Author Biography | Interview | Books by this Author | Read-Alikes
David published his first novel, Absolute Power, in 1996. A major motion picture adaptation followed, with Clint Eastwood as its director and star. In total, David has published 32 novels for adults; all have been national and international bestsellers, and several have been adapted for film and television. His novels have been translated into more than 45 languages and sold in more than 80 countries; over 110 million copies are in print worldwide. David has also published five 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 practiced law in Washington, D.C.
While David is involved with several philanthropic organizations, his greatest efforts are dedicated to his family's Wish You Well Foundation®. Established by David and his wife, Michelle, the Wish You Well Foundation supports family and adult literacy in the United States by fostering and promoting the development and expansion of literacy and educational programs. In 2008 the Foundation partnered with Feeding America to launch Feeding Body & Mind, a program to address the connection between literacy, poverty and hunger. Through Feeding Body & Mind, more than 1 million new and gently used books have been collected and distributed through food banks to families in need.
David Baldacci's website
This bio was last updated on 10/16/2016. In a perfect world, we would like to keep all of BookBrowse's biographies up to date, but with many thousands of lives to keep track of it's simply impossible to do. So, if the date of this bio is not recent, you may wish to do an internet search for a more current source, such as the author's website or social media presence. If you are the author or publisher and would like us to update this biography, send the complete text and we will replace the old with the new.
Q. You exhibit quite an extensive knowledge of the FBI in general and
specifically the Hostage Rescue Team (HRT). How did you do your research?
A. I had been fascinated by the HRT for some time and I wanted to make my main
character, Web London, an HRT operator. I visited the HRT's headquarters, toured
the facilities, spend time with HRT operators, asked a zillion questions, read
everything I could find on them. I really wanted to get into their heads and
hearts to bring it all to life on the pages. I think I succeeded.
Q. There's a nonfiction book out right now called Cold
Zero by Christopher
Whitcomb which is a first person account of life inside the FBI and the HRT.
What do you think of his book and has he had any influence on you?
A. Cold Zero
is wonderful. I read it in one sitting. A profound look at a very complex
subject. Christopher
Whitcomb was an enormous help to me, my main contact at HRT. My book is far
better for his help and input.
Q. What was the most helpful thing Christopher
Whitcomb told you? What was the most surprising?
A. He allowed me to get into the heads not only of the agents, but of the
spouses, which I really wanted to do because I dealt with a lot of the spouses
of the HRT ...
There is no worse robber than a bad book.
Click Here to find out who said this, as well as discovering other famous literary quotes!
Your guide toexceptional books
BookBrowse seeks out and recommends the best in contemporary fiction and nonfiction—books that not only engage and entertain but also deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.