PRAISE
For The Unforgotten: Selected Readers comments:
… I haven't enjoyed reading a book this much in a long time. … Thank you for writing such meaningful and beautiful stories.
…. I am very moved (and understand/share) your ending words about friends and objects as forming the mosaic of what any life consists of, finally…. I just want you to know that the book touched me deeply and brought you from miles away, closer.
...Your novella is especially moving … in its evocation of [a later] stage of life where past and present are braided together so tightly, mutually resonating, simultaneously and equally present. Thanks for that, too.
… Very vivid, sensitive writing, and sharp, effective story-telling.
A compelling read! … a great insight into you and the ability you have to turn pain into art…... and humor!
There is so much sensitivity in every story that I can’t wait to read the next one. …
For The Stillness of Hajj Ishmael: Ballerini’s cross-textual approach is crucial to our understanding of photography’s role in relation to both visual and textual means of representation. Keri Yousif, Visual Resources, Vol.xxvii, No.4, December 2011.
For "Top Secret": A nuanced and delicately conceived story, and very subtle in capturing the person, the talking, and the setting. The final unfolding of the plot is sad but not depressing. There's hope, possibilities. Linda Dittmar, whose books include Multiple Voices in Feminist Criticism.
For "Luisa the Unforgotten": The top three [prize winners] all had clear, distinct voices which were sustained across the length of their stories. Each drew you in to their particular world and then lifted you out at what felt like the right moment. ... Luisa the Unforgotten [was] enriched by exact and unexpected observation of people, places and things.... AdamO’Riordan, author of the story collection The Burning Ground
AWARDS
“Luisa the Unforgotten” selected by Read with Audrey a project that pairs members to read stories aloud to each other.
New Guard Machigonne Fiction Contest Finalist 2019
Story award, Bare Fiction Journal 2018 http://www.barefictionmagazine.co.uk/2018/02/
Short Listed, SLICE Fiction Contest 2015
Professional member PEN, USA
Andrew W. Mellon Study Grant, 1999
American Council of Learned Societies Fellowship, 1995-96
Princeton University Gould Fellowship, 1988-89
Hunter College Richter Scholarship Award, 1976