Two Georgia Southern faculty members to present at 2026 Savannah Book Festival

Two faculty members from Georgia Southern University’s College of Arts and Humanities will be featured presenting authors during the 2026 Savannah Book Festival on Free Festival Saturday, Feb. 7.

Kendra R. Parker, Ph.D., from the Department of English, will present her book, “Understanding Octavia E. Butler,” at 11:40 a.m. Parker’s work offers insight into the life and literary legacy of Octavia E. Butler, exploring the cultural and imaginative power of one of science fiction’s most influential voices. 

Later that afternoon, Bennett Parten, Ph.D., from the Department of History, will present his book, “Somewhere Toward Freedom: Sherman’s March and the Story of America’s Largest Emancipation,” at 2:20 p.m. Parten offers a different perspective of Sherman’s March to the Sea by delving into the often overlooked story of thousands of enslaved people who experienced the march as a journey into freedom.

Parker and Parten are among more than 40 nationally recognized authors who will present their works during the Free Festival Saturday. All presentations, which are followed by Q&A sessions and book signings, are hosted at venues throughout historic downtown Savannah and are free and open to the public. 

The Savannah Book Festival is one of the Southeast’s premier literary events, drawing thousands of attendees each year.