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Blog and Book Events
Lizard Story
The plastic lizard must be moving by itself. Ava sometimes found it facing an entirely different direction on the other side of its ceramic pot. A few times in recent months, she noticed it on the floor near the white wicker plant stand. The first time, she’d assumed the dog had knocked it off with his tail, and she put it back, carefully placing it so its nose poked out of the ancient fern. Today the lizard was on the floor, and this time pretty far away from the plant s
Platform of Truth
A Platform of Truth: transcripts from selected documentary interviews . Abigail Levy, The Candidate I decided to run on a whim. I was fed up with everything I heard on the news. I’d worked, I’d raised our kids, now I had time to do something useful on a bigger scale — if that doesn’t sound too naive. Nancy Clarkson, The Candidate’s Friend You know, most people get angry at the way politics doesn’t work, and then they don’t do anything about it. They sign some petit
Paper Lantern
It started with the dinosaurs and the earthquake. It started with the dinosaurs and the earthquake. Actually, it started when I brought home a new insert for our Japanese lamp. Its wooden frame held squares of rice paper — small screens that projected cut-out shapes of sailboats, spaceships or, in our case, colorful trains moving in circles around the lamp’s center wire. I removed the train insert and lowered a new cylinder. Silhouettes of turquoise, magenta and yellow di
#Visit Portland
Anna Boorstin was in conversation with Andrea Carlisle Date: Tuesday, 11/4/2025 Time: 6:00pm - 7:00pm Place: Broadway Books 1714 NE Broadway St Portland, OR 97232 This event was so fun! Take a look at some of the photos from the evening. DETAILS POSTED From Broadway Books: We are excited to welcome Anna Boorstin with her debut novel No Place Like . She will be joined in conversation with Andrea Carlisle, author of There Was an Old Woman: Reflections on These Strange, Surp
#Second Chances
Older readers want to see their lives reflected; younger readers need a glimpse of what lies ahead. Both gain insight when age is honored, not erased. Older protagonists relay the message that adventure belongs to all ages, not just the young.
Movies Impact My Writing
I started my career editing sound for cult classics like Real Genius, Beaches, and Clue.
Stories Serve as Mirrors
Myths can be shattered. Ageism says life is over at a certain point. Fiction like No Place Like can prove growth and courage don’t have an expiration date. Older protagonists relay the message that adventure belongs to all ages, not just the young. Wisdom is a superpower. Decades of love, loss, and resilience make older protagonists unforgettable. Their stories carry the weight of lived experience.
Spotlight on the Dog
People have asked me why I gave Lexie a Great Dane if I’ve never had one myself. I have a very simple answer — wish fulfillment! I have always wanted a Great Dane. I had an encounter with a Dane when I was little that stuck with me. An enormous gray Dane came galloping down a long driveway barking, skidded to a stop and allowed me to pet him — probably because (1) I was a child, and (2) I had no fear. In fact, he seemed quite happy to meet me. (Obviously) I’ve never forgot
Why Age Matters
Age and ageism matter to readers because stories shape how we see ourselves and what we believe is possible. When older characters are left out of the spotlight, it reinforces the myth that adventure, love, and transformation belong only to the young. Yet readers—of every age—crave mirrors that reflect their own journeys. For older readers, that means seeing wisdom, resilience, and reinvention honored on the page. By challenging cultural myths about aging, fiction doesn’t jus
1980s Movie Sound Editor
Working on films created by larger-than-life stars and legendary directors taught me how to create characters with presence, tension, and nuance.
Hello, Missoula!
Montana readers are so much fun! We had two bookclubs and also some writing students who all asked great questions and kept the conversation lively. The food was terrific, too, THANKS to Linda Whittlesey who provided a great spread. Here is the bookstore description! Shakespeare & Co. is delighted to host a reading and discussion with Anna Boorstin on Monday, November 10, at 6:00 pm. Boorstin will read from her debut novel No Place Like (Unsolicited Press, 2025). This event
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