Lunch with Authors

On Wednesday, April 24, 2024 we welcomed Branson alumna Julia Rockwell '01, author of Mothering Earth: The Busy Family's Guide to Saving the Planet. Her publisher writes, “This Earth—and money—saving guide to sustainable living empowers families everywhere to fight climate change by making practical lifestyle changes—at home at their own pace... a road map to simplify and streamline our lives in a way that benefits overall well-being and the health of the planet—all without sacrificing comforts or turning our lives upside down.” Rockwell shared what inspired her to become make the significant lifestyle changes she has, her learnings along the way, and acknowledged the Branson teachers who influenced her the most.
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On Wednesday, February 7, 2024 we welcomed local author Anita Gail Jones. Her book, The Peach Seed, was recently published by Macmillan. Anita spoke about her beautifully lyrical novel that traces the history of one African-American family from slavery through the present times. Her publisher describes it as: “An indelible portrait of a family, The Peach Seed explores how kin pass down legacies of sorrow, joy, and strength. And it is a parable of how a glimmer of hope as small as a seed can ripple across generations.” 

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On Wednesday, May 31, 2023 we welcomed Ariana Shaheen Amini '91 and Christina Maheen Amini '95. Their incredible picture book Baba's Gift: A Persian Father's Love of Family, is sure to charm both young and seasoned readers alike. Published by Random House, it's described as "a radiant celebration of a Persian father's love of family, from his boyhood in Iran to his new life in America." It was a delightful conversation centered around picture books and their power to captivate and inspire, regardless of age. Watch the Zoom video

Read our recent profile of the authors in Crossways, Branson's alumni newsletter.

On Wednesday, May 17, 2023 we welcomed Dr. Craig Symonds. Dr Symonds is a Professor Emeritus of History at the United States Naval Academy, where he taught for thirty years, including acting as History Department Chair. Symonds, the author of seventeen books detailing U.S. military history, is the father to our very own Director of Studies Jeff Symonds. He spoke with Charlotte King-Mills about the incredible value of intensely focused historical research, what it means to deeply engage archives, and why it's important to share historical stories. 

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On May 3, 2023 we welcomed Kristin Ohlson '69. Kristin's new book, Sweet in Tooth and Claw: Stories of Generosity and Cooperation in the Natural World, is a timely piece of work that speaks to human interaction with the natural world. Kristin shared how we may co-create a mutually beneficial relationship with our environment, in service of climate health. 

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David Kudler, author of Risuko and Bright Eyes spoke with Librarian and Digital Media Specialist Charlotte King-Mills about historical fiction, self-publishing, and creativity across disciplines. David is the husband of Branson Theatre Director Maura Vaughn and the father of two Branson alumnae, Class of 2012 and 2016.

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We kicked off the Lunch with Alumni Authors series this year with a spooky edition, featuring Sasha Laurens '05, author of A Wicked Magic and Youngblood. Sasha spoke with us about the importance of Young Adult Fiction as a genre, and how fantasy and horror can inspire social change.

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