I'm a certifiable bookworm. A gigantic nerd when it comes to all things book related, throw me into a book store and you'll be hard pressed to get me out of there in a decent amount of time. I was raised like this, it's in my genes.

So you can imagine my delight when I saw that the National Book Festival will be continued this year! After Laura Bush started it in 2001, it was uncertain if our new first lady would continue the tradition but it appears that with or without Michelle Obama's support, the book fest will go on.

The other day, the list of participating authors was released and my inner twelve year old heart went pitter patter when I saw that Judy Blume would be there, and I couldn't help but wonder if I could find my beat up and battered copy of Are You There God? It's Me Margaret. Still to be determined, but I will do my best.

Additionally, for my inner romantic, Nicholas Sparks will be there; my favorite Food Network star - Paula Deen; and finally, Jodi Picoult who is an amazing writer as well. 

I'm pretty excited about the book fest this year - last year I took my mother and future mother-in-law as the parents were down for some quality bridal gown shopping, unfortunately I didn't get much time to tool around the festival. This year? I'll be waiting in line to meet my favorite's.

This year, the book festival is on September 26th here in Washington, DC on the National Mall. I'll be there with a library of books to get signed....will you?