In 2011, with poets Dave Landsberger and Eric Plattner, Rooney co-founded the Chicago not-for-profit poetry collective Poems While You Wait, which composes typewritten poetry on demand at local libraries, street & music festivals, museums, & art galleries. Rooney’s 2012 novel-in-verse Robinson Alone, inspired by the life & work of poet Weldon Kees and his alter-ego persona-character “Robinson,” won the 2013 Eric Hoffer Award for Poetry. Her debut novel, O, Democracy!, was released by Fifth Star Press in Spring 2014 and her second novel, Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk, loosely based on the life of Margaret Fishback, was released by St. Martin’s Press in 2017.
**Rediscover the Magic of New York City with *Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk* by Kathleen Rooney A Timeless Tale of Life, Love, and Reinvention** Step back in time to a sparkling New Year's Eve in 1984 and embark on an unforgettable journey through the vibrant streets of Manhattan with Lillian Boxfish, a fiercely independent and remarkably witty octogenarian. In Kathleen Rooney's critically acclaimed novel, *Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk*, readers are invited to accompany Lillian on an evening stroll that becomes a poignant reflection on a life richly lived. More than just a walk, this is a journey through Lillian's memories. Once the highest-paid advertising woman in America during the golden age of department stores, Lillian's sharp intellect and poetic spirit shaped the advertising landscape of a bygone era. As she traverses her beloved city, past and present intertwine, revealing the triumphs and heartaches, the loves gained and lost, and the ever-evolving spirit of a woman who dared to defy convention. Rooney masterfully crafts a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. Inspired by the life of Margaret Fishback, a trailblazing advertising copywriter for Macy's, Lillian Boxfish is a character who will stay with you long after you turn the final page. Her observations on life, love, and the changing city are filled with humor, wisdom, and a profound understanding of the human condition. This isn't just a story about aging; it's a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the enduring power of human connection. As Lillian encounters a diverse cast of characters along her walk from bartenders and bums to young lovers and fellow wanderers she rediscovers the beauty and complexity of the city she calls home. Each encounter sparks a memory, a reflection, and a reminder of the life she has built. *Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk* is a love letter to New York City, a tribute to the power of words, and a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit. It's a novel that will make you laugh, cry, and ponder the meaning of life, all while captivating you with its lyrical prose and unforgettable characters. Perfect for readers who enjoy character-driven stories, historical fiction, and tales of self-discovery. Kathleen Rooney, known for her insightful explorations of historical figures and her keen eye for detail, brings Lillian Boxfish to life with remarkable authenticity and depth. Her dedication to capturing the essence of Margaret Fishback's spirit shines through every page, making this novel a truly special and memorable reading experience. Rooney is also the co-founder of Poems While You Wait, a Chicago-based poetry collective, and the author of *Robinson Alone* and *O, Democracy!*. **Order your Paperback copy of *Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk* today and discover a timeless story that will warm your heart and inspire your soul.** This Daunt Books edition, published in 2017, with 300 pages, is the perfect addition to any literature lover's collection.