For years the world has enjoyed the work of authors of various genres who not only entertain but create dialogue through their books. They have given so much to readers, and now those readers are able to give something back.

Conversations Presents Its "Literary Legends 2009"

For years the world has enjoyed the work of authors of various genres who not only entertain but create dialogue through their books. They have given so much to readers, and now those readers are able to give something back.

Conversations Book Club and its supporters are pleased to announce one of its most historic recognitions of those making an impact in publishing today. Introducing "Literary Legends" Class of 2009:


1. V. C. Andrews
2. Maya Angelou
3. Steven Barnes
4. Reshonda Tate Billingsley
5. Wahida Clark
6. Jackie Collins
7. Tananarive Due
8. Roy Glenn
9. Father Andrew Greeley
10. John Grisham
11. James Earl Hardy
12. Jerry B. Jenkins
13. Deja King/Joy King
14. Stephen King
15. Dean R. Koontz
16. Judith Krantz
17. Tony Lindsay
18. Mary Monroe
19. Andrew Neiderman
20. Francis Ray
21. J. K. Rowling
22. John Saul
23. Sidney Sheldon
24. Erica Spindler
25. Stuart Woods
This is one of the first times that such a culturally diverse list has been compiled, a fact that is not lost on Conversations Book Club Founder and President Cyrus A. Webb (www.cyruswebb.com). "Something like this is well overdue," says Webb, 34. His literary organization has made history since its inception in November 2006 by being one of the only book clubs that has members of both sexes meeting together to discuss books of all genres. To date there are 10 chapters of Conversations Book Club in four states with a combined total of over 100 attendees to its meetings each year. "Beginning this year we are going to be selecting 25 authors who our groups feel as though have made a lasting impact on literacy and are encouraging aspiring authors as well."

Webb feels as though it is only appropriate that a book club as diverse as Conversations should be taking the lead in recognizing these authors and introducing them to a new audience as well. "Though the authors have been around for a while," Webb says, "some people still may not know them and what they have contributed to the world. I feel as though this is a win-win for the authors and readers.

The website www.literarylegends2009.com has been created to share not only information about the authors being recognized but interviews that Webb has done with them either on his radio show or though his website and Conversations Magazine.

This will be an annual listing that will be revealed in September of each year. For more information about the Conversations brand, contact Cyrus A. Webb at cawebb4.juno.com or 601.896.5616.