The Savannah Book Festival starts today.

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. with her latest release, “Circling the Sun.”

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

Young, author of “The Shack,” which has sold more than 25 million copies, will give the closing address at 3 p.m. Sunday. His latest novel is “Eve.” He 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. around Telfair, Wright and Chippewa squares. For a list of authors, go to www.savannahbookfestival.org.  

Tickets for the Thursday, Friday and Sunday talks are $15 and are available through Savannah Box Office by calling 912-525-5050 and online at www.SavannahBoxOffice.com.