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Allen has always loved books, almost to a fault. At the age of 8, she was nearly sent home from a friend’s birthday party for reading during the festivities. She is an avid reader, writer, college instructor, book group moderator, and founder and editor of the book news website, Books, Ink at Hamlethub.
Allen’s parents, both reading enthusiasts, encouraged her to embrace books from an early age. She credits her favorite childhood reads, such as E. L. Konigsburg’s "From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankenweiler" and Frances Hodgson Burnett’s "A Little Princess," with inspiring her to write.
“Writing about the books I loved, and sometimes writing myself into the stories, became a way to understand and connect with them,” said Allen. “As I studied and wrote about literature in school and then for the public, connection through writing broadened to include connecting with other readers.”
Allen holds a doctorate in English Education and a master's in English literature and has taught expository writing, literature and communications to undergraduates at New York University, Fairfield University, and Post University.
At the Barnes & Noble event, the author will be interviewed by Marcelle Soviero, author of "An Iridescent Life: Essays on Motherhood and Stepmotherhood" and editor-in-dhief of Brain, Child: The Magazine for Thinking Mothers, for which Allen has contributed book reviews.
In addition to celebrating "Unlocking Worlds," the event doubles as a book fair for Caroline House (www.thecarolinehouse.org), the Bridgeport-based nonprofit and education center, serving local women and children in need. Supporters of the bookfair must mention participation in the book fair at the register prior to the transaction for their purchases to count toward the book fair.
The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served, and there will be a literary gift basket drawing for those present. For more information, visit www.sallyallenbooks.com.
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