Growing up in suburbia Minnesota among a predominantly Christian population, Elisa Bernick understood she was different. Her mother, Arlene, was far from fitting in with the other mothers of 60s and 70s midwestern life.
Bernick’s talent for journalism shines in this well-presented memoir. What I found unique about this story was Bernick’s way of incorporating the impact of cultural shifts in society, as a whole, and their influence on her family. The 60s and 70s were a time of major social change and I found it interesting how it was integrated into Bernick’s personal narrative.
The writing is well balanced with Bernick’s use of humor at parts, offsetting the more emotional explorations of generational trauma and her experience with antisemitism.
Departure Stories is currently available for pre-order and scheduled for release on October 4th.
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Elisa Bernick is an award-winning writer and journalist. She is the author of many articles, how-to books, and the travel guide The Family Sabbatical Handbook: The Budget Guide to Living Abroad With Your Children. She has worked as a magazine editor, and as a radio and television reporter and producer for Minnesota Public Radio, WCCO-TV, and many cable television stations. Her documentaries have appeared on cable stations, PBS, WCCO-TV, and Twin Cities Public Television. Her travel, how-to, and parenting articles and essays have been published by MinnPost, The Family Handyman, Parents, Minnesota Parent, Northern Gardener, Transitions Abroad and many others. She has lived in Mexico, Israel and France, and now makes her home in St. Paul, Minnesota.
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