“The book as a whole weaves together diverse voices to explore one of the most common and complex human experiences, being a daughter,” Kysar says. “Alternately tender and tormented, admiring and forgiving, these artfully told personal narratives never underestimate the strength and strangeness of this bond.”

The 248-page book has been called a disarmingly honest and poignant collection of stories by a group of America’s celebrated literary women.

Contributors to the collection include: Jonis Agee, Elizabeth Jarret Andrew, Sandra Benitez, Barrie Jean Borich, Taiyon Coleman, Heid Erdrich, Diane Glancy, Jan Zita Grover, Denise Low, Alison McGhee, Sheila O'Connor, Shannon Olson, Carrie Pomeroy, Susan Power, Sun Yung Shin, Faith Sullivan, Ann Ursu, Ka Vang, Wang Ping, Susan Steger Welsh and Morgan Grayce Willow.

“As readers journey through these 21 stories they are sure to both recognize and learn about themselves,” Kysar adds. “Anyone willing to look behind the cliché of motherhood will be richly rewarded with the accumulated wisdom of this acclaimed group of authors, scholars, teachers, daughters and mothers.”

Kysar, the author of Dark Lake, has received fellowships from the National Endowment for the Humanities, Norcroft, the Anderson Center for Interdisciplinary Studies and the Banfill-Locke Center for the Arts. This is the first collection of essays she has edited for publication.

For more information about Anoka-Ramsey Community College English courses, creative writing opportunities and distinguished faculty members, visit www.AnokaRamsey.edu or call 763.433.1100.

“Riding Shotgun, Women Write About Their Mothers” Reading Schedule

• Minneapolis Public Library
  Thursday, April 24, 7 p.m.
  
  
• Birch Bark Books
  Saturday, April 26, 7 p.m.
  
  
• Har Mar Barnes and Noble
  Saturday, May 3, 2 p.m.
  
  
• Magers and Quinn
  Sunday, May 4, 5 p.m.
  
  
• Write On Radio
  May 8, 10:30 a.m.
  
  
• Galleria Barnes and Noble
  Thursday, May 8, 7:30 p.m.
  
  
• Common Good Books
  Sunday, May 11, 2 p.m.
  
  
• Amazon Books
  Friday, May 16, 7 p.m.
  
  
• Micawber’s Books
  Thursday, June 19, 7 p.m.