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Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Mindy Uhrlaub's Last Nerve: A Memoir of Illness and the Endurance of Family Launches Today (5/27/25)
One woman's story of confronting her genetic legacy and searching for a cure AUSTIN, Texas, May 27, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Award-winning ALS activist and author Mindy Uhrlaub today launched her new book, Last Nerve: A Memoir of Illness and the Endurance of Family (River Grove Books). While caring for a sick mother, a son with behavioral problems, and a husband going through cancer treatments, Mindy discovered that she carries a gene for the fatal neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Last Nerve walks readers through how Mindy navigated the new territory of having three close relatives with life-threatening situations, and had to come to terms with the fact that she may have passed the fatal gene on to her two sons. Not one to fold, Mindy faces her circumstances head-on, realizing that her race for the elusive cure for ALS is not only for herself but also for her kids, her cousins, and the thousands of other carriers of the fateful gene. Despite the incredible strain of all these challenges, Mindy manages them with amazing tenderness, persistence, and love. Far from a depressing story of misfortune, Last Nerve is as uplifting and witty as it is raw and real. It's a testament to hope, the endurance of family, and the resilience of the human spirit. Early reviews for Last Nerve praise the book as a "heart-warming memoir of motherhood, ALS, and never backing down" (Publishers Weekly), and as a "complex and thoughtful remembrance about how family members can help one another through the worst of times" (Kirkus Reviews). Foreword also described Last Nerve as "uplifting in tone despite its grim subject matter, the book focuses on hope and resilience." To learn more, please visit or order Last Nerve at Amazon or Barnes & Noble. Additional Praise for Last Nerve "Mindy Uhrlaub's powerful and inspiring memoir is a work of courageous transformation. She deepens her soul by turning her pain into power and ardently committing herself to the struggle against ALS for the legacy of her mother, for herself, and for all those suffering from the disease. We are grateful."– V (FORMERLY EVE ENSLER), author of The Vagina Monologues and Reckoning "The author's bulldog spirit summarizes it all. This beautifully written memoir shines light on her unrelenting courage and resilience to fight for societal and personal causes that are dear to her. It serves as a reminder for medical professionals to treat every individual with compassion and respect, because behind every individual seen in research or clinic lies a complex tapestry of arduous battles fought daily, unwavering love, and importantly, hope."– Suma Babu, MBBS, MPH, ALS neurologist at Massachusetts General Hospital CONNECT WITH MINDY: Contact Bonnie Rice at Elevate Communications, brice@ Interview: Schedule an interview with Mindy Uhrlaub about Last Nerve Review: Reach out for a digital or hard copy of Last Nerve Excerpt: If interested in publishing an excerpt from Last Nerve, indicate the chapter you would like to include About Mindy UhrlaubMindy Uhrlaub is a founding member of End the Legacy. Her debut novel, Unnatural Resources, won the 2021 NYC Big Book Award for Cultural Heritage. Mindy also received the 2025 Harvey and Bonny Gaffen Advancements in ALS Award from the Les Turner ALS Foundation. She lives in Northern California with her family. Follow Mindy at on X @MindyUhrlaub, and on Instagram @Mindywrites1. View source version on Contacts Bonnie RiceElevate Communicationsbrice@
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Mindy Uhrlaub's Last Nerve: A Memoir of Illness and the Endurance of Family Launches Today (5/27/25)
One woman's story of confronting her genetic legacy and searching for a cure AUSTIN, Texas, May 27, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Award-winning ALS activist and author Mindy Uhrlaub today launched her new book, Last Nerve: A Memoir of Illness and the Endurance of Family (River Grove Books). While caring for a sick mother, a son with behavioral problems, and a husband going through cancer treatments, Mindy discovered that she carries a gene for the fatal neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Last Nerve walks readers through how Mindy navigated the new territory of having three close relatives with life-threatening situations, and had to come to terms with the fact that she may have passed the fatal gene on to her two sons. Not one to fold, Mindy faces her circumstances head-on, realizing that her race for the elusive cure for ALS is not only for herself but also for her kids, her cousins, and the thousands of other carriers of the fateful gene. Despite the incredible strain of all these challenges, Mindy manages them with amazing tenderness, persistence, and love. Far from a depressing story of misfortune, Last Nerve is as uplifting and witty as it is raw and real. It's a testament to hope, the endurance of family, and the resilience of the human spirit. Early reviews for Last Nerve praise the book as a "heart-warming memoir of motherhood, ALS, and never backing down" (Publishers Weekly), and as a "complex and thoughtful remembrance about how family members can help one another through the worst of times" (Kirkus Reviews). Foreword also described Last Nerve as "uplifting in tone despite its grim subject matter, the book focuses on hope and resilience." To learn more, please visit or order Last Nerve at Amazon or Barnes & Noble. Additional Praise for Last Nerve "Mindy Uhrlaub's powerful and inspiring memoir is a work of courageous transformation. She deepens her soul by turning her pain into power and ardently committing herself to the struggle against ALS for the legacy of her mother, for herself, and for all those suffering from the disease. We are grateful."