Category Archives: Author Essay
A Message from the Author of The Night Wanderers
Wojciech Jagielski, author of The Night Wanderers, discusses his new book on the story of child solderies of the Lord’s Resistance Army in Uganda in hopes of it serving as a warning against indifference: My book started with my years’ … Continue reading
A Message from Author Teju Cole
Teju Cole discusses his novel Open City (now in paperback) and its potential for use in college common reading programs: Open City is narrated by Julius, a young psychiatrist of mixed Nigerian and German heritage. The story begins in 2006 … Continue reading
A Volunteer’s Story to Inspire & Challenge Students
Alison Thompson, author of The Third Wave: A Volunteer Story (Spiegel & Grau, 2011), recalls her experiences as a volunteer; experiences she believes will both inspire and challenge students to pursue their own journeys of service and action: September 11th, 2011, marked … Continue reading
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Teaching Students How to Live
Sarah Bakewell, author of How to Live, has a message to share with her readers on why she chose to write Montaigne’s new biography: Why did I write about Montaigne? Mostly because I wanted to keep on reading him. Ever … Continue reading
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A Message for Empowering Introverts
Susan Cain, author of the new book, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, has a message to share with her readers on her own hurdles in not only finding acceptance in her introversion, but … Continue reading
Filed under Author Essay, One to Watch - New books on the rise!
Living Half a Life
Darin Strauss, author of the power and unforgettable memoir Half a Life, has written something special for his readers that we’d like to share on Common Reads. In Half a Life, acclaimed novelist Darin Strauss recounts a tragedy and its … Continue reading
