June 3, 2018: Celebrating achievement with editor
Valerie and her editor, Emily Groeber, celebrate Dancing with a Demon's international recognition. Emily, a former colleague of Valerie's and certified editor, has played a significant role in making both of Valerie's books BETTER! Thank you, Emily.
June 1, 2018: International Book Finalist
And then, this wonderful thing happened. Dancing with a Demon was named Finalist - Nonfiction Narrative by the INTERNATIONAL BOOK AWARDS. This is a great honor, especially looking at the others in this category.
May 15, 2018: Mesa Book Club
Another evening with a book club. This time, hosted by Bill Margerum, and long-time friend and former colleague of Valerie's. She was warmly welcomed by eight interesting, diverse, and intellectual gentlemen, several of whom she knew. So it was a lively and thought-provoking discussion.
April 20, 2018: San Diego Book Fest, San Diego, California
Well, how about that! Valerie was included in the Local Authors program at the San Diego Book Fest, even though she is not a local! A fascinating format, where 11 tables were set up on stage with 3-4 at each along with an author. At the bell's ring, authors had six minutes to "pitch" their books, then move to the next table. Yowza! Val's used to having 45 minutes, so it was a challenge. Fast-paced and fun!
April 9, 2018: Phoenix book club, Phoenix, Arizona
Book club visits are such a blast. To have the opportunity to chat with 1. Readers, and 2. Readers who have read your book is immensely gratifying! It comes the closest to being back teaching literature and having great discussions about it. Thank you to Cindy Sevin, and Sandy, Nancy, Joellen, Molly, and Jan. Fabulous ladies, all!
March 28, 2018: Tempe Main Library, Tempe, Arizona
Tempe Library welcomed back Valerie, four years after she and Helen had one of their first speaking events for The Risk of Sorrow. This time, Valerie shared her poignant story from Dancing with a Demon, as the mother of an anorexic and how together they fought down that demon.
March 24, 2018: Chandler Main Library, Chandler, Arizona
Chandler Library hosted Valerie as part of their Women's Voices spring series.
March 21, 2018: Leading Edge Charter School, Chandler, Arizona
Valerie spoke to several students at Leading Edge Charter School. One young man approached her afterward to have his book signed, that he had bought on his own. It is so gratifying that after four years, this book, this story, is still contributing to education and the lessons of the Holocaust.
March 17, 2018: Phoenix Writers Club, Phoenix, Arizona
The long-time Phoenix Writers Club, in existence for over 80 years, invited Valerie to speak at their monthly meeting. It was a great event.
February 17, 2018: Red Mtn. Branch Library, Mesa, Arizona
Valerie joined other local authors for the Red Mountain Library's Local Author Fest.
February 22, 2018: Chandler-Gilbert Community College: Chandler, Arizona
After having taught as an adjunct professor at CGCC for seven years, it was such a joy to return as an author! Valerie spoke to Communications and Psychology students about Dancing with a Demon. The Communications students evaluated her speaking skills (!); the Psychology students were absorbing important facts about eating disorders.
January 21, 2018: Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust, Los Angeles, California
This was indeed a thrill. The esteemed Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust invited Valerie to conduct a workshop for teachers. She focused on innovative uses of primary sources, using The Risk of Sorrow. Participants (including two student teachers!) received an in-depth Teacher/Student Guide to the memoir.
January 16, 2018: East Valley Jewish Community Center, Chandler, AZ
The East Valley Jewish Community Center invited Valerie to speak to their Terrific Tuesdays Senior Group. This was Val's second visit with these indeed terrific folks, having spoken to them about The Risk of Sorrow. Thanks, Adrian Bendick.
November 1, 2017: American Book Fest
Wow! Dancing with a Demon was named Best Nonfiction Narrative by the American Book Fest!
October 31, 2017: Monte Nido Eating Disorder Clinic, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Valerie was invited to tour the Monte Nido Eating Disorder Center in Philadelphia. Director, Emily Dumas and her staff included me in lunch with a productive discussion about Dancing with a Demon and what parents most need to know.
October 30, 2017: Jewish Federation, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Valerie visited The Jewish Federation in Philadelphia, presenting them with a copy of The Risk of Sorrow.
September 10, 2017: Changing Hands Books, Tempe, Arizona - Book Launch
Valerie and Jenna spoke to a full house at Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe, Arizona. Reading excerpts and taking questions, reuniting with old friends and former students, and sharing with family rounded out a fantastic launch to Dancing with a Demon! See our book's page for the video.
September 9, 2017: Chandler, Arizona - Friends and Family Celebrate
Friends and family gathered to celebrate the release of Dancing with a Demon. Daughter, Jenna, was here from New York to co-host this enormous passage. Thanks to all!
September 6 2017: Phoenix, Arizona - Television Interview
Valerie had the great pleasure of being featured on Phoenix's Good Morning Arizona about her new book, Dancing with a Demon. As an added bonus, her niece, meteorologist April Warnecke, conducted the interview!
August 1, 2017: Gilbert, Arizona - Birth of a Book
After five years of writing and another ten years of waiting, Valerie's second memoir (actually written before the first!) is "born." Dancing with a Demon tells Valerie's true story of love, hope, and triumph as she helps her daughter to win her battle against anorexia.
May 2017: Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust
Valerie visits the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust and reunites with Helen through her oral history archive.
April 2017: Los Angeles Times Festival of Books
Valerie joins eight fellow members of Phoenix Publishing and Book Promotion at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. Met lots of great people as thousands converge!
April 2017: Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Chandler-Gilbert Community College's first Human Library Project, and Valerie is a book!
March 2017: Women's History Month at Estrella Mtn. Community College
Valerie returns to speak to two classes at Estrella Mountain Community College.
November 2016: Vancouver, British Columbia
This was a busy month for Valerie. Helen would be pleased. Invited to Vancouver's Jewish Book Festival (Canada's largest), Valerie gave a three-minute (yes!) Flash Book Talk!
November 2016: East Valley Jewish Community Center
As a guest speaker for Seniors Tuesday, Valerie was warmly welcomed by everyone. Several were survivors themselves and tears were shed.
November 2016: Community College Humanities Association Regional Conference
At the Western Regional Conference for Community College Humanities, Valerie spoke to fellow educators on the use of primary sources in teaching of the humanities.
October 2016: Phoenix Burton Barr Library
Downtown Phoenix's Main Library was the site for Valerie's speaking.
June 2016: Seattle WA and Vancouver BC
A vacation to the Pacific Northwest enables her to visit Vancouver's Holocaust Center and other key sites.
April 2016: Barnes & Noble, Gilbert
A great book-signing at Val's local B & N bookstore. Richelle Pina, who introduced her to Helen, makes a surprise appearance.
March 2016: Chandler-Gilbert Community College
It was an honor for Valerie to speak at the college where she teaches. A great event.
March 2016: Brandeis University Author Talk
Ina Levine's Jewish Community Center was the site for a terrific speaking event.
February 2016: Gila River Indian Reservation
Valerie had a great time speaking at the Gila River Indian Reservation. Kids had great questions and even gave me my own personalized water tumbler.
February 16, 2016: Peace be with you
Helen passes away on February 16.
December, 2015: Northwest Christian School
Valerie and Helen make new friends at the Northwest Christian School.
November, 2015: Community College Humanities Association Annual Conference
Estrella Mtn. Community College student, Ricardo Camacho, presents on The Risk of Sorrow at the CCHA State Conference, after being inspired by reading the book and hearing Helen and Valerie speak at SCC.
November, 2015: Scottsdale Public Library
Another memorable, emotional speaking and signing community event.
October, 2015: St. Mary's Catholic Church, Chandler
Valerie and Helen were warmly invited to speak at the Women's Group Monthly Breakfast at St. Mary's Catholic church in Chandler.
October, 2015: Chandler
Helen and Valerie were invited to the home of Yvette Marker to address her group of home-schoolers.
October, 2015: Phoenix Yucca Library
Valerie and Helen doin' their thing.
May 2015: Mt. View High School, Mesa
Imagine Valerie's pleasure to be speaking with Helen at the high school where Valerie taught for six years. Lots of hugging going on.
