Cost: $30.00 ticket with book

SOLD OUT!

Diane Foley co-founded the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation in the weeks after her son, American journalist Jim Foley, was beheaded by members of ISIS in the Syrian Desert in 2014. Inspired by the life, work, and moral courage of her son, Diane has worked with Congress and every presidential administration since, catalyzing action, research, and policy to win freedom for all US Nationals wrongfully detained or held hostage abroad.

Colum McCann won the 2009 National Book Award for Let the Great World Spin. His other novels include Song Dogs, This Side of Brightness, and the Man Booker Prize-shortlisted TransAtlantic. His most recent novel, Apeirogon, was longlisted for the Booker Prize, was a New York Times bestseller, and won the Prix Montluc, the Elle Prize, and the Jewish National Book Award. The co-founder of the non-profit global story exchange organization Narrative 4, McCann has written for The New Yorker, Esquire, and the Paris Review, among other publications.

In their collaborative book American Mother, McCann channels Foley’s voice as she tells the story of her search for justice and spiritual grace. Equal parts memoir, biography, thriller, and mystery, it follows Foley’s 2021 confrontation with the member of ISIS who had recently been given a life sentence for his role in the kidnapping, torture, and murder of her son.

Singer, songwriter, philanthropist, and human rights activist Sting is one of rock music’s most popular figures. Best known as the frontman for The Police and his prolific body of solo albums, he has been awarded 17 Grammy Awards, honors from the Kennedy Center, and knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II for his services to music. He has also acted in and scored a wide array of films, wrote a popular Broadway musical, earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and lent his name and time to numerous causes and charities. His song “The Empty Chair,” written and recorded for the documentary Jim: The James Foley Story, was nominated for the 2017 Academy Award for Best Original Song.

Because you love Author Events, please make a donation when you register for this event to ensure that this series continues to inspire Philadelphians.

*Seating is limited
Each ticket includes a copy of American Mother
A book signing with Colum McCann and Diane Foley will follow the presentation
Collect your pre-purchased book as you enter the auditorium
Books will also be sold at the event by The Head and The Hand
US orders only

The views expressed by the authors and moderators are strictly their own and do not represent the opinions of the Free Library of Philadelphia or its employees.