Bainbridge Island will bring together authors, readers and book lovers in October for a two-day event, Bainbridge Book Festival. This inaugural festival — inspired by renowned book festivals nationwide, including those in Portland, Chicago and Savannah — promises to be a vibrant celebration of literature and community.
The event will feature readings and panel discussions by authors from the Pacific Northwest and across the United States, spanning various genres. The Bainbridge Book Festival will donate a portion of merchandise and book sales to support youth literacy programs.
Highlights of the festival include:
- A diverse lineup of well-known authors discussing their latest books, sharing their insights and experiences
- Readings and panel discussions on various literary topics, with time for Q&A with audience members
- A special poetry program presented by the Bainbridge Island Poet Laureate program in the art galleries at the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art
- A festival tent where attendees can purchase books and official festival merchandise
- A ticketed even on Friday evening — featuring keynote speaker Nicola Yoon, New York Times bestselling author of “One of Our Kind” — that will help support Festival Saturday
- Festival Saturday featuring a full day of author readings and panels, free and open to all
“Bainbridge Island is home to many authors and poets, and has an outsized cultural scene for its relatively small size,” said Nancy Goll, founder and co-president of the festival. “We’re excited to add a book festival to the mix and create another way for attendees to connect and build community.”
Goll has worked for many years in marketing and corporate communications for nonprofits, corporations, and now a digital marketing agency. She and her family have lived on Bainbridge since 2009. Originally from Chicago and an avid reader, she was captivated when she attended the Printers Row Lit Festival in 2022. She realized Bainbridge Island would be the perfect setting for a similar event.
She discussed the idea with Jane Danielson, owner of Eagle Harbor Book Co., a beloved local bookstore for over 50 years. Danielson moved into bookselling after a lengthy corporate career in product development — and found her passion. Before buying the store with her husband in 2016, she was the events manager and a tireless hand-seller of books – her favorite pastime. In the time she’s been at the store, Eagle Harbor Books has hosted hundreds of author events.
The Bainbridge Book Festival is a natural evolution for these two lifelong book champions.
Confirmed Saturday Authors
The first round of confirmed authors for Saturday’s events includes a diverse mix of genres and voices, offering something for every reader. Attendees can explore new genres, meet their favorite authors and perhaps even find a new favorite book. Whether you’re a lifelong bibliophile or just looking for a new way to connect with your community, the Bainbridge Book Festival has something for everyone.
Confirmed authors include:
- Neely Tubati Alexander, author of “In a Not So Perfect World” and the award-winning “Love Buzz”
- Chelsea Bieker, author of “Madwoman” and the award-winning “Godshot”
- Laurel Braitman, bestselling author and educator known for “What Looks Like Bravery”
- Johnny Compton, horror writer and author of “Devils Kill Devils”
- Taha Ebrahimi, director of Tableau Public and author of “Street Trees of Seattle”
- Jonathan Evison, New York Times bestselling author of “Again and Again” and “Small World”
- Diana Helmuth, award-winning author of “The Witching Year”
- Rachel Khong, author of the acclaimed novel “Real Americans”
- Laurie Frankel, bestselling author of “Family, Family” and “This Is How It Always Is”
- Sonora Jha, author of “The Laughter”
- Rachel Linden, author of “Recipe for a Charmed Life”
- Jane Marie, Peabody and Emmy Award-winning journalist, author of “Selling the Dream”
- Caroline Paul, author of “Tough Broad” and “The Gutsy Girl”
- Ashley Rodriguez, food writer and author of “Rooted Kitchen”
- John Scalzi, bestselling science fiction author of “Starter Villain”
- Tanmeet Sethi, MD, author of “Joy is My Justice”
- Hampton Sides, bestselling historian and author of “The Wide Wide Sea”
- Randall Sullivan, author of “Graveyard of the Pacific” and longtime contributing editor to Rolling Stone
- Sophie Sullivan, Canadian romance author known for “Can’t Help Falling in Love”
- Michela Tartaglia, chef and author of “Pasta for All Seasons”
- Rebecca Thorne, fantasy author of “A Pirate’s Life for Tea”
- Susan Wiggs, author of “Welcome to Beach Town” and more than 50 novels
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