April 2015: Chandler Library
This was an incredible event. Over one hundred people, standing room only, many excellent questions from attendees.
April 2015: Scottsdale Community College
Valerie and Helen spoke at Scottsdale Community College as part of the school's annual Genocide Awareness Week.
April 2015: KTAR Radio-Phoenix
An absolute thrill to be the featured guests on Pat McMahon's hour program, The God Show, on KTAR Radio. Pat told us that The Risk of Sorrow was "the most moving book" he'd ever read!
March 2015: Red Mtn. Library Author Fair
Valerie beginning to settle in to the role of author.
February 2015: The Wine Club with the Reading Problem
Gotta love a group with this name! Valerie has dinner with effervescent book readers/wine lovers.
October 2014: Changing Hands - Tempe
A memorable book talk and signing at the iconic Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe.
June 2014: Tempel Beth El - Phoenix
A very special presentation at Helen's synagogue.
June 2014: Tempe Public Library
This was Valerie and Helen's first public speaking together. A warm and wonderful reception.
May 2014: Red Mtn. High School, Mesa
Valerie taught at Red Mtn. High School in Mesa for twenty years. To return there now as a published author, with dear Helen, seemed like sweet closure.
April 2014: Celebration for Friends and Family
Set in the beautiful home of Sarah and Kevin Goode, in downtown Phoenix, Valerie and Helen are surrounded by friends and family to celebrate publication of The Risk of Sorrow!
April 2014: Book Launch & Author Debut, Chandler
Valerie's first book, The Risk of Sorrow: Conversations with Holocaust Survivor, Helen Handler, is launched in April, 2014 at the Chandler Center for the Arts, sponsored by the East Valley Jewish Community Center.
March 21, 2018: Leading Edge Charter School, Chandler, Arizona
Valerie spoke to several students at Leading Edge Charter School. One young man approached her afterward to have his book signed, that he had bought on his own. It is so gratifying that after four years, this book, this story, is still contributing to education and the lessons of the Holocaust.
March 17, 2018: Phoenix Writers Club, Phoenix, Arizona
The long-time Phoenix Writers Club, in existence for over 80 years, invited Valerie to speak at their monthly meeting. It was a great event.
February 22, 2018: Chandler-Gilbert Community College: Chandler, Arizona
After having taught as an adjunct professor at CGCC for seven years, it was such a joy to return as an author! Valerie spoke to Communications and Psychology students about Dancing with a Demon. The Communications students evaluated her speaking skills (!); the Psychology students were absorbing important facts about eating disorders.
January 21, 2018: Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust, Los Angeles, California
This was indeed a thrill. The esteemed Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust invited Valerie to conduct a workshop for teachers. She focused on innovative uses of primary sources, using The Risk of Sorrow. Participants (including two student teachers!) received an in-depth Teacher/Student Guide to the memoir.
January 16, 2018: East Valley Jewish Community Center, Chandler, AZ
The East Valley Jewish Community Center invited Valerie to speak to their Terrific Tuesdays Senior Group. This was Val's second visit with these indeed terrific folks, having spoken to them about The Risk of Sorrow. Thanks, Adrian Bendick.
October 31, 2017: Monte Nido Eating Disorder Clinic, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Valerie was invited to tour the Monte Nido Eating Disorder Center in Philadelphia. Director, Emily Dumas and her staff included me in lunch with a productive discussion about Dancing with a Demon and what parents most need to know.
October 30, 2017: Jewish Federation, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Valerie visited The Jewish Federation in Philadelphia, presenting them with a copy of The Risk of Sorrow.
September 10, 2017: Changing Hands Books, Tempe, Arizona - Book Launch
Valerie and Jenna spoke to a full house at Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe, Arizona. Reading excerpts and taking questions, reuniting with old friends and former students, and sharing with family rounded out a fantastic launch to Dancing with a Demon! See our book's page for the video.
September 9, 2017: Chandler, Arizona - Friends and Family Celebrate
Friends and family gathered to celebrate the release of Dancing with a Demon. Daughter, Jenna, was here from New York to co-host this enormous passage. Thanks to all!
September 6 2017: Phoenix, Arizona - Television Interview
Valerie had the great pleasure of being featured on Phoenix's Good Morning Arizona about her new book, Dancing with a Demon. As an added bonus, her niece, meteorologist April Warnecke, conducted the interview!
August 1, 2017: Gilbert, Arizona - Birth of a Book
After five years of writing and another ten years of waiting, Valerie's second memoir (actually written before the first!) is "born." Dancing with a Demon tells Valerie's true story of love, hope, and triumph as she helps her daughter to win her battle against anorexia.
May 2017: Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust
Valerie visits the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust and reunites with Helen through her oral history archive.
April 2017: Los Angeles Times Festival of Books
Valerie joins eight fellow members of Phoenix Publishing and Book Promotion at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. Met lots of great people as thousands converge!
April 2017: Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Chandler-Gilbert Community College's first Human Library Project, and Valerie is a book!
March 2017: Women's History Month at Estrella Mtn. Community College
Valerie returns to speak to two classes at Estrella Mountain Community College.
November 2016: Vancouver, British Columbia
This was a busy month for Valerie. Helen would be pleased. Invited to Vancouver's Jewish Book Festival (Canada's largest), Valerie gave a three-minute (yes!) Flash Book Talk!
November 2016: East Valley Jewish Community Center
As a guest speaker for Seniors Tuesday, Valerie was warmly welcomed by everyone. Several were survivors themselves and tears were shed.
November 2016: Community College Humanities Association Regional Conference
At the Western Regional Conference for Community College Humanities, Valerie spoke to fellow educators on the use of primary sources in teaching of the humanities.
October 2016: Phoenix Burton Barr Library
Downtown Phoenix's Main Library was the site for Valerie's speaking.
June 2016: Seattle WA and Vancouver BC
A vacation to the Pacific Northwest enables her to visit Vancouver's Holocaust Center and other key sites.
April 2016: Barnes & Noble, Gilbert
A great book-signing at Val's local B & N bookstore. Richelle Pina, who introduced her to Helen, makes a surprise appearance.
March 2016: Chandler-Gilbert Community College
It was an honor for Valerie to speak at the college where she teaches. A great event.
March 2016: Brandeis University Author Talk
Ina Levine's Jewish Community Center was the site for a terrific speaking event.
February 2016: Gila River Indian Reservation
Valerie had a great time speaking at the Gila River Indian Reservation. Kids had great questions and even gave me my own personalized water tumbler.
February 16, 2016: Peace be with you
Helen passes away on February 16.
December, 2015: Northwest Christian School
Valerie and Helen make new friends at the Northwest Christian School.
November, 2015: Community College Humanities Association Annual Conference
Estrella Mtn. Community College student, Ricardo Camacho, presents on The Risk of Sorrow at the CCHA State Conference, after being inspired by reading the book and hearing Helen and Valerie speak at SCC.
November, 2015: Scottsdale Public Library
Another memorable, emotional speaking and signing community event.
October, 2015: St. Mary's Catholic Church, Chandler
Valerie and Helen were warmly invited to speak at the Women's Group Monthly Breakfast at St. Mary's Catholic church in Chandler.
October, 2015: Chandler
Helen and Valerie were invited to the home of Yvette Marker to address her group of home-schoolers.
October, 2015: Phoenix Yucca Library
Valerie and Helen doin' their thing.
May 2015: Mt. View High School, Mesa
Imagine Valerie's pleasure to be speaking with Helen at the high school where Valerie taught for six years. Lots of hugging going on.
April 2015: Chandler Library
This was an incredible event. Over one hundred people, standing room only, many excellent questions from attendees.
April 2015: Scottsdale Community College
Valerie and Helen spoke at Scottsdale Community College as part of the school's annual Genocide Awareness Week.
April 2015: KTAR Radio-Phoenix
An absolute thrill to be the featured guests on Pat McMahon's hour program, The God Show, on KTAR Radio. Pat told us that The Risk of Sorrow was "the most moving book" he'd ever read!
March 2015: Red Mtn. Library Author Fair
Valerie beginning to settle in to the role of author.
February 2015: The Wine Club with the Reading Problem
Gotta love a group with this name! Valerie has dinner with effervescent book readers/wine lovers.
