Author Talk: New York Times Bestselling Author Judy Mandel (In-Person)

As the opioid crisis rages and an avalanche of people struggle with substance use disorder (SUD), their families look for ways to help them—to save them. The new book by New York Times bestselling author Judy L. Mandel, White Flag, is the story of one journey that will change the way you look at addiction and SUD. Her quest to understand the complexities of addiction, and how generational trauma reverberated through her family to her niece, can be a roadmap for someone trying to understand SUD in their own family.

The experience of researching and writing White Flag forced Mandel to question everything she has ever known about addiction and her family. How much of her niece’s trauma could be blamed on the tragic circumstances depicted in her first book, Replacement Child? Was she helping or enabling? Can a person be forced into rehabilitation to save their life? Were the answers found in brain chemistry, epigenetics, and transgenerational trauma?

Judy Mandel is a former reporter and marketing executive, who holds an MFA in creative writing from Stony Brook University. Her essays, articles, and short stories have appeared on Kveller.com, 34^th Parallel, The Tishman Review, Connecticut LIFE, ASJA Monthly, Complete Wellbeing Magazine, Connecticut Authors and Publishers Magazine, The Southampton Review, American Writers Review, and other publications. Her first book was the New York Times bestseller, Replacement Child. She is co-founder of the Replacement Child Forum. A portion of this book’s proceeds will be donated to Magnolia New Beginnings, Inc., an organization that advocates for those living with substance use disorder (SUD), their families, and loved ones.