Debra Whiting Alexander

When her granddaughter was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome, Debra Whiting Alexander was inspired to co-author a children's book with her that all children could relate to. ELIZA JANE FINDS HER HERO shines a light on the challenges for children living with a medical condition that many people don't understand. NOW AVAILABLE!

"Eliza Jane won my heart! An inspirational story for both young and old--reminding us to always look for the magic and have the courage to be our ture selves." --Melissa Lind, LCSW

A RIVER FOR GEMMA ~ A SPARKLING TALE OF WILD COURAGE AND UNEXPECTED MIRACLES.

Pigeonholed as "intellectually disabled," a spirited young woman's desire for motherhood collides with her grandmother's hidden past, forcing her to summon the grit to save their lives.

The highly anticipated new novel from the multiple award-winning author of ZETTY, is an uplifting story about three spirited women, one perilous past, and an unlikely heroine. Escape into a narrative full of exquisite description, humor and heart, with a propulsive mystery flowing just underneath its surface. A RIVER FOR GEMMA is perfect for readers who want to escape into a feel-good story, curious for their next must read novel.

"I may not be able to do a lot of things, Mama. And some things I may never get right. But I can love. I can do that." Gemma, from A RIVER FOR GEMMA.

PRAISE FOR A RIVER FOR GEMMA ~

"...poignant and heartfelt... Alexander created a world I did not want to leave,... I couldn't put this book down."

AUDREY BURGES, award-winning author and humorist

"...a hefty dose of drama and tension with a superb conclusion. With a thread of mystery, this story keeps readers turning pages." CARMEN PEONE, award-winning author

"...an unconventionally bright and daring heroine to challenge our ingrained perspectives on disability and capability. A much-needed story for our times..."

ELLEN NOTBOHM, best-selling and award-winning author

"...rich, rewarding and deliciously raucous..."

BOB WELCH, award-winning journalist and author

"...Full of engaging characters, and beautiful descriptive Oregon scenery vividly capturing the changes in seasons...an uplifting, hopeful, and a delightfully escapist read."

LAINEY CAMERON, best-selling and award-winning author

After many years of publishing nonfiction books related to post trauma recovery, Debra Whiting Alexander's award-winning debut novel, ZETTY, blends personal history with her professional background. Inspired by her grandmother who died in a psychiatric hospital at the age of 41, ZETTY shines a light on the stigma surrounding mental illness in the 1960's and 70's.

ZETTY is the powerful story of a mother lost to a rare form of schizophrenia, and a daughter's quest to find her. The story begins in 1963 when Marjorie McGee suddenly disappears from her Southern California beach home, leaving nine-year-old Zetty motherless and confused. In alternating points of view, the story follows the lives of both mother and daughter as Marjorie's mental illness progresses, and Zetty's hope for her return diminishes. But at age seventeen, Zetty wants answers. She finds herself in a circle of unconventional women, opinionated, endearing, courageous and keen-eyed women, who offer Zetty their heart and backbone. As unexpected friendships form, Zetty begins an emotional, psychological and spiritual journey in search of her mother--never imagining the joy and tragedy yet to come, the undeniable power of early childhood bonds, and the secret that will change their lives forever.

AWARDS for ZETTY

2018 WILLA Literary Award Winner in Contemporary Fiction

WINNER - Women's Fiction - 12th Annual National Indie Excellence Awards

FINALIST - Regional/West - 12th Annual National Indie Excellence Awards

GOLD/1st PLACE WINNER - Women's Fiction -2019 Feathered Quill Book Award

PRAISE FOR ZETTY

"...a literary examination that embraces a poetic and evocative voice that sets this story apart from others... complelling...gripping...full-faceted exploration...a highly recommneded choice for fiction readers seeking realistic stories of psychological survival."

D. DONOVAN, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

"...In the midst of sorrow, Debra Whiting Alexander gives us laughter, singular characters, fresh images, wild friendships, wisdom and most of all, love. ZETTY is a master piece of heartache and joy, the very stuff of life..."

JANE KIRKPATRICK, NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author

"I can't remember when I was so pleasantly surprised by a novel...ZETTY unfolded like one of those Olympic gymnastics routines where some unknown is suddenly hitting every move and the crowd realizes they're amidst something special. Frankly, I loved everything about this book: the story, the inspiration and the writing itself...I can't sing the praises of ZETTY loudly enough...a story that's stayed with me long after I closed the back cover. Bravo, Zetty, Bravo, Alexander."

BOB WELCH, Award winning journalist and author

"Alexander keeps the reader invested in Zetty's story with humor and pathos--a real page-turner and a heartwarming story of a daughter's love."

JANICE CARR, Television Production Supervisor, "Santa Clarita Diet"

"This is a brave story--plumbing the existential life of the schizophrenic and the reality of those who love them. Alexander writes with the prowess of heart."

DANUTA PFEIFFER, Eric Hoffer Finalist and award-winning author

Debra grew up on the beaches of San Diego, lived and worked in upstate New York, and settled in Oregon where she lives with her husband. She holds a Ph.D. in Psychology, is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and former professor and executive director of two local non-profit counseling agencies. She is the author of sixteen non-fiction books, including one of her most meaningful projects, THE EMOTIONAL RECOVERY RESOURCE KIT, written in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks for children in New York and Washington, D.C. In addition to working on her next novel, Debra continues to provide clinical supervision and training through a local non-profit agency in her community.

Part of a book club or group? ZETTY includes a "Reader's Discussion Guide". Consider asking Debra to join you for a discussion of ZETTY and/or A RIVER FOR GEMMA!