"How to Know a Person" by David Brooks
I've followed author David Brooks for many years. Columnist, ethicist, and speaker, Brooks' latest book is a NYT bestseller. You may have...
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Abbey Pachter
A Monarch in Winter:
Biography of a Butterfly
"Look closely at nature. Every species is a masterpiece."
- E.O. Wilson
This lovely and loving journalistic memoir of "Spot's" short butterfly life poses larger questions about the essence of existence, the influence of humans on nature, and our bond and responsibility to other species. This a beautifully written reflection, acutely observed by an author who has a scientific mind coupled with a caring soul. Her writing makes you feel like you "know" Spot and through this book he lives on. A wonderful book.
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About the Author
During childhood, summers, Abbey Pachter often caught and released ladybugs and fireflies while exploring her backyard in the northwest Indiana dunes. She learned to look closely at life forms in classes at the Art Institute of Chicago. Having earned advanced degrees from the Universities of Michigan and Pennsylvania, Dr. Pachter's professional career included clinical practice in nursing and midwifery, university faculty and administrative positions, and project management in healthcare informatics. In retirement, she became a Master Naturalist and resumed writing.
Her essays and most recent book are based on personal experience, inspired by nature, and informed by science. Pachter won Golden Nib awards for nonfiction in 2021 and 2023 from the Virginia Writers Club. Several of her essays are in the national e-zine "Pulse: Voices from the Heart of Medicine." Her newest book, "A Monarch in Winter: Biography of a Butterfly" is available on Amazon. In this photo, she is near Anguangueo, Mexico, where many monarchs overwinter.
Literary memberships,
publications, & awards
Member and Advisory Board Member.
“Hampton Roads Writers enriches the Hampton Roads literary arts community by connecting, encouraging, and educating writers of all ages, talents, and genres. By creating literary events throughout Southeastern Virginia, we serve as a resource dedicated to helping all writers grow in their writing craft and work toward publication success. "
Click on link above to published short stories.
"Pulse: voices from the heart of medicine" is an online journal that (to quote their tag lines) publishes personal accounts of illness and healing, fosters a humanistic approach to the practice of medicine, and encourages healthcare advocacy. In addition to having several of my own stories published there, I've read so many others of all ages--stories told by nurses, doctors, patients, and doctors and nurses when they've been patients.
It is published weekly. They accept well-written, short stories continuously. After expert editing assistance, accepted stories are often published quickly. Take a look. The link is to my stories but please look at their home page and read other's stories. Support them if you're inspired, moved, as I've been. It gives medical students a forum to hold on to their humanity in a system where it's challenging to maintain compassion.
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