Books and Breakfast in Honor of Salt in My Soul: An Unfinished Life
Books and Breakfast in honor of the posthumous publication of Salt in My Soul: An Unfinished Life by Mallory Smith
June 12, 2019
Literary Affairs invites you to a very special Books and Breakfast in honor of the posthumous publication of Salt in My Soul: An Unfinished Life by Mallory Smith. Please join us for a presentation by Mallory’s mother, Diane Shader Smith, followed by a conversation with Julie Robinson and a Q&A. This powerful and poignant memoir was written by a young talented woman over ten years and ends as she lost her battle with Cystic Fibrosis at the age of 25. However, the breadth of wisdom and knowledge the emotional journey entails are a lesson for all of us regardless of our struggles and a testament to Mallory’s lifelong mantra to “Live Happy.” We hope you will take the time out of your busy lives to join us for this deeply personal event at a private home in Santa Monica. Our morning will include a Gourmet Grazing Table and each ticket includes a copy of the book.
EVENT INFORMATION
Wednesday, June 12
10:30am – 12 noon
This event will be held at a private home in Santa Monica. Address will be provided after the purchase of tickets.
Tickets are $35 and include a copy of Salt in My Soul. Space is limited. No refunds.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mallory Smith, who grew up in Los Angeles, was a freelance writer and editor specializing in environmental, social justice, and healthcare-related communications. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Stanford University and worked as a senior producer at Green Grid Radio, an environmental storytelling radio show and podcast. Her radio work was featured on KCRW, National Radio Project, and State of the Human. She was a fierce advocate for those who suffered from Cystic Fibrosis, launching the viral social media campaign Lunges4Lungs with friends and raising over $5 million with her parents for CF research through the annual Mallory’s Garden event. She passed away at the age of twenty-five on November 15, 2017, two months after receiving a double lung transplant. Mallory’s Legacy Fund has been established in her memory at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
ABOUT THE BOOK
The diaries of a remarkable young woman who was determined to live a meaningful and happy life despite her struggle with cystic fibrosis and a rare superbug—from age fifteen to her death at the age of twenty-five…
“Captures the heartbreaking beauty of being alive.”—Beck Dorey-Stein, New York Times bestselling author of From the Corner of the Oval
Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at the age of three, Mallory Smith grew up to be a determined, talented young woman who inspired others even as she privately raged against her illness. Despite the daily challenges of endless medical treatments and a deep understanding that she’d never lead a normal life, Mallory was determined to “Live Happy,” a mantra she followed until her death. Mallory worked hard to make the most out of the limited time she had, graduating Phi Beta Kappa from Stanford University, becoming a cystic fibrosis advocate well known in the CF community, and embarking on a career as a professional writer. Along the way, she cultivated countless intimate friendships and ultimately found love.
For more than ten years, Mallory recorded her thoughts and observations about struggles and feelings too personal to share during her life, leaving instructions for her mother to publish her work posthumously. She hoped that her writing would offer insight to those living with, or loving someone with, chronic illness.
What emerges is a powerful and inspiring portrait of a brave young woman and blossoming writer who did not allow herself to be defined by disease. Her words offer comfort and hope to readers, even as she herself was facing death. Salt in My Soul is a beautifully crafted, intimate, and poignant tribute to a short life well lived — and a call for all of us to embrace our own lives as fully as possible.
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