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Capturing the Human Drama Through History with Garrett Graff

2024-09-10 13:00:00 2024-09-10 14:00:00 America/Chicago Capturing the Human Drama Through History with Garrett Graff Don’t forget to register for this incredibly moving virtual chat with <i>New York Times</i> bestselling author Pulitzer Prize Finalist Garrett Graff! Please register for the link. Virtual -

Tuesday, September 10
1:00pm - 2:00pm

Don’t forget to register for this incredibly moving virtual chat with New York Times bestselling author Pulitzer Prize Finalist Garrett Graff! Please register for the link.

An expert at capturing the human drama, Garrett Graff will speak about his body of work with particular focus on his oral histories, The Only Plane in the Sky: An Oral History of 9/11 and When the Sea Came Alive: An Oral History of D-Day

Much has been written and said about the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and the profound impact they had on America and the world. But those names, stories, and memories have never before been collected in one place to tell the full, 360-degree story of what happened that day, and in the days after. In The Only Plane in the Sky, award-winning journalist Garrett Graff draws on never-before-published transcripts, recently declassified documents, and original interviews and stories from nearly five hundred government officials, first responders, witnesses, survivors, friends, and family members to paint the most comprehensive, minute-by-minute account of the September 11 attacks yet, all told in the words of those who experienced that dramatic and tragic day. 

In his most recent work, When the Sea Came Alive, Graff explores the full impact of a world changing event: D-Day, one of history’s greatest and most unbelievable military and human triumphs. Though the full campaign lasted just over a month, the surprise landing of over 150,000 Allied troops on the morning of June 6, 1944, is understood to be the moment that turned the tide for the Allied forces and ultimately led to the defeat of the Axis powers in World War II. This book dives deep into the complexities—from the secret creation of landing plans by top government and military officials and organization of troops, to the moment the boat doors opened to reveal the beach where men fought for their lives and the future of the free world.

Graff’s work, filled with impressive detail, captures a human drama and history like no other. Register today!


About the Author: Garrett M. Graff has spent nearly two decades covering politics, technology, and national security. The former editor of Politico and contributor to Wired and CNN, he’s written for publications from Esquire to Rolling Stone to The New York Times, and today serves as the director of the cyber initiative at the Aspen Institute. Graff is the author of multiple books, including the FBI history The Threat MatrixRaven Rock (about the government’s Cold War Doomsday plans), When the Sea Came Alive (an oral history of D-Day), and the New York Times bestsellers The Only Plane in the Sky and Watergate, which was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in History.

Please Register for link to program.


Live Virtual Author Talks - This new series through Library Speakers Consortium offers live online talks by bestselling authors of books in a variety of genres. Participants receive a link to the program when they register. Please see https://libraryc.org/gailborden to register and also view recorded videos of past speakers.

AGE GROUP: | Virtual Live | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Virtual | Adult Programs |

TAGS: | |

Virtual

Phone: 847-742-2411

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Main Library
Explore our changing planet through a different lens, immerse yourself in incredible ecosystems and learn how the smallest of actions can have a big impact on our natural world.

Mon, Aug 10, 9:00am - 9:00pm
Main Library
Explore our changing planet through a different lens, immerse yourself in incredible ecosystems and learn how the smallest of actions can have a big impact on our natural world.

Mon, Aug 10, 10:00am - 11:00am
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A special interest group that encourages and assists with writing family stories and histories. Participants share their stories for help with ideas, clarification, and resources.

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South Elgin Branch - South Elgin - Hoffer Meeting Room
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Mon, Aug 10, 11:00am - 12:00pm
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Mon, Aug 10, 11:45am - 1:15pm
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Civil War-era discussion group. Meets 2nd week of the month. No registration.

Mon, Aug 10, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
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Opportunity to practice your Spanish in an informal setting led by our Volunteer Facilitator, Renee Ritzel. Please Register.
Registration opens Monday, August 10 2026 at 12:00pm

Mon, Aug 10, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Main Library - Sally Lee Fox & Eagle Rooms
Marvel characters are not the only ones with super powers. Join a naturalist from Kane County to learn about some of our local animals and plants that are as incredible as the mythical superheroes.
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Mon, Aug 10, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
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Mon, Aug 10, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
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Mon, Aug 10, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
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HYBRID program co-sponsored by the American Association of University Women Elgin Area Branch. Click the event title for the reading list. Facilitated by Barbara Njus and Gail Cohen. Please Register.