As you know, my memoir, At the Narrow Waist of the World, the story of a daughter raised by an uncertain mother, feeling the neglect and also thriving, and being a vulnerable human like we all are, was published in August. In response to the book, I’ve received an astonishing gift: letters from readers touched by the events in the book, telling me about their own lives. My story has given them permission to examine theirs.
This is what writing is about, the anger, the excitement, the noticing, the love. It’s never about perfection. Perfection covers up all the interesting things about being a person. Let’s celebrate this fact of life that makes us tender humans.
There have been other gifts. I’ve had to leave my desk and private spaces to stand in front of others—the flesh and blood of me--to speak about the mother-daughter bond, issues of mental illness, the writing process, the Spanish Sephardic community in Panama. This has been an honor but also a challenge as I push myself to do things I haven’t done before. I am envisioning new adventures and allowing myself to be known.
I am grateful for this wonderful year, for those very close to me, for the writers and other artists who’ve helped me with the long process of birthing a book, and for the authors with whom I am sharing speaking events at bookstores, conferences, and libraries. I grow from these collaborations.
Thank you so much dear readers who’ve supported me long before this book was published and who’ve read the book and felt its power. A special thank you to those of you who’ve left a rating and review on the book’s Amazon page. A short review helps authors get discovered by other readers, so this is a very special regalo. If you’ve read the book, an honest 2 to 3 line review, would be much appreciated.
If you haven’t read the book yet, I encourage you to try it. And then let me know what you think. I am open to talks about the book, issues in the book, book group meets. If you know someone in a position to review the book or interview me, I’d be grateful for the contact. The book has gotten a wonderful response.
My 2020 wish for you readers and friends is a year of new adventures.
What will you allow yourself to be open to?
Where will you go? What will you explore?