All of Us: Stories and Poems Along Route 17 is about people in a small town in upstate New York - different, even alien, from one another, often politically at odds, yet managing to live in peace, side by side. Seen through the lens of a warm-hearted narrator with an eye for a good story and a good laugh, All of Us is a unique tribute to rural upstate New York - a funny Spoon River Anthology, a northern relative of Eudora Welty's "Why I Live at the PO." "Masterful poet and storyteller Esther Cohen invites readers to take a day-trip with her from bustling Manhattan to a quiet rural town in Upstate New York where porch-sitting, tomato-growing, and post office chitchat are appreciated and valued....characterized by Cohen’s open heart, her refreshing lack of judgment, and her appreciation of the simple beauty of the natural world. I urge readers to let this gifted writer transport you through the pages of her original and wonderful book." - Wally Lamb

In this special event, join writer and teacher Esther Cohen for a workshop and party celebrating her new book. All writers are invited to add your US to this story. Light refreshments will be served.

Esther Cohen is a writer, teacher, bookdoctor, and labor activist. For many years she ran Bread and Roses, a national cultural program for workers. She started a program called UnseenAmerica and co-founded the Clara Lemlich Awards for women activists. Her poem/photograph series with Matthew Septimus is featured at On Being. She is the author of six books, including Breakfast With Allen Ginsberg (poetry), Bookdoctor (fiction) and Don't Mind Me and Other Jewish Lies, illustrated by Roz Chast.

The Writing Life events in 2023 are generously underwritten by Jenny Lawrence.