I am privileged to be part of Knowing Pains: Women on Love, Sex and Work in our 40’s an anthology edited by Molly Rosen that debuted this weekend at a launch party at Cafe Cacao in Berkeley, CA. The great thing about it is that all of the writers who contributed, 32 total, gave up all fees and royalties so that 100% of the book’s profits will go to breast cancer research!

As the story goes, editor Molly Rosen was entering into her forties and, like most literary women do, casting about for some sort of books that might guide her way, essays and nonfiction about the experience. Only she couldn’t find any–because no books had been published on the subject. Go-getter that she is, she knew the only way to remedy that situation was to put together her own anthology. So she did.

Click on the title above to check out the website for this great book, including quotes from several of the essays. My essay is titled “The Imaginary Nursery,” and deals with the forties as a time when, for many of us, our baby rearing days are disappearing in the rear view mirror. It’s hard to say goodbye–but don’t worry, it’s not a sad piece, bittersweet maybe, but not sad. You can also order the book at the site, as well as on Amazon (where it’s number one in the breast cancer subcategory) Barnes and Noble and most online sites.

Few of us have not been affected by breast cancer. My aunt died of it, my mother-in-law is a survivor. This is a great way to raise money for the cause and enjoy some reading pleasure at the same time.

Bye y’all,
SV
PS Apologies for intermittent posting; I can no longer post from my computer at work which is hitching my getalong a bit. I just have to figure out a new schedule and I’ll be back in business.