From the books that inspired this summer’s must-watch television to new novels from beloved authors, these speakers have made sure that there’s no shortage of great reads this summer.

Tommy Orange

Tommy Orange is the author of the novel, There There, a multi-generational, relentlessly paced story about the lives of urban Native Americans. Orange is an immensely talented writer and a gifted speaker who discusses his experience as a writer working in an underrepresented historical context. Orange’s presentations thoughtfully explore identity and community, bringing one of the summer’s most exciting books to life.

 

Gillian Flynn

The television adaptation of Gillian Flynn’s acclaimed first novel, Sharp Objects, produced by Flynn, starring Amy Adams, and premiering on HBO on July 8, is already shaping up to be one of the summer’s buzziest shows. The story of a reporter investigating the murders of two young girls in her long-abandoned hometown, this adaptation is the latest project from Flynn, whose multilayered, gripping thrillers like Dark Places and the bestselling Gone Girl, have captivated audiences everywhere.

Debbie Macomber

Beloved author Debbie Macomber delivers a charming and thoughtful novel perfect for new and old fans alike. In the upcoming Cottage by the Sea, set for release on July 17, 2018, Macomber weaves an inspiring tale of resilience through the story of a young woman who finds a way to leave her troubled past behind. A sought-after speaker for library audiences, Macomber is just as warm and inviting as her books, bringing readers into the writing process of a legendary author.

Carl Hiaasen

Carl Hiaasen, best known for his satirical thrillers, recently published Assume the Worst, a commencement speech to recent graduates unlike any other. Brimming with bleak humor, pragmatic optimism, and fittingly witty illustrations by Roz Chast, Hiaasen brings a sense of humor to the concerns of anyone trying to navigate a change in their life. A charming and funny speaker, Hiaasen draws on his years of experience as a writer, including his columns, novels set in his home state of Florida, and books for young readers, to bring audiences into his process.

 

Lauren Groff

Lauren Groff is an award-winning author whose work includes Fates and Furies, which was a finalist for the National Book Award and President Barack Obama’s favorite book of 2015. Groff is a warm, engaging, and thoughtful speaker who is driven by a genuine desire to connect with her audience while discussing her bestselling works. Florida, her new collection of short stories anchored in her adopted home state, delivers unexpected and powerful reflections on motherhood, aging, and family.

Meg Wolitzer

A celebrated author known for work like the bestselling The Interestings and The Uncoupling, Meg Wolitzer has reentered the literary spotlight with The Female Persuasion. A sweeping portrait that follows characters through college, mentorship, triumph, and tragedy, it is both an intimate character study and a larger meditation on the history and current state of feminism. An instant bestseller, The Female Persuasion, along with Wolitzer’s other acclaimed work, informs her talks about the continued relevance of fiction, and navigating the politics of being a female writer.