HOST OF EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE’S BOOKSHELF RADIO SHOW DISCUSSES, DRAMATIZES AND SIGNS NOVEL, SILENT BIRD, AT CASA DE ORO LIBRARY MARCH 29

Event is free and open to the public

March 24, 2014 (Casa de Oro)--Reina Lisa Menasche, radio host for East County Magazine’s “Bookshelf” radio program on KNSJ, 89.1 FM, will discuss, dramatize, and sign her new novel, Silent Bird, at the Casa de Oro Library on Saturday, March 29 at 10 a.m.

Reina Menasche calls her first love “writing fiction,” though she fulfills many other artistic and professional roles.  In addition to hosting “Bookshelf” (highlighting “local literary luminaries—and some great books to read!”), she is also a social worker, university instructor, and actress.  Her first novel, Twice Begun, was a finalist in the 2013 San Diego Book Awards, and her new novel, Silent Bird, won the Outstanding Fiction Award from the Southern California Writers Conference in 2009.

Her other fiction has also been recognized in contests by organizations such as the San Diego Writers and Editors Guild.  One of Reina’s original educational plays, The Brain Game, was the recipient of an Innovative Grant by the First 5 Commission of San Diego.  She has performed in theatres and festivals throughout San Diego for the last twenty years. Reina’s blog, “Life Goes On—and We Just Try to Keep Up” can be found at www.reinamenasche.com. 

“As a social worker I’ve witnessed quite a few issues that have resonated with me or touched my heart,” says Menasche.  “My newest novel, Silent Bird, arose out of my work with Children’s Protective Services.  Specifically, I recall feeling shocked at how prevalent sexual abuse was in the histories of my teen clients—and how devastating the experience continued to be as these kids (girls mostly) transitioned into adults seeking true intimacy.  I thought: what will happen when one of these girls falls in love, and feels cherished? Will the sexual trauma ever heal? What makes someone heal, or decide to heal? How do we know love from lust or habit or manipulation when we’re young and trying to figure out who we are?  Well, from all this, Silent Bird was born.  The book—definitely a love story—takes place in the South of France and is also a story of cultural conflict and identity.”

One reader posts on Amazon: “This is a powerful, nuanced, and rich coming-of-age story about a young woman developing individuality and strength, and in the process, strengthening the man she loves, and ultimately creating something beautiful.” Menasche’s first novel, Twice Begun, likewise explored psychological themes of distrust and betrayal as well as the healing powers of human nature.

In addition to discussing and reading from the book, Menasche and two other local actors will dramatize a scene from the novel. All are welcome for a stimulating and fun morning!

For more information, visit www.ReinaMenasche.com.

LOCATION:

CASA DE ORO LIBRARY

9805 Campo Rd., #180

Spring Valley, CA 91977

(619) 463-3236