Smile: The Story of a Face

Sarah Ruhl's "Beautiful Meditation on Identity" - A Memoir of Triumph Over Paralysis and Illness Discover the captivating story of Sarah Ruhl, a MacArthur genius, Pulitzer Prize finalist, and playwright who survived a high-risk pregnancy only to face a unexpected challenge: Bell's palsy that left her completely paralyzed on the left side of her face.

Despite the odds, Ruhl embarks on an intense decade-long search for a cure while grappling with the reality of her new face - one that is recognizable but incapable of accurately communicating feelings or intentions. Through piercing meditations and profound insights, Ruhl chronicles her journey as a patient, wife, mother, and artist.

She explores the struggle of a body yearning to match its inner landscape, the pain of postpartum depression, the story of a marriage, being a playwright and working mom to three small children, and the desire for a resilient spiritual life in the face of illness. With a focus on loss and reconciliation, Ruhl reminds us that a smile is not just a smile but a vital form of communication, bonding, and what makes us human.

This intimate and stunning examination of identity will leave you moved, inspired, and grateful for the resilience of the human spirit.

Don't miss out on this powerful memoir that has been praised as "a beautiful meditation on identity" (Kirkus Reviews) and "stunning" (Publishers Weekly).

Order your copy today!