Explore Blended Family Dynamics with Tedrowe’s “Commuters”

Family interactions and relationships in the nuclear family can be quite complex and elaborate.  Within blended families, the resulting tapestry that is woven is even more intricate and fragile for various reasons that aren't always understood.

Former Bronxvillite Emily Gray Tedrowe ventured back home to Womrath's with her brand new book "Commuters." She took some time out time out of her book signing to speak with me about writing her first novel, growing up in Bronxville, and working at Womrath's when she was a young college student.

 Summarizing a book without giving it all away can be something hard to do but Tedrowe did it with ease.

"The book is a family drama set in a fictional town in upstate New York.  It's the story of what happens when a woman in her late 70's remarries again very suddenly and the clash between the two families that come together," she stated.

All creative persons and authors have an inspiration behind the final product and Tedrowe is no different.

"The origin of my inspiration behind the book was a friend of my grandmother's.  She many years ago got remarried. She had been a long-time widow, who had married a man who was also a long-time widow.  This happened when I was 15 years old. I remembered being captivated by the situation.  Later on, I sort of imagined it into this fictional version.  It doesn't really have to do with my grandmother's friend, but I just used it as a way to explore family dynamics," she said.

Although this is her first novel, Tedrowe isn't a newcomer to the world of writing, she is a seasoned pro.

"I write fiction…I've been writing seriously for about 10 years.  I've published short stories in the past. I just started with writing because it was my dream, more than anything else. I got started because I loved reading so much.  I was always a big reader and I still am today and was just really inspired by all of the great authors and books that I read in my life," she said.

Being constantly exposed to her favorite fiction novelists: John Updike, Anne Tyler and Carol Shields while she worked in Womrath's as a college student was like paradise to an avid reader.

"I worked in this bookstore when I was in college, one summer between years of college, maybe for a Christmas and then spring break.  It was a great experience working at a bookstore in my small town.  It provided me with a lot of closeness to books.  I loved it!" she said.

Now currently residing in Chicago, home is still where the heart is for the former Bronxville resident.

"Bronxville is a great place. I had a wonderful childhood here.  My family still has roots here and are all really close.  So close that many friends and family are here and are in the store right now.  It's really great to be back!" Tedrowe exclaimed.