The Savannah Book Festival will take place this weekend, starting Thursday.

Paula McLain, Erik Larson and William Paul Young will headline the celebration of the written word. McLain, author of New York Times bestselling novel “The Paris Wife,” will present the opening address at 6 p.m. Thursday with her latest release, “Circling the Sun.”

Larson is this year’s keynote speaker and brings his newest historical thriller, “Dead Wake,” about the sinking of the Lusitania, to his event at 6 p.m. Friday.

Closing the Festival Young, author of “The Shack,” which has sold more than 25 million copies. His latest novel is “Eve.” He will give the closing address at 3 p.m. Sunday.

The biggest day of the festival is Saturday, when about 40 free author presentations and book signings will be offered from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in and around Telfair, Wright and Chippewa squares. For a complete list of authors, go to www.savannahbookfesti val.org.

Individual tickets for the Thursday, Friday and Sunday author appearances are $15 and are available through Savannah Box Office by calling 912-525-5050, online at www.SavannahBoxOffice.com and in person the box office, 216 E. Broughton St., Savannah, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.