Archive for 'Literary-bio'

Early Affinity for American Culture

Early Affinity for American Culture

The American School in Guatemala in the Early 1950’s

In writing my recent book, Split at the Root: A Memoir of Love and Lost Identity (Kindle) or Split at the Root: A Memoir of Love and Lost Identity, I tell the story of growing up within a culture and a race that was different to my own. Here’s an excerpt from my book about entering middle school in Guatemala City, 1952:

The American School was more like an exclusive ...

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The Page Turners Reading Group Invites Author to Discuss her Book

The Page Turners Reading Group Invites Author to Discuss her Book

At her dinner party last fall, Kathleen mentioned that I had written a book and suggested that everyone should read it. Suzie read it and recommended it to her book club, The Page Turners. “It would be great if you could be there when we discuss Split,” she said after the book was accepted by the group, “but it won’t be until February. Would you like to join us then?” Now isn’t that a wonderful question? I know of several ...

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Learning to Appreciate a Rich Cultural Heritage

Learning to Appreciate a Rich Cultural Heritage

After meeting my birthfather Gil, I begin to love not only him, but also the culture and history of my ancestors.

Here’s an excerpt from Split at the Root: A Memoir of Love and Lost Identity.:

In Jamaica, so many years ago, Dr. Dezon was all set to tell me about shiploads of Caribs who were taken from the island of St. Vincent by the English and dumped on the Central American coast. At the time I was not ...

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First Meeting Between Adult Daughter and her Birth Father

First Meeting Between Adult Daughter and her Birth Father

Catana as a toddler in LivingstonI had spoken to my father a few times on the phone. In the following is an excerpt from Split at the Root: A Memoir of Love and Lost Identity of my first meeting with him.

What would Gil see when he looked at me, I wondered? Would my lips, as I shaped ...

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“You’re not a Racist, Mom” - Excerpt from Split at the Root

“You’re not a Racist, Mom” – Excerpt from Split at the Root

There are several passages in Split at the Root where the protagonist finds herself at odds with being Black in the US. Here is a brief exchange with her teen-aged son:

While in the Michigan boarding school, Patrick perfected a habit of going for walks. Occasionally he asked me to join him, which I gladly accepted for, although he was friendly, he was also a ...

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Misplaced Identity: The Reason to Begin Therapy

Misplaced Identity: The Reason to Begin Therapy

In my recent book, Split at the Root: A Memoir of Love and Lost Identity (Kindle) or Split at the Root: A Memoir of Love and Lost Identity, I tell the story of growing up within a culture and a race that was different to my own. Here’s an excerpt as to why I had to start a therapy program:

I stand motionless atop a rugged cliff, scanning a landscape where a cloudless sky spans the horizon. The jasmine-scented breeze ...

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My reception as a European actress in Hollywood.

My reception as a European actress in Hollywood.

In writing my recent book, Split at the Root: A Memoir of Love and Lost Identity (Kindle) or Split at the Root: A Memoir of Love and Lost Identity, I tell the story of growing up within a culture and a race that was different to my own. Here’s an excerpt:

We arrived in Los Angeles in July 1975. Two weeks later I met with Walter Kohner a film agent who handled primarily European actors.

“I am curious to know, Catana,” ...

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Recognizing American racist attitudes in Florence, Italy

Recognizing American racist attitudes in Florence, Italy

 

In writing my recent book, Split at the Root: A Memoir of Love and Lost Identity (Kindle) or Split at the Root: A Memoir of Love and Lost Identity, I tell the story of growing up within a culture and a race that was different to my own. Here’s an excerpt:

When insulting situations happened, which was seldom, it took time before I realized what was going on; that is if I became aware it was directed at me in the first ...

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Want to know how I met a handsome American man in Munich?

Want to know how I met a handsome American man in Munich?

In writing my recent book, Split at the Root: A Memoir of Love and Lost Identity (Kindle) or Split at the Root: A Memoir of Love and Lost Identity, I tell the story of growing up within a culture and a race that was different to my own. Here’s an excerpt:

Sometime at the end of January 1968, a few weeks after my return from Guatemala, the phone rang and my friend Gabi hollered excitedly through the receiver. “Hey Girl, listen. I’m ...

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Want to know what the British boarding school in Jamaica was like?

Want to know what the British boarding school in Jamaica was like?

In writing my recent book, Split at the Root: A Memoir of Love and Lost Identity (Kindle) or Split at the Root: A Memoir of Love and Lost Identity, I tell the story of growing up within a culture and a race that was different to my own. Here’s an excerpt:

Established in 1858 and perched on a wide hilly expanse, the school was a dominating U-shaped two-story construction. I don’t know what I was expecting, but the minute I ...

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