|
10-05-2009 WASHINGTON POST MAGAZINE STORY CITES CKH
The Washington Post Sunday Magazine today features an excerpt from Liza Mundy's "Michelle," due out this week from Simon & Schuster. The story includes a whole paragraph on Courting Kathleen Hannigan, a novel which "explores the perils of being a woman trying to make partner in the 1980's and 1990's." The story also calls me "a good-humored and gregariousattorney who had worked hard to win advancement for women in the top echelon of the legal profession."
(Michelle is said to be a bit character in CKH: Michelle Richardson, a young associate who is part of the defense team and who soon after being introduced is sent off to research an aspect of the law. The character is said to exemplify "that young associates, even highly competent ones liee Michelle, mostly were seen and worked hard, but were not heard."
Read
www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/26/AR2008092602856_pf.html |
10-01-2008 NAMED TO BEST LAWYERS IN AMERICA!
I just received notice that I am listed in the 2009 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® in the specialties of Advertising Law and Entertainment Law. For over a quarter of a century, Best Lawyers has been regarded – by both the profession and the public – as the definitive guide to legal excellence in the United States. This isn't a book you buy your way into, so I am again deeply honored.
|
09-05-2008 Remembering the Summer
Sel Yackley, author of Remember the Pain, a lovely memoir about living with a husband with manic depression, sent me this picture from the summer's Printer's Row Book Fair. It was a windy day, but three of us from Enid Powell's writing group made the valiant attempt to sell books. In the middle is Erin Goseer Mitchell, whose memoir Born Colored, about growing up in Selma before Bloody Sunday, is a best-seller among self-published books. |
08-12-2008 Thank you for your condolences
Thank you to so many people who wrote to me about the passing of my wonderful mother, Mary Jo Hutchings, on July 31, 2008. The Chicago Tribune had a lovely story about her in the August 5, 2008 issue. I am attaching a copy of that and a picture of her, and below is the obituary which my sister and I prepared for her funeral Mass and celebration, which was held August 6, 2008 at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, where my sister Donna and I were both baptized and received our first Communions, in Crystal Lake, Illinois.
MARY JO HUTCHINGS
Mary Jo Hutchings loved libraries. The Director of the Mt. Prospect Public Library from 1966 to 1981, Mrs. Hutchings died July 31 at the age of 88.
Born Mary Jo Calnan in Monkstown, County Cork, Ireland on December 21, 1919, she emigrated to Lake Forest in 1928 in the care of foster parents, Daniel and Margaret Calnan. She attended Holy Child Academy, Waukegan, and earned her bachelors and advanced degrees in Library Science from the University of Illinois in 1941. While the Reader's Advisor at Northwestern University Library, she met LeRoi E. Hutchings, whom she married May 21, 1949. They settled in Crystal Lake and had two daughters, Mary Hutchings Reed and Donna.C. Steele.
Mrs. Hutchings was Assistant and then Head Librarian in Crystal Lake from the mid-fifties to 1963. She was well known through much of her life for her lively and dramatic book reviews.
After a short time in Johnson City, Tennessee, the Hutchings moved to Mt. Prospect in 1965, where Mrs. Hutchings joined the staff of the Public Library and became Director in 1966. During her fifteen year tenure, Mrs. Hutchings transformed the Library into a lifelong learning and cultural center. It tripled its collection, nearly doubled its patrons and increased its circulation from 250,000 to 415,000. Mrs. Hutchings built up the business section and created genealogy and police science sections of the Library, and added the circulation of 8mm movies, art prints, sculpture, large-type books, videotapes, audiocassettes and magazines on microfilm. Under her leadership, the Library celebrated its first National Library Week, published its first newsletter featuring "Hutch's Corner," conducted its first story hour for deaf children, and opened on Sundays. In 1967, Mrs. Hutchings defended the library in a censorship battle, and received a citation from the Illinois Library Association for her efforts in defending the First Amendment.
In 1975, following a successful referendum, Mrs. Hutchings presided over the building of a new $4 million library facility, which was dedicated in 1977. After retiring from the library in 1981, Mrs. Hutchings became active in volunteer activities, serving three terms as President of the Mt. Prospect Women's Club, and as a docent of the Mt. Prospect Historical Society and a member of the Friends of the Library. She was a devout Catholic.
Separated from a sister and two brothers when she came to the United States, she was thrilled to have been reunited with her brother Paddy Calnan of Plymouth, England, at Christmas, 1983. The visited frequently until his death.
Dr. and Mrs. Hutchings returned to Crystal Lake in 2004. She enjoyed tennis, golf, ping-pong, croquet, classical music, entertaining and bridge, and was proud of her Irish heritage. She loved animals, especially her tricolor collie, Brandywine Erin Beau.
For the past several years, Mrs. Hutchings suffered from Alzheimer’s. She is survived by her husband, LeRoi of Crystal Lake and her daughters, Mary Hutchings Reed (Mrs. William), a Chicago lawyer and novelist who is Of Counsel to Winston & Strawn, and Donna Steele (Mrs. Tod) , an actress and the founder of Steel Beam Theatre, St. Charles, and a loving grandmother to three grandchildren, Amy Steele of Chicago, Sarah Steele of New York City and Peter Steele of St. Charles.
“She read to us every night, acting out all the parts,” her daughter Mary said. “I’m sure that’s why today my sister is an actress and why I love words and stories.” Donna said, “She was a devoted mother and still managed to have a challenging and fulfilling career. She taught by example that with faith, courage and love, all things are possible."
A funeral Mass for Mrs. Hutchings will be held at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 453 Pierson Street, Crystal Lake, at 10:30 am on Wednesday, August 6, 2008.
In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for memorial donations to the Mt. Prospect Library or the Freedom to Read Foundation of the American Library Association.
|
05-23-2008 New Novel Shortlisted for the Paris Prize!!!
My new novel, ONE FOR THE ARK, has been shortlisted (one of 6 finalists) for the Paris Prize, given by the Paris Writers Workshop.
I'm thrilled! Matt Horne, British author and himself a Booker Prize longlist finalist, is the judge. Keeping all appendages crossed!
|
05-