Gershwin’s Bess: A Novel reveals the unique collaboration – and untold story- between the famous composer and the young soprano who first sang the role of Bess. Anne Brown, an aspiring opera singer, enrolled at Juilliard, knowing full well that racial prejudice denied her access to traditional stages. George Gershwin’s plans to write an opera starring all “Negroes” presented an opportunity she couldn’t afford to lose. The book chronicles Anne’s family life, school years and Juilliard studies, as well as her friendships and romances, (one brief marriage), inner thoughts, and the creation of Porgy and Bess, including what it meant to Black artists at the time and the mixed critical response.
Set amid the historical events of the late 1920s- mid 1930s, the novel brings to light the story of a woman whose contributions to culture and history are largely unknown, yet she paved the way for other African Americans to sing classical opera worldwide. Gershwin’s Bess includes a foreword written by soprano Marquita Lister, who sang the role of Bess worldwide and met Anne Brown.
Fulfilling his childhood dream to be a cowboy, public school teacher Miles Dean and Sankofa, his eleven-year-old stallion journey from New York City to Los Angeles in a six-month, twelve-state odyssey tracing centuries of African American history. Travel with them as they retrace the steps of slaves and abolitionists, jockeys and cowboys, Buffalo Soldiers and US Marshals, and the many others who helped build and shape the United States.
Tangerine Tango is a collection of writings by twelve women spanning the entire citrus spectrum, from sour to sweet. The essays are about parents and parenting; childhood; food, faith, farewells; and jobs and journeys.
A collection of poems about family, childhood, life and loss.
Join Clara and the Nutcracker Prince in the retelling of the classic, drawing from the love of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s original tale, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s music and various ballet adaptations. Told in verse with colorful, imaginative illustrations.
Amanda is so excited to play T-ball. But when the coach announces the batting order, she doesn't get her turn at bat. After three games without playing, she thinks of ways to solve her problem. A tale of a young girl finding solutions and speaking her mind.
A Glub Glub and a Shake Shake is a collection of Lisa Winkler’s mother’s recipes that became family favorites. From blintzes to pot roast, these recipes speak of a lifetime of serving food cooked with love to children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Other Writing
“Laundry, Lost Luggage, and Lord of the Rings” in I’m Going to College – Not You! Surviving the College Search with Your Child. (St. Martin’s Press, 2010)
“Knit One, Purl Two: Life Lessons from Knitting” in Wisdom of our Mothers. (Familia Books, 2010).
Publications: Education Update, Smithsonian.com, JerseyMan, Milford Journal, Storied Stuff, OperaWire.
My Lost Childhood: by Helga Zauderer Stern, by Lisa Winkler