In his new book, Pulitzer Prize–winning author Jon Meacham helps us understand the present moment in American politics and life by looking back at critical times in our history when hope overcame division and fear.  Meacham is the author of the New York Times bestsellers Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power, American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House, Franklin and Winston, and Destiny and Power: The American Odyssey of George Herbert Walker Bush, he is a distinguished visiting professor at Vanderbilt University, a contributing writer for The New York Times Book Review

Marc Freedman, CEO and president of Encore.org says the secret to happiness, longevity, and living on is through mentoring the next generation. Originator of the encore career idea linking second acts to the greater good, Freedman cofounded Experience Corps to mobilize people over fifty to improve the school performance and prospects of low-income elementary school students in twenty-two US cities. Freedman was named Social Entrepreneur of the Year by the World Economic Forum and the Schwab Foundation, was recognized as one of the nation’s leading social entrepreneurs by Fast Company magazine three years in a row, and has been honored with Continue reading…

Wednesday, March 20, 2019 8pm Jason Rezaian in conversation with Maz Jobrani discussing his book, Prisoner: My 544 Days in an Iranian Prison—Solitary Confinement, a Sham Trial, High-Stakes Diplomacy, and the Extraordinary Efforts It Took to Get Me Out Ann and Jerry Moss Theatre New Roads School 3131 Olympic Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90404 This event is part of our Newer Voices Series. General Admission tickets are complimentary, but we encourage you to support these newer authors and purchase their books. PURCHASE TICKETS/RESERVE >>> Pre-purchasing the book includes a Two Reserved Seats ($30) The dramatic memoir of the journalist who was held hostage Continue reading…

Howard Schultz is former Chairman and CEO of Starbucks, where he has been recognized for his leadership, business ethics, and efforts to strengthen communities. Schultz is the bestselling author of “Onward: How Starbucks Fought for Its Life Without Losing Its Soul” and “Pour Your Heart Into It.” His new book, “From the Ground Up” is a bold, dramatic work about the new responsibilities that leaders, businesses, and citizens share in American society today—as viewed through the intimate lens of one man’s life and work. It is part candid memoir, part uplifting blueprint of mutual responsibility, and part proof that ordinary people can do extraordinary things. Continue reading…

Thursday, February 28, 2019 8pm An Evening with Isaac Mizrahi discussing his book, I.M.: A Memoir Aratani Theatre Japanese American Cultural & Community Center 244 S. San Pedro Street Downtown Los Angeles, CA 90012 PURCHASE TICKETS $75.00 first three rows (includes book) $55.00 orchestra section (includes book) $45.00 balcony section (includes book) $20.00 balcony (on sale January 28, 10am)   Isaac Mizrahi (Libra) performs cabaret across the country, has written two books, hosted his own television talk show, and made countless appearances in movies and television. He has directed and designed many productions for the stage and screen. He founded his design company in Continue reading…

Gretchen Rubin writes on the linked subjects of habits, happiness, and human nature. She’s the author of the New York Times bestsellers “The Four Tendencies,” “Better Than Before,” and “The Happiness Project.” A member of Oprah’s SuperSoul 100, Rubin’s books have sold more than three million copies worldwide, in more than 35 languages, and on her  daily blog, she reports on her adventures in pursuit of habits and happiness. She also has a podcast, “Happier with Gretchen Rubin.” Her new book is, “Outer Order, Inner Calm: Declutter and Organize to Make More Room for Happiness.” 

Melinda Gates is a philanthropist, businesswoman, and global advocate for women and girls. As the co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Melinda sets the direction and priorities of the world’s largest philanthropy. She is also the founder of Pivotal Ventures, an investment and incubation company working to drive social progress for women and families in the United States.  In “The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World,” Melinda traces her awakening to the link between women’s empowerment and the health of societies. She shows some of the tremendous opportunities that exist right now to “turbo-charge” change. And she Continue reading…