2023 COURAGE to WRITE Writer of Note Awardee Feature of the Week:
Caren Lissner, Wise Fool (Memoir/Creative Nonfiction)
Wise Fool is a coming of age memoir set in the 1980s-2000s amid family dysfunctions, literary jealousy, and dirty politics — and finding creative ways to cope.
“It’s a story of survival through humor and hope at a time when many of us hid our differences. I hope it educates, inspires, entertains.”
Caren’s memoir explores the dichotomy between serious and fun. Growing up nerdy in the 80s, the work references pop culture while also discussing mental health crises, lack of resources, and the absurdity of family. Growing up with family members who experienced homelessness and health issues, Caren had few resources or way to understand the situation. Her memoir works to educate people on serious topics without hitting them over the head with it, which her journalistic career has been training her for.