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Very Good Lives

The Fringe Benefits of Failure and the Importance of Imagination

Contributors

By J. K. Rowling

Illustrated by Joel Holland

Formats and Prices

On Sale
Apr 14, 2015
Page Count
80 pages
ISBN-13
9780316369152

Price

$19.00

Price

$25.00 CAD

Format:

  1. Hardcover $19.00 $25.00 CAD
  2. ebook (Digital original) $9.99 $12.99 CAD

J.K. Rowling, one of the world’s most inspiring writers, shares her wisdom and advice.

In 2008, J.K. Rowling delivered a deeply affecting commencement speech at Harvard University. Now published for the first time in book form, VERY GOOD LIVES presents J.K. Rowling’s words of wisdom for anyone at a turning point in life. How can we embrace failure? And how can we use our imagination to better both ourselves and others?

Drawing from stories of her own post-graduate years, the world famous author addresses some of life’s most important questions with acuity and emotional force.


  • "Humble and moving, full of ideals one hopes the world's most privileged young people will take to heart."
    Ron Charles, Washington Post
  • "A beautifully illustrated little book."
    Shaun Fitzpatrick, Bustle
  • "Include[s] plenty of uplifting nuggets and words of wisdom."
    Eliza Thompson, Cosmo.com
  • "It's sure to be a favorite gift for new graduates."
    Michael Giltz, Huffington Post
  • "One of the author's all-time most inspirational speeches."
    Josh Wigler, MTV.com
  • "The graduation gift book of the spring."
    Jocelyn McClurg, USA Today

J. K. Rowling

About the Author

J.K. Rowling is the author of the bestselling Harry Potter series of seven books, published between 1997 and 2007, which have sold over 450 million copies worldwide, are distributed in more than 200 territories, have been translated into 73 languages, and have been turned into eight blockbuster films.

As well as an Order of the British Empire for services to children’s literature, J.K. Rowling is the recipient of numerous awards and honorary degrees, including the Prince of Asturias Award for Concord, France’s Légion d’honneur, and the Hans Christian Andersen Award, and she has been a commencement speaker at Harvard University. She supports a wide range of causes and is the founder of Lumos, which works to transform the lives of disadvantaged children.

Learn more about this author