Gaithersburg: The Place To Be On May 21

Since its start in 2010, the Gaithersburg Book Festival has become a rite of spring. From an assortment of tents set on the grass outside City Hall, the festival has grown into a sprawling affair of author talks, children’s events, food trucks, and games and activities for all ages. The seventh annual GBF will take place on Saturday, May 21, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The original idea for the festival came from Jud Ashman, then a Gaithersburg council member and now the city’s mayor. Today, the GBF is produced by a core committee of city staff and volunteers and funded by sponsors. Attendance for the public is free, and P&P is proud to serve for the fifth year as the festival’s official bookseller.

This year, more than 100 authors will be participating. The list includes winners of every major American literary award, writers of national bestsellers, and a range of local authors. Among the most notable speakers will be: Mary Kay Andrews, Cece Bell, Gennifer Choldenko, Jeffery Deaver, E.J. Dionne, John Feinstein, Annette Gordon-Reed, Tim Kurkjian, Anthony Marra, Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, Diane Rehm, and Chef Eric Ripert.

“Personally, I’m especially excited about Roger Rosenblatt, who’ll be appearing in conversation with the great Alice McDermott,” said Ashman. “Rosenblatt’s novel, Thomas Murphy, about an aging Irish poet reflecting on his life while dealing with diminishing faculties, is a lyrical delight and, thus far, my favorite book of the year.”

The local writing scene will be represented by such area authors as: Cathy Alter and Dave Singleton, whose Crush: Writers Reflect on Love, Longing, & the Lasting Power of Their First Celebrity Crush is an anthology that’s received favorable reviews; Margaret Guroff, whose The Mechanical Horse is about how the bicycle reshaped American Life; and Paula Whyman, whose debut work of linked stories is titled You May See a Stranger.

As in the past, there will be lots of great programming for kids in the Children’s Village, featuring readings, performances and fun exhibits. And for the first time, adults at the festival will be able to purchase wine and beer (along with gourmet coffee and other refreshments), thanks for a new partnership between the GBF and Dawson’s Market.

So please come and enjoy the day!

— Brad and Lissa