The Book Stroll is coming to New Town, bringing together regional authors and local businesses for an evening that showcases them both.
Between 3 and 6 p.m. Friday, Cakealicious, Iron-Bound Gym, Laney’s Jewelry, Bead Tender, Great American Cookie, and American Family Fitness – all merchants in New Town off Monticello Avenue – will each feature one of six regional authors who will be meeting with fans, discussing their work, and selling and signing copies of their books.
“The New Town merchants have enthusiastically embraced the concept of the Book Stroll, so I hope to see people roaming the streets with books in their hands while they check out all that New Town has to offer,” said Greg Lilly, founder of the Williamsburg Book Festival, in a news release.
Boasting books ranging from military history to mysteries to memoirs, the Book Stroll aims to attract readers of all genres.
Young readers may enjoy the works of Jacqueline Johnson, author of three young adults novels set against a backdrop of war, intrigue, and adventure.
Those with an interest in crime and intelligence won’t want to miss their opportunity to meet David Cariens, retired CIA officer and author of four non-fiction books that draw on his 31 years of experience in intelligence and crime analysis.
Readers looking for something a little different will want to check out Sally Stiles’ memoir “Plunge!” which takes a modern look at love and romance spanning multiple continents.
Other offerings include an empowering tale of a groundbreaking female Native American shaman from Nicki Peet, a military-spy thriller from Jeff Drifmeyer, and a classic mystery from Cindy Freeman.
Each of the authors participating in the Book Stroll has ties to Williamsburg or the surrounding communities, which featured author Jacqueline Johnson believes gives the event an exciting twist.
“The Book Stroll creates a unique [perspective] that introduces local authors to the community where we also raise our families, work, shop and play,” Johnson said.
Book enthusiasts who are looking for a challenge will want to make sure they collect at least five of the six bookmarks that will be available at each of the authors’ booths in order to qualify to enter a drawing for a $100 gift certificate to Opus 9 Steakhouse.
Event planners hope the inclusion of this interactive element will encourage people to branch out and talk to authors who they may not have heard of before.
“This is a new opportunity for readers to discover their next favorite author,” Lilly said.
The Book Stroll is not the only event enticing locals to the New Town area on Friday.
Nationwide Insurance is bringing Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s 2015 No. 88 Nationwide Chevrolet SS show car and racing simulator to New Town, where it will be displayed behind the movie theater from 1 to 7 p.m. Organizers hope racing enthusiasts and book enthusiasts alike will turn out for a fun night set against a background of local businesses.