October 2014: Changing Hands - Tempe
A memorable book talk and signing at the iconic Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe.
June 2014: Tempel Beth El - Phoenix
A very special presentation at Helen's synagogue.
June 2014: Tempe Public Library
This was Valerie and Helen's first public speaking together. A warm and wonderful reception.
May 2014: Red Mtn. High School, Mesa
Valerie taught at Red Mtn. High School in Mesa for twenty years. To return there now as a published author, with dear Helen, seemed like sweet closure.
April 2014: Celebration for Friends and Family
Set in the beautiful home of Sarah and Kevin Goode, in downtown Phoenix, Valerie and Helen are surrounded by friends and family to celebrate publication of The Risk of Sorrow!
April 2014: Book Launch & Author Debut, Chandler
Valerie's first book, The Risk of Sorrow: Conversations with Holocaust Survivor, Helen Handler, is launched in April, 2014 at the Chandler Center for the Arts, sponsored by the East Valley Jewish Community Center.
February 28, 2018: Scottsdale Society of Women Writers, Scottsdale, Arizona
Valerie spoke at the February meeting of the Scottsdale Society of Women Writers, led by Patricia Brooks. This is a great group of women who share experiences, frustrations, and lessons learned. It was refreshing to speak about the general joy of writing and its importance in the human experience.
February 22, 2018: Chandler-Gilbert Community College: Chandler, Arizona
After having taught as an adjunct professor at CGCC for seven years, it was such a joy to return as an author! Valerie spoke to Communications and Psychology students about Dancing with a Demon. The Communications students evaluated her speaking skills (!); the Psychology students were absorbing important facts about eating disorders.
January 21, 2018: Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust, Los Angeles, California
This was indeed a thrill. The esteemed Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust invited Valerie to conduct a workshop for teachers. She focused on innovative uses of primary sources, using The Risk of Sorrow. Participants (including two student teachers!) received an in-depth Teacher/Student Guide to the memoir.
January 16, 2018: East Valley Jewish Community Center, Chandler, AZ
The East Valley Jewish Community Center invited Valerie to speak to their Terrific Tuesdays Senior Group. This was Val's second visit with these indeed terrific folks, having spoken to them about The Risk of Sorrow. Thanks, Adrian Bendick.
October 31, 2017: Monte Nido Eating Disorder Clinic, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Valerie was invited to tour the Monte Nido Eating Disorder Center in Philadelphia. Director, Emily Dumas and her staff included me in lunch with a productive discussion about Dancing with a Demon and what parents most need to know.
October 30, 2017: Jewish Federation, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Valerie visited The Jewish Federation in Philadelphia, presenting them with a copy of The Risk of Sorrow.
September 10, 2017: Changing Hands Books, Tempe, Arizona - Book Launch
Valerie and Jenna spoke to a full house at Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe, Arizona. Reading excerpts and taking questions, reuniting with old friends and former students, and sharing with family rounded out a fantastic launch to Dancing with a Demon! See our book's page for the video.
September 9, 2017: Chandler, Arizona - Friends and Family Celebrate
Friends and family gathered to celebrate the release of Dancing with a Demon. Daughter, Jenna, was here from New York to co-host this enormous passage. Thanks to all!
September 6 2017: Phoenix, Arizona - Television Interview
Valerie had the great pleasure of being featured on Phoenix's Good Morning Arizona about her new book, Dancing with a Demon. As an added bonus, her niece, meteorologist April Warnecke, conducted the interview!
August 1, 2017: Gilbert, Arizona - Birth of a Book
After five years of writing and another ten years of waiting, Valerie's second memoir (actually written before the first!) is "born." Dancing with a Demon tells Valerie's true story of love, hope, and triumph as she helps her daughter to win her battle against anorexia.
May 2017: Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust
Valerie visits the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust and reunites with Helen through her oral history archive.
April 2017: Los Angeles Times Festival of Books
Valerie joins eight fellow members of Phoenix Publishing and Book Promotion at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. Met lots of great people as thousands converge!
April 2017: Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Chandler-Gilbert Community College's first Human Library Project, and Valerie is a book!
March 2017: Women's History Month at Estrella Mtn. Community College
Valerie returns to speak to two classes at Estrella Mountain Community College.
November 2016: Vancouver, British Columbia
This was a busy month for Valerie. Helen would be pleased. Invited to Vancouver's Jewish Book Festival (Canada's largest), Valerie gave a three-minute (yes!) Flash Book Talk!
November 2016: East Valley Jewish Community Center
As a guest speaker for Seniors Tuesday, Valerie was warmly welcomed by everyone. Several were survivors themselves and tears were shed.
November 2016: Community College Humanities Association Regional Conference
At the Western Regional Conference for Community College Humanities, Valerie spoke to fellow educators on the use of primary sources in teaching of the humanities.
October 2016: Phoenix Burton Barr Library
Downtown Phoenix's Main Library was the site for Valerie's speaking.
June 2016: Seattle WA and Vancouver BC
A vacation to the Pacific Northwest enables her to visit Vancouver's Holocaust Center and other key sites.
April 2016: Barnes & Noble, Gilbert
A great book-signing at Val's local B & N bookstore. Richelle Pina, who introduced her to Helen, makes a surprise appearance.
March 2016: Chandler-Gilbert Community College
It was an honor for Valerie to speak at the college where she teaches. A great event.
March 2016: Brandeis University Author Talk
Ina Levine's Jewish Community Center was the site for a terrific speaking event.
February 2016: Gila River Indian Reservation
Valerie had a great time speaking at the Gila River Indian Reservation. Kids had great questions and even gave me my own personalized water tumbler.
February 16, 2016: Peace be with you
Helen passes away on February 16.
December, 2015: Northwest Christian School
Valerie and Helen make new friends at the Northwest Christian School.
November, 2015: Community College Humanities Association Annual Conference
Estrella Mtn. Community College student, Ricardo Camacho, presents on The Risk of Sorrow at the CCHA State Conference, after being inspired by reading the book and hearing Helen and Valerie speak at SCC.
November, 2015: Scottsdale Public Library
Another memorable, emotional speaking and signing community event.
October, 2015: St. Mary's Catholic Church, Chandler
Valerie and Helen were warmly invited to speak at the Women's Group Monthly Breakfast at St. Mary's Catholic church in Chandler.
October, 2015: Chandler
Helen and Valerie were invited to the home of Yvette Marker to address her group of home-schoolers.
October, 2015: Phoenix Yucca Library
Valerie and Helen doin' their thing.
May 2015: Mt. View High School, Mesa
Imagine Valerie's pleasure to be speaking with Helen at the high school where Valerie taught for six years. Lots of hugging going on.
April 2015: Chandler Library
This was an incredible event. Over one hundred people, standing room only, many excellent questions from attendees.
April 2015: Scottsdale Community College
Valerie and Helen spoke at Scottsdale Community College as part of the school's annual Genocide Awareness Week.
April 2015: KTAR Radio-Phoenix
An absolute thrill to be the featured guests on Pat McMahon's hour program, The God Show, on KTAR Radio. Pat told us that The Risk of Sorrow was "the most moving book" he'd ever read!
March 2015: Red Mtn. Library Author Fair
Valerie beginning to settle in to the role of author.
February 2015: The Wine Club with the Reading Problem
Gotta love a group with this name! Valerie has dinner with effervescent book readers/wine lovers.
October 2014: Changing Hands - Tempe
A memorable book talk and signing at the iconic Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe.
June 2014: Tempel Beth El - Phoenix
A very special presentation at Helen's synagogue.
June 2014: Tempe Public Library
This was Valerie and Helen's first public speaking together. A warm and wonderful reception.
May 2014: Red Mtn. High School, Mesa
Valerie taught at Red Mtn. High School in Mesa for twenty years. To return there now as a published author, with dear Helen, seemed like sweet closure.
April 2014: Celebration for Friends and Family
Set in the beautiful home of Sarah and Kevin Goode, in downtown Phoenix, Valerie and Helen are surrounded by friends and family to celebrate publication of The Risk of Sorrow!
