Ann Patchett in Conversation with Melinda French Gates

As the New York Times writes, "Expect miracles when you read Ann Patchett's fiction." Join Patchett in conversation with philanthropist, businesswoman, and author Melinda French Gates for a discussion of Tom Lake, Patchett’s latest novel where compelling narrative artistry combines with piercing insights into family dynamics. In this beautiful and moving novel about family, love, and growing up, Patchett once again proves herself one of America’s finest writers. 

All tickets, with the exception of a limited number of Pay What You Can tickets, include a copy of Tom Lake, shipped to the ticket holder’s door by our partner bookstore.

Ann Patchett is the author of several novels, works of nonfiction, and children’s books. She has been the recipient of numerous awards including the PEN/Faulkner, the Women’s Prize in the U.K., and the Book Sense Book of the Year. Her novel The Dutch House was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. Her work has been translated into more than thirty languages. Time magazine named her one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World. She lives in Nashville, Tennessee, where she is the owner of Parnassus Books.

Melinda French Gates is a philanthropist, businesswoman, and global advocate for women and girls. As the co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Melinda sets the direction and priorities of one of the world’s largest philanthropies. In 2015, Melinda founded Pivotal Ventures, a company working to accelerate the pace of social progress in the United States. Melinda is also the author of the bestselling book The Moment of Lift. Melinda grew up in Dallas, Texas. She received a bachelor’s degree in computer science and economics and an MBA, both from Duke University. Melinda spent the first decade of her career developing multimedia products at Microsoft before leaving the company to focus on her family and philanthropic work. She has three children—Jenn, Rory, and Phoebe—and lives in Seattle, Washington.