Mr. Patterson is a noted literacy philanthropist, having given more than three million books to school children and the military.
James Patterson, the best selling author in the world, will be the speaker at a literary gala October 30, 2019, at The Hyatt Regency Dallas. The event benefits Literacy Instruction For Texas (LIFT). The gala also kicks off the 50th anniversary of Bouchercon, the world’s largest mystery novel fan convention, October 31 – November 3, 2019.
“I’m delighted to be chairing this incredible evening featuring James Patterson, highlighting his commitment to literacy, as well as his incomparable contribution to the mystery/suspense genre,” said Gala Chair Carolyn Tillery. “For such an important cause and to kick off Bouchercon’s 50th anniversary in our city, we’re honored to showcase such an esteemed talent. We’re also thrilled to welcome more than two thousand mystery authors and fans from all over the world to Dallas.”
James Patterson has written more than 150 novels since 1976. He’s had 114 New York Times bestsellers and holds the New York Times record for most #1 Bestsellers by a single author, a total of sixty-seven, which is also a Guinness World Record. He’s the author of several popular series including Alex Cross, The Women’s Murder Club, NYPD Red, and numerous stand-alone mysteries, such as The President is Missing, co-authored with President Bill Clinton. He writes children’s, as well as young adult mysteries, and has been instrumental in fostering other writers’ careers with his co-authoring initiative.
Mr. Patterson is a noted literacy philanthropist, having given more than three million books to school children and the military. He’s donated more than $70 million to support education and endowed more than 5,000 college scholarships for teachers.
Fellow New York Times bestselling author David Morrell, best known for his book First Blood, which grew into the Rambo franchise, will interview Mr. Patterson on stage.
LIFT’s mission is to enhance lives and strengthen communities in the Dallas metroplex by teaching adults to read. Its outreach programs include a wide range of services from literacy classes, to job interview preparation, to money management. Their mission is to raise funds to support LIFT and make a meaningful impact in our community.
Tickets for A Conversation With James Patterson, a VIP cocktail meet-and-greet event, as well the Bouchercon 50th anniversary mystery novel fan convention are available at www.bouchercon2019.com. For sponsorship and volunteering opportunities, contact carolyntillery@att.net
Since 2015, as a thank you to independent booksellers, James Patterson has personally funded over a million dollars in holiday bonuses to employees of ABA member bookstores. In Texas, employees at Book People, BookWoman, Brazos Bookstore, Blue Willow Bookshop, Murder by the Book, Malvern Books, Katy Budget Books, and The Twig Book Shop have all been recipients of the bonuses. Also since 2015, Patterson has partnered with Scholastic Book Clubs Classrooom Library Grants and awarded thousands of grants to individual teachers, including many Texans, to use for buying books to build their classroom libraries.
