By Daphne Lynd

New York Times best selling author Daniel Bergner stood in front of AP English students and choir members to discuss his book and how writing it impacted him as a part of Richardson Reads One Book.

The librarians and teachers who set up this event coordinated with Richardson Reads One Book for over a year, helping to choose the book “Sing For Your Life,” the story of Ryan Speedo Green, who went from a troubled kid to a successful opera singer.

“I mean its one thing to read the book but then to actually meet the author, listen to the actual person who is in front of you? It is a great opportunity,” English teacher David Townsend said.

When Bergner opened the floor to questions halfway through the presentation, junior Dusty Hill’s hand shot up to ask about Bergner’s thoughts on standardized testing and other novels.

“He seemed like a pretty alright guy,” Hill said. “But honestly I was a little bit aggravated because the way he spoke was very political, and he didn’t say his opinion.”

Junior Cameron Washington thought after he presented his opinions on how kids interact with the penal system that he delivered his point well, and she agreed with him that no kid should have to go through solitary confinement.

“I thought it was really interesting,” Washington said. “It was really informational and truly inspiring. Just hearing how you don’t have to live up to certain expectations, and you can set your own path.”

Starting as a teacher and making a point to wake up at 4 a.m. and write every day, Bergner now works as a contributing writer for The New York Times.

“[I feel] great coming to schools, in a single word, great,” Begrner said. “If I had my choice I’d be in schools. I spent fifteen years as a teacher and I love that time in the classroom.”