(PITTSFIELD, Mass.) – Deval Patrick, the governor of Massachusetts, will share “Lessons from an Improbable Life,” the subtitle of his memoir, A Reason to Believe, at the Colonial Theatre on Thursday, August 18, at 7, as part of the city’s third annual Word X Word Festival, which kicks off on Saturday, August 13, and takes place at over a dozen venues throughout the downtown, featuring more than 60 performances of original song, poetry, theater, fiction, and storytelling, through August 20.

In January 2007, Deval Patrick became the first black governor of the state of Massachusetts, one of only two black governors elected in American history. But that was just one triumphant step in a long, improbable journey that began in a poor tenement on the South Side of Chicago. From a chaotic childhood to an elite boarding school in New England, from a sojourn doing relief work in Africa to the boardrooms of Fortune 500 companies, and then to a career in politics, Patrick has led an extraordinary life.

In his heartfelt and inspirational book, the governor pays tribute to the family, friends, and strangers who, through words and deeds, have instilled in him transcendent lessons of faith, perseverance, and friendship.

The 2011 festival kicks off on the roof of the historic Greystone Building, an event named one of the hottest parties of 2010. It wraps up a week later with a closing show at the historic Colonial Theatre featuring Australian recording star Mia Dyson, national spoken word performer Buddy Wakefield, and Boston Music Awards  “new artist of the year” Kingsley Flood.

Gov. Patrick will be available following his reading for book signings.

With the exception of the opening night Rooftop Gala and the opening and closing shows, the entire festival is free. All Access/VIP passes, which include admission to the Rooftop, and Opening and Closing shows, are available.