– V (FORMERLY EVE ENSLER), author of The Vagina Monologues and Reckoning "The author's bulldog spirit summarizes it all. This beautifully written memoir shines light on her unrelenting courage and resilience to fight for societal and personal causes that are dear to her. It serves as a reminder for medical professionals to treat every individual with compassion and respect, because behind every individual seen in research or clinic lies a complex tapestry of arduous battles fought daily, unwavering love, and importantly, hope."– Suma Babu, MBBS, MPH, ALS neurologist at Massachusetts General Hospital CONNECT WITH MINDY: Contact Bonnie Rice at Elevate Communications, brice@ Interview: Schedule an interview with Mindy Uhrlaub about Last Nerve Review: Reach out for a digital or hard copy of Last Nerve Excerpt: If interested in publishing an excerpt from Last Nerve, indicate the chapter you would like to include About Mindy UhrlaubMindy Uhrlaub is a founding member of End the Legacy. Her debut novel, Unnatural Resources, won the 2021 NYC Big Book Award for Cultural Heritage. Mindy also received the 2025 Harvey and Bonny Gaffen Advancements in ALS Award from the Les Turner ALS Foundation. She lives in Northern California with her family. Follow Mindy at on X @MindyUhrlaub, and on Instagram @Mindywrites1. View source version on Contacts Bonnie RiceElevate Communicationsbrice@ Sign in to access your portfolio
Business Wire
27-05-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
Mindy Uhrlaub's Last Nerve: A Memoir of Illness and the Endurance of Family Launches Today (5/27/25)
AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Award-winning ALS activist and author Mindy Uhrlaub today launched her new book, Last Nerve: A Memoir of Illness and the Endurance of Family (River Grove Books). While caring for a sick mother, a son with behavioral problems, and a husband going through cancer treatments, Mindy discovered that she carries a gene for the fatal neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Last Nerve walks readers through how Mindy navigated the new territory of having three close relatives with life-threatening situations, and had to come to terms with the fact that she may have passed the fatal gene on to her two sons. Not one to fold, Mindy faces her circumstances head-on, realizing that her race for the elusive cure for ALS is not only for herself but also for her kids, her cousins, and the thousands of other carriers of the fateful gene. Despite the incredible strain of all these challenges, Mindy manages them with amazing tenderness, persistence, and love. Far from a depressing story of misfortune, Last Nerve is as uplifting and witty as it is raw and real. It's a testament to hope, the endurance of family, and the resilience of the human spirit. Early reviews for Last Nerve praise the book as a 'heart-warming memoir of motherhood, ALS, and never backing down' (Publishers Weekly), and as a 'complex and thoughtful remembrance about how family members can help one another through the worst of times' (Kirkus Reviews). Foreword also described Last Nerve as 'uplifting in tone despite its grim subject matter, the book focuses on hope and resilience.' To learn more, please visit or order Last Nerve at Amazon or Barnes & Noble. Additional Praise for Last Nerve 'Mindy Uhrlaub's powerful and inspiring memoir is a work of courageous transformation. She deepens her soul by turning her pain into power and ardently committing herself to the struggle against ALS for the legacy of her mother, for herself, and for all those suffering from the disease. We are grateful.' – V (FORMERLY EVE ENSLER), author of The Vagina Monologues and Reckoning 'The author's bulldog spirit summarizes it all. This beautifully written memoir shines light on her unrelenting courage and resilience to fight for societal and personal causes that are dear to her. It serves as a reminder for medical professionals to treat every individual with compassion and respect, because behind every individual seen in research or clinic lies a complex tapestry of arduous battles fought daily, unwavering love, and importantly, hope.' – Suma Babu, MBBS, MPH, ALS neurologist at Massachusetts General Hospital About Mindy Uhrlaub Mindy Uhrlaub is a founding member of End the Legacy. Her debut novel, Unnatural Resources, won the 2021 NYC Big Book Award for Cultural Heritage. Mindy also received the 2025 Harvey and Bonny Gaffen Advancements in ALS Award from the Les Turner ALS Foundation. She lives in Northern California with her family. Follow Mindy at on X @MindyUhrlaub, and on Instagram @Mindywrites1.
