Liza Porter's manuscript Bruce Springsteen Sang to Me was finalist for 2019 Cleveland State University Essay Collection competition, the 2018 Faulkner Society Faulkner-Wisdom Narrative Nonfiction Book Award, and the Santa Fe Writers Workshop nonfiction book award. She is founding director of the Other Voices Women’s Reading Series at Antigone Books in Tucson, Arizona. Three of Porter’s essays have been listed as Notable Essays in Best American Essays.
Skar
When I learned at my high school reunion that Mr. Skar had died, I felt relieved, almost giddy. Though not still musically inclined, I could’ve played a beautiful song—call it an ode to joy—to celebrate his death.
I was shocked at my reaction. Despite the decade-plus of recovery from addiction I had put together and all the therapy I’d done, it was apparent how much of my hatred of perpetrating men I’d put on Skar, Read more.
Esther of the Hearts
Sarah jerked awake on the couch, the dream still swimming in her mind. Or was it a visitation? Where was she? She looked around, face damp with sweat. Of course…long underwear, down sleeping bag, heat on full blast. Minnesota. She sat up and turned on the lamp, shook her head. Another dream about Esther. Every night since she’d died. Read more.