Elin Hilderbrand | Thursday, May 2

Elin Hilderbrand is known as the “Queen of the Beach Read” and has written 33 novels, most of which are bestsellers set in the summertime of Nantucket. Her books have circulated more than 18,000 times among EVPL readers, and she is the 5th-highest circulating adult author at EVPL. Elin’s final Nantucket-based novel, Swan Song, is set for release this summer. 

A year-round resident of Nantucket, Elin enjoys going to the beach, cooking for her young adult children, and occasionally dancing in the front row at the Chicken Box. She is a grateful nine-year breast cancer survivor. 

Before her visit, EVPL will host a series of programs exploring Elin Hilderbrand’s works and themes.

Elin will discuss her works on Thursday, May 2 at 7:00 pm in the Aiken Theatre, Old National Events Plaza. Thanks to the generosity of the EVPL Foundation, this event is FREE and open to all.   

VIP Reception – SOLD OUT

Enjoy an intimate reception with bestselling author Elin Hilderbrand. Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served and you will receive VIP seating at the SPEAK. The formal presentation begins at 7:00 pm in the Aiken Theater and is free. Tickets cost $50 and proceeds benefit the EVPL Foundation.

Elin’s Titles

Learn more about Elin Hilderband

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Dr. Anthony DeBenedet | Tuesday, September 10

Anthony DeBenedet, M.D. is a practicing physician, writer, and behavioral-science enthusiast. He is the author of Playful Intelligence: The Power of Living Lightly in a Serious World, a book about the hidden ways that playfulness affects adulthood. He is also the co-author of The Art of Roughhousing: Good Old-Fashioned Horseplay and Why Every Kid Needs It, and Unplug and Play: The Ultimate Illustrated Guide to Roughhousing with Your Kids, parenting books focusing on the importance of parent-child physical play.

His interviews and writings have been featured in multiple media outlets, including the New York Times, TODAY, Washington Post, and TIME Ideas.

DeBenedet has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biomedical Engineering from the Duke University Pratt School of Engineering, a Master of Science Degree in Health and Healthcare Research from the University of Michigan Rackham Graduate School, and a Doctor of Medicine Degree from the University of Virginia School of Medicine. He completed his internal medicine residency and gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Michigan Health System.

DeBenedet lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he enjoys spending time with his family, connecting with friends, and playing a little basketball.

Dr. DeBenedet will discuss his research and works on Tuesday, September 10 at 7:00 pm at EVPL Central. Thanks to the generosity of the EVPL Foundation, this event is FREE and open to all.

About Dr. DeBenedet’s Books

• From Playful Intelligence: Today, we live in a taxing world. The endless pressure to keep up with our responsibilities and the daily headlines swarming around us can be overwhelming. DeBenedet’s work comes at a time when stress, uncertainty, and intensity levels are high. Playful Intelligence shows adults that there is a way to live lighter―and smarter―as we navigate the seriousness of adulthood. It’s not about taking life less seriously; it’s about taking ourselves less seriously.
• From The Art of Roughhousing: … (the authors) show how rough-and-tumble play can nurture close connections, solve behavior problems, boost confidence, and more. Drawing inspiration from gymnastics, martial arts, ballet, traditional sports, and even animal behavior, the authors present dozens of illustrated activities for children and parents to enjoy together—everything from the “Sumo Dead Lift” to the “Rogue Dumbo.” These delightful games are fun, free, and contain many surprising health benefits for parents. So put down those electronic games and get ready to rumble!
• From Unplug and Play:  … Every kid needs horseplay! Roughhousing is an essential part of childhood development, but it is increasingly overshadowed by screens and structured activities. In Unplug and Play, a doctor and a child psychologist, both dads, introduce parents to the benefits of physical play for young children. Drawing from gymnastics, martial arts, ballet, team sports, and even animal behavior, the authors present fun full-contact activities for parents and children to enjoy together. With activities for everyone from toddlers to kids ages twelve and up, you’ll build a foundation for a lifetime of enriching physical play. Previously published as The Art of Roughhousing, this updated edition incorporates new child development research and addresses the changing role of screen time.

Anthony’s Titles

Learn more about Dr. Anthony DeBenedet

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Victoria Christopher Murray | Thurs., October 24

Victoria Christopher Murray is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author or co-author of more than 30 novels, including the New York Times Instant Best Sellers The Personal Librarian and The First Ladies. With almost three million books in print, Victoria is one of the country’s top African American contemporary authors. 

A native New Yorker, Victoria Christopher Murray attended Hampton University where she majored in communication disorders. After graduating, Victoria attended New York University’s Stern Business School where she received her MBA in Marketing.

Victoria will discuss her works on Thursday, October 24 at 7:00 pm at Ivy Tech Evansville. Thanks to the generosity of the EVPL Foundation, this event is FREE and open to all.   

Over her career, Victoria has received numerous awards including the Phyllis Wheatley Trailblazer Award, the Delta Sigma Theta Osceola Award for Excellence in the Arts, Go On Girl Book Club Author of the Year, eleven African American Literary Awards and five NAACP Image Award nominations. In 2016, she won the Image Award for Outstanding Literature for her social commentary novel, Stand Your Ground.

In addition to being a New York Times Bestseller, The Personal Librarian was a Good Morning America Book Club selection and named a Best Book of the Year by NPR. The First Ladies was Target’s 2023 Book of the Year. 

She is also a Christian fiction writer, and five of her Seven Deadly Sins novels have become Lifetime movies produced by TD Jakes, Shaun Robinson, and Derrick Williams. The Personal Librarian has been optioned by Al Roker Entertainment to become a mini-series.

VIP Reception

Details about a VIP Reception to be held before Victoria’s SPEAK presentation will be released this summer.

Victoria’s Titles

Learn more about Victoria Christopher Murray

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