East Valley Knight to Bestseller: Jess Walter Inspires
Posted on 12/16/2024
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In early December, about 100 East Valley High School juniors and seniors had the privilege of meeting Jess Walter, internationally acclaimed author and proud graduate of East Valley High School. Walter, whose literary works have received widespread praise, including a #1 New York Times Bestseller title and multiple national awards, shared his writing journey with English Language Arts students.
He reflected on his early inspiration, tracing it back to his time as a 13-year-old student at East Valley Middle School, when he discovered "Breakfast of Champions" by Kurt Vonnegut — a book that sparked his love for storytelling and set him on his path as a writer.
Walter is celebrated for works like "Beautiful Ruins," "The Cold Millions," and "Citizen Vince," blending humor, historical insight, and emotional depth. As a Spokane Valley native, he remains deeply connected to the region, often weaving its character and history into his stories. During his visit, Walter encouraged students to explore their own creative voices and emphasized the value of persistence, curiosity and passion in any career.
This memorable experience left students inspired to pursue their creative aspirations, reaffirming that big dreams can start right here at East Valley.