Pulitzer Prize-winning author will kick off book tour in Newberg

Nicholas Kristof, an Oregon native who gained notoriety as a journalist covering the world, will make his way to eastern Yamhill County in June to speak before the Newberg City Club.

Kristof will highlight his newest book, “Chasing Hope,” which recounts his path from his family’s home in Yamhill to regions throughout the globe during an event open to the public.

“He writes about some of the great members of his profession and introduces us to extraordinary people he has met, such as the dissident who he helped escape from China and a Catholic nun who browbeat a warlord into releasing schoolgirls he had kidnapped,” a release from the City Club stated. “These are the people, the heroes, who have allowed Kristof to remain optimistic. Side by side with the worst of humanity, you always see the best.”

Luring the former New York Times reporter, foreign correspondent, bureau chief and now columnist to Newberg was no mean task.

“I was always trying to figure out a way to get him on the programs years ago,” said City Club member Claudia Smith. “Not even his run for governor brought him to Newberg!”

However, two other City Club members – Ann Dolan and Diane Ragsdale – convinced the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist to come to Newberg to kick off his book tour.

The City Club meeting is set for noon June 4 at the Chehalem Cultural Center, 415 E. Sheridan St. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and the buffet will be served at 11:45 a.m. To make reservations for lunch, email cityclubofnewberg@gmail.com by May 28. The cost for City Club members to attend and enjoy the meal is $15 and $20 for non-members. Those members wishing to attend but not dine can obtain a ticket for $4, or $7 for non-members.

Kristof is the author of five previous books: “Tightrope,” “A Path Appear,” “Half the Sky,” “Thunder from the East” and “China Wakes.” In addition to his first Pulitzer Prize for his and wife Sheryl Dunn’s coverage of China, he earned the honor for his columns on Darfur.