Inspired by the stories and research author Alivia C. Tagliaferri gleaned while writing Still the Monkey, What Happens to Warriors after War and interviews for her subsequent articles on PTSD, this one hour literary discussion is a powerful and evocative experience that not only covers the clinical definition of PTSD and recent facts, studies and statistics, but also emphasizes the five most important things friends and family members of veterans should and should not do when their loved one returns home from war, based on interviews with experts in the field of post-traumatic stress.
Alivia reads from corresponding excerpts of Still the Monkey to highlight discussion points such as The Mentality of Warriors, the impact of Survivor's Guilt and the paradoxical concept of ‘Home.’ Additionally, she shares her personal stories of how she came to understand the nature of PTSD, her experiences of interviewing those with PTSD and those whom treat veterans with PTSD, discussions with veterans and their families, the hidden symbolisms and meanings referenced in her novel, and a live performance of a piano ballad she composed as a therapeutic way to cope with the traumatic subject matter she was writing. Discussions are usually followed by a Still the Monkey book-signing and one-on-one meeting with the author. Ironcutter Media donates a portion of proceeds from book sales to charities that benefit veteran’s assistance programs.
Alivia is currently booking her 2008 – 2009 discussion, panelist and speaking schedule. For more information, email us at info@ironcuttermedia.com, or fax 703.991-8075.
