Posted by BEN BEAUMONT – A renowned author, publisher, reviewer and nonprofit proprietor, Dave Eggers wears many hats. Best-known for his award-winning books, including his memoir, “A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius,” and his epic novel “What is the What” about Sudanese “Lost Boy” Valentino Achak Deng, Eggers spoke to a packed house Wednesday night at the Clinton School.
After an introduction from Clinton School grad Ryan Lewis who works for the Eggers-founded nonprofit 826 National, Eggers read from his memoir and discussed his work with 826 National, a nonprofit tutoring, writing and publishing organization dedicated to helping 6- to 18-year-olds enhance their writing skills. 826 national works mostly with inner-city children and believes that strong writing skills are fundamental to future success, Eggers said. They have chapters in San Francisco, New York, LA, Chicago, Seattle, Boston and Michigan.
During the Q&A session Eggers also discussed his work with the Valentino Achak Deng Foundation, which directs all proceeds from “What is the What” to benefit the Sudanese in America and Sudan, and 826 National, which operates creative writing workshops for inner-city children in six major U.S. cities.
Video of Eggers lecture will posted at www.clintonschoolspeakers.com in the coming days.
