Overview

Attention troublemakers, parents of troublemakers, and everyone who embraces a rebellious spirit! This captivating narrative is dedicated to you. In the heart of Reston, Virginia, an openly integrated community established amidst the civil rights movement, Ellen's coming-of-age journey unfolds against the backdrop of societal change. With vivid detail and emotional depth, Ellen chronicles a blissful childhood that comes to an abrupt end when her parents divorce. Labeled as a troublemaker, Ellen becomes the voice of dissent within her hometown, responding to perceived injustices and seeking attention with acts of rebellion - shoplifting, drinking, and fighting. Yet beneath the seemingly defiant exterior lies a soul yearning for belonging and grappling with the complexities of life. As Ellen navigates the fallout of her parents' divorce, facing isolation and rejection, an unexpected friendship with Bahija becomes her lifeline. United as outsiders battling their own conflicts, the bond between Ellen and Bahija becomes a source of solidarity and empowerment. Ellen discovers the strength to stand up against bullying. As the humorous narrative unfolds, the reader is taken on a riveting journey through Ellen's formative years, with a front-row seat to the struggles of adolescence, the quest for identity, and the desire for independence. Brimming with irony and profound insights, this compelling memoir is a celebration of inclusion, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds forged through shared experiences. Each escapade, whether uproariously funny or deeply painful, serves as a testament to the enduring power of genuine connections and the impact of standing up for what is right. Ellen's story is a reminder that we are all a work in progress, each with a fighter within waiting to be unleashed. Along with poignant reflection, Ellen shows us that laughter can be a potent tool for growth, and sometimes the most judicious lessons are hidden beneath the surface of a good underwear joke.

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9781955985949

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Reviews

"""Ellen didn't always make lemonade when life handed her lemons. Memoirs of a Suburban Troublemaker is a humorous but brutally honest and thought-provoking look at living through some of life's hardest experiences: divorce, bullying, racism, suicide, misogyny, subjugation, insomnia, learning disability, drugs, death, depression, politics, parenting . . . you name it. A book club must- read!"" -Cynthia Shang Community Leader and Software Engineer ""In Memoirs of a Suburban Troublemaker, Readers are presented with an intimate coming-of-age story against the backdrop of Reston, Virginia. The author overcomes both childhood and adult challenges, navigates friendships, and finds a sense of self in the world. Readers will find joy in Ellen's her personal story but will also find a space for reflection."" -Alex Campbell Executive Director of the Reston Museum ""'Memoirs of a Suburban Troublemaker' is an engaging and relatable read in so many ways. Right from the first page, it is full of stories that range from sweet anecdotes to wild escapades, all set against the suburban backdrop of Reston, VA. Through her honest and witty storytelling, the author weaves in the deeper message of advocacy and social justice as she embarks on a quest to challenge the status quo and confront injustices."" -Shantha Ramachandran Reston Resident and Friend ""There is a plethora of material to capture your attention these days, and this book definitely captures your attention from the start. Ellen's story makes you laugh out loud, then makes you say, 'Damn, girl' and reflect on my your own life in parallel with hers. This book is about Ellen's fierce determination to fight for vulnerable groups and stand up against injustices. We all struggle with our own flaws, and it's beautiful to see Ellen outlining her own."" -Mina Song Palkendo Reston Resident, Global Citizen, and Family Friend ""This book will have you scratching your head at times and saying, 'Did she really do/say that?' (Yeah, probably.) Memoirs of a Suburban Troublemaker is less a confessional and more an homage to 'it takes a village'-in this case Robert E. Simon's New Town of Reston, which, as the first avowedly open community south of Mason-Dixon, provided a moving example to this suburban troublemaker what good trouble looked like."" -Robert Goudie Reston Community Leader and Family Friend ""Reading Ellen's beautiful memoir made me feel like I was reading my own. After all, how many Jewish girls who were eight years old when their parents got divorced, were raised in the utopian planned community of Reston, Virginia, and grew to become extremely close with their sisters can there be? Apparently at least two. Ellen perfectly captures what it was like to be the daughter of loving but flawed parents, smack in the middle of the 1980s divorce boom and against the backdrop of a uniquely modern American hometown (one that is so unique that you realize it's somewhat weird but beautiful idiosyncrasies only as you move away and can see it more clearly in the rearview mirror). Memoirs of a Suburban Troublemaker is a touching and funny journey of rebellion, self-discovery, and ultimately, peace."" -Melinda Arons Producer and Media Consultant"

Author Information

Ellen received a bachelor's degree in psychology and music from the University of Tennessee. Her professional journey spans 35 years, where she navigated industries entrenched in the prevalent misogyny of the era, vividly depicted in her compelling narrative. At Amazon, Ellen's proactive initiatives led to groundbreaking promotions, amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her dedication to fostering diversity and innovation, showcased through her work, embodies a leadership style aimed at positive change. Ellen is a highly sought after strategist, speaker, coach and trainer. She also specializes in guiding individuals on nurturing troublemakers and the ability to define constructive rebellion.Ellen's memoir resonates with readers by infusing humor and introspection, encouraging them to confront life's uncertainties with laughter and many adaptive course corrections. In her free time, Ellen spends time with her husband and two daughters, her coton de tulears Niles and Frasier, her sister and brother-in-law who live across the street, and her mother and stepfather John, who still reside in Reston, VA.

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