Special Feature
Patti Callahan Henry is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of 15 novels and the recipient of the 2020 Harper Lee Award for Alabama’s distinguished writer. She has also been selected as the 2020 Corts Distinguished Author and will take the stage at Samford University for the 10th Annual Tom and Marla Corts Distinguished Author Series on March 31, 2020. Beginning at 7 p.m. in Samford’s Leslie S. Wright Center, Henry will share insights and stories of inspiration from her highly acclaimed book, Becoming Mrs. Lewis, a motivational account of the life of Joy Davidman Lewis, wife of legendary writer C.S. Lewis. “I began this novel a little in love with the image of C.S. Lewis and a little enchanted by Joy and by Oxford, but what I discovered was a fascinating woman who teaches us about the great and worthwhile struggle toward the undivided life of a woman’s soul seeking God,” said Henry of her latest work. Becoming Mrs. Lewis beautifully documents Henry’s extensive research of Lewis’s fascinating life and her unlikely love story. The book was selected for The Christy Award for “Book of the Year” in 2019. Henry has also been a finalist in the Townsend Prize for Fiction, an Indie Next Pick, an OKRA pick, and a multiple nominee for the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance (SIBA) Novel of the Year.
The Tom and Marla Corts Distinguished Author Series was established in 2011 to highlight reading and literacy and provide financial support for Samford’s Orlean Beeson School of Education. “The Series is a testament to the love of literature and learning shared by our former Samford president and first lady. It is a privilege for Orlean Beeson School of Education to partner with the greater Birmingham community in extending their legacy,” explained Anna McEwan, Dean Orlean Beeson School of Education. General admission tickets are $10 for the public and complimentary for Samford students and employees. A book signing will follow Henry’s presentation. VIP tickets are $50 and include reserved seating at the lecture and a private reception and book signing with Henry at 5:30 p.m. Order tickets at tickets.samford.edu or call 205-726-2853. †
