Texas Book Festival Announces Blockbuster Lineup for its 15th Anniversary

Pulitzer Prize-Winners, Food Network TV Celebrities, Book Club Favorites and Rock and Roll

AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Texas Book Festival celebrates its 15th anniversary with a star-studded lineup of 226 authors, including Laura W. Bush, the honorary chair and founder of the Book Festival.  "I am especially pleased to participate as an author in this year's Texas Book Festival," said Mrs. Bush.  "I am proud of the success of the festival and glad to be part of the 15th anniversary celebration."

Guests can enjoy the festivities on October 16 and 17 in and around the Texas State Capitol and nearby venues.  The Book Festival is free and fun for all ages.

In addition to participating in the Festival, Mrs. Bush will speak at the First Edition Literary Gala along with Pulitzer prize-winning author Michael Cunningham and Michele Norris.  Tickets to the Friday, October 15 gala can be purchased online.

"This is an exciting year for the Festival as we celebrate our 15th anniversary," said Heidi Marquez Smith, executive director. "Thanks to the generosity and support of our sponsors, volunteers, and the public, the Festival has established itself as one of the premier literary events in the country showcasing the latest and best in publishing.  Every literary taste and interest will be satisfied at this year's event."

Headlining authors also include Pulitzer prize-winners Eugene Robinson and Michael Cunningham, Sam Harris, Alton Brown, Abraham Verghese, Joyce Maynard, Meg Cabot, Matt de la Pena, Jennifer Egan, and Justin Cronin.  News and political junkies can hear from P.J. O'Rourke, Karl Rove, Jonathan Alter and William Jelani Cobb, and from journalists Michele Norris, Ian Frazier, Jake Silverstein, Robert Bryce and S.C. Gwynne.  

Approximately 2000 books were considered, and those chosen are the preeminent titles of 2010.  There will be engaging panel conversations mixing the industry's top writers and audience Q and A.  In addition, Festival attendees can get their books signed, feast on food from local eateries, listen to live music, and ignite their children's imagination with authors, events and activities.

Food lovers can see Food Network TV stars Alton Brown and Claire Robinson as well as Mexican cooking authority Diana Kennedy, The New York Times columnist Amanda Hesser and the owners of New York City's Baked, Matt Lewis and Renato Poliafito.  Household hints will pour from Heloise; True Prep authors Lisa Birnbach and Chip Kidd will explore the "new" old preppy style.  Awkward Family Photos authors Mike Bender and Doug Chernack along with comedian Julie Klausner will keep festival goers in stitches.  Music fans can linger over 35 years of Austin City Limits photographs or visit the Music Tent and listen to acts including Terry Allen, 'Til We're Blue or Destroy, Bobby Whitlock & La Guerrilla, and Shinyribs.

Young adult readers will find their favorite authors including Holly Black, Laurie Halse Anderson, T.A. Barron, Naomi Mitchell Carrier, and Dr. Cuthbert Soup and children will meet Llama Llama series author Anna Dewdney, Carmen Tafolla, Alan Birkelbach, and David Wiesner.  The Children's Entertainment tent will feature Sara Hickman and whimsical acts by the Fairy Godmother Academy.

About the Texas Book Festival

Founded in 1995 by Laura W. Bush and a group of interested volunteers, the Texas Book Festival is held every year on the grounds of the Texas State Capitol.  Today the TBF, with the help of the Texas community, a statewide advisory committee and nearly 1,000 volunteers has awarded more than $2.5 million in grants to Texas public libraries.  In addition, more than 35,000 children in low-income schools have been reached with the TBF literacy program, Reading Rock Stars, providing for many the first book they've ever owned.  TBF is expanding its literary programming and events year-round.

Sponsors include:  Austin American-Statesman, AT&T, Barnes & Noble, Brigid Cockrum & Family, Central Market, HEB, Kirkus Reviews, KLBJ-AM/KGSR-FM, KLRU, KUT 90.5, Texas Monthly, Pearson Education, Sibley Peteet Design, T.L.L. Temple Foundation and others.

Interested in reading up before the Festival?  Purchase books this weekend at any Barnes & Noble store in the country and online from August 27-31.  A percentage of your purchase will benefit the Texas Book Festival when you present this coupon at checkout.

For the complete list of authors and more visit texasbookfestival.org.

SOURCE Texas Book Festival