LA Times Festival of Books 2019

Michelle Franke is the executive director of PEN America in Los Angeles. Franke has spent the past decade developing arts and education programs, producing over 200 events across Southern California. Named a "Face To Watch" by the Los Angeles Times, Franke has taught in the UCLA Extension Writers' Program and at the University of Redlands. In 2010, she founded the literary journal, The Rattling Wall, which published the work of over 275 writers during its eight-year run. Prior to joining PEN Americ... Read More →

One of the leading writers and scholars at work today, Ngugi wa Thiong'o was born in Limuru, Kenya, in 1938. He is the author of "A Grain of Wheat," "Weep Not, Child," and "Petals of Blood," as well as "Birth of a Dream Weaver," "Wrestling with the Devil," and "Minutes of Glory... Read More →