Another memoir by Irene Sardanis, Ph.D
Do you believe our lives are shaped by the people we meet?
In Irene Sardanis’s mind, connection is the key to building a better understanding of our world and cultivating a fuller life.
Irene discusses in this new memoir how she’s been able to establish connection in unpredictable ways wherever she goes. For the introverts, the world travelers, and
those seeking fulfilling connections, Irene’s book provides tips on how to build vibrant relationships with everyday and out-of-the-blue strangers.
In her lovely book Connections Irene Sardanis invites us to come dance with her as she delights in connecting with stranger after stranger both at home and during her many travels. Sardanis is a woman who celebrates her Greek heritage: she is also a living example of the Greek virtue of philoxenia“ which she defines as “the fine art of welcoming the stranger.” Always Sardanis reaches out to embrace the other—and to be embraced in turn.
In this book you will meet people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds: among many others, an amazingly hospitable Athenian woman; a couple struggling with their addiction to meth; a young Stanford student; on the same flight two airline attendants and a pilot, each of whom Sardanis speaks with individually. Sometimes there are one-time encounters: sometimes a deeper relationship will evolve and the former stranger will become a loving mother or grateful daughter or comforting grandmother to Sardanis—or vice versa.
And that is what I love most about these stories: very frequently both the strangers and Sardanis give and receive priceless gifts. She has encouraged them to see within and often offered them ways to help themselves. And they have helped her to see herself—and the world—in a new way.
How perfect an image of this book is the book’s cover: Matisse’s Dancers holding hands in a circle as they connect with one another in their beautiful dance of love.
– Anne Perkins
A memoir by Irene Sardanis, Ph.D
Danger wasn't just the slum area in the Bronx with the pimps, hookers and hustlers. Danger lay within the tenement where I lived. Danger was my mother.
Irene Sardanis' book Out of the Bronx describes a young woman with Greek parents. Irene is challenged by a mother who dominates and stalks her every move. Irene rebels but finds it impossible to deal with her mother's abuse and control. At age sixteen Irene is referred to a Social Worker who gives her courage to confront her mother and find the door to freedom.
What an Honor!
This competition is judged by experts from different aspects of the book industry, including publishers, writers, editors, book cover designers and professional copywriters. Selected award winners and distinguished favorites are based on overall excellence.
So Excited About This Award!
My book was recognized as a gold winner of theĀ New York City Big Book AwardĀ® which is a celebratedĀ honor given by industry experts.Ā Books are judged on presentation, editorial quality, and audience appeal.
Book Irene for your next event!
Irene is available for speaking engagements at colleges, senior residences, bookstores and libraries on the subject of "Creative Writing as a Healing Journey," childhood abuse and complex issues withĀ mother/daughter relationships.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
ABOUT IRENE
Irene Sardanis is a retired psychologist. She was born in New York City to Greek immigrant parents.
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She has been published five times in the Sun Literary magazine, numerous anthologies, the most recent one, 2016, The Magic of Memoir. She has been invited to read from her memoir chapters, particularly āCarmen Miranda.ā
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She has attended writing conferences in San Miguel de Allende, Mendocino, California, Key West, Florida and Catamaran Writers Conference in Pebble Beach, California.
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For the last fifteen years she has attended Elizabeth Fishelās Wednesday Womenās Writing classes and her writerās retreat at Mesa Refuge in Tomales Bay. She has also taken classes with Laura Davis, Charlotte Cook and Mark Greenside.
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She resides in Oakland, California with her wonderful husband, John.