Thanks for featuring my book. My secret aunt, Annie, remained in the county mental hospital, known as Eloise, for 31 years. At the time of her admission, Michigan law essentially required that the state’s “defectives” be given treatment and care, and that led (as it did in many states) to larger and larger public hospitals and institutions. Annie’s time at Eloise spanned two eras in mental health treatment; by the time she died in 1972, the state had begun deinstitutionalization and the dismantling of the huge psychiatric hospitals that once dominated the system.

“Annie’s Ghosts: A Journey Into a Family Secret” tells that story, as well as exploring my mom’s motivations for turning her sister into a secret and keeping that secret throughout her life. As much as I possibly can, using my skills that I learned in 30 years as a newspaper reporter and editor, I recreate my mom’s and Annie’s worlds. I also interview a variety of experts as a way of discussing how Annie’s life might been different if she were born in 1980 rather than in 1919.

Thanks again for bringing the book to the attention of your readers. If anyone would like to learn more about my book, please visit my website at steveluxenberg.com

Best,
Steve Luxenberg