Lower Merion High School Grad Discussing New Book In Philadelphia

ARDMORE, PA – Award-winning writer, former "Colbert Show" producer, and Lower Merion High School alumna Rebecca Soffer is discussing her acclaimed new book, "Modern Loss," in Philadelphia Tuesday, May 15.

Soffer will join Sam Briger, books producer for NPR's "Fresh Air" with Terry Gross, for a candid conversation scheduled for Tuesday, May 15 at 7:30 p.m. at Head House Books, 619 S. 2nd St. in Philadelphia.

"Modern Loss" – which tackles the complex, gut wrenching, illuminating and hilarious mess known as "living with loss" – grew out of Soffer's and co-author Gabrielle Birkner's experiences with sudden loss as young adults. Soffer's mother was killed in a car accident; shortly thereafter, her dad died of a heart attack. Birkner's father and step-mother were brutally murdered in a home invasion.

Both women bonded over their pain, isolation, and search for resources that spoke to them—ones that weren’t too clinical, patronizing, or cheesy.

>>>Is Your Dog The Best? Enter Patch's Top Dog In Philly Contest<<<

They didn’t want to be assured their loved ones were "in a better place" and had no interest in chicken soup metaphors, thank you very much.

So in 2013 they created a website about the messy and darkly hilarious experience of loss in the long haul. Its essential message of resilience and hope quickly turned into a movement.

The goal? A no-holds-barred approach to discussing grief and empathy.

Social mores surrounding death are evolving. People are engaging with grief on their own terms and the country is connecting over tragedies both private and public: the loss of a parent, a celebrity’s death, a mass shooting, a terrorist attack or police brutality incident.

"Modern Loss" offers the roadmap needed for navigating this shifting landscape with a remarkable, life-affirming message in mind: you’re not broken, life will go on, and it can actually be pretty rewarding —sometimes not just in spite of, but because of your loss.

Soffer and Birkner, along with more than forty contributors, including Lucy Kalanithi (widow of When Breath Becomes Air author Paul Kalanithi), stylist Stacy London, rocker Amanda Palmer, "Girls" writer and comedian Yassir Lester, CNN’s Brian Stelter, WNBA All-Star Chamique Holdsclaw, Dear Evan Hansen (2017 Tony Award, Best Musical) director Michael Greif, and Kim Goldman (sister of Ron Goldman), share their provocative stories on themes including sex and intimacy after loss, technology, and the secrets we harbor and uncover.

The essays are accompanied by colorful illustrations by artist Peter Arkle and cartoons on such topics as navigating your work life while grieving, and repurposing your loved one’s belongings. There’s also a glossary of terms that therapists probably don’t use but most of us should.

Contributed photos