April 2014: Book Launch & Author Debut, Chandler
Valerie's first book, The Risk of Sorrow: Conversations with Holocaust Survivor, Helen Handler, is launched in April, 2014 at the Chandler Center for the Arts, sponsored by the East Valley Jewish Community Center.
January 21, 2018: Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust, Los Angeles, California
This was indeed a thrill. The esteemed Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust invited Valerie to conduct a workshop for teachers. She focused on innovative uses of primary sources, using The Risk of Sorrow. Participants (including two student teachers!) received an in-depth Teacher/Student Guide to the memoir.
January 16, 2018: East Valley Jewish Community Center, Chandler, AZ
The East Valley Jewish Community Center invited Valerie to speak to their Terrific Tuesdays Senior Group. This was Val's second visit with these indeed terrific folks, having spoken to them about The Risk of Sorrow. Thanks, Adrian Bendick.
October 31, 2017: Monte Nido Eating Disorder Clinic, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Valerie was invited to tour the Monte Nido Eating Disorder Center in Philadelphia. Director, Emily Dumas and her staff included me in lunch with a productive discussion about Dancing with a Demon and what parents most need to know.
October 30, 2017: Jewish Federation, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Valerie visited The Jewish Federation in Philadelphia, presenting them with a copy of The Risk of Sorrow.
September 10, 2017: Changing Hands Books, Tempe, Arizona - Book Launch
Valerie and Jenna spoke to a full house at Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe, Arizona. Reading excerpts and taking questions, reuniting with old friends and former students, and sharing with family rounded out a fantastic launch to Dancing with a Demon! See our book's page for the video.
September 9, 2017: Chandler, Arizona - Friends and Family Celebrate
Friends and family gathered to celebrate the release of Dancing with a Demon. Daughter, Jenna, was here from New York to co-host this enormous passage. Thanks to all!
September 6 2017: Phoenix, Arizona - Television Interview
Valerie had the great pleasure of being featured on Phoenix's Good Morning Arizona about her new book, Dancing with a Demon. As an added bonus, her niece, meteorologist April Warnecke, conducted the interview!
August 1, 2017: Gilbert, Arizona - Birth of a Book
After five years of writing and another ten years of waiting, Valerie's second memoir (actually written before the first!) is "born." Dancing with a Demon tells Valerie's true story of love, hope, and triumph as she helps her daughter to win her battle against anorexia.
May 2017: Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust
Valerie visits the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust and reunites with Helen through her oral history archive.
April 2017: Los Angeles Times Festival of Books
Valerie joins eight fellow members of Phoenix Publishing and Book Promotion at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. Met lots of great people as thousands converge!
April 2017: Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Chandler-Gilbert Community College's first Human Library Project, and Valerie is a book!
March 2017: Women's History Month at Estrella Mtn. Community College
Valerie returns to speak to two classes at Estrella Mountain Community College.
November 2016: Vancouver, British Columbia
This was a busy month for Valerie. Helen would be pleased. Invited to Vancouver's Jewish Book Festival (Canada's largest), Valerie gave a three-minute (yes!) Flash Book Talk!
November 2016: East Valley Jewish Community Center
As a guest speaker for Seniors Tuesday, Valerie was warmly welcomed by everyone. Several were survivors themselves and tears were shed.
November 2016: Community College Humanities Association Regional Conference
At the Western Regional Conference for Community College Humanities, Valerie spoke to fellow educators on the use of primary sources in teaching of the humanities.
October 2016: Phoenix Burton Barr Library
Downtown Phoenix's Main Library was the site for Valerie's speaking.
June 2016: Seattle WA and Vancouver BC
A vacation to the Pacific Northwest enables her to visit Vancouver's Holocaust Center and other key sites.
April 2016: Barnes & Noble, Gilbert
A great book-signing at Val's local B & N bookstore. Richelle Pina, who introduced her to Helen, makes a surprise appearance.
March 2016: Chandler-Gilbert Community College
It was an honor for Valerie to speak at the college where she teaches. A great event.
March 2016: Brandeis University Author Talk
Ina Levine's Jewish Community Center was the site for a terrific speaking event.
February 2016: Gila River Indian Reservation
Valerie had a great time speaking at the Gila River Indian Reservation. Kids had great questions and even gave me my own personalized water tumbler.
February 16, 2016: Peace be with you
Helen passes away on February 16.
December, 2015: Northwest Christian School
Valerie and Helen make new friends at the Northwest Christian School.
November, 2015: Community College Humanities Association Annual Conference
Estrella Mtn. Community College student, Ricardo Camacho, presents on The Risk of Sorrow at the CCHA State Conference, after being inspired by reading the book and hearing Helen and Valerie speak at SCC.
November, 2015: Scottsdale Public Library
Another memorable, emotional speaking and signing community event.
October, 2015: St. Mary's Catholic Church, Chandler
Valerie and Helen were warmly invited to speak at the Women's Group Monthly Breakfast at St. Mary's Catholic church in Chandler.
October, 2015: Chandler
Helen and Valerie were invited to the home of Yvette Marker to address her group of home-schoolers.
October, 2015: Phoenix Yucca Library
Valerie and Helen doin' their thing.
May 2015: Mt. View High School, Mesa
Imagine Valerie's pleasure to be speaking with Helen at the high school where Valerie taught for six years. Lots of hugging going on.
April 2015: Chandler Library
This was an incredible event. Over one hundred people, standing room only, many excellent questions from attendees.
April 2015: Scottsdale Community College
Valerie and Helen spoke at Scottsdale Community College as part of the school's annual Genocide Awareness Week.
April 2015: KTAR Radio-Phoenix
An absolute thrill to be the featured guests on Pat McMahon's hour program, The God Show, on KTAR Radio. Pat told us that The Risk of Sorrow was "the most moving book" he'd ever read!
March 2015: Red Mtn. Library Author Fair
Valerie beginning to settle in to the role of author.
February 2015: The Wine Club with the Reading Problem
Gotta love a group with this name! Valerie has dinner with effervescent book readers/wine lovers.
October 2014: Changing Hands - Tempe
A memorable book talk and signing at the iconic Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe.
June 2014: Tempel Beth El - Phoenix
A very special presentation at Helen's synagogue.
June 2014: Tempe Public Library
This was Valerie and Helen's first public speaking together. A warm and wonderful reception.
May 2014: Red Mtn. High School, Mesa
Valerie taught at Red Mtn. High School in Mesa for twenty years. To return there now as a published author, with dear Helen, seemed like sweet closure.
April 2014: Celebration for Friends and Family
Set in the beautiful home of Sarah and Kevin Goode, in downtown Phoenix, Valerie and Helen are surrounded by friends and family to celebrate publication of The Risk of Sorrow!
April 2014: Book Launch & Author Debut, Chandler
Valerie's first book, The Risk of Sorrow: Conversations with Holocaust Survivor, Helen Handler, is launched in April, 2014 at the Chandler Center for the Arts, sponsored by the East Valley Jewish Community Center.
October 31, 2017: Monte Nido Eating Disorder Clinic, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Valerie was invited to tour the Monte Nido Eating Disorder Center in Philadelphia. Director, Emily Dumas and her staff included me in lunch with a productive discussion about Dancing with a Demon and what parents most need to know.
October 30, 2017: Jewish Federation, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Valerie visited The Jewish Federation in Philadelphia, presenting them with a copy of The Risk of Sorrow.
September 10, 2017: Changing Hands Books, Tempe, Arizona - Book Launch
Valerie and Jenna spoke to a full house at Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe, Arizona. Reading excerpts and taking questions, reuniting with old friends and former students, and sharing with family rounded out a fantastic launch to Dancing with a Demon! See our book's page for the video.
September 9, 2017: Chandler, Arizona - Friends and Family Celebrate
Friends and family gathered to celebrate the release of Dancing with a Demon. Daughter, Jenna, was here from New York to co-host this enormous passage. Thanks to all!
September 6 2017: Phoenix, Arizona - Television Interview
Valerie had the great pleasure of being featured on Phoenix's Good Morning Arizona about her new book, Dancing with a Demon. As an added bonus, her niece, meteorologist April Warnecke, conducted the interview!
