There is a certain kind of excitement that can only be found at a book festival. Readers wander from one title to another, authors share the stories behind their work, and unexpected discoveries happen simply because someone decided to pick up a book. That sense of curiosity and connection is what makes the Bookmarks Festival of Books & Authors 2026 such a special literary gathering. Taking place in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the festival brings together people who share a love for books while creating opportunities to discover new authors, explore different perspectives, and celebrate the many stories that bring communities together.
The Bookmarks Festival of Books & Authors 2026 concluded last September 26–27, 2026, marking the festival’s 21st anniversary. The main celebration transforms downtown Winston-Salem into a lively destination for readers, featuring author panels, readings, book signings, exhibitors, vendors, food trucks, and activities for visitors of all ages. The festival also welcomes young readers with a dedicated children’s area where children can participate in activities and receive free books, making the celebration an experience that families can enjoy together.
Literary festivals such as Bookmarks offer something that cannot always be found through a simple visit to a bookstore or an online search. They create a space where readers can encounter books in a more personal way. A panel can provide insight into an author’s creative process, a book signing can turn a title into a memorable keepsake, and an unexpected conversation can lead a reader toward a story they might never have discovered otherwise. It is this combination of literature and human connection that continues to make book festivals valuable to the publishing community.
Among the titles proudly represented by Citi of Books at this year’s festival is “Unsung Heroes 2: Bring Back The Redskins” by Marc Lande. The book offers readers another distinctive voice to discover and reflects the variety of stories and perspectives found within our publishing community. We are excited to introduce this work to the festival audience and give visitors the opportunity to explore the author’s ideas, experiences, and creative vision through the pages of the book.
For longtime sports fans, football is rarely just about the final score. It can be connected to childhood memories, family traditions, friendships, road trips, heartbreaks, unforgettable victories, and the players whose contributions often receive less attention than those of the biggest stars. In Unsung Heroes 2: Bring Back The Redskins, Marc Lande brings these elements together in a highly personal account of his decades-long relationship with Washington professional football.
Marc Lande is 3rd generation DMVer (DC-Md-Virginia Metro area person), 52-year-old Bethesda Chevy Chase High School alumni who is a die-hard of the Washington Wizards, New Yor K Yankees and his 1st sports love: the Washington Redskins, Washington Football Team, Washington Commanders Professional Organization.
His late Grandpa Joe, who served in World War II was the Senators #1 fan and had countless stories on Griffith Stadium. such as being down there with a wheel barrel selling sodas at Homestead Grays and Washington Senator games.
The book combines football analysis, personal memories, historical reflection, player recognition, opinion pieces, and detailed accounts of seasons and individual games. Beginning with the author’s experiences following Washington football from around 1980 onward, the manuscript moves through different eras of the franchise, from the Joe Gibbs years to the Washington Football Team period and the more recent Commanders era. It also revisits the author’s changing position on the franchise’s former name and Native American imagery, making the book as much about personal evolution as it is about football.
Ultimately, “Unsung Heroes 2: Bring Back The Redskins” is a book about fandom, memory, identity, and the people who make sports meaningful. Marc Lande looks back across decades of Washington football, celebrating legendary stars while deliberately remembering the lesser-known contributors who helped build each era. At the same time, he preserves his own journey as a lifelong fan, from childhood games with his family to recent playoff victories and the continuing debates surrounding the franchise.
For readers who understand that the greatest sports memories are often found in the people, places, and stories surrounding the game, Lande’s memoir offers a passionate and deeply personal trip through Washington football history.
Citi of Books at Bookmarks Festival of Books & Authors 2026 — celebrating authors, discovering new perspectives, and giving more stories the opportunity to find their readers