Bob Kustra

Author of "Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen"

In many respects, “innovation” is the buzzword of the 21st century. Corporations, entrepreneurs and research institutions tout its value as they seek to generate new knowledge, products and services.

But where does innovation come from? And how can we make it integral to our organizations? Journalist Jon Gertner offers some fascinating insights into these questions in “The Idea Factory: Bell Labs and the Great Age of American Innovation.”

Author of "The Arab Uprising: The Unfinished Revolutions of the New Middle East"

Author of "Turn Right at Machu Picchu"

For most people who watched American television in the 1950s, Rin Tin Tin was an exciting character on a popular show. But few know that this famous television dog was little more than a fictional namesake and pale shadow of a real dog whose story and abilities captured America’s heart nearly two generations earlier.

Author of "Imperfect: An Improbable Life"

Author of "The Brilliant Disaster: JFK, Castro, and America's Doomed Invasion of Cuba's Bay of Pigs"

They had returned home to America from World War II victorious and ready for a new life that included wives, children and hastily constructed homes with Buicks parked out front. On June 26, 1948, all of that changed. Hundreds of former pilots, mechanics and navigators were suddenly recalled to duty, many with only 48 hours’ notice.

Author of "The Idea Factory: Bell Labs and the Great Age of American Innovation"

Author of "Satchel: The Life and Times of an American Legend"

In “Playing with Fire: Pakistan at War with Itself,” Pamela Constable takes an insightful look inside one of the world’s most violent and interesting countries and the hopes, fears and aspirations of its diverse people.

A veteran correspondent for the Washington Post, Constable has reported extensively from Pakistan, Afghanistan, India and Iraq for the past 14 years. She steps behind the headlines to provide a revealing portrait of this nuclear-armed nation.

Author of "Rin Tin Tin: The Life and the Legend"

Author of "1493: Uncovering the New World Columbus Created"

Author of "Daring Young Men: The Heroism and Triumph of The Berlin Airlift, June 1948-May 1949"

Author of "Playing with Fire: Pakistan at War with Itself"

The world’s power structure is shifting, and we had better be ready to deal with the challenges and opportunities it is creating.

In “How to Run the World,” geo-political expert and economist Parag Khanna explores complex questions about how the world can deal with a changed global landscape in a more effective way.

Author of "How to Run the World: Charting a Course to the Next Renaissance"

Author of "A Forgotten Wilderness: Nature's Hidden Relationship in West Central Idaho"

From his biting sarcasm to his witty social commentary, Mark Twain defined 19th-century America. His classic literary works, including his beloved tale of Tom Sawyer and his more controversial story about the irascible Huck Finn, continue to enthrall readers of all ages. Ron Powers’ masterful biography, “Mark Twain: A Life,” captures the essence of Twain’s genius, pointing out his many talents and considerable flaws.

Author of "Mark Twain: A Life"