Boston Globe
22-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
Looking for romance? Check your local bookstore.
Rosen, the former bookselling editor at Publishers Weekly, says romance and bookstores seem to go hand-in-hand lately; some have even gone exclusive. According to a July article in The New York Times, the number of US bookstores dedicated to romance novels has steadily climbed from just two into double digits in the last two years. Local additions include Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up 'I think during the [COVID-19 pandemic], people just wanted something to make them happy,' Rosen said. Related : Advertisement But now, it's not just the love stories on the shelves stealing the spotlight — IRL romance, happening inside bookstores, is having a moment of its own. In 'Bookstore Romance,' Rosen explores the ways booksellers and the betrothed have come together in unlikely and surprising ways, from one bride's 'Beauty and the Beast' dream come true to a surprise proposal between the Psychology and Self-Help sections. While most pairs share a love for literature, others — on and off the pages of Rosen's book — have sought out booksellers who also align with core values, such as building and rebuilding community. 'People are becoming more socially aware of their place in the world. They want to give back, they want to do something unique, they don't want to go the traditional route anymore,' said Liz Saul, associate director of events at booksellers and literary nonprofit More Than Words. Advertisement Saul said the bookstore wedding movement is the 'new bread and butter' of multi-location, youth-run stores. Their South End location reemerged from the lull of the pandemic as a popular spot for gatherings, hosting more than 20 weddings since 'coming back to life as an event space' in 2023. Many couples who were drawn to the space value the organization's mission of supporting and empowering youth, but for some, 'their first date was in a bookstore, or they have some sort of special connection to [bookstores] to begin with,' Saul explained. For Kaylah Dixon and Nick Hammes, it was both. The couple met as undergrad students living on the North Shore, and began dating during a production of 'Urinetown,' bonding over their love of the arts. In 2020, they postponed their wedding, eventually marrying in 2022 at More Than Words, after Kaylah's job in community theater connected her with the organization. The couple resonated with the nonprofit's youth program and advocacy efforts and the literary element it would bring to their celebration. 'I love looking at a bookshelf and just picking something off of it and getting lost somewhere … and you think, 'I can't wait to share this with the people around me,'' Hammes said. A setup for a potential wedding at More Than Words in Boston's South End. @warrenlanephotography On their big day, the two wanted to encapsulate their love of all kinds of media — film, books, musicals, and plays — and created a display dedicated to the favorites that shaped them through the years. Titles included 'The Color Purple,' 'Twelfth Night,' 'Homegoing,' 'Mamma Mia!,' the 'Avatar' DVDs, and 'Me and Earl and the Dying Girl.' Authors and playwrights the couple admired dictated the seating arrangements. Advertisement For Melissa Fetter, owner, and Serena Hanlin, private events coordinator, of The Beacon Hill Books + Cafe. Beacon Hill Books + Cafe ? Those who want more personalized experiences can pay $250 per hour for exclusive use of the space for the proposal and a photo shoot after the store's regular closing hours, Fetter said. The location itself can also be reserved and rented for wedding celebrations, including rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, and receptions. These private events include staffing (such as a sommelier and servers), table settings, andfloral arrangements, often made by Hanlin herself. A wedding celebration will typically cost around $10,000, according to Fetter. 'The experience of having the whole bookstore as your private space — it feels like you're at someone's family home,' Hanlin said. 'One of my favorite compliments that we get at the dinners is 'It's even more beautiful than I could have imagined.' That's my gold standard, I always want to hear that.' Advertisement In the case of Morgan Brewton-Johnson and Sam Hall, the couple was looking for something 'quintessentially Boston' for their small local wedding. Brewton-Johnson had learned about Beacon Hill Books from one of her graduate school professors, and it became a go-to spot for the couple. Beacon Hill Books + Cafe. Beacon Hill Books + Cafe? For their November wedding, the two spent the morning together — exchanging vows and rings on the couch at home — before taking an Uber to the bookstore to greet their 20-so guests. '[The wedding day] is the way I would have wanted to spend every single day anyway, so it was nice that we got to do that on the day we committed ourselves to each other with our friends and family,' said Brewton-Johnson. Guests were each given a book, handpicked by the couple, as a wedding favor. So, are bookstore weddings the start of a happily ever after? Rosen thinks so. 'To be surrounded by stories, it's kind of a lovely way to begin the story of your life together,' said Rosen. 'Combining the stories, the beauty of the bookstore, I think it's just so nice. I know I'm biased … but the people in bookstores are so lovely.' Judith Rosen will discuss 'Bookstore Romance: Love Speaks Volumes' with author Laura Zigman at , 44 Brattle St., Cambridge, on Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. Haley Clough can be reached at
