Past Updates
Holiday Greetings
First is Roddy Doyle's "Paula Spencer." His 1996 novel "The Woman Who Walked into Doors" is my favorite of his books, so I was greatly anticipating this updating of Paula Spencer's story. The original dealt with hard realities including abuse, alcoholism and poverty in a Dublin mother's life and home - maybe not your favorite topics to spend a week reading. And here we are a decade later, looking at the aftermath of some of those issues, and, in some cases, the continuation. But trust me, you will be transfixed. Wally Lamb can write female characters as if he'd once been one, and among Doyle's many is that very same skill.
The second book I want to recommend is "Cancer Made Me a Shallower Person, A Memoir in Comics" by Miriam Engelberg. Trying her hand at a comic strip was therapy for Miriam as she dealt with breast cancer, and the recurrence that claimed her life in October. The book is hilarious, heartbreaking and full of insight into being - as well as being there for - someone experiencing cancer or any life-altering disease. Visit Miriam's site at www.miriamengelberg.com A few events I'd like to mention, and re-mention:
- Next March 31 I'll be the keynote speaker at "Celebrating Women! A Decade of Inspiration," to be held at the Radisson Hotel in Milford, Massachusetts. Help the
wonderful Women's Center for Wellness celebrate a decade of inspiration, education and empowerment of women. Tickets are $65 for the day, which includes breakfast, lunch,
keynote speech and workshops. Price is $50 for lunch and keynote only. There's a $10 discount for tickets bought before Valentine's Day. To purchase tickets, become a sponsor
or arrange to display your wares at the day's Lifestyle Market Place, email womenscenterforwellness.org, or
phone 1-508-473-4244.
- There still are some spots open in the memoir workshop I'll be running in Ireland next April 24 through May through Beadventure. Plenty of sightseeing will be included, and we'll concentrate on writing for three of the days the group is there. If you're interested in details, visit http://www.beadventure.info/trip.aspx?id=20050830043305. Feel free to contact me with any questions about the writing part of the adventure - sess7@comcast.net
Enjoy your adventure this season!
Suzanne