Best-Selling Author to Give Reading

New York Times best-selling author and Westminster alumna Laura Munson ’84 will give a reading of her new book, “This is Not the Story You Think It Is,” at Westminster School on Sept. 20 at 7 p.m.

In the memoir, she recounts the experience of having her husband of 20 years tell her one day he didn’t love her anymore and he wasn’t sure he ever did, and her measured response of “I don’t buy it.” She chronicles the events of her life during the summer that challenged her marriage and her family. “Taking responsibility for your own well-being, especially during crisis, is a powerful way to live,” she said. “I hope this book helps many people.”

Laura’s break as a writer came when she submitted an essay, “Those Aren’t Fighting Words, Dear, ” an abbreviated version of her memoir, to the New York Times “Modern Love” column last August, and it became the most-read article of the day, requiring the paper to temporarily shut down the comments section on its Web site. A day after its publication, she had a book deal.

Laura, who lives in Montana, has appeared on “Good Morning America” and NPR and received coverage in Newsweek, Elle, Redbook, Vanity Fair, The Week, O Magazine, Ladies Home Journal and Woman's Day. Her book is one of Book of the Month Club's best books of the year picks, as well as an international bestseller. It is being published so far in the United Kingdom, Australia, the Netherlands, Germany, Taiwan and China.

Laura is a graduate of Denison University and credits her experience at Westminster for developing her writing skills and for her love of the English language.

The Westminster School reading is free and open to the public and will take place in the Gund Reading Room of the Armour Academic Center. Refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the reading and ample parking will be available in the parking lot adjacent to the Armour Academic Center. Anyone wishing additional information should call (860) 784-1865.