Local Voices

Growing up in suburban Cleveland, Judah Leblang felt a deep connection with his Uncle Jerry, an orally-educated deaf man who lived an isolated life between the deaf and hearing worlds. Like Jerry, Leblang felt different too, struggling with his sexuality and trying to find his place in society, finally coming out in the mid-1980s. Many years later, after working in the Deaf Community and later, losing much of his own hearing, the author goes on a quest to understand his late uncle and to give him a voice--this man who died of a heart attack at 44, and who remained a mystery to those around him, encased in his silent world.

A photographic story of local women ages 60-92. Each one extraordinary in their powerful life’s choices. Each sharing stories of strength, courage, determination, and having the indomitable will to overcome adversity both personally and professionally.

My photographic adventure began at age 60. Beginning with learning through The Cleveland Photographic Society, then succeeding in having works displayed at area galleries. CLE. and donating my time to local agencies. Specializing in portraits, I recently published my first book titled Extraordinary Women from an Ordinary Place, featuring 52 women ages 60-94. A personal accomplishment at age 80, and a tribute to my sisters of age.

It's 1943. As World War II commands the world's stage, nine-teen year old Tedd Burr struggles with his own private battle-gender identity. After receiving a draft notice, Tedd reaches out in desperation to Henry Bellamann, author of the best-selling 1940 novel Kings Row, for advice. Tedd imagines that the author who wrote sympathetically in his novel about a boy who was "too pretty for a boy" might be able to help him in some way. And he's right. Henry responds, initiating a warm correspondence that deepens into a relationship that lasts until Henry's death in 1945. This book publishes for the first time all the letters from Tedd and Henry's correspondence.

"Finding Cristina capably straddles the genres of romance, historical fiction and thriller and does so with a deceptively light-hearted touch. A factor that contributes to the readability of the novel is the dialogue; it's very natural, believable and flows easily and convincingly." Rose Auburn, author and reviwer

It is early 1920s and in the tropical city of Rio de Janeiro, it is February-Carnaval time!

After her father's death, young Cristina is left with a large house in one of the most beautiful places in the world-Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. But his illness left large debts that must be paid. To make matters worse, her mother's health starts to decline. With the support of a maid that is more a family member, Cristina, an accomplish pianist, finds work and keeps the creditors at bay. She is undaunted by adversity and faces the mounting problems with resolution and good heart.

Love is the last thing in her mind, but destiny will bring a stranger into her path who will unveil a secret from her past. His love will change her life forever. But before this denouement, they must recon with two men: one would do anything to keep her to himself; the other will stop at nothing to keep the secret so...