August 1, 2017: Gilbert, Arizona - Birth of a Book
After five years of writing and another ten years of waiting, Valerie's second memoir (actually written before the first!) is "born." Dancing with a Demon tells Valerie's true story of love, hope, and triumph as she helps her daughter to win her battle against anorexia.
May 2017: Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust
Valerie visits the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust and reunites with Helen through her oral history archive.
April 2017: Los Angeles Times Festival of Books
Valerie joins eight fellow members of Phoenix Publishing and Book Promotion at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. Met lots of great people as thousands converge!
April 2017: Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Chandler-Gilbert Community College's first Human Library Project, and Valerie is a book!
March 2017: Women's History Month at Estrella Mtn. Community College
Valerie returns to speak to two classes at Estrella Mountain Community College.
November 2016: Vancouver, British Columbia
This was a busy month for Valerie. Helen would be pleased. Invited to Vancouver's Jewish Book Festival (Canada's largest), Valerie gave a three-minute (yes!) Flash Book Talk!
November 2016: East Valley Jewish Community Center
As a guest speaker for Seniors Tuesday, Valerie was warmly welcomed by everyone. Several were survivors themselves and tears were shed.
November 2016: Community College Humanities Association Regional Conference
At the Western Regional Conference for Community College Humanities, Valerie spoke to fellow educators on the use of primary sources in teaching of the humanities.
October 2016: Phoenix Burton Barr Library
Downtown Phoenix's Main Library was the site for Valerie's speaking.
June 2016: Seattle WA and Vancouver BC
A vacation to the Pacific Northwest enables her to visit Vancouver's Holocaust Center and other key sites.
April 2016: Barnes & Noble, Gilbert
A great book-signing at Val's local B & N bookstore. Richelle Pina, who introduced her to Helen, makes a surprise appearance.
March 2016: Chandler-Gilbert Community College
It was an honor for Valerie to speak at the college where she teaches. A great event.
March 2016: Brandeis University Author Talk
Ina Levine's Jewish Community Center was the site for a terrific speaking event.
February 2016: Gila River Indian Reservation
Valerie had a great time speaking at the Gila River Indian Reservation. Kids had great questions and even gave me my own personalized water tumbler.
February 16, 2016: Peace be with you
Helen passes away on February 16.
December, 2015: Northwest Christian School
Valerie and Helen make new friends at the Northwest Christian School.
November, 2015: Community College Humanities Association Annual Conference
Estrella Mtn. Community College student, Ricardo Camacho, presents on The Risk of Sorrow at the CCHA State Conference, after being inspired by reading the book and hearing Helen and Valerie speak at SCC.
November, 2015: Scottsdale Public Library
Another memorable, emotional speaking and signing community event.
October, 2015: St. Mary's Catholic Church, Chandler
Valerie and Helen were warmly invited to speak at the Women's Group Monthly Breakfast at St. Mary's Catholic church in Chandler.
October, 2015: Chandler
Helen and Valerie were invited to the home of Yvette Marker to address her group of home-schoolers.
October, 2015: Phoenix Yucca Library
Valerie and Helen doin' their thing.
May 2015: Mt. View High School, Mesa
Imagine Valerie's pleasure to be speaking with Helen at the high school where Valerie taught for six years. Lots of hugging going on.
April 2015: Chandler Library
This was an incredible event. Over one hundred people, standing room only, many excellent questions from attendees.
April 2015: Scottsdale Community College
Valerie and Helen spoke at Scottsdale Community College as part of the school's annual Genocide Awareness Week.
April 2015: KTAR Radio-Phoenix
An absolute thrill to be the featured guests on Pat McMahon's hour program, The God Show, on KTAR Radio. Pat told us that The Risk of Sorrow was "the most moving book" he'd ever read!
March 2015: Red Mtn. Library Author Fair
Valerie beginning to settle in to the role of author.
February 2015: The Wine Club with the Reading Problem
Gotta love a group with this name! Valerie has dinner with effervescent book readers/wine lovers.
October 2014: Changing Hands - Tempe
A memorable book talk and signing at the iconic Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe.
June 2014: Tempel Beth El - Phoenix
A very special presentation at Helen's synagogue.
June 2014: Tempe Public Library
This was Valerie and Helen's first public speaking together. A warm and wonderful reception.
May 2014: Red Mtn. High School, Mesa
Valerie taught at Red Mtn. High School in Mesa for twenty years. To return there now as a published author, with dear Helen, seemed like sweet closure.
April 2014: Celebration for Friends and Family
Set in the beautiful home of Sarah and Kevin Goode, in downtown Phoenix, Valerie and Helen are surrounded by friends and family to celebrate publication of The Risk of Sorrow!
April 2014: Book Launch & Author Debut, Chandler
Valerie's first book, The Risk of Sorrow: Conversations with Holocaust Survivor, Helen Handler, is launched in April, 2014 at the Chandler Center for the Arts, sponsored by the East Valley Jewish Community Center.
October 30, 2017: Jewish Federation, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Valerie visited The Jewish Federation in Philadelphia, presenting them with a copy of The Risk of Sorrow.
September 10, 2017: Changing Hands Books, Tempe, Arizona - Book Launch
Valerie and Jenna spoke to a full house at Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe, Arizona. Reading excerpts and taking questions, reuniting with old friends and former students, and sharing with family rounded out a fantastic launch to Dancing with a Demon! See our book's page for the video.
September 10, 2017: Changing Hands Books, Tempe, Arizona - Book Launch
Valerie and Jenna spoke to a full house at Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe, Arizona. Reading excerpts and taking questions, reuniting with old friends and former students, and sharing with family rounded out a fantastic launch to Dancing with a Demon! See our book's page for the video.
September 9, 2017: Chandler, Arizona - Friends and Family Celebrate
Friends and family gathered to celebrate the release of Dancing with a Demon. Daughter, Jenna, was here from New York to co-host this enormous passage. Thanks to all!
September 6 2017: Phoenix, Arizona - Television Interview
Valerie had the great pleasure of being featured on Phoenix's Good Morning Arizona about her new book, Dancing with a Demon. As an added bonus, her niece, meteorologist April Warnecke, conducted the interview!
August 1, 2017: Gilbert, Arizona - Birth of a Book
After five years of writing and another ten years of waiting, Valerie's second memoir (actually written before the first!) is "born." Dancing with a Demon tells Valerie's true story of love, hope, and triumph as she helps her daughter to win her battle against anorexia.
May 2017: Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust
Valerie visits the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust and reunites with Helen through her oral history archive.
April 2017: Los Angeles Times Festival of Books
Valerie joins eight fellow members of Phoenix Publishing and Book Promotion at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. Met lots of great people as thousands converge!
April 2017: Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Chandler-Gilbert Community College's first Human Library Project, and Valerie is a book!
March 2017: Women's History Month at Estrella Mtn. Community College
Valerie returns to speak to two classes at Estrella Mountain Community College.
November 2016: Vancouver, British Columbia
This was a busy month for Valerie. Helen would be pleased. Invited to Vancouver's Jewish Book Festival (Canada's largest), Valerie gave a three-minute (yes!) Flash Book Talk!
November 2016: East Valley Jewish Community Center
As a guest speaker for Seniors Tuesday, Valerie was warmly welcomed by everyone. Several were survivors themselves and tears were shed.
November 2016: Community College Humanities Association Regional Conference
At the Western Regional Conference for Community College Humanities, Valerie spoke to fellow educators on the use of primary sources in teaching of the humanities.
October 2016: Phoenix Burton Barr Library
Downtown Phoenix's Main Library was the site for Valerie's speaking.
June 2016: Seattle WA and Vancouver BC
A vacation to the Pacific Northwest enables her to visit Vancouver's Holocaust Center and other key sites.
April 2016: Barnes & Noble, Gilbert
A great book-signing at Val's local B & N bookstore. Richelle Pina, who introduced her to Helen, makes a surprise appearance.
March 2016: Chandler-Gilbert Community College
It was an honor for Valerie to speak at the college where she teaches. A great event.
March 2016: Brandeis University Author Talk
Ina Levine's Jewish Community Center was the site for a terrific speaking event.
