Join us for these FREE evening talks in July
with Sonia Purnell and Ruth Reichl
Presented by the Sun Valley Writers’ Conference and The Community Library
The Sun Valley Writers’ Conference (SVWC) is excited to again be partnering with The Community Library to host FREE lectures for the local community. This summer, two SVWC speakers will give free talks bookending the the Conference. We are excited to welcome two incredible authors—Sonia Purnell on Wednesday, July 16 and Ruth Reichl on Tuesday, July 22. Both talks will be held at 5:30pm in The Community Library Lecture Hall with book signings to follow (books will be available to purchase on-site).
These talks are both full, but there is a waitlist available.
Sign up at at comlib.org/2025/css/. You can also join via livestreaming (pending author permissions). Visit comlib.org/2025/css/ for more details. If you must cancel, please email [email protected] at least 48 hours in advance so we can reach out to those on the waitlist. PLEASE NOTE: the dates have changed—Sonia Purnell will now be speaking July 16 and Ruth Reichl on July 22.
SONIA PURNELL
WEDNESDAY, JULY 16
5:30pm at The Community Library
“Kingmaker: Pamela Harriman’s Astonishing Life of Power, Seduction, and Intrigue”
When Pamela Churchill Harriman died in 1997, she was often written off as a courtesan and social climber known for her glamorous life and many erotic adventures. But in her delicious and comprehensive new biography, prize-winning author SONIA PURNELL helps set the record straight in the captivating story of a woman who was at the center of power over five decades and two continents. In conversation with MARTHA WILLIAMS, Purnell will share the details of Harriman’s glittery and strategic life: how at age 20, as Churchill’s beloved daughter-in-law, she became a “secret weapon” during World War II, and how, later in the United States, she hand-picked Bill Clinton and helped propel him to the presidency.
RUTH REICHL
TUESDAY, JULY 22
5:30pm at The Community Library
“The Paris Novel”
RUTH REICHL, one of our best-known and most well-loved food writers, is the author of five memoirs, including Tender at the Bone and Save Me the Plums. She is also a captivating novelist, and, as you might imagine, her fiction is full of many sensory pleasures. In her delightful new book, the protagonist Stella is left with an unusual inheritance: a one-way plane ticket and a note reading “Go to Paris.” But Stella is hardly cut out for adventure; a traumatic childhood has confined her to the strict routines of her comfort zone. Reichl will talk to JENNY EMERY DAVIDSON about this novel that celebrates the city she adores and the many reasons for living deliciously, taking chances, and finding your true home.
ABOUT THE COMMUNITY SPEAKER SERIES
Since 2017, the Sun Valley Writers’ Conference has partnered with The Community Library in Ketchum to host free literary lectures for the local community. In 2021, the partnership expanded to become our year-round Community Speaker Series, featuring multiple free talks throughout the year, with a few speakers “bookending” the Sun Valley Writers’ Conference each July.
These talks, bringing our country’s brightest literary minds directly to the Sun Valley community, are typically held outdoors at Ketchum’s Forest Service Park or at The Community Library. They are free and open to the public (registration required). Past presenters include Judy Blume, John Vaillant, Javier Zamora, Curtis Sittenfeld, Imbolo Mbue, Erich Schwartzel, Ayad Akhtar, Tobias Wolff, Susan Orlean, and many more.
Be sure to check back regularly or sign up for our email newsletter to receive important updates and information about these events.
PLEASE NOTE:
By attending any Sun Valley Writers’ Conference event, you agree to our attendance & photo policy.
Support Our Mission
Your support allows us to bring these programs to life.