What began as a two-day literary event in 1999, organized by George Mason University and the City of Fairfax, has expanded into a week-long, multiple-venue, regional festival that brings together people of all ages and interests, thanks to growing community interest and generous supporting partners. Each year, Fall for the Book brings area audiences some of the biggest names in U.S. and international letters, and this year is no exception, with authors including Stephen King, Claudia Rankine, Amy Tan, and Abraham Verghese headlining the 2011 festival. These authors are among the nearly 150 authors, artists and performers participating in the 13th annual Fall for the Book Festival, September 18-23, at George Mason University’s Fairfax Campus and at venues throughout Northern Virginia, D.C., and Maryland.
Other participants in this year's festival include Matt Bell, Tayari Jones, Laura Ellen Scott, Martha Collins, Fanny Howe, Natasha Trethewey, Amy Brecount, Marina Koestler Ruben, Ellen F. Brown, Marion Deshmukh, Jan Elvin, Debbie Levy, John Thorn, Amy Waters Yarsinske, Conor Grennan, Frances Park, Ginger Park, Katherine Russell Rich, Akbar Ahmed, and Debra Lattanzi Shutika.
August 17, 2011