Prominent, bestselling authors coming to campus this fall

This fall, North Central College welcomes to campus several noted authors—some are also recognized actors and a musician—as part of the College’s partnership with Anderson’s Bookshops in Naperville. The authors will discuss and sign copies of their latest books.

Here’s the lineup:

Wednesday, Oct. 8: B.J. Novak, author of “The Book wth No Pictures,” at 7 p.m. in Wentz Concert Hall at the Fine Arts Center, 171 E. Chicago Ave. Novak, known for his role as Ryan and his work on NBC’s comedy series “The Office,” presents an innovative, funny book for children and those who read to them.

Tuesday, Oct. 14: Eben Alexander, author of “Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon’s Journey Into the Afterlife,” at 7 p.m. in Wentz Concert Hall at the Fine Arts Center, 171 E. Chicago Ave. Alexander, a highly trained neurosurgeon, shares his patients’ and his own experiences after surviving a coma. 

Tuesday, Oct. 28: Jodi Picoult, author of “Leaving Time,” at 7 p.m. in Wentz Concert Hall at the Fine Arts Center, 171 E. Chicago Ave. Picoult, author of 22 novels and several No. 1 New York Times bestsellers, delivers a moving, intelligent page-turner.

Thursday, Oct. 30: Herbie Hancock, author of “Herbie Hancock: Possibilities,” at 7 p.m. in Wentz Concert Hall at the Fine Arts Center, 171 E. Chicago Ave. Hancock—noted jazz, R&B and hip-hop artist—reflects on his life and decades-long career in this long-awaited memoir.

For tickets and more information about these author events call Anderson’s at 630-355-2665 or visit andersonsbookshop.com. Based in downtown Naperville since 1878, Anderson’s Bookshops specialize in book sales, author events, booksignings and building a sense of community, learning and fun. Anderson’s Bookshops was named the 2011 Bookstore of the Year by Publishers Weekly, the highest honor recognizing independent booksellers. Becky Anderson Wilkins, co-owner of Anderson’s Books, is a 1982 alumna of North Central College and past president of the American Booksellers Association.

In addition, on Wednesday, Nov. 5, North Central College will host two authors as part of its Cultural Events program. Al Brunsting and Tom McFaul, coauthors of “God Is Here To Stay: Science, Evolution, and Belief in God,” will discuss their book at 7:30 p.m. in the College’s theatre at Meiley-Swallow Hall, 31 S. Ellsworth St. McFaul is North Central’s professor of ethics and religious studies emeritus and Brunsting is a physicist. 

These author events are some of many ongoing programs hosted at North Central College to enrich and broaden the academic and cultural outlook for the College and community. An Oct. 10 event with James Frey has been canceled.