BOOKS

Left Handed:

Self-published in a small batch and sold in some local Los Angeles bookstores, Skylight Books in Los Feliz and Stories in Echo Park, as well as a few creative pop-ups.

Left-Handed is a quirky, coming-of-age story told from the perspective of two emotionally adrift teenagers, Missy and Adam. Missy has skipped a grade in school, has a difficult relationship with her popular twin sister, and finds most of her joy through her friendship with Adam. Adam is still in the closet about his sexuality, is neglected at home, and has sought out a new home in Missy over the years. They are outsiders everywhere besides the sweet, offbeat world they’ve created together.

It isn't until they meet a group of rebellious, bohemian kids living in a collective-style warehouse, that things begin to change. Through experiences with their new, radical-minded friends, Adam is forced to engage in uncomfortable activities like dumpster diving and indie dance parties, and to embrace his queer identity. Missy is forced on a solitary journey exploring who she is in the world, separate from her twin sister or Adam. As Missy and Adam discover themselves, many things will fall away. Could that possibly include their friendship?

The title Left-Handed comes from a scene where Adam is attempting to tell someone he is gay, for the first time ever, but instead tells a story about his grandmother teaching him to write, and forcing him to use his right hand instead of his left. This metaphor of trying to fit in with society, and eventually embracing your own authenticity, is a large theme explored through the story.

Praise for Left Handed:

“Most outstanding to me as a reader was the novella's graceful and unaffected voice, which deftly captured the pains and mysteries of adolescence. The prose-style is vivid and sensitive.” Christopher Rice, Author, Los Angeles, CA

“Excellent book! It took me away to this cool hip world that reminded me of the Outsiders.” Allen Foster, Musican, Philadelphia, PA

OTHER PUBLICATIONS

Other publications include:

Variety’s V-Life Magazine

Francesca Lia Block’s Lit Angels Journal

The New Review of Literature

Otis College of Art and Design’s Wash Magazine, several volumes

Short stories and poems in various small print publications

*Many of these are published under the maiden name Penny Weinraub. Feel free to google Penny Weinraub for older writing samples and more candid snooping.