February 2016: Gila River Indian Reservation
Valerie had a great time speaking at the Gila River Indian Reservation. Kids had great questions and even gave me my own personalized water tumbler.
February 16, 2016: Peace be with you
Helen passes away on February 16.
December, 2015: Northwest Christian School
Valerie and Helen make new friends at the Northwest Christian School.
November, 2015: Community College Humanities Association Annual Conference
Estrella Mtn. Community College student, Ricardo Camacho, presents on The Risk of Sorrow at the CCHA State Conference, after being inspired by reading the book and hearing Helen and Valerie speak at SCC.
November, 2015: Scottsdale Public Library
Another memorable, emotional speaking and signing community event.
October, 2015: St. Mary's Catholic Church, Chandler
Valerie and Helen were warmly invited to speak at the Women's Group Monthly Breakfast at St. Mary's Catholic church in Chandler.
October, 2015: Chandler
Helen and Valerie were invited to the home of Yvette Marker to address her group of home-schoolers.
October, 2015: Phoenix Yucca Library
Valerie and Helen doin' their thing.
May 2015: Mt. View High School, Mesa
Imagine Valerie's pleasure to be speaking with Helen at the high school where Valerie taught for six years. Lots of hugging going on.
April 2015: Chandler Library
This was an incredible event. Over one hundred people, standing room only, many excellent questions from attendees.
April 2015: Scottsdale Community College
Valerie and Helen spoke at Scottsdale Community College as part of the school's annual Genocide Awareness Week.
April 2015: KTAR Radio-Phoenix
An absolute thrill to be the featured guests on Pat McMahon's hour program, The God Show, on KTAR Radio. Pat told us that The Risk of Sorrow was "the most moving book" he'd ever read!
March 2015: Red Mtn. Library Author Fair
Valerie beginning to settle in to the role of author.
February 2015: The Wine Club with the Reading Problem
Gotta love a group with this name! Valerie has dinner with effervescent book readers/wine lovers.
October 2014: Changing Hands - Tempe
A memorable book talk and signing at the iconic Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe.
June 2014: Tempel Beth El - Phoenix
A very special presentation at Helen's synagogue.
June 2014: Tempe Public Library
This was Valerie and Helen's first public speaking together. A warm and wonderful reception.
May 2014: Red Mtn. High School, Mesa
Valerie taught at Red Mtn. High School in Mesa for twenty years. To return there now as a published author, with dear Helen, seemed like sweet closure.
April 2014: Celebration for Friends and Family
Set in the beautiful home of Sarah and Kevin Goode, in downtown Phoenix, Valerie and Helen are surrounded by friends and family to celebrate publication of The Risk of Sorrow!
April 2014: Book Launch & Author Debut, Chandler
Valerie's first book, The Risk of Sorrow: Conversations with Holocaust Survivor, Helen Handler, is launched in April, 2014 at the Chandler Center for the Arts, sponsored by the East Valley Jewish Community Center.
September 10, 2017: Changing Hands Books, Tempe, Arizona - Book Launch
Valerie and Jenna spoke to a full house at Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe, Arizona. Reading excerpts and taking questions, reuniting with old friends and former students, and sharing with family rounded out a fantastic launch to Dancing with a Demon! See our book's page for the video.
September 9, 2017: Chandler, Arizona - Friends and Family Celebrate
Friends and family gathered to celebrate the release of Dancing with a Demon. Daughter, Jenna, was here from New York to co-host this enormous passage. Thanks to all!
September 6 2017: Phoenix, Arizona - Television Interview
Valerie had the great pleasure of being featured on Phoenix's Good Morning Arizona about her new book, Dancing with a Demon. As an added bonus, her niece, meteorologist April Warnecke, conducted the interview!
August 1, 2017: Gilbert, Arizona - Birth of a Book
After five years of writing and another ten years of waiting, Valerie's second memoir (actually written before the first!) is "born." Dancing with a Demon tells Valerie's true story of love, hope, and triumph as she helps her daughter to win her battle against anorexia.
May 2017: Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust
Valerie visits the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust and reunites with Helen through her oral history archive.
April 2017: Los Angeles Times Festival of Books
Valerie joins eight fellow members of Phoenix Publishing and Book Promotion at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. Met lots of great people as thousands converge!
April 2017: Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Chandler-Gilbert Community College's first Human Library Project, and Valerie is a book!
March 2017: Women's History Month at Estrella Mtn. Community College
Valerie returns to speak to two classes at Estrella Mountain Community College.
November 2016: Vancouver, British Columbia
This was a busy month for Valerie. Helen would be pleased. Invited to Vancouver's Jewish Book Festival (Canada's largest), Valerie gave a three-minute (yes!) Flash Book Talk!
November 2016: East Valley Jewish Community Center
As a guest speaker for Seniors Tuesday, Valerie was warmly welcomed by everyone. Several were survivors themselves and tears were shed.
November 2016: Community College Humanities Association Regional Conference
At the Western Regional Conference for Community College Humanities, Valerie spoke to fellow educators on the use of primary sources in teaching of the humanities.
October 2016: Phoenix Burton Barr Library
Downtown Phoenix's Main Library was the site for Valerie's speaking.
June 2016: Seattle WA and Vancouver BC
A vacation to the Pacific Northwest enables her to visit Vancouver's Holocaust Center and other key sites.
April 2016: Barnes & Noble, Gilbert
A great book-signing at Val's local B & N bookstore. Richelle Pina, who introduced her to Helen, makes a surprise appearance.
March 2016: Chandler-Gilbert Community College
It was an honor for Valerie to speak at the college where she teaches. A great event.
March 2016: Brandeis University Author Talk
Ina Levine's Jewish Community Center was the site for a terrific speaking event.
February 2016: Gila River Indian Reservation
Valerie had a great time speaking at the Gila River Indian Reservation. Kids had great questions and even gave me my own personalized water tumbler.
February 16, 2016: Peace be with you
Helen passes away on February 16.
December, 2015: Northwest Christian School
Valerie and Helen make new friends at the Northwest Christian School.
November, 2015: Community College Humanities Association Annual Conference
Estrella Mtn. Community College student, Ricardo Camacho, presents on The Risk of Sorrow at the CCHA State Conference, after being inspired by reading the book and hearing Helen and Valerie speak at SCC.
November, 2015: Scottsdale Public Library
Another memorable, emotional speaking and signing community event.
October, 2015: St. Mary's Catholic Church, Chandler
Valerie and Helen were warmly invited to speak at the Women's Group Monthly Breakfast at St. Mary's Catholic church in Chandler.
October, 2015: Chandler
Helen and Valerie were invited to the home of Yvette Marker to address her group of home-schoolers.
October, 2015: Phoenix Yucca Library
Valerie and Helen doin' their thing.
May 2015: Mt. View High School, Mesa
Imagine Valerie's pleasure to be speaking with Helen at the high school where Valerie taught for six years. Lots of hugging going on.
April 2015: Chandler Library
This was an incredible event. Over one hundred people, standing room only, many excellent questions from attendees.
April 2015: Scottsdale Community College
Valerie and Helen spoke at Scottsdale Community College as part of the school's annual Genocide Awareness Week.
April 2015: KTAR Radio-Phoenix
An absolute thrill to be the featured guests on Pat McMahon's hour program, The God Show, on KTAR Radio. Pat told us that The Risk of Sorrow was "the most moving book" he'd ever read!
March 2015: Red Mtn. Library Author Fair
Valerie beginning to settle in to the role of author.
February 2015: The Wine Club with the Reading Problem
Gotta love a group with this name! Valerie has dinner with effervescent book readers/wine lovers.
October 2014: Changing Hands - Tempe
A memorable book talk and signing at the iconic Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe.
June 2014: Tempel Beth El - Phoenix
A very special presentation at Helen's synagogue.
June 2014: Tempe Public Library
This was Valerie and Helen's first public speaking together. A warm and wonderful reception.
May 2014: Red Mtn. High School, Mesa
Valerie taught at Red Mtn. High School in Mesa for twenty years. To return there now as a published author, with dear Helen, seemed like sweet closure.
April 2014: Celebration for Friends and Family
Set in the beautiful home of Sarah and Kevin Goode, in downtown Phoenix, Valerie and Helen are surrounded by friends and family to celebrate publication of The Risk of Sorrow!
