Josh Braff Endorses IPPY Finalist's Memoir

Online, February 9, 2011 (Newswire.com) - • Lighthearted recollection covers Betty Auchard's first 19 years, mostly in Cedar Rapids • Readers travel with quirky, dysfunctional family through the Midwest & Rockies

Jayne Meadows and Rosemarie Stack lauded Betty Auchard's late life memoir and now Josh Braff has endorsed the IPPY Award winner's second release, an early memoir covering 1930-1949.

The Home for the Friendless (Stephens Press/Life Stories) reveals popular 80 year old California speaker & raconteur Betty Auchard's early life in Cedar Rapids.

Endorsed by novelist Josh Braff, Betty's humorous and poignant story takes us through the Peal family's rich but poor life during The Great Depression. Betty's young parents tie and untie the marital knot three times amidst a string of separations. When relatives become weary of keeping the kids, Betty and her siblings are dropped off at The Home for the Friendless, where they enjoy three meals a day, indoor plumbing, a grassy playground, and holiday parties.

The family reunites two years later and the emotional roller coaster resumes as the Peals move multiple times across two states, proving that love overcomes all and that normal isn't always better.

"Betty's gift in writing comes from an understanding of how stories should move, how sentences should flow, and her ability to draw from her past to present the reader with texture, pathos, and so much humanity...beautifully crafted."
- Josh Braff, author of Peep Show and The Unthinkable Thoughts of Jacob Green

"Betty Auchard tells her amazing life story with purpose, humor, and no regret. Her tale is unique, yet universal, a collection of memories that expose her soul and will touch your heart."
- Beth Miller, The Carl & Mary Koehler History Center of Cedar Rapids

Visit the author at www.bettyauchard.com and join Betty Auchard, Author's following on Facebook.

Media inquiries: Stephanie Barko, Literary Publicist, steffercat@austin.rr.com, 512-291-6188