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Welcome to the online press kit Zoe FitzGerald Carter and Imperfect Endings
Ending Life with Dignity
Author/Journalist Zoe FitzGerald Carter
On Compassion, Family, And The Right to Die
More Americans than ever before are caring for elderly parents and dealing with questions of mortality even as they raise their own families. As Baby Boomers age, states nationwide face the question: should people enduring terminal illness be allowed to choose to end their own lives?
In Imperfect Endings: A Daughter's Story of Love, Loss, and Letting Go, author and journalist Zoe FitzGerald Carter creates a compelling, passionate and thought-provoking memoir. Her account of her mother's decision to die with dignity is destined to spur discussion of this tough issue at the heart of a national debate.
Zoe is a graduate of the Columbia School of Journalism and a contributor to publications including The New York Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, Salon and Vogue. In Imperfect Endings, she recounts how her life with her husband and daughters is upended when her glamorous, independent-minded mother, Margaret, decides to die rather than face the ravages of Parkinson's Disease. Unsure of how or when she will end her life, Margaret insists her three daughters be there when she does.
At first Zoe, in shock over her mother's wishes and its legal ramifications, tries to convince her to abandon her plan. But Margaret never waivers. Her decision leads to soul-searching and conflict between Zoe and her sisters, stirring up old alliances, animosities and memories of a childhood dominated by their elegant mother and philandering father.
As the debate over assisted suicide rages, Imperfect Endings illuminates how a family comes to terms with a loved one's final wishes. Zoe's portrait of her determined mother captures the stresses and joys of the "sandwich generation" who are caring for both children and parents.
Imperfect Endings provides a provocative new perspective on end-of-life issues for book groups, caregivers, care communities and the media. Zoe's memoir promotes better understanding of the universal issues surrounding health, quality of life and the right of individuals to decide their fate.
Download Zoe's One Pager.
Public website: www.ImperfectEndings.com
Media Contact is Michelle Tennant: Michelle@publicityresults.com, 828-749-3200 or blog www.StorytellerToTheMedia.com.