April 2014: Book Launch & Author Debut, Chandler
Valerie's first book, The Risk of Sorrow: Conversations with Holocaust Survivor, Helen Handler, is launched in April, 2014 at the Chandler Center for the Arts, sponsored by the East Valley Jewish Community Center.
September 10, 2017: Changing Hands Books, Tempe, Arizona - Book Launch
Valerie and Jenna spoke to a full house at Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe, Arizona. Reading excerpts and taking questions, reuniting with old friends and former students, and sharing with family rounded out a fantastic launch to Dancing with a Demon! See our book's page for the video.
September 9, 2017: Chandler, Arizona - Friends and Family Celebrate
Friends and family gathered to celebrate the release of Dancing with a Demon. Daughter, Jenna, was here from New York to co-host this enormous passage. Thanks to all!
September 6 2017: Phoenix, Arizona - Television Interview
Valerie had the great pleasure of being featured on Phoenix's Good Morning Arizona about her new book, Dancing with a Demon. As an added bonus, her niece, meteorologist April Warnecke, conducted the interview!
August 1, 2017: Gilbert, Arizona - Birth of a Book
After five years of writing and another ten years of waiting, Valerie's second memoir (actually written before the first!) is "born." Dancing with a Demon tells Valerie's true story of love, hope, and triumph as she helps her daughter to win her battle against anorexia.
May 2017: Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust
Valerie visits the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust and reunites with Helen through her oral history archive.
April 2017: Los Angeles Times Festival of Books
Valerie joins eight fellow members of Phoenix Publishing and Book Promotion at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. Met lots of great people as thousands converge!
April 2017: Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Chandler-Gilbert Community College's first Human Library Project, and Valerie is a book!
March 2017: Women's History Month at Estrella Mtn. Community College
Valerie returns to speak to two classes at Estrella Mountain Community College.
November 2016: Vancouver, British Columbia
This was a busy month for Valerie. Helen would be pleased. Invited to Vancouver's Jewish Book Festival (Canada's largest), Valerie gave a three-minute (yes!) Flash Book Talk!
November 2016: East Valley Jewish Community Center
As a guest speaker for Seniors Tuesday, Valerie was warmly welcomed by everyone. Several were survivors themselves and tears were shed.
November 2016: Community College Humanities Association Regional Conference
At the Western Regional Conference for Community College Humanities, Valerie spoke to fellow educators on the use of primary sources in teaching of the humanities.
October 2016: Phoenix Burton Barr Library
Downtown Phoenix's Main Library was the site for Valerie's speaking.
June 2016: Seattle WA and Vancouver BC
A vacation to the Pacific Northwest enables her to visit Vancouver's Holocaust Center and other key sites.
April 2016: Barnes & Noble, Gilbert
A great book-signing at Val's local B & N bookstore. Richelle Pina, who introduced her to Helen, makes a surprise appearance.
March 2016: Chandler-Gilbert Community College
It was an honor for Valerie to speak at the college where she teaches. A great event.
March 2016: Brandeis University Author Talk
Ina Levine's Jewish Community Center was the site for a terrific speaking event.
February 2016: Gila River Indian Reservation
Valerie had a great time speaking at the Gila River Indian Reservation. Kids had great questions and even gave me my own personalized water tumbler.
February 16, 2016: Peace be with you
Helen passes away on February 16.
December, 2015: Northwest Christian School
Valerie and Helen make new friends at the Northwest Christian School.
November, 2015: Community College Humanities Association Annual Conference
Estrella Mtn. Community College student, Ricardo Camacho, presents on The Risk of Sorrow at the CCHA State Conference, after being inspired by reading the book and hearing Helen and Valerie speak at SCC.
November, 2015: Scottsdale Public Library
Another memorable, emotional speaking and signing community event.
October, 2015: St. Mary's Catholic Church, Chandler
Valerie and Helen were warmly invited to speak at the Women's Group Monthly Breakfast at St. Mary's Catholic church in Chandler.
October, 2015: Chandler
Helen and Valerie were invited to the home of Yvette Marker to address her group of home-schoolers.
October, 2015: Phoenix Yucca Library
Valerie and Helen doin' their thing.
May 2015: Mt. View High School, Mesa
Imagine Valerie's pleasure to be speaking with Helen at the high school where Valerie taught for six years. Lots of hugging going on.
April 2015: Chandler Library
This was an incredible event. Over one hundred people, standing room only, many excellent questions from attendees.
April 2015: Scottsdale Community College
Valerie and Helen spoke at Scottsdale Community College as part of the school's annual Genocide Awareness Week.
April 2015: KTAR Radio-Phoenix
An absolute thrill to be the featured guests on Pat McMahon's hour program, The God Show, on KTAR Radio. Pat told us that The Risk of Sorrow was "the most moving book" he'd ever read!
March 2015: Red Mtn. Library Author Fair
Valerie beginning to settle in to the role of author.
February 2015: The Wine Club with the Reading Problem
Gotta love a group with this name! Valerie has dinner with effervescent book readers/wine lovers.
October 2014: Changing Hands - Tempe
A memorable book talk and signing at the iconic Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe.
June 2014: Tempel Beth El - Phoenix
A very special presentation at Helen's synagogue.
June 2014: Tempe Public Library
This was Valerie and Helen's first public speaking together. A warm and wonderful reception.
May 2014: Red Mtn. High School, Mesa
Valerie taught at Red Mtn. High School in Mesa for twenty years. To return there now as a published author, with dear Helen, seemed like sweet closure.
April 2014: Celebration for Friends and Family
Set in the beautiful home of Sarah and Kevin Goode, in downtown Phoenix, Valerie and Helen are surrounded by friends and family to celebrate publication of The Risk of Sorrow!
April 2014: Book Launch & Author Debut, Chandler
Valerie's first book, The Risk of Sorrow: Conversations with Holocaust Survivor, Helen Handler, is launched in April, 2014 at the Chandler Center for the Arts, sponsored by the East Valley Jewish Community Center.
September 10, 2017: Changing Hands Books, Tempe, Arizona - Book Launch
Valerie and Jenna spoke to a full house at Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe, Arizona. Reading excerpts and taking questions, reuniting with old friends and former students, and sharing with family rounded out a fantastic launch to Dancing with a Demon! See our book's page for the video.
September 9, 2017: Chandler, Arizona - Friends and Family Celebrate
Friends and family gathered to celebrate the release of Dancing with a Demon. Daughter, Jenna, was here from New York to co-host this enormous passage. Thanks to all!
September 6 2017: Phoenix, Arizona - Television Interview
Valerie had the great pleasure of being featured on Phoenix's Good Morning Arizona about her new book, Dancing with a Demon. As an added bonus, her niece, meteorologist April Warnecke, conducted the interview!
August 1, 2017: Gilbert, Arizona - Birth of a Book
After five years of writing and another ten years of waiting, Valerie's second memoir (actually written before the first!) is "born." Dancing with a Demon tells Valerie's true story of love, hope, and triumph as she helps her daughter to win her battle against anorexia.
May 2017: Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust
Valerie visits the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust and reunites with Helen through her oral history archive.
April 2017: Los Angeles Times Festival of Books
Valerie joins eight fellow members of Phoenix Publishing and Book Promotion at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. Met lots of great people as thousands converge!
April 2017: Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Chandler-Gilbert Community College's first Human Library Project, and Valerie is a book!
March 2017: Women's History Month at Estrella Mtn. Community College
Valerie returns to speak to two classes at Estrella Mountain Community College.
November 2016: Vancouver, British Columbia
This was a busy month for Valerie. Helen would be pleased. Invited to Vancouver's Jewish Book Festival (Canada's largest), Valerie gave a three-minute (yes!) Flash Book Talk!
November 2016: East Valley Jewish Community Center
As a guest speaker for Seniors Tuesday, Valerie was warmly welcomed by everyone. Several were survivors themselves and tears were shed.
November 2016: Community College Humanities Association Regional Conference
At the Western Regional Conference for Community College Humanities, Valerie spoke to fellow educators on the use of primary sources in teaching of the humanities.
