Decatur Book Festival 2008

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Decatur Book Festival (DBF) is the largest and most diverse literary event in Georgia. Over Labor Day weekend, August 29, 30, and 31, tens of thousands from metro Atlanta and beyond will share the historic downtown Decatur square with world-class authors, editors, publishers, and booksellers for an event filled with literature, music, food, and fun.

During the event, the historic downtown Decatur square will be packed with exhibitor booths and tents from local booksellers and authors. The Ajc Dbf will provide a weekend of entertainment and activities for the entire family, including:

• A keynote address by Billy Collins at Agnes Scott College
• Author signings, readings, and panel discussions Interactive children's activities and presentations by top authors and illustrators
• Live music and poetry at venues around the square Cooking demonstrations at Cook's Warehouse on Ponce de Leon Avenue
• Food, beer, and wine vendors on the square
• Writing workshops

The AJC DBF will feature lectures and signings from 225 national and local best-selling authors, representing all genres of books. Confirmed authors include:

• Billy Collins, former U.S. Poet Laureate and New York State Poet Laureate
• John Dean, former White House Counsel to Richard Nixon, now an independent fiercely critical of the Republican party
• Pearl Cleage, Oprah’s Book Club and Atlanta Reads author
• John Bemelmans Marciano, author of the first new “Madeline” book in 50 years; grandson of the original series author
• Emily Giffin, bestselling author of “Love the One You’re With”
• Lee Smith, bestselling author of American fiction, including “On Agate Hill”
• Sara Shepard, author of the “Pretty Little Liars” series
• Amiri Baraka, (a.k.a. LeRoi Jones), former New Jersey Poet Laureate
• Karin Slaughter, bestselling author of thrillers, including “Fractured”
• Haywood Smith, bestselling author of “The Red Hat Club” and other novels
• Rick Bragg, Pulitzer Prize winning author of “The Prince of Frogtown”