Author-activist appearing in Milford this month

MILFORD — Writer, editor and nationally recognized authority on women, media matters, and family issues, Suzanne Braun Levine will be appearing in Milford on Friday, May 29. Levine will be discussing and signing her new book “Fifty is the New Fifty” at the BlueStone Gallery located at 104 East Ann Street in Milford. Levine’s last book, “Inventing the Rest of Our Lives: Women In Second Adulthood” (Viking, 2005/ Plume 2006), generated a new conversation about the choices women make as they age. Her next book is “Fifty is the New Fifty: Ten Life Lessons from Second Adulthood,” was also published by Viking. She is co-author (with Mary Thom) of an oral history of the late Congresswoman Bella Abzug, compiled from Abzug’s own words and interviews with those who knew and worked with her, published by Ferrar, Straus & Giroux in fall, 2007. She is a contributor to the anthology, “Sisterhood Is Forever,” edited by Robin Morgan (Atria Books, 2004). Levine was editor-in-chief of the Columbia Journalism Review, the premier magazine of media criticism, from 1989 to 1997. Previously, she was editor of Ms. Magazine, the groundbreaking feminist magazine, from its founding in 1972 until 1988. During her tenure, the magazine fostered a new kind of personalized reporting and was recognized for its coverage of theretofore unreported issues that concerned women, from health and the arts to international politics and social policy. While at Ms., she developed and produced the Peabody-Award winning television documentary, “She’s Nobody’s Baby: A History of American Women in the 20th Century” (HBO, 1981) and edited the book of the same name that followed (Simon & Schuster). She also conceived and co-edited “A Decade of Women: A Ms. History of the Seventies in Words and Pictures.” Levine’s essays have appeared in national publications including Newsweek, TV Guide, The Nation and O: The Oprah Magazine. She is a contributing editor of More Magazine. An article of hers in that magazine about the conflict between younger and older women caught the attention of “Oprah” producers, and became the basis of a one-hour show in which she was featured. Levine has been a frequent guest on national television programs, including “Oprah,” “Good Morning America,” the “Today Show” and “Charlie Rose,” as well as numerous national and local radio shows. She has lectured widely before women’s and professional groups and on campuses across the country. She also writes a monthly blog on her Web site www.SuzanneBraunLevine.com which is also posted on the More Magazine Web site. She has taught journalism at several universities, including the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. In 1989-90, she was a Fellow at the Media Studies Center of the Freedom Forum. She serves on a number of boards, including the Transition Network and the Ms. Foundation for Education and Communication, and is a member of the AARP’s Women’s Leadership Circle. Sheila Korick-Houston, of Safe Haven, said, “She is an advocate for many women and our issues. Ladies, this is a great opportunity to chat, socialize and build your network of fabulous women.” If you go Suzanne Braun Levine’s appearance is scheduled for May 29, from 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets are being sold for $15 and are available at Safe Haven at 500 West Harford Street in Milford or at the BlueStone Gallery. Levine’s book will be available at the Mill Run Booksellers prior to the event or at the BlueStone Gallery during the event. Seating is limited, so please purchase tickets in advance.