Genevieve "Gwen" Kingston joins Carol Fitzgerald to discuss her memoir, DID I EVER TELL YOU?, which is a Bookreporter Bets On selection. When Gwen was three years old, her mother, Kristina, was diagnosed with breast cancer; she passed away when Gwen was 11. When Kristina realized that her cancer was terminal, she created a box filled with individual presents for each year through Gwen's 30th birthday, as well as special occasion notes for events like engagement, marriage and first baby. With just those last three to open, Gwen explored what these treasures had meant to her along the way.

Life lessons and gifts were shared that showed what Kristina wanted to be sure her daughter knew, a guiding light of sorts for when she was not around. It was as much about the note that accompanied each present as it was about what was inside. Gwen talks about taking this box with her from place to place as she moved across the country. Trained as a playwright, she explains the difference between writing for the stage and penning a memoir. She points out that she showed the book to her brother and some close family friends before publication to be sure she had the facts right and that their memories aligned.

Gwen also narrated the audiobook and notes what she learned from that experience. And she reveals what is next for her.

Book discussed in this episode: DID I EVER TELL YOU?: A Memoir by Genevieve Kingston: https://www.bookreporter.com/reviews/did-i-ever-tell-you-a-memoir

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Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald

Edited by Jordan Redd Productions