Recent Festival addition Nan Chase is an award-winning investigative and feature writer who most recently created Eat Your Yard! Edible trees, shrubs, vines, herbs and flowers for your landscape. During her thirty-five year freelance career Chase has written about nuclear energy and beauty pageants, the history of Islam and the miniskirt, aviation and basket weaving. In recent years, her work has focused on architecture, landscape design and gardening.

Festival President Stephanie Duttenhaver said, “We are delighted that Nan Chase can join us at our new stand-alone lifestyle venue this year along with Southern food writers Libbie Summers and Virginia Willis; Lulu Powers, caterer to the stars; leading designer Charles Faudree; and Randy Fertel who tells the story behind Ruth’s Chris restaurant.”

A limited number of tickets are still available for two exciting evening fundraising events on Wednesday, February 15 with Brad Thor and Thursday, February 16 with Walter Isaacson.   “We hear that many people believe that these two ticketed events are already sold out – just like the Stephen King closing ceremony – but there are still [Thor and Isaacson] tickets available,” said Festival Director Robin Gold.

Tickets and Reservations:

• The Brad Thor event is on Wednesday, February 15 at 6.30pm at the Plantation Club on Skidaway Island.  Reservation includes dinner, Thor’s discussion of his thriller, Full Black, and a question and answer session followed by a book sale and signing opportunity.  To obtain tickets at $65 visit http://www.savannahbookfestival.org/2012-festival/ticketed-events/brad-thor-dinner/(Thor will also be among presenters in Telfair Square on Saturday, February 18—the main Festival day which remains free and open to the public.)
• Tickets for Thursday’s Walter Isaacson event can be obtained in person at the SCAD Box Office, by calling (912) 525-5050 during business hours or via the SCAD Box Office.  All sales are through the Trustees Theater. Tickets are $10.00 per person.The distinguished author of Steve Jobs will speak at 6:30 p.m. at the Trustees Theater in Savannah.

The Savannah Book Festival Inc. is an independent, non-profit corporation led by a volunteer board of directors. The South’s biggest story, the Festival will take place during the week leading up to Presidents Day, February 15-19, 2012, in and around Telfair Square in historic downtown Savannah. For more information, please contact Executive Director Robin Gold at (912) 598-4040 or info@savannahbookfestival.org. Or visit our website at http://www.savannahbookfestival.org/, our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=110788820480 and follow us on Twitter at @SavBookFestival.

“Lose Yourself in Books” is the 2012 Festival theme and students may discover that in-person discussion with award-winning authors may light their own literary fires.  To support this vital educational outreach program, the Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation has generously donated $2500 to supply books for the SBF@School Program.  “We are pleased to be able to lend support to the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System’s number one priority of raising the literacy rate among students,” said a Gulfstream representative.

In order to ensure an enriching and relevant experience for the students, the Festival works closely with the school media specialists, English teachers and college professors to select authors who best fit the student’s current course of study.  The program is provided free to area schools.

Here is a list of the 2012 SBF Authors in the Schools:

The Savannah Book Festival Inc. is an independent, non-profit corporation led by a volunteer board of directors.  It is committed to remaining free and open to the public and to celebrating the written word and its role in improving the human experience.  For more information, please contact Executive Director Robin Gold at (912) 598-4040 or info@savannahbookfestival.org.

Jeffery Deaver, named by the UK’s Daily Telegraph as “The most creative, skilled and intriguing thriller writer in the world,” has added Carte Blanche, the latest James Bond thriller, to his prolific work of 28 novels.  Ian Fleming Publications Ltd selected Deaver to continue the 007 spy thrillers created by Ian Fleming in 1952 beginning with Casino Royale.  People Magazine pegs Deaver, “A master of ticking-bomb suspense.”  His books are sold in 150 countries and are translated into 25 languages.

Hell is Empty is Craig Johnson’s seventh book in his Sheriff Walt Longmire series.  This riveting thriller has Longmire and his deputy escorting a trio of convicts through Wyoming’s Bighorn Mountains.  Escorting escalates into a perilous manhunt through the icy hell of the Cloud Peak Wilderness Area.  Along with elements of Dante’s Inferno, the inclusion of Indian lore and mysticism enrich the bones of the story.  Johnson’s background in law enforcement may beg questions of personal experience during his talk.  He lives in Ucross, Wyoming—population 25.  Ten episodes of the Longmire mysteries are currently being filmed for A&E.

Given Savannah’s canine preoccupation bordering on obsession, Spencer Quinn is a perfect fit with his irresistible The Dog Who Knew Too Much.  Combining intrigue and humor with a perceptive take on the relationship between a man and his dog, this fourth in the mystery series of the “Little Detective Agency” is a genuine treat.  Chet, the four-legged narrator, offers a reliable nose and boundless enthusiasm for solving kidnappings, murders and other serious mayhem.

