Previous Speaking of Books Authors
10th SEASON (2024/2025)
Kimberly Williams-Paisley
This actress, producer, and director first lit up the screen in the film Father of the Bride. In 2014, her mother was diagnosed with a rare form of dementia called primary progressive aphasia. In her book, Where the Light Gets In, Williams-Paisley tells the full story of her mother’s illness drawing on her memories of her relationship with the fascinating, successful woman who raised her so well.
Wilmer Valderrama
Wilmer Valderrama is the star of the #1 TV drama NCIS and beloved from his role on That ‘70s Show. Valderrama’s new book, An American Story: Everyone’s Invited, is the remarkable true story of a young immigrant with a dream to change the world. An actor, producer, and entrepreneur, Valderrama is a leading voice for Latino representation in the United States and beyond.
B.J. Novak
In addition to being a global #1 best-selling author, Baldacci is also the co-founder of the Wish You Well Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting literacy efforts across America. He was selected as the 2024 PEN/Faulkner Literary Champion in recognition of his work devoted to literacy advocacy.
Jenna Bush Hager
Humanitarian, co-host of TODAY with Hoda and Jenna, literacy advocate, and best-selling author, Hager has written several books including Everything Beautiful In Its Time, a collection of essays paying homage to her beloved grandparents.
9th SEASON (2023/2024)
Andrew McCarthy
Andrew’s latest book, Walking with Sam, features his 500-mile journey across Spain with his son as he takes his first steps into adulthood. During the course of the journey, the two had more honest discussions in five weeks than they had in the previous two decades. This story reflects the father and son's intimate, open, and hopeful journey across the country and toward each other.
Michelle Williams
Michelle Williams, Destiny's Child singer and songwriter tells her story of overcoming mental health challenges while under the spotlight of fame and success as a member of one of the biggest recording groups of all-time. In her book, Checking In: How Getting Real About Depression Saved My Life and Can Save Yours, she opens up about her life in the public eye and her ongoing battle and victory over depression.
Kate Biberdorf
Through her theatrical hands-on approach to teaching, she hopes to encourage them to explore the realm of STEM. In her fictional series, Kate the Chemist, she shows kids how science is everywhere. She’s well known for performing live science experiments such as, Elephant’s Toothpaste, Fireballs, Bubble Snakes and so much more!
Sandra Brown
Sandra has been writing professionally since the early 1980s and since then, has published more than seventy novels. In 2008 she received the title “Thriller Master,” an award given by the International Thriller Writer’s Association. In her layered stories, she gradually builds suspense with twisting plots. Three television films have been created based on her novels and her work has been translated into thirty-four languages.
Additional Past Speaking of Books Authors...
2023
Stephanie Land
Dylan Dreyer
Danny Trejo
Danni Washington
2022
Jason Reynolds
Nicole Stott
Jamie Ford
Doug Williams and James Harris
Tyler Merritt
Nigella Lawson
2021
R.L. Stine (virtual)
Mark Bittman (virtual)
Marc Brown
2020
Romona Robinson
Kwame Alexander (virtual)
2019
Imbolo Mbue
Mike Massimino
Elizabeth Vargas
David Sheff
2018
Debbie Macomber
Sam Quinones
Bernie Kosar
Ruth Reichl
2017
Terry McMillan
Garth Stein
Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger
Jay Asher
2016
Michael Hingson
Forrest Pritchard
Sign Up for our eNewsletter
Stay up-to-date with all library news and events by signing up for our eNewsletter.