alsharpton.jpgNEW YORK (AP) Rev. Al Sharpton is getting 2011 off to a quick start.

The civil rights activist announced Sunday that he will be working with author Karen Hunter on a book. It's going to be a look at his life and the state of the country. The working title is "Mountain Highs and Valley Lows'' and additional details are scheduled to be announced later this month.

Sharpton is also kicking off a $20 million capital drive to build a permanent headquarters and resource center in Harlem for his National Action Network.

The capital drive comes a couple of years after Sharpton and his organization were facing financial challenges. Since 2008, Sharpton has been working to clear up delinquent tax bills related to his personal business interests and his Harlem civil rights group.