Today was a delightful day, signing copies of my book at The Bagel Bin Cafe.
Here are a couple of photos from the event - for the on-line Rochester Democrat & Chronicle.

Triskaidekaphobia - what does it mean?

In Paternity, one of the characters (who happens to have been born on a Friday the 13) seems to experience bouts of bad luck. In chapter 33, as she is about to turn thirteen, she encounters the word "triskaidekaphobia" and a revelation of sorts ensues. If you're curious about the origins of the word, triskaidekaphobia, just click on the link.

***SPOILER ALERT***

Every work of fiction is allowed one coincidence. At least that's what I read somewhere. So when asked about the surprise climax in Paternity, that is what I share. But, speaking of coincidences, this afternoon I got a big surprise when my neighbor brought over a copy of today's installment of Dear Abby. It seems the leading letter reveals a real-life example of my fictional tale. If you've already read Paternity, then you know what I'm talking about. If not, please take the spoiler alert to heart before following this link.

Susan

Can rabbis really be gay?

Yes, they can. Indeed, some are. In "Paternity" one of the characters is a rabbi who also happens to be a lesbian. Of course this was not always accepted. And in many circles it still is not. But progress is being made. Here is a terrific story - written for children - which, like so many children's tales, would benefit many adults as well.
http://rabbidanielbrenner.blogspot.com/2006/12/oy-vey-rabbi-is-gay-childrens-tale-for.html

PATERNITY - What it's about:

When Joel Berger, an affable single-guy from Brooklyn, finds out he’s dying of cancer in upstate New York, he makes up his mind to try to produce a family heir before it's too late. But how to find that unsuspecting, soon-to-be mother-to-be?

Joel decides to appeal to the women in his macrobiotic dinner group for help. And before long he’s surrounded by a cast of colorful female characters including his overbearing and often hilarious Jewish mother, Sylvia.

The seeds sown in this unusual family saga take root and begin to grow, branching out in unexpected ways, blossoming with unexpected grace. But will Sylvia approve of the "diverse" offspring her son has spawned? Can a clever and determined grandmother manipulate the outcome of this glorious enterprise called family? Sylvia will surely try!

Paternity will surprise and delight as its twists and occasional U-turns lead to a most ironic ending.