We're excited to host Nicole Zelniker, a queer author and founder of Knee Brace Press, a lit mag featuring work about chronic illness, disability, and neurodivergence! Nicole will be sharing her new novel, From Where We Are, a multi-generational story that explores one Jewish family from the 1920s through the present day. Dealing with sometimes heavy topics such as antisemitism, zionism, sexuality, and mental health, Nicole's work is both powerful and heartbreaking.

From Where We Are (Vine Leaves Press, coming May 2024) starts with Gabi, who escapes Germany at the beginning of World War II. Over generations, her granddaughter, Lena, struggles with drug addiction and an unplanned pregnancy; her sort-of nephew, Zane, grieves for his wife three years after her death in an antisemitic mass shooting; and her great-niece, Miranda, advocates for Palestinian liberation against her family’s wishes. Each family member’s tale begs the question: What does it mean to survive, and is that enough? 

Nicole Zelniker (she/they) is the author of several books, including Until We Fall, which was a finalist for the Forward Indie Awards in LGBTQ+ adult fiction. She’s also the founder and editor-in-chief of the literary magazine Knee Brace Press. In her free time, Nicole enjoys re-reading her favorite books, listening to musicals, and bothering her cat.

Content Warning: This event may include discussion of anti-semitism, characters struggling with mental health, death and grief, drug abuse, domestic violence, gun violence, homophobia, misogyny, racism, statutory rape, suicide, xenophobia, ableism and zionism.