Peekskill author Ed Friedman ‘won’t be ignored’ at his book reading – Peekskill Herald

In an ongoing series highlighting local authors in Peekskill, the Field Library is hosting a book talk with Peekskill resident author Ed Friedman. Friedman is the author of the brand new book I will not be ignored which was published on March 18th of this year. The book talk with Ed Freidman will take place on Saturday, July 13th from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Friedman will read excerpts from I will not be ignored Combining fiction, nonfiction and opinion, the book offers a humorous portrayal of three aspects of the author’s thinking: his view on the proliferation of “current wisdom” that is so abundant in the Internet age; his imaginations that provide multiple answers to different versions of “what if?”; and his personal experiences in dealing with his own inadequacies, mistakes and fears. Friedman will also hold a book signing afterward.

In the book, Friedman discusses things like his cravings for foods he should be avoiding, his lack of direction behind the wheel, and his collection of medical specialists that seems to grow with each passing year. In another part of the book, Friedman admonishes the American Automobile Association (AAA), shows some toughness to those who seek personal advice from the New York Times, and calls out those who research real estate on the Internet.

Ed will discuss all of these stories with a touch of humor. The event is free to the public. Walk-ins are welcome, but advance registration is recommended so the library can set up enough chairs for the event. Use this link to register.

Friedman and his family moved to Peekskill from Lower Westchester about a year ago. Jokingly, Peekskill Heraldhe says, “I’ve never lived this far from Yankee Stadium.” As for Peekskill, Ed says he and his family moved here because it’s more affordable compared to Westchester. One of his favorite places he’s discovered is The Field Library Bookstore at 934 South Street.

Although Ed began writing more than 30 years ago, he only began writing plays in the last 5 years. “A number of my short plays have been performed across the country and beyond, including some at Studio theatre in exile right here in Peekskill,” says Friedman.

During the discussion with the Herald As for how he came to write this book, Friedman says, “I didn’t plan to write this book. I had written a considerable number of short stories – humor, essays, and fiction. Some were published in magazines, many on Medium, but I was wondering what to do with all of it. I came across a course at the Writing Institute at Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville that was about how to compile your short stories into a collection. I chose the humorous pieces for the collection because I thought I would enjoy them the most if I could do a few readings.” These pieces eventually became the book, I will not be ignored.

Ed Friedman has directed over forty productions in the New York metropolitan area and across the country. His anthology Short pieces for a long life was published in 2019 by Blue Moon Press. His play The keys to life was also adapted for the screen by the Northern Virginia Film Co-op and is shown under the same title at independent film festivals.