About
I am the author of BENEDICTION AT THE SAVOIA, a novel, and the memoir THE BOOK OF KEHLS. Both books received starred Kirkus reviews, the latter a Kirkus Best Book of 2005 selection. My essays have appeared in over 40 publications, including the NEW YORK TIMES and NEWSDAY. I was a memoir-writing instructor at Hofstra and I'm a frequent visitor to UCLA's on-line writing courses. I live on Long Island with my husband and am always writing.
Featured Work
The Book of Kehls
THE BOOK OF KEHLS is the story of a family whose life was shaped by Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, an inherited disease striking only boys. It claimed the author's cousins and uncles, her brother, her son and then set its sights on the tenuous lives of both of her nephews. THE BOOK OF KEHLS is the remarkable story of a family who had heartbreak and humor in equal measure, and how they survived.
Other Works
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Shades of Blue
2015
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Between Friends, The Day My Father Died, Lives Through Literature, The Facts on File Companion to the American Novel, Exploring Literature, For Keeps, The Face in the Mirror, He Said WHAT?, Exit Laughing, Faith
1994 thru 2015
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Benediction at the Savoia
1992
Awards and Recognition
- The Jerry Lewis Writing Award
- I was named a Top Irish American in 1993 by Irish America Magazine
