About the Authors
Tom Shachtman
For print: 584K JPG
Photo credit: Mark Connolly
Critically acclaimed author Tom Shachtman has written more than two dozen books and many television documentaries. The Economist called his AROUND THE BLOCK: THE BUSINESS OF A NEIGHBORHOOD (1997) “a near-classic,” The New Yorker, “A grand idea, splendidly executed.”
His ABSOLUTE ZERO AND THE CONQUEST OF COLD (1999) was hailed by The New York Times as written “with passion and clarity,” and by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution as “an absolute delight.”
Publisher’s Weekly gave a starred review to RUMSPRINGA: TO BE OR NOT TO BE AMISH(2006), saying, “Shachtman is a sensitive and nimble chronicler …he uses the Amish rumspringa experience as a foil for understanding American adolescence, and identity formation in general…This is not only one of the most absorbing books ever written about the Plain People, but a perceptive snapshot of the larger culture in which they live and move.” Library Journal said, “A fascinating and near-unprecedented glimpse into the inner lives of Amish society…Sensitively addresses the unique position of the Amish and the challenges they face. Highly recommended.”
For more details, see his website, www.TomShachtman.com.
e-mail Tom Shachtman through his website, www.TomShachtman.com
Patrick Reynolds
Photos in high resolution files at www.tobaccofree.org/book/
A grandson of R.J. Reynolds, Patrick Reynolds’ advocacy work, motivational talks to youth and appearances in the national press have made him a well known and respected champion of a smoke-free society. In 1989, Mr. Reynolds founded the Foundation for a Smokefree America and in 1994, the website, Tobaccofree.org. The nonprofit group’s mission is to motivate youth to stay tobacco-free, and empower smokers to quit successfully.
An educational video of a live talk he gave to 1,000 ninth graders was purchased by 6,000 schools and health departments. Russell Henke, an evaluator of Health Education Materials for Montgomery County, Maryland Public Schools called it “the best and most up-to-date video on the topic of teen and adult tobacco use. It has no weaknesses. In my opinion, after viewing many similar videos, it is the best video available.” School Library Journal said, “Amusing and effective takeoffs of popular cigarette ads…This production, with its humor and varied format, is a powerful reminder of all the reasons to avoid tobacco, and a useful resource for drug/tobacco education programs in middle and high schools.”
In July, 2006, Mr. Reynolds released a version of the video on DVD for families, A Talk With Your Kids About Smoking. It is available on Amazon.com or at Tobaccofree.org.
Mr. Reynolds is a sought-after speaker at colleges, middle schools and high schools, and his motivational talks are often sponsored by hospitals and corporations as a community outreach. He continues his volunteer advocacy work for the tobaccofree cause, and has appeared on Oprah, The Today Show, CNN, Good Morning America, Larry King, Fox News, CNBC, Fox News Channel and MSNBC. He has been profiled by ABC, CBS and NBC Evening News, and by many of the world’s leading dailies and radio networks.
Bio: www.Tobaccofree.org.bio.htm
Contact Patrick Reynolds through Lupe Lopez, tel 1(310)471-0303
or at Lopez[Type in "a t" symbol]anti-smoking.org