KPRC 2 is celebrating literacy and the important work being done to raise strong readers in our community. The Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation recently welcomed several best-selling authors to town to shine a light on the importance of literacy for people of all ages. We had the privilege of joining them, and now we are bringing their stories to you. Watch “A Celebration of Reading” in the video player below.
2024 Featured Authors
Jean Becker (Interviewed by KPRC 2 chief meteorologist Frank Billingsley)
Becker was chief of staff for Pres. George H.W. Bush for nearly 25 years. She wrote the New York Times bestselling book “The Man I Knew: The Amazing Story of George H.W. Bush’s Post Presidency” and editor of “Pearls of Wisdom” which features stories from Barbara Bush.
Becker’s latest book “Character Matters: And Other Life Lessons from George H.W. Bush” features personal anecdotes from heads of state to celebrities about the late President.
Chris Bohjalian (Interviewed by Lauren Bush Lauren, granddaughter of Pres. George H.W. Bush)
Bohjalian is known as the author of dozens of #1 New York Times bestselling books. His novels “Secrets of Eden”, “Midwives”, and “Past the Bleachers” have been made into movies. His book “Flight Attendant” is the inspiration for a TV series on MAX starring actress Kaley Cuoco.
Bohjalian released his most recent book “The Princess of Las Vegas” in March.
Gary Gulman (Interviewed by Houston Life host Derrick Shore)
Gulman is a stand-up comedian whose appeared on every major later-night comedy program and has five comedy specials, including HBO’s “The Great Depresh”.
Gulman credits trauma in his life with making him the person he is today and openly talks about his battles with anxiety and depression in order to help others.
His first book “Misfit: Growing Up Awkward in the 80’s” was released in the fall of 2023.
Brad Taylor (Interviewed by Pierce Bush, grandson of Pres. George H.W. Bush)
Former special forces officer Brad Taylor is a New York Times bestselling author. He’s written 18 books, including his most famous series which includes lead character Pike Logan.
The most recent novel in the series “Dead Man’s Head” puts Logan head-to-head with Vladimir Putin.
Taylor served in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He’s also worked as an assistant professor of military science at The Citadel.
Ruth J. Simmons (Interviewed by KPRC 2 anchor Candace Burns)
Simmons most recently served as president of Prairie View A&M University, Texas’ oldest historically Black college. Prior to that, she held the top position at Smith College and Brown University. She also is the former vice provost of Princeton.
Her memoir “Up Home” chronicles her life from her childhood in the segregated South to making history as the first Black president of an ivy league university.
Watch “A Celebration of Reading” in the video player at the top of this article.
Visit the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation to learn more about the organization and how you can support its mission.