Dave Eggers’ first book, “A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius”, received kudos when it was published back in 2000 when he was just 30. He became the darling of the literary crowd because the book told of his topsy-turvy life’s journey up to that time — childhood in spiffy Lake Forest, the deaths of both of his parents from cancer within 32 days, moving to California, his unconventional conventional raising of his 8-year-old brother and so much more. In addition to being patted on the back by the media, he was a Pulitzer Prize finalist for general non-fiction.
Since then, he’s published more books, written screenplays and received the TED Prize.
Thursday, February 25, Dave will be the featured speaker at the 20th annual Highland Park Literary Festival at Highland Park High School’s Palmer Auditorium.
The event is free and made possible “with the cooperation of the HPHS English Department faculty and by generous contributions from La Fiesta de las Seis Banderas, HPHS PTA, HP Arts, HPISD families and HP Kids Read.”
Anne Besser, who is co-chairing the festival with Kathleen Whalen, just reported that there’s been a change of plans. Seems Dave’s itinerary has him leaving immediately after the presentation. Oops! The original plan had him signing books after his talk. Not to worry. They’ve just flipped things around.
Now Dave will be autographing books from 5 to 6:15 p.m. in the foyer of the high school’s main entrance. If you haven’t got a copy of one of Dave’s books, don’t worry. They’ll have them available for purchase.
Make sure you get there early, because there are schedules to keep and a plane to catch.
* Photo provided by Highland Park Literary Festival
Anne Besser says
Thank you MSC for helping us get the word out!!!