Celebrities have presented their books at the festival, as well, including Gregg Allman, Tavis Smiley, Hoda Kotb, Al Gore, Malcolm Mitchell, Dana Perino, Karl Rove, Michael Oher, Patton Oswalt and Vince Dooley. O'Roarke, Dave Barry, Walter Isaacson and Mitch Albom.

Over 350 authors have now been featured in the festival, including such notables as Stephen King, Anne Rice, Pat Conroy, Brad Thor, Vince Flynn, Janet Evanovich, Geraldine Brooks, Erik Larson, David Baldacci, P.J. Since that time, the festival has grown exponentially, spilling out of its Telfair Square origins into nearby Chippewa and Wright Squares. This newspaper was a major sponsor from year one, and has remained so to this day. The inaugural Savannah Book Festival, in 2008, featured 33 authors, most notably John Berendt, Mary Kay Andrews and Terry Kay - a trio of writers with deep Georgia roots. Robin, who retired as director after the 2016 Festival, was integral in establishing the key logistics for the four-day President's Day weekend event we see today. Jack's extensive connections in the New York publishing industry have been critical in getting top-shelf authors to come to Savannah.Įventually, the festival's board hired Robin Gold as its first full-time executive director. It did not take Jack very long at all to become a very vital part of the festival. Romanos retired from S&S in 2007, moving to the Landings shortly thereafter. Jack Romanos, a newly-transplanted Savannah resident who was the former president and CEO of the New York publishing giant Simon &Schuster, was another key addition.

Stephanie Duttenhaver, the festival's second president, came along soon afterward, and was instrumental in leading the festival to its current place of prominence, improving the festival's fundraising and operational aspects by leaps and bounds.

The Damned Don't Cry by Harry Hervey