October 2016: Phoenix Burton Barr Library
Downtown Phoenix's Main Library was the site for Valerie's speaking.
June 2016: Seattle WA and Vancouver BC
A vacation to the Pacific Northwest enables her to visit Vancouver's Holocaust Center and other key sites.
April 2016: Barnes & Noble, Gilbert
A great book-signing at Val's local B & N bookstore. Richelle Pina, who introduced her to Helen, makes a surprise appearance.
March 2016: Chandler-Gilbert Community College
It was an honor for Valerie to speak at the college where she teaches. A great event.
March 2016: Brandeis University Author Talk
Ina Levine's Jewish Community Center was the site for a terrific speaking event.
February 2016: Gila River Indian Reservation
Valerie had a great time speaking at the Gila River Indian Reservation. Kids had great questions and even gave me my own personalized water tumbler.
February 16, 2016: Peace be with you
Helen passes away on February 16.
December, 2015: Northwest Christian School
Valerie and Helen make new friends at the Northwest Christian School.
November, 2015: Community College Humanities Association Annual Conference
Estrella Mtn. Community College student, Ricardo Camacho, presents on The Risk of Sorrow at the CCHA State Conference, after being inspired by reading the book and hearing Helen and Valerie speak at SCC.
November, 2015: Scottsdale Public Library
Another memorable, emotional speaking and signing community event.
October, 2015: St. Mary's Catholic Church, Chandler
Valerie and Helen were warmly invited to speak at the Women's Group Monthly Breakfast at St. Mary's Catholic church in Chandler.
October, 2015: Chandler
Helen and Valerie were invited to the home of Yvette Marker to address her group of home-schoolers.
October, 2015: Phoenix Yucca Library
Valerie and Helen doin' their thing.
May 2015: Mt. View High School, Mesa
Imagine Valerie's pleasure to be speaking with Helen at the high school where Valerie taught for six years. Lots of hugging going on.
April 2015: Chandler Library
This was an incredible event. Over one hundred people, standing room only, many excellent questions from attendees.
April 2015: Scottsdale Community College
Valerie and Helen spoke at Scottsdale Community College as part of the school's annual Genocide Awareness Week.
April 2015: KTAR Radio-Phoenix
An absolute thrill to be the featured guests on Pat McMahon's hour program, The God Show, on KTAR Radio. Pat told us that The Risk of Sorrow was "the most moving book" he'd ever read!
March 2015: Red Mtn. Library Author Fair
Valerie beginning to settle in to the role of author.
February 2015: The Wine Club with the Reading Problem
Gotta love a group with this name! Valerie has dinner with effervescent book readers/wine lovers.
October 2014: Changing Hands - Tempe
A memorable book talk and signing at the iconic Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe.
June 2014: Tempel Beth El - Phoenix
A very special presentation at Helen's synagogue.
June 2014: Tempe Public Library
This was Valerie and Helen's first public speaking together. A warm and wonderful reception.
May 2014: Red Mtn. High School, Mesa
Valerie taught at Red Mtn. High School in Mesa for twenty years. To return there now as a published author, with dear Helen, seemed like sweet closure.
April 2014: Celebration for Friends and Family
Set in the beautiful home of Sarah and Kevin Goode, in downtown Phoenix, Valerie and Helen are surrounded by friends and family to celebrate publication of The Risk of Sorrow!
April 2014: Book Launch & Author Debut, Chandler
Valerie's first book, The Risk of Sorrow: Conversations with Holocaust Survivor, Helen Handler, is launched in April, 2014 at the Chandler Center for the Arts, sponsored by the East Valley Jewish Community Center.
May 2017: Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust
Valerie visits the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust and reunites with Helen through her oral history archive.
April 2017: Los Angeles Times Festival of Books
Valerie joins eight fellow members of Phoenix Publishing and Book Promotion at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. Met lots of great people as thousands converge!
April 2017: Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Chandler-Gilbert Community College's first Human Library Project, and Valerie is a book!
March 2017: Women's History Month at Estrella Mtn. Community College
Valerie returns to speak to two classes at Estrella Mountain Community College.
November 2016: Vancouver, British Columbia
This was a busy month for Valerie. Helen would be pleased. Invited to Vancouver's Jewish Book Festival (Canada's largest), Valerie gave a three-minute (yes!) Flash Book Talk!
November 2016: East Valley Jewish Community Center
As a guest speaker for Seniors Tuesday, Valerie was warmly welcomed by everyone. Several were survivors themselves and tears were shed.
November 2016: Community College Humanities Association Regional Conference
At the Western Regional Conference for Community College Humanities, Valerie spoke to fellow educators on the use of primary sources in teaching of the humanities.
October 2016: Phoenix Burton Barr Library
Downtown Phoenix's Main Library was the site for Valerie's speaking.
June 2016: Seattle WA and Vancouver BC
A vacation to the Pacific Northwest enables her to visit Vancouver's Holocaust Center and other key sites.
April 2016: Barnes & Noble, Gilbert
A great book-signing at Val's local B & N bookstore. Richelle Pina, who introduced her to Helen, makes a surprise appearance.
March 2016: Chandler-Gilbert Community College
It was an honor for Valerie to speak at the college where she teaches. A great event.
March 2016: Brandeis University Author Talk
Ina Levine's Jewish Community Center was the site for a terrific speaking event.
February 2016: Gila River Indian Reservation
Valerie had a great time speaking at the Gila River Indian Reservation. Kids had great questions and even gave me my own personalized water tumbler.
February 16, 2016: Peace be with you
Helen passes away on February 16.
December, 2015: Northwest Christian School
Valerie and Helen make new friends at the Northwest Christian School.
November, 2015: Community College Humanities Association Annual Conference
Estrella Mtn. Community College student, Ricardo Camacho, presents on The Risk of Sorrow at the CCHA State Conference, after being inspired by reading the book and hearing Helen and Valerie speak at SCC.
November, 2015: Scottsdale Public Library
Another memorable, emotional speaking and signing community event.
October, 2015: St. Mary's Catholic Church, Chandler
Valerie and Helen were warmly invited to speak at the Women's Group Monthly Breakfast at St. Mary's Catholic church in Chandler.
October, 2015: Chandler
Helen and Valerie were invited to the home of Yvette Marker to address her group of home-schoolers.
October, 2015: Phoenix Yucca Library
Valerie and Helen doin' their thing.
May 2015: Mt. View High School, Mesa
Imagine Valerie's pleasure to be speaking with Helen at the high school where Valerie taught for six years. Lots of hugging going on.
April 2015: Chandler Library
This was an incredible event. Over one hundred people, standing room only, many excellent questions from attendees.
April 2015: Scottsdale Community College
Valerie and Helen spoke at Scottsdale Community College as part of the school's annual Genocide Awareness Week.
April 2015: KTAR Radio-Phoenix
An absolute thrill to be the featured guests on Pat McMahon's hour program, The God Show, on KTAR Radio. Pat told us that The Risk of Sorrow was "the most moving book" he'd ever read!
March 2015: Red Mtn. Library Author Fair
Valerie beginning to settle in to the role of author.
February 2015: The Wine Club with the Reading Problem
Gotta love a group with this name! Valerie has dinner with effervescent book readers/wine lovers.
October 2014: Changing Hands - Tempe
A memorable book talk and signing at the iconic Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe.
June 2014: Tempel Beth El - Phoenix
A very special presentation at Helen's synagogue.
June 2014: Tempe Public Library
This was Valerie and Helen's first public speaking together. A warm and wonderful reception.
May 2014: Red Mtn. High School, Mesa
Valerie taught at Red Mtn. High School in Mesa for twenty years. To return there now as a published author, with dear Helen, seemed like sweet closure.
April 2014: Celebration for Friends and Family
Set in the beautiful home of Sarah and Kevin Goode, in downtown Phoenix, Valerie and Helen are surrounded by friends and family to celebrate publication of The Risk of Sorrow!
April 2014: Book Launch & Author Debut, Chandler
Valerie's first book, The Risk of Sorrow: Conversations with Holocaust Survivor, Helen Handler, is launched in April, 2014 at the Chandler Center for the Arts, sponsored by the East Valley Jewish Community Center.