Chicago Tribune
08-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Biblioracle: To blurb or not to blurb? Simon & Schuster flagship imprint will no longer require them
Folks, it's time to talk about blurbs. You know blurbs, the choice little quotations from other writers or public figures touting the excellence of the book you are considering purchasing. They are often effusive, sometimes unbelievably so, and coming from august persons whose names are known, are meant to make the book at hand impossible to pass up. In the publishing industry, blurbs are somehow both incredibly important and also meaningless, given that most blurbs come through a system that connects the blurber and the book's author, rather than being an independent, uncompromised judgment. Many years ago when I published a parody of writing advice books ('Fondling Your Muse: Infallible Advice from a Published Author to the Writerly Aspirant'), I decided to firmly straddle the fence by getting real blurbs from actual prominent people (Patton Oswalt, Michael Ian Black and Dave Eggers), while also inventing blurbs (with a disclaimer that they weren't real) from very famous writers, Tom Clancy, Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison and Anne Lamott. Maya Angelou's invented blurb read, 'After reading this book, I know what the caged bird will be crapping on.' I thought it was sort of fun, but I was having my cake and eating it too. We're talking about blurbs because Sean Manning, publisher of one of the nation's premier legacy imprints, Simon & Schuster, wrote recently in Publishers Weekly about his decision to end the practice of requiring blurbs on the books he publishes. In the piece, Manning observes several things that have gone into his decision. In reviewing the full past catalog of Simon & Schuster books, he saw that 'many of the biggest-selling, prize-winning, most artistically revered titles in the flagship's history did not use blurbs for their first printings.' The list of the un-blurbed includes 'Psycho,' 'Catch-22,' 'All the President's Men' and 'Lonesome Dove,' among numerous others. Manning also observed that the blurbing industrial complex seems to have gotten out of control, something I've seen for myself where some writers say they're being asked to secure blurbs prior to selling the book to a publisher. This hunger for blurbs has put a significant strain on the capacities of the writers whose blurbs carry weight with readers, many of whom are (reluctantly) having to opt out so they can do their real work of writing books, not blurbs. Manning says he's not going to turn down a blurb if it comes in organically, but he's no longer going to put stock in the blurbs as a determiner of which books are worthy of being backed by his publishing imprint. I think by and large this is a worthy and even brave step. As both a blurber, and blurbee, these things are often fraught, and particularly when it comes to fiction, I think they're largely not necessary. Just let me know enough to see if the book is for me, and I'm set. I don't need to know if a bestselling author calls the book 'astonishing.' I find blurbs somewhat more useful for non-fiction books where a good blurb can help contextualize what's inside. On the other hand, I'm too far inside the machinery to know if blurbs are a real reader service. Tell me, faithful readers, should we blurb or not blurb? John Warner is the author of 'Why They Can't Write: Killing the Five-Paragraph Essay and Other Necessities.' Twitter @biblioracle Book recommendations from the Biblioracle John Warner tells you what to read based on the last five books you've read. 1. 'Conquistador' by S.M. Stirling 2. 'The Nickel Boys' by Colson Whitehead 3. 'The Affair' by Lee Child 4. 'Locked On' by Tom Clancy with Mark Greaney 5. 'Embassytown' by China Mieville — Mike C., Itasca I've got a hunch that Mike will enjoy tackling this long, unrestrained, semi-autobiographical classic, 'Shantaram' by Gregory David Roberts. 1. 'In a Lonely Place' by Dorothy B. Hughes 2. 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee 3. 'A River Runs Through It' by Norman Maclean 4. 'Night Boat to Tangier' by Kevin Barry 5. 'Someone' by Alice McDermott — Marianne B. (on behalf of her book club), Evanston Marianne says they generally pick books under 350 pages, which makes sense if you want to have everyone read the book. At 313 pages, 'Homegoing' by Yaa Gyasi fits that requirement, while also giving the gang much discussion fodder. 1. 'And No Birds Sang' by Farley Mowat 2. 'Ada Blackjack: A True Story of Survival in the Arctic' by Jennifer Niven 3. 'The Last Voyage of the Karluk' by William Laird McKinlay 4. 'Undertones of War' by Edmund Blunden 5. 'The Expanse' series by James S. A. Corey — Susan C., Chicago I see an interest in stories about the wilds, be it on Earth or in space. 'North Woods' by Daniel Mason feels like a good fit here.
