Conquest: Montezuma, Cortez, and the Fall of Old Mexico
Award-winning Colombian performer John Leguizamo is known for his cutting edge comedic performances in Mambo Mouth, Spic-o-Rama, and his Emmy award-winning HBO special Freak. He was part of the cast of ER, and starred in films including Moulin Rouge, Romeo + Juliet, Summer of Sam, and the sequel to the popular animated movie Ice Age.
Notorious Reader
Almost Home: My Life Story
Beatrix Potter: The Complete Tales
Popular Scottish actor Ewan McGregor is a man of many talents, from producing and starring in his own travel show to demonstrating his artistic range by starring in a variety of film genres including musicals, fantasy, action, and adventure. McGregor has starred in a number of popular films including Trainspotting, Moulin Rouge, Star Wars Episodes I–III, and Doctor Sleep.
Lord of the Rings
Orlando Bloom first found fame in the Lord of the Rings series playing Legolas, an Elven prince who joins the fellowship. Bloom, a British native, is best known for his roles in Kingdom of Heaven, Troy, and the Pirates of the Caribbean series.
Genius Reader
Marilyn Monroe
British theoretical scientist, author, and professor Stephen Hawking dedicated his life to reading and studying space-time, general relativity, and black holes. Hawking had ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease); thus, he conducted his research with assistive technology. Professor Hawking was a true hero of the mind and an inspiration to humankind. In his words, “one need not lose hope.”
Serial Reader
The Great Gatsby
From the unforgettable Hannibal Lecter in the critically acclaimed Silence of the Lambs to the haunted math professor in Proof, Anthony Hopkins plays every role with unmatched intensity. This Academy Award-winning actor has also been knighted by the Queen. Other notable films include Shadowlands and The Remains of the Day.
The Old Man and the Sea
Through his work with Microsoft, the software company he founded with Paul Allen, and his philanthropic work with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, this mogul knows that reading opens windows to the world.
Sublime Soprano
Anthology of Hans Christian Andersen's Fairy Tales
Go Tell It on the Mountain
Renaissance man Ethan Hawke has worn many hats throughout his career as an actor, screenwriter, novelist, and director. Hawke, who made his screen debut at age 15, has starred in several popular films including Dead Poets’ Society, Gattaca, Before Sunset, and Training Day, which earned him an Academy Award nomination. He has authored two books, The Hottest State and Ash Wednesday, and founded a nonprofit theatre company in New York called Malaparte.
Faithful Reader
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
Kelly Ripa has made her mark in television as an actress, dancer, award-winning talk show host, and television producer. She is best known as the co-host of Live! with Kelly and Ryan and the ever-popular soap opera All My Children. Kelly is known for her upbeat sense of humor and devotes a large portion of her time and energy to charity work.
