The second annual Maine Festival of the Book is going on now through Saturday, May 17 in venues in and around Portland's Monument Square. Featuring two days of readings, panel discussions, book signings and performances for both kids and adults, this year's festival once again promises something for everyone who loves books -- just look at this year's schedule of events!

Among the authors in addition to Mr. Baldacci slated to speak at this year's festival include: Elizabeth Strout, author of Olive Kitteridge and Amy and Isabelle; Crystal Zevon, the widow of rocker Warren Zevon and author of I'll Sleep When I'm Dead: The Dirty Life and Times of Warren Zevon; Brian Wood, author of DMZ; Amy Sutherland, author of What Shamu Taught Me About Life, Love, and Marriage and a former reporter for the Portland Press Herald; Meredith Hall, author of Without a Map and Ellen Clooney, author of Lambrusco, to name just a few.

As with last year, MPBN plans to record some of these authors and presentations and make the audio available here after the festival.  In the meantime, more information about the 2008 Maine Festival of the Book, including a complete schedule, can be found at mainereads.org.