Brad Thor , the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Full Black, will kick off the Festival on Wednesday, February 15 at a special evening event.  Full Black, a Scot Harvath novel, is one of Thor’s darkest and most intriguing thrillers with nonstop action in a terrifying story of espionage and betrayal.  Thor is known for weaving real-life issues into his thrillers. His extensive knowledge of intelligence, special ops, and terrorist communities has been tapped for appearances on FOX News, CNN, The Glenn Beck Show, and even by the Department of Homeland Security as part of their analytic “Red Cell” unit.

The kick-off event, “An Evening with Brad Thor,” on Wednesday February 15, 2012 at 6:30 PM at the Plantation Club at The Landings on Skidaway Island will include dinner, a presentation by the author, a Q&A period and book sales and signing.  Reservations are $65 and open to the public.  For Brad Thor tickets, a schedule of events and information, contact the Festival website at www.savannahbookfestival.org.

The Savannah Book Festival Inc. is an independent, non-profit corporation led by a volunteer board of directors.  It is committed to remaining free and open to the public and to celebrating the written word and its role in improving the human experience.  For more information, please contact Executive Director Robin Gold at (912) 598 4040.

Brad Thor kicks off the Festival on February 15 at the Landings on Skidaway Island.  Enjoy an evening with the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Full Black.The event is open to the public and will include dinner, a presentation by the author, Q&A period and book sales and signing.  For tickets at $65 visit http://www.savannahbookfestival.org/2012-festival/ticketed-events/brad-thor-dinner/

On day two, Walter Isaacson, author of the best selling biography, Steve Jobs, will speak at 6:30 p.m. at Trustees Theater in Savannah.  Isaacson will discuss the man who revolutionized six industries:  personal computers, animated movies, music, phones, tablet computing and digital publishing.  Tickets can be obtained in person at the SCAD Box Office, by calling (912) 525-5050 during business hours or via the SCAD Box Office.  All sales are through the Trustees Theater. Tickets are $10.00 per person.

On day three, the iconic Pat Conroy will give the keynote speech in Telfair Square’s beautiful Trinity Methodist Church at 6:00 p.m.  “Pat Conroy is the most requested author for the festival,” said Board President Stephanie Duttenhaver. “He represents the soul of the Southern writer. As a resident of our beautiful Low Country, it is so perfect that he has agreed to be our keynote speaker when we celebrate our fifth year.”

Saturday, day four, is the Festival’s main event with presentations by over 40 exceptional authors including, Jeffery Deaver, Charles Faudree, Irshad Manji, Karl Marlantes, Michael Oher, Janisse Rayand others representing many different genres.

Sunday, day five, Guest of Honor, Stephen King, discuss 11/22/63, his epic tour-de-force that chronicles the adventures of Jake Epping as he travels back in time to prevent the Kennedy assassination. This event is sold out.

The Savannah Book Festival Inc. is an independent, non-profit corporation led by a volunteer board of directors.  It is committed to remaining free and open to the public and to celebrating the written word.  www.savannahbookfestival.org

Literati cards from the 2011 Festival will be honored throughout the 2012 Festival.

CONTACT: Executive Director Robin Gold at 912-598-4040 info@savanahbookfestival.org

Taking place from February 15-19, 2012 and overlapping the Presidents Day Weekend, over 40 author presentations will take place in and around Telfair Square in the heart of Historic Savannah.  Highlights include Guest of Honor – Stephen King, Keynote Speaker – Pat Conroy, master of thrillers – Brad Thor and Walter Isaacson – author of the bestselling biography Steve Jobs.

Savannah Book Festival Executive Director, Robin Gold, said “We are very excited that the Savannah Book Festival will be broadcast by C-SPAN this year and delighted that they have recognized what a high profile event our Festival has become. We are particularly grateful to Comcast who funds CSPAN’s programming for choosing to film the fifth annual Savannah Book Festival.”

The Savannah Book Festival Inc. is an independent, non-profit corporation led by a volunteer board of directors.  It is committed to remaining free and open to the public and to celebrating the written word and its role in improving the human experience.  For more information, please contact Executive Director Robin Gold at (912) 598 4040.

Ian Fleming Publications Ltd selected Deaver to continue the 007 thrillers and he does not disappoint.  Conceived in the post-9/11 world, Afghan war veteran, James Bond has been given carte blanche to do whatever it takes to protect the British Realm as action takes place in London, Dubai and Cape Town.

The skillful recreation of James Bond for the modern age will win over Ian Fleming fans and entice new readers.  Bond remains the quintessential British gentleman – whatever continent he is operating within or persona he is adopting – and his fast thinking matches the fast moving plot of Carte Blanche. While his seduction of a beautiful woman, his preference for martinis shaken but not stirred and his appetite for high tech gizmos remain, there is a new depth to the character of Deaver’s Bond; and a preference for his own bourbon based cocktail (christened a “carte blanche”) over the traditional martini.

Deaver’s books are sold in 150 countries and have been translated into twenty-five languages. The Bodies Left Behind was named Novel of the Year by the International Thriller Writers Association.  Parallels between the new Bond’s and Deaver’s lives include their love of fast cars, skiing and whiskey.

