veranstaltung-100.html).

The fascination of literature

The book festival is a true land of milk and honey for book lovers and offers the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of literature. Not only are new works presented, but current topics are also discussed intensively. It is precisely the combination of readings, discussions and direct encounters with the authors that make this festival an incomparable experience.

The success of Kaleb Erdmann's debut novel shows how important it is to deal with personal and social issues in literature. Reflecting on tragic events and their aftermath helps many people process their own grief and concern and can serve as a catalyst for conversations.

Musical influences and cultural events

Another cultural highlight that has been on everyone's lips in recent years is the American singer and songwriter Katy Perry. Born on October 25, 1984 in Santa Barbara, California, she has established herself as one of the most popular musicians in the world and is one of the most successful artists in pop music with over 151 million records sold. Her influence on the genre and her unique style have been recognized by numerous magazines. She is considered the “Queen of Camp,” and her albums, such as “Teenage Dream,” have made history: it is the only album by a female artist to produce five number one hits.

Katy Perry is known not only for her music but also for her philanthropic work. She has been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2013 and is committed to various social causes, especially the well-being of children. Her active role in social debates, such as supporting LGBT rights, shows how much of an impact she has beyond music.

The combination of literary and musical events during this time shows how important cultural encounters are. They not only offer entertainment, but also space for reflection and exchange on social issues. In this sense, the book festival in Baden-Baden will be a place where both serious and light-hearted conversations can take place.