The Body Papers - Grace Talusan

NOTE: This interview contains discussions about sexual assault.

The annual arrival of houseguests was a horrifying event for Grace Talusan, who, as a child, was regularly assaulted by one of the visitors. Her memoir “The Body Papers” takes readers into the dark times of her youth, only some of which she can remember, as well as loving times she shared with her parents and niblings. 

Talusan is open and authentic in relating the effects of the assault on her mental and physical health. She also draws parallels to everyday occurrences  – how fear shows up in crossing busy streets and how making yogurt becomes an opportunity to nurture. 

As a speaker and teacher at the university level, Talusan is mindful of the impact we have on each other. She is a prominent voice for Asian and Pacific Island communities and cancer prevention.