“Any lover of 007 or high caliber thrillers should come to the Savannah Book Festival in 2012” says Savannah Book Festival Executive Director, Robin Gold. “Our line-up, which not only includes authors Jeffery Deaver, Brad Thor, Craig Johnson and Spencer Quinn in this genre, means that visitors really will be spoilt for choice.”

The Savannah Book Festival Inc. is an independent, non-profit corporation led by a volunteer board of directors.  It is committed to remaining free and open to the public and to celebrating the written word and its role in improving the human experience.  For more information, please contact Executive Director Robin Gold at (912) 598 4040 or info@savannahbookfestival.org.

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Savannah Book Festival announces that the painting, “Lose Yourself in Books” by local artist Molly Wright has been chosen for this year’s Savannah Book Festival artwork. The original framed oil painting will be auctioned and limited edition prints will also be sold to raise funds for the Festival which remains free and open to the public.

Silent auction bids beginning at $300 and going up in $50 increments can be made by completing a simple form on the Festival’s website. Bids are being accepted now through 5 pm. on Saturday, February 18 with the winner contacted on Monday, February 20. Signed limited edition prints are also available for $40 ($60 matted) at the festival itself or can be ordered from Wright’s website. Wright is donating a percentage of the print price as well as the entire funds raised by the sale of the oil painting to the Festival.

“The Southern gentleman in a suit and hat standing in front of one of Savannah’s gorgeous squares with his nose in a book really typifies the theme ‘Lose Yourself in Books,’ says the Festival’s Executive Director Robin Gold. She adds “We really appreciate Wright’s support for the Savannah Book Festival.”

Wright moved to Savannah in 1997 after living in Connecticut and Virginia. She received a BA in fine art from Randolph-Macon Women’s College and had her first solo show in Baltimore in 1994. This year’s Festival is hosting a wide range of authors including Stephen King, Walter Isaacson, Brad Thor, Pat Conroy Karl Marlantes, Jeffery Deaver and Melissa Faye Greene.

The Savannah Book Festival Inc. is an independent, non-profit corporation led by a volunteer board of directors. The South’s biggest story, the Festival will take place during the week leading up to Presidents Day, February 15-19, 2012, in and around Telfair Square in historic downtown Savannah.

For more information, please contact Executive Director Robin Gold at (912) 598-4040 or info@savannahbookfestival.org.

Eight non-fiction authors will transport audiences to war zones in World War II Europe, Israel, Palestine, Iraq, the American West, contemporary Mexico and war-torn Vietnam.  Veteran marine Karl Marlantes makes his second Festival appearance.  “The veteran’s part of this complex web” he says,”is that we were the ones who pulled the trigger at the end of the line.  As citizens of a republic, we all need to understand all aspects about war and take responsibility for decisions about waging it.” Author Irshad Manji, a critic of traditional mainstream Islam, will focus on reconciling faith and freedom.

An author of fiction, Laura Harrington, adds yet another dimension to the Festival as her latest book tells a gripping and transformative story about the family left behind when its soldier is thousands of miles from home and assigned to hazardous duty.

Robin Gold, Executive Director of the Savannah Book Festival, says, “From the Siege of Savannah in 1779, the building of Fort Jackson during the 19th century and the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum with exhibits from World War II onwards, right up to Savannah’s Vietnam Memorial, it is very fitting for the city’s fifth annual Savannah Book Festival to commemorate such a wide range of war experiences.”

The Savannah Book Festival Inc. is an independent, non-profit corporation led by a volunteer board of directors.  It is committed to remaining free and open to the public and to celebrating the written word and its role in improving the human experience.  For more information, please contact Executive Director Robin Gold at (912) 598 4040, info@savannahbookfestival.org.

Taking place from February 15-19 2012 and overlapping the Presidents Day Weekend, over 40 author presentations take place in and around Telfair Square in the heart of Historic Savannah.

“Lose Yourself in Books,” this year’s festival theme, promises an unforgettable five days.  Day two, on February 16, offers a special evening event with Walter Isaacson, who is now #1 in the latest New York Times non-fiction best seller list with his biography of Steve Jobs A limited number of tickets for this presentation are still available for $10 per person and can be obtained in person at the SCAD Box Office, or by calling (912) 525-5050 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday or at www.scadboxoffice.com.  There will be a limit of four tickets to one purchaser.

On Sunday, February 19, as the five-day event concludes, the Festival’s Guest of Honor, Stephen King will give the closing address to a sold-out crowd.  King will include discussion on his newest novel 11/22/63 which revisits and revises the events around the Kennedy assassination.  His latest magnus opus has already reached the top of the New York Times’ latest fiction bestseller list.

The Savannah Book Festival Inc. is an independent, non-profit corporation led by a volunteer board of directors.  It is committed to remaining free and open to the public and to celebrating the written word and its role in improving the human experience.  For more information, please contact Executive Director Robin Gold at (912) 598 4040.