Gala Author Tea, sponsored by ReferenceUSA

Buy your ticket(s) early to this often sold-out event.

Mon., July 1
2-4 p.m.
Advance tickets: $49, $45 United for Libraries division members; onsite tickets: $55.
Event code: UFL2
McCormick Place, N228

Don’t miss this traditional event. Bestselling writers Melanie Benjamin, Mark Billingham, Jeffrey Deaver, Wally Lamb, and Jojo Moyes, will discuss their writing life and forthcoming books. Enjoy tea, finger sandwiches, and a variety of sweet treats. A booksigning will follow, with some books given away free and others available for purchase at a generous discount. Purchase tickets early to this event, which is always a sell-out.

Melanie Benjamin

The Aviator's Wife, Delacorte Press/Random House
Jan. 2013; $26; 978-0-345-52867-4

Melanie Benjamin is the  author of Alice I Have Been and The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb. She lives in Illinois, where she is at work on her next novel.

Mark Billingham

The Dying Hours, Grove Altantic/Perseus
Aug. 2013; $25; 978-0-802-12148-6

Mark Billingham is perhaps England’s most celebrated crime novelist. A perennial #1 best seller, his books have sold over three million copies in the UK alone, have been translated into twenty-three languages, and received major awards, as well as rave reviews from his fellow writers. Having worked for some years as an actor and more recently as a TV writer and stand-up comedian, his first crime novel was published in 2001.

Jeffery Deaver

The Kill Room, Grand Central Publishing/Hachette
June 2013; $28; 978-1-455-51706-0

Jeffery Deaver is the international bestselling author of more than 30 novels, two collections of short stories, and a nonfiction law book. His books have been sold in 150 countries and translated into 25 languages. A former journalist, folksinger, and attorney, he was born outside of Chicago and has a bachelor of journalism degree from the University of Missouri and a law degree from Fordham University.

Wally Lamb

We Are Water, Harper/HarperCollins
Oct. 2013; $29.99; 978-0-061-94102-3

Wally Lamb is the author of four previous novels, including the New York Times and national bestseller The Hour I First Believed, and Wishin’ and Hopin’, a bestselling novella. His first two works of fiction, She’s Come Undone and I Know This Much Is True, were both number one New York Times bestsellers and selections of Oprah’s Book Club. He is the editor of Couldn’t Keep It To Myself and I’ll Fly Away, two volumes of essays from students in his writing workshop at York Correctional Institution.

Jojo Moyes

Me Before You, Pamela Dorman Books/Penguin
Dec. 2012; $27.95; 978-0-670-02660-9

Jojo Moyes was raised in London. She writes for the Daily Telegraph, Daily Mail, Red and Woman & Home. She’s married to Charles Arthur, technology editor of The Guardian. They live with their three children on a farm in Essex, England.