This is part an essay I wrote for The Tampa Review titled, “Poems and the Psyche: The Threat of Making Art, One Writer’s Journey.” You can see the full series here.
But after the relief of making a commitment to learn to write, that would not be easy. Because I was still so convinced that the...
Though many readers have asked for a sequel to Confessions—they want to know what happens to Joan and her family—and I love that interest and idea, it’s a tough task. I actually wrote a second book several years ago which I consider a failure– for several reasons; the first is that I could not...
Here is the latest video from CavanKerry Press, a reading from “Confessions” at the book release party at Le Possoin Rouge. Enjoy.
Cusack Handler’s prose reverberates with evocative imagery, insight and emotion, conjuring not only the physicality, mystery and allure of the Roman Catholic faith of the 1950s, but also the authentic intensity and vacillation of adolescent feelings. The story, constructed in slice-of-life fragments...
Handler conveys the emotions and thoughts of her early teen self in a manner that recalls my own adolescent years. She speaks in a very frank and personal way that will both in turns pull you in and disturb you.
Read more at Simply Stacie
The Handlers continue to bounce around—David and Marlene to South Africa, and Alan and I just back from Central America. Our favorite adventure had us trekking a rain forest in Belize dressed in bathing suits and helmets (are you picturing this ??!!) and carrying huge yellow tubes ( the modern day answer...
If you have questions about your faith or about Catholicism in general, this is a good book for gaining a better understanding. Even if you don’t have these questions but were once the one labeled Too Tall or Tattle Tale (or a myriad of other nicknames), then this is the book for you. Joan writes openly...