About
FRANCINE FALK-ALLEN was born in Los Angeles and has lived nearly all of her life in northern California. She had polio in 1951, and has lived her life as a disabled person making an effort to be a “normie.”
Falk-Allen was originally an art major and later completed her BA in Managerial Accounting, running her own business for over thirty years. She has always sought creative outlets, such as painting, singing, and writing; has published a song, and also published many essays and articles in national journals.
She is currently in the editing process for her historical fiction/biography novel based on a true story, A Wolff in the Family.
She began doing extensive family genealogy research in 1999, and has traced both her maternal and paternal ancestors back to the 1600’s.
Her first book, Not a Poster Child: Living Well with a Disability—A Memoir, won gold and silver awards and was on several best books lists in 2018 and 2019, including Kirkus Reviews’ Best Books of 2018, Pop Sugar and Buzz Feed, and was nominated to 25 Women Making a Difference in 2019 by Conversations Magazine. Her second book, No Spring Chicken: Stories and Advice from a Wild Handicapper on Aging and Disability, has also received the Kirkus star, given to “books of exceptional merit” by Kirkus Reviews, and was named to Kirkus Reviews’ Best Books of August 2021. No Spring Chicken was also a finalist in Foreword Reviews’ Indie Awards in 2021.
She is available for interviews and speaking engagements: francinefalkallen@gmail.com
Francine spends a significant amount of time managing the effects of post-polio. She facilitates a polio survivors’ group, as well as a writing group, Just Write Marin County, and volunteers on her town’s Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Committee. She loves the outdoors, swimming, gardening, movies, well-written literature, whichever kitty is currently living with her, being with friends and sharing British tea and a little champagne now and then. She resides in San Rafael, California, with her savvy high tech humorous husband, Richard Falk.
Featured Work
No Spring Chicken: Stories and Advice from a Wild Handicapper on Aging, and Disability
As we age, we all begin to have physical difficulties to contend with.
In No Spring Chicken, Francine Falk-Allen―a polio survivor who knows a thing or two about living with a disability―offers her own take on how to navigate the complications aging brings with equanimity (and a sense of humor). Part I is a jaunt through accessible travel pleasures and pitfalls; Part II addresses the adaptations caregivers can make for a mutually rewarding relationship with their loved ones, plus advice for physically challenged and aging persons themselves regarding exercise, diet, pain management, mobility, care tips and more; and Part III discusses the rewards of engaging with support groups sharing similar issues, with a little activism and advocacy for good measure.
Accessible and wryly funny, The Wild Handicapper is a fun and informative guide to living your best and longest life―whatever your physical challenges, and whatever your age.
