Authors / Common Read (U)

<p>Mark Sullivan tells the incredible, true-love-conquers-all tale of Pino Lella, the main character of his bestselling novel <i>Beneath a Scarlet Sky</i>, soon to be a major television mini-series.</p><p>Mark is the acclaimed author of eighteen novels, including the #1 <i>New York Times</i> bestselling "Private” series, which he writes with James Patterson.

<p>White House Correspondent April Ryan has a unique vantage point as the only black female reporter covering urban issues from the White House – a position she has held since the Clinton era. </p><p>On behalf of the American Urban Radio Networks, and through her <i>Fabric of America</i> news blog, she delivers her readership and listeners (millions of African Americans and close to 300 radio affiliates) a “unique urban and minority perspective in news.” Her position as a White House Correspondent has afforded her unusual insight into the racial sensitivities,

<p>Garrison Keillor captivates with his signature blend of humor, charisma and wisdom as he shares his journey to becoming one of America’s greatest storytellers. </p>

<p>Garrison regaled audiences for more than 40 years as the host of <i>A Prairie Home Companion</i>, and brought stories to life on public radio’s <i>The Writers Almanac</i>.</p>

<p>A leader in criminal justice reform, Susan Burton shares her courageous odyssey in overcoming tragedy, addiction, and incarceration to help others like her find a new way of life.</p>

<p>For two decades, Susan has been a leading figure in the criminal justice reform movement. Her award-winning civil and human rights work has been instrumental in raising the visibility of the struggles and barriers faced by formerly incarcerated people, and in changing the narrative of mass incarcerated women.</p>

Kevin Hines, who survived a suicide attempt by jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge, inspires and educates others about living mentally healthy in the hopes of preventing more suicides.

<p>Named one of the 150 most powerful African Americans by <i>Ebony</i> magazine, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, an American Book Award recipient and two-time NAACP Image Award winner, “is reshaping what it means to be a public intellectual by becoming the most visible black academic of his time.” </p><p>Dr.

<p>Linda Greenlaw illustrates her approach to effective leadership amid volatility and the critical importance of preparation and extreme risk-taking in any setting.</p>

<p>Linda’s incomparable skill as a fishing-boat captain was first documented in Sebastian Junger’s <i>The Perfect Storm</i>, the best-selling book-turned-blockbuster movie that exposed the hazards faced by deep-sea commercial fishers.</p>

<p>David Baldacci enthralls as he brings stories from the page to the stage, with insight into his celebrated career as a best-selling novelist and his passion and advocacy for literacy. </p><p>David Baldacci is a global #1 bestselling author and one of the world’s favorite storytellers. His books are published in over 45 languages and in more than 80 countries, with 150 million copies sold worldwide.

From the pages of her #1 New York Times best-selling book and the critically-acclaimed recently released film, Jeannette Walls moves you to realize the power of the human spirit as she inspires courage in the face of new and longstanding fears, and reveals how our weaknesses can be our greatest strengths.

<p>Dr. Joan Morgan is an award-winning journalist and author, and a provocative cultural critic. Morgan&#39;s passion and commitment to the accurate documentation of hip-hop culture combined with adept cultural criticism placed her at the forefront of music journalism.</p><p>She was one of the original staff writers at <i>Vibe</i> magazine and a contributing editor and columnist for<i> Spin</i>.