Literary Rebel - Labor Day Weekend in Atlanta

Labor Day Weekend in Atlanta: Decisions, Decisions...

As the Literary Rebel and Midtown Book Group Coordinator-of-Legend (at least in my own mind), I would be remiss in neglecting to mention the AJC Decatur Book Festival this Labor Day Weekend, August 31 – September 2, 2012:

“The seventh annual AJC Decatur Book Festival is finally upon us! From over three hundred best-selling authors to a vibrant street fair, all the way to a fire-breathing monster of a presidential campaign [BookZilla for President 2012], we’re bringing the heat in 2012...

For the first time in AJC Decatur Book Festival history, the keynote address will come right from our own backyard. Recently named U.S. Poet Laureate in Poetry for 2012-13, Natasha Trethewey will deliver the keynote address at the Schwartz Center for Performing Arts at Emory on August 31st at 8 PM, launching her newest collection of poems, Thrall."

The Keynote event Friday night is already SOLD OUT, but Natasha Trethewey will be signing her new collection of poetry, Thrall, Saturday at 2:00 p.m. in the AJC Tent. And there is plenty more throughout the weekend...

The 300+ authors who will be at the AJC Decatur Book Festival represent every genre, every category, every form of writing, from emerging authors to international best-sellers. For the briefest glimpse of what this amazing event will offer, allow me to point out just a few highlights (with over 300 authors in attendance, speaking, teaching, signing books and participating on various panels and activities, this is just a tiny little sliver of the literary action going down in Decatur, GA this weekend):

Tom Angleberger – bestselling tween author - Origami Yoda series

Meg Cabot – bestselling adult, teen & tween author – Princess Diaries & others

Michael Connelly - bestselling mystery/thriller author - The Lincoln Lawyer  & more

Claire Cook  - contemporary women's fiction - NEW bestseller Wallflower in Bloom

Tess Gerritsen  - international bestselling suspense - Rizzoli & Isles series

Patty Callahan Henry  - "fresh new voice in southern fiction" - Coming Up For Air

Drew Jubera  - Atlanta's own award-winning journalist - Must Win  - DBF Debut!

Susan Rebecca White  - Atlanta native, southern humor - Bound South

Amanda Kyle Williams  - Atlanta-based thrillers - NEW: Stranger in the Room

AND one of my most-favorite bestselling southern authors and friend:

Joshilyn Jackson, who will be moderating a panel on Saturday morning: The Christ-Haunted South, and signing and talking about her new bestseller, A Grown-Up Kind of Pretty, Saturday afternoon.

As an avid reader, published author and literacy advocate – you could even call me a Book Fanatic and not be wrong – you might think DBF would be a kind of annual religious revival for me, and indeed, just reviewing the website, authors and schedule of events makes me all quivery with literary excitement and anticipation. As all of those things I mentioned above, I participated in DBF for the first three years, 2006, 2007 and 2008.  Since then...well, I’ve had a conflict.  There is always a lot going on in Atlanta over Labor Day Weekend, and perhaps that is another blog article entirely (click only if you really want to know).

For ALL the information about the AJC Decatur Book Festival this weekend, visit the website - www.decaturbookfestival.com - and check out: Locations, Activities, Authors, and the comprehensive, jam-packed 3-day Schedule: DBF Printer Friendly Schedule.

This year, I will be there Saturday – as a visitor, not a participant – for my one-day literary fix. I can’t miss Joshilyn Jackson, Natasha Trethewey, and the other Saturday events.  But on Sunday, well, you know... I’ll be sitting in the Champions Section at Atlanta Motor Speedway, cheering on the NASCAR, with my hubby.

Have a great weekend!