David Baldacci

View Reviews of books by David Baldacci

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David Baldacci

David Baldacci has been writing since childhood, when his mother gave him a lined notebook in which to write down his stories. Much later, when David thanked her for being the spark that ignited his writing career, she revealed that she’d given him the notebook to keep him quiet, because “every mom needs a break now and then.”

David published his first novel, Absolute Power, in 1996. A feature film followed, with Clint Eastwood as its director and star. David has so far published 34 novels for adults and six novels for younger readers.

A lifelong Virginian, David received his Bachelor’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and his law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law, after which he practised law in Washington DC.

In addition to being a prolific writer, David’s efforts are dedicated to his family’s Wish You Well Foundation. It was established by David and his wife, Michelle, and supports family and adult literacy in the United States by fostering and promoting the development and expansion of literacy and educational programs.

Interviewed 22 July 2017

Ten words to sum up your working life to date ...

I truly live to write and I write to live.

Nine things you can see from where you're sitting ...

Books, maps, binders, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, Department of Homeland Security, Lockheed Martin, photos of my family, a signed photo of David Suchet as Hercule Poirot, a drawing of my heroine Vega Jane by my niece Zoe Collin.

Eight minutes to prepare a meal. What's it going to be ?

Pasta, basil leaves, fresh tomatoes, onion, mozzarella, minced garlic, thyme and extra virgin olive oil.

Seven people you'd like to go for a drink with ...

Barack and Michelle Obama, JK Rowling, John Irving, David McCullough, Helen Mirren and Benedict Cumberbatch.

Six things you can't live without ...

Books, pasta, wine, friends, boating and dogs.

Five favourite words ...

The book is finally finished.

Four places you'd run away to ...

Amalfi Coast; London; Smith Mt. Lake, Virginia; Provence.

Three books you've bought recently ...

Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan, All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr (for a second time; I loaned the first copy, didn’t get it back and wanted to read it again), and The Everything Man by Gregg Hurwitz.

Two things that make you rant ...

Bullies and politicians, but I repeat myself.

One thing you'd tell your teenage self ...

Chill out.