By Dawn M. Chiossi

Hosting its 5 th  Annual Festival of Books to take place on October 12 and 13, Morristown will be helping to celebrate the power of the written word, and its ability to transform and transport people to other places, other worlds.
Surrounded by books and authors, discussions, and other reading
enthusiasts, this event is every book lover’s delight for all ages and
reading interests to enjoy.
The Main Festival takes place on Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This two day festival aspires to bring together individuals and the
community though a love of books, reading and authors!
Taking place rain or shine, Morristown’s 5 th  Annual Festival of Books is unique. Instead of everything being held in one location, the festival will be more expansive, taking place in several locations in historic Morristown.
The author lineup is extensive: Featuring authors from a variety of
genres, there is definitely something for everyone. Genres include non-fiction, fiction, young adult fantasy, and children’s authors and
illustrators.
Modeled after other successful book festivals in other communities
throughout the world, the event features book sales and signings,
question and answer sessions, author presentations, sharing discussions and insights.
Aside from selected ticketed events, such as the Keynote Speaker, this
event is free. People can choose to make it a weekend to see everything, or just attend for a favorite author and book signing.
Opening the festival on Friday night, will be the Keynote event at 7:30
p.m. with former Secretary of State John Kerry discussing his new
memoir “Every Day Is Extra.” A question and answer session will
follow as well.
Tickets will be $50 for adults; $25 for those with student ID.
There will be a Kidfest event, because it’s never too early to expose kids to reading. In addition to the children’s books, authors and illustrators, there will be games, activities and snacks.
For the first time this year, there will be a book donation. The
Morristown Rotary will be collecting gently used children’s books for
underprivileged kids in New Jersey. So donate old children’s books
today and share the love of favorite books with others.
For all future writers out there, winners of the self-published fiction
contest for adults, and flash fiction contest for New Jersey High School students will be showcased at this festival.
The closing ceremony will include a Roaring Twenties Closing event; it brings to mind Paris and champagne, cocktails fun and opulence. This enjoyable event will feature “A Drinkable Feast : A Cocktail Companion to 1920’s Paris” by Philip Greene. Yes, cocktails will be served.
Author and Cocktail Historian, Greene introduces more than 50
cocktails, reveals who was enjoying them, and how to make them from the original recipes.
Tickets will be $20 on line or at the information tent on Vail Lawn.
For further information or details, and a full list of authors,
visit http://morristownbooks.org/#/ms-1/2.