"I am almost one hundred years old now. With the passage of years I have developed a hard-won peace and a deep sense of gratitude for the great gifts that have been bestowed on me in this life. I now want nothing more than to share my experiences as evidence that no matter how bleak the moment we are living through, we can overcome. We will overcome. But we may need the help of another person who believes in our vision as strongly as we do. I have come to appreciate that in medicine and in life, our greatest human need is for the hand that reaches out to touch another; the hand that closes around another’s and pulls that person forward in a supportive embrace."
Ellamae Simmons, M.D.
From the introduction to Overcome: My Life in Pursuit of A Dream
Last night I received first proofs of the book. The truth is I am wracked with insecurities about it, about whether I have done this woman's extraordinary life justice, and there are small things I'd like to fiddle with (like, should the cover have had a gloss finish instead of a matte one). But we must go forth in order to have printed books in time for a book party we're planning to hold in Oakland with the inimitable Dr. Simmons as the guest of honor. Her 98th birthday on March 26 is coming up fast. I'm really looking forward to seeing her again. I hope she will be pleased by the outcome of our joint self-publishing endeavor.
Last night I received first proofs of the book. The truth is I am wracked with insecurities about it, about whether I have done this woman's extraordinary life justice, and there are small things I'd like to fiddle with (like, should the cover have had a gloss finish instead of a matte one). But we must go forth in order to have printed books in time for a book party we're planning to hold in Oakland with the inimitable Dr. Simmons as the guest of honor. Her 98th birthday on March 26 is coming up fast. I'm really looking forward to seeing her again. I hope she will be pleased by the outcome of our joint self-publishing endeavor.
You must be thrilled to your fingertips! How very exciting. The cover is beautiful. xo
ReplyDeletePowerful
ReplyDeletePowerful......
So very, very powerful. Woman- you were the exact right angel midwife to welcome this book to life.
ReplyDeleteI cannot wait to read it. I know you have honored her. And that one small part- "the hand that reaches out to touch another..."
Well. Yes. You know how I feel about that.
This is so gorgeous. Congratulations to both of you. Oh well done!!!
ReplyDeleteThe book and I am sure the work, are both beautiful, as are the two women involved!
ReplyDeleteSo proud of you!!
ReplyDeleteOH MY GOD! This is beyond exciting. It looks fantastic from here! I can't wait to get my hands on one. I understand being nervous, but I feel almost certain it's going to be wonderful.
ReplyDeleteThe cover looks great and I am sure that what lies between the covers is at least as well done. Congratulations! x0 N2
ReplyDeleteLooks wonderful!
ReplyDeleteYou are an inspiration to me. I also can't wait to read this. It will be a success. I just know it.
ReplyDeleteWow! It looks beautiful! You should be pleased. And I'm sure the content will match the captivating cover.
ReplyDeleteThank you, all you darling people, for your vote of confidence, friendship and support. This is truly a beloved community!
ReplyDeleteThis is amazing!! What an accomplishment, truly. I can't wait to read it.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to reading this as well. The cover definitely draws me in. It's not all I use to choose books, but it can be a strong initial attraction, and this one has that. I hope Dr. Simmons has a wonderful birthday later this month and knows that many of us are cheering for her and for you.
ReplyDeleteIt looks stunning, like a book you definitely want to pick up at first sight. Congratulations!!!!
ReplyDeleteThe book looks great and I'm so glad that Dr. Simmons will be able to celebrate it!
ReplyDeleteI am so proud of and happy for the both of you. I can't wait to read this book!
ReplyDeleteThis is such exciting news! It looks great and this snippet from the intro is powerful. I look forward to reading it. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteThose of us who know you know how tender and thoughtful and present you are with words, and so we have no doubt that it will be beautiful. And, for what it's worth, I much prefer matte covers to gloss.
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