Isabel Gillies
Isabel Gillies
Full Name and Common Aliases
Isabel Gillies is an American author, memoirist, and journalist.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on February 21, 1969, in New York City. Currently active and living in Brooklyn, New York.
Nationality and Profession(s)
American, Author, Memoirist, Journalist
Gillies' work spans multiple genres, including memoirs, essays, and journalism. She has written extensively for various publications and has authored several bestselling books that explore themes of family, love, and personal growth.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a close-knit Italian-American family in Manhattan, Gillies developed a strong appreciation for storytelling and the art of observation. Her childhood experiences would later become a rich source of inspiration for her writing. As she grew older, her interests shifted towards literature and creative expression, which led to a career as a writer.
Major Accomplishments
Gillies' writing career has been marked by numerous successes:
Bestselling Author: Gillies has published several bestselling books that have received critical acclaim for their nuanced portrayal of family dynamics and relationships.
Memoirist Extraordinaire: Her memoirs offer a unique glimpse into her personal life, weaving together stories of love, loss, and self-discovery.
Journalism Credits: As a seasoned journalist, Gillies has contributed to various publications, showcasing her versatility as a writer.Notable Works or Actions
Some of Gillies' most notable works include:
"Happens That: A Memoir" (2009) - This memoir explores her experiences with motherhood and marriage.
"Looking for Gatsby" (2013) - In this collection of essays, Gillies delves into the world of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel "The Great Gatsby".
"An Appreciation of Nouns: Essays on Family, Food, Beer, and Other Important Incidental Pursuits" (2020) - This essay collection showcases her wit and insight as she explores various themes.
Impact and Legacy
Gillies' impact can be seen in several areas:
Inspiring Authenticity: Her writing encourages readers to explore their own stories and experiences, fostering a sense of connection and understanding.
Exploring the Human Condition: Through her work, Gillies sheds light on universal themes that resonate with audiences worldwide.
Empowering Women's Voices: As a woman writer, she provides a platform for women's voices and perspectives to be heard.Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Isabel Gillies is widely quoted and remembered due to her:
Authentic Voice: Her unique perspective and writing style have captivated readers worldwide.
Unflinching Honesty: Gillies' willingness to explore complex emotions and experiences has earned her a reputation as a candid and insightful writer.
Relatable Themes: Her work often touches on universal themes that resonate with audiences, making her a beloved figure in the literary world.
Quotes by Isabel Gillies
The Oberlin/Cleveland area is where the underground railroad came out, so it's an interesting historical place. I love Ohio and really loved Oberlin.
You see, I am friends with a lobsterman. Because we are friends, which feels lucky anyway, I get access to the most amazing fish. It's like having a backstage pass - a culinary jackpot that feels almost undeserved.
When your heart is broken, you feel like no freaking book in the world could help you because a book is not the person who you love, who doesn't love you. However, books help, if only because they serve as something you can hold in your hand and throw across the room in agony.
When you work alone at home, time can become shapeless. There are no eleven o'clock meetings or afternoon coffee breaks. The light outside may clue me in to what part of the day it is, but if all is going well, the hours bleed together.
When I think of the moment I knew that my marriage to Josiah would end, there were a few moments before I really, really knew. I probably knew, when I saw my ex-husband and his now wife - then colleague - having tea together in his office, that something was amiss.
There are a lot of great love stories. It's just the best thing. Why wouldn't you write about it? Why wouldn't you want to read about it? But it's hard to write about. It's weird to have such a powerful and universal feeling and hope that you can write that and make it real for people.
Skeptical of strangers, lobstermen are keepers of secrets, working in the howling wind and hot sun, the icy snows, and bewildering fog. When I was growing up, the lore was that they had the right to shoot anyone who messed with their traps.
My mother worked full-time running a foundation, but she found all the time in the world to have supper ready every night, feed us shirred eggs on the weekends, and produce a leg of lamb for my fourth-grade Bedouin feast at school.
Laura Ingalls Wilder's 'Little House' series is a national treasure, beloved by generations. But what I love most is the peek it provides into the planting, harvesting, hunting, and preparing of the foods that America's settler families ate in the late 1800s.