Virtual Author Talk at Ridgefield Library with Amy Oestreicher, January 26

In her memoir, My Beautiful Detour: An Unthinkable Journey from Gutless to Grateful, Amy Oestreicher shares the insight and joy she’s found despite life’s curveballs. Her message — about reframing unfortunate circumstances to find the good — is both inspiring and timely.

The author, TEDx speaker, award-winning actress, and mixed media artist will be featured in the virtual Author Talk, “Creativity, Hope and Resilience,” hosted by The Ridgefield Library on Tuesday, January 26 at 6:00 p.m. The event will include a presentation, excerpt reading, Q & A, and theater trivia for signed copies. The program is free, open to the public, and attendees should register for the Zoom link here. 

In addition, My Beautiful Detour can be purchased via Amy’s website (www.amyoes.com), or online where books are sold. The newest edition contains an exciting update: a new Afterward by Broadway’s Tony Award-winning composer and lyricist, William Finn. The audio book will be available in Winter 2021.

At nearly 18, after the trauma of being sexually abused by a trusted mentor, Amy’s stomach ruptured. What followed was 28 surgeries, seven years without food or drink, and transforming adversity into adventure. At 32, Amy is much wiser than her years — having rallied from a life-threatening illness to find success in writing, art, theater, puppetry, public speaking, dance, and PTSD work with teens, among other endeavors. She’s used creativity to not only power through setbacks, but also to find personal growth along the way. Having experienced multiple “detours,’ the author encourages others to rebound and “show up, speak your truth, and don’t be attached to the outcome.”

On January 26, Amy will speak about resilience-building by employing four strategies: Creativity, Storytelling, Hope, and Gratitude — a winning-combination — and staples that have guided her through tough challenges, propelling her to gain perspective and thrive. She’ll also explain how to utilize these key principles to change attitudes, tap into talents, and find positivity no matter the obstacle. Amy believes Creativity is a mindset, Hope must be created, Storytelling makes sense of your path, and Gratitude can be harnessed and is healing.

“This 4-ingredient recipe for resilience is more than you’d find on greeting card or inspirational poster. By implementing these habits daily, people can absolutely enrich their lives. These concepts are calls to actions to make ‘heroic changes,’ and I’m thrilled to share my personal experience and know-how on the 26th,” said Amy.

Amy invites all to her Ridgefield Library appearance for conversation, community, and tips on “Creativity, Hope and Resilience” during a month when many start anew. In addition, she’s pleased to announce the February publication of Creativity and Gratitude: Exercises and Inspiration for a Year of Art, Hope and Healing (Apollo Books) — a hands-on workbook and companion to her memoir.

To purchase a personalized copy of her memoir, to learn more about Amy Oestreicher, or to book her for a program, visit her website, amyoes.com.