Readings in Tribute to Amy Tan and to Mothers, Daughters, and Families

Tyrese L. Coleman is a writer, wife, mother, and attorney. Her debut collection of stories and essays, HOW TO SIT, was published by Mason Jar Press in 2018 and nominated for a 2019 PEN Open Book Award. Her work has appeared as a notable in Best American Essays 2018 and nominated for a Pushcart Prize.

Julie Langsdorf’s short stories and essays have appeared in Lit Hub and Electric Literature among other publications. White Elephant (2019), her debut novel, has been named an editors’ choice by The New York Times, a book not to miss by USA Today, a highly anticipated debut novel by The LA Times, a best new book by Southern Living Magazine and Real Simple, and a Library Journal best debut.

Deborah Tannen is a university professor and professor of linguistics at Georgetown University. Among her many books, You Just Don’t Understand: Women and Men in Conversation (1990) was on the New York Times bestseller list for nearly four years, including 8 months as #1, and has been translated into 31 languages. Her books You’re Wearing THAT?: Mothers and Daughters in Conversation (2006), and You Were Always Mom’s Favorite! (2009), about sisters, were also New York Times bestsellers. Her most recent book is You’re the Only One I Can Tell: Inside the Language of Women’s Friendships (2017). In addition to her linguistic research and writing, Deborah has published poems, short stories, and personal essays. Her first play, “An Act of Devotion,” is included in The Best American Short Plays: 1993-1994. It was produced, together with her play “Sisters,” by Horizons Theatre in Arlington, Virginia.