Pen Parentis Literary Salons to Explore the 'MODERN FAMILY' at Andaz Wall Street

How has the concept of family changed over the last ten years? Tuesday, October 10th at 7pm, Pen Parentis Literary Salons brings together three authors-Lori Jakiela, Sheila Sweeny Higginson, and Ami Sands Brodoff-who will present readings from new works followed by a panel discussion moderated by Columbia University MFA alumnae Christina Chiu and M. M. De Voe in the prestigious downtown hotel Andaz Wall Street.

The reading series has recently won a Creative Engagement Grant from New York City and New York State, administered by the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council.

Admission is free but RSVP is recommended via their website at penparentis.org/calendar.

Ami Sands Brodoff comes from Montreal, Canada, to read from the latest of three award-winning novels, this one focused on the refugee crises and the making and remaking of families. She is the proud mother of a gay son and a transgender son. Lori Jakiela explores the adoptee experience; she is the recipient of the Saroyan Prize for International Literature from Stanford University. Sheila Sweeny Higginson speaks about her interracial marriage and what she's learned as a white mother of black children. She is the author of more than 100 award-winning children's books.

In addition to being exceptionally diverse and talented, all of Pen Parentis' featured authors are also parents - expect intimate discussion of real-world truths, and how they affect us and future generations. Now in their 16th season, these free, neighborhood Salons were founded to shatter stereotypes by showcasing the variety of creative writing by authors who happen to also be parents

The night begins with networking over wine, compliments of Andaz Wall Street. Readings will be followed by intimate Q&A, and the event ends with mingling and book signings. All readers are welcome, 21+. Books will be vended for signings. Pen Parentis Literary Salons are a great place to meet book-loving neighbors as well as industry notables.

For more information, visit penparentis.org/calendar.

IF YOU GO:

Modern Family with authors Ami Sands Brodoff, Lori Jakiela, and Sheila Sweeny Higginson.

Featuring readings, signings, and discussion about contemporary families, moderated by M. M. De Voe and Christina Chiu.

Tuesday, Oct 10th 7pm-9:30pm

At Andaz Wall Street (enter through hotel lobby), 75 Wall Street at Water

TRANSPORT: 2/3, 4/5, J/M/Z trains to Wall Street

Admission Free but RSVP through www.penparentis.org/calendar

PEN PARENTIS, Ltd is a 501c3 literary nonprofit that provides resources to help writers stay on creative track after starting a family. The Literary Salons are a free program that is open to everyone 21+ (you don't have to be a parent or even a writer to enjoy our events!) They are partially funded by a Creative Engagement Grant with funds from The New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and The New York State Council of the Arts, administered by the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council.

Global in scale while local in perspective, Andaz delivers an innovative hospitality experience and attentive, uncomplicated service designed to accommodate guests' personal preferences. Hotels in this unique collection reflect the spirit of their locale, and are dedicated to creating natural and vibrant living spaces where travelers can indulge in their own personal sense of comfort and style. For more information and reservations, visit www.andaz.com.