9/11: The Twin Towers & America's Forever Grief

In this poignant Life in Jest episode, authors Selene Castrovilla and Gae Polisner share an intimate conversation about friendship, grief, and the healing power of writing in the aftermath of September 11th. Together, they reflect on the impact of 9/11, the importance of hope in storytelling, and how literature can help us process trauma.

Gae discusses her acclaimed YA novel The Memory of Things, which follows a teenager navigating the chaos of the 9/11 attacks, offering a unique lens into how young people experience trauma, resilience, and healing. Selene and Gae also dive into the emotional journey of writing through grief, the challenges of publishing, and the ways authentic conversations and community shape creativity.

This heartfelt discussion moves from the personal to the universal—exploring teen perspectives on trauma, the role of historical narratives, and even the intersection of science and metaphysics. At its core, this episode is about the transformative power of literature to bring comfort, connection, and meaning in difficult times.

If you’re drawn to powerful stories of loss, resilience, and friendship—and the ways writing can turn pain into hope—this episode is not to be missed.

Thank you Gae Polisner for joining Selene in this powerful & emotional episode! 9/11 is upon us once again, opening wounds than can never heal and bringing up memories of things that haunt us.

Here's a link to The Memory of Things on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Memory-Things-Novel-Gae-Polisner/dp/1250095522

Here's Gae's Amazon Page:

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Gae-Polisner/author/B004GBJ8RU?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=dc139acb-f32a-4bdc-9a80-5d447543898a

Here’s Gae’s website:

https://www.gaepolisner.com/

 

Here’s a link to Selene’s website, where you can learn about her newest book, Freedom’s Cost:

https://selenecastrovilla.com/

 

Here’s a link to preorder Selene’s new book Twice Enslaved: Liberty and Justice for Henrietta Wood:

https://www.amazon.com/Twice-Enslaved-Liberty-Justice-Henrietta/dp/1662680740

 

Here’s a link to the website for Selene’s new women’s fiction Love the Ones You’re With, written under the pseudonym S.J. Perrault:

https://www.lovetheoneswomensfiction.com/

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We love you oh so much! XOXOXO

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