Author Talks: Salt in My Soul: An Unfinished Life

The posthumous memoir of a young woman who wouldn’t let the boundaries of chronic illness define her life’s experience. 

Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at age three, Mallory Smith went on to graduate Phi Beta Kappa from Stanford University and forge a career as an environmental journalist, inspiring others even as she privately raged against her illness. Determined to “Live Happy,” a mantra she followed until her death, Mallory worked hard to make the most out of the limited time she had, becoming a cystic fibrosis advocate well known in the CF community, cultivating countless intimate friendships, and ultimately finding love. 

For more than ten years, Mallory recorded her thoughts and observations about struggles and feelings too personal to share during her life, leaving instructions for her mother to publish her work posthumously. After her death at age 25, Mallory’s mother Diane Shader Smith honored her daughter’s wish. Join her as she presents Mallory’s memoir—a story written with the hope of offering insight to those living with, or loving someone with, a chronic illness. 

REGISTER HERE

FIRST COME, FIRST SEATED
For free events, we generally overbook to ensure a full house. Priority will be given to those who have registered in advance, but registration does not guarantee admission. All registered seats are released shortly before start time, and seats may become available at that time. A standby line will form one hour before the program.

PRESS 
Please send all press inquiries (photo, video, interviews, audio-recording, etc.) at least 24-hours before the day of the program to Sara Beth Joren at sarabethjoren@nypl.org. For all other inquiries, please contact publicprograms@nypl.org.

• Post a Comment