Summer Author Talks at the Boston Public Library

Tues, July 10, 6 p.m. Rabb Lecture Hall.

• Summerland, Elin Hilderbrand’s latest novel, begins as a graduation night celebration ends in tragedy. As the story unfolds, Hilderbrand explores the power of community, family, and honesty. Summerland is the latest in a series of best-selling books by Hilderbrand using Nantucket as a setting.

Tues, July 17, 6 p.m., Rabb Lecture Hall

• In The Next Best Thing, bestselling author and Hollywood veteran Jennifer Weiner takes her readers into the world of Los Angeles show business culture. With an insider’s ear and eye for writers’ rooms and set politics, Weiner tells a heartfelt story about what it’s like for a young woman to love and lose in the land where dreams come true. Jennifer Weiner is the author of ten novels, including In Her Shoes.

Tues, July 24, 6 p.m. Rabb Lecutre Hall

• Gerald Chertavian, founder and CEO of Year Up, a program that offers low-income young adults training, mentorship, internships, and ultimately real jobs, will speak on his book, A Year Up: How a Pioneering Program Teaches Young Adults Real Skills for Real Jobs with Real Success. Chertavian has dedicated his life to closing what he sees as an “opportunity divide” that strands millions of young, disadvantaged, yet motivated workers at the bottom of the job ladder.

Wed, July 25, 6 p.m. Commonwealth Salon

• Brothers Max and Whit Alexander will discuss Bright Lights, No City: An African Adventure on Bad Roads with a Brother and a Very Weird Business Plan. The book was born when, at age 47, Whit Alexander, the American co-founder of the Cranium board game, decided to start a new business selling affordable goods and services to low-income villagers in Ghana, West Africa. His brother Max, a journalist, came along to tell the irreverent, hilarious, and ultimately inspiring story. 

Tue, July 31, 6 p.m. Commonwealth Salon

• Sam Kean will discuss The Violinist’s Thumb in which he explores the wonders of the magical building block of life, DNA. Kean's vibrant storytelling makes science entertaining, explaining human history and whimsy, while showing how DNA will influence our species' future. Sam Kean is the author of the New York Times bestseller The Disappearing Spoon and his work has appeared in the New York Times Magazine, Mental Floss, Slate, the New York Post, and New Scientist.