National icons Sandra Day O’Connor and Colin Powell to share latest non-fiction works on Books & Co.

Sandra Day O’Connor, the first woman Supreme Court Justice, and Colin Powell, the first African American Secretary of State, to share latest non-fiction works on Eight, Arizona PBS June 23, July 7

PHOENIX — (June 18, 2013) Eight, Arizona PBS’ series Books & Co. will feature retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice and former Arizona state senator Sandra Day O’Connor, discussing the recent release of her newest book, Out of Order: Stories from the History of the Supreme Court with host Alberto Rios, June 23 at 2:30 p.m. Decorated war hero and top military leader Gen. Colin Powell (Ret.) will also star on the program to chat with Rios about his memoir It Worked For Me: In Life and Leadership, July 7 at 2:30 p.m.

The groundbreaking Justice O’Connor will take readers inside the rarely glimpsed inner workings of the U.S. judicial system’s highest court with her new book, which provides an insight into the history and evolution of the United States Supreme Court. O’Connor, who battled to win respect as a woman in the male dominated legal profession, has written several other books, including Lazy B: Growing up on a Cattle Ranch in the American West, which highlighted the beauty and hard work of her beloved Arizona home. Books & Co. will reveal O’Connor’s methods and insights on writing, including how she illustrated the personal side of the Supreme Court. O’Connor, who was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama, the highest civilian honor of the United States of America in 2009, will share how serving as a justice for 25 years provided the inspiration for her most recent work.

Powell, whose military career brought him from Harlem, New York to former President George W. Bush’s cabinet, will shed light on why he wanted to write this volume, which is filled with personal experiences and what he learned from them about leadership, including achieving goals and transforming dreams into realities. The 65th United States Secretary of State, who was also the first African American to hold the position, dedicated his life to the United States Army. Books & Co. will preview excerpts of the four-star general’s writing that emphasizes the power of leadership, courage and passion. Powell, who believes leadership is the key quality needed for success, will share why his latest book focuses on helping people create rewarding careers.

Viewers can enjoy new episodes of Books & Co. Sundays at 2:30 p.m. on Eight, Arizona PBS through July 14, and also online at www.azpbs.org/books. Books & Co. is an Eight original production made possible by the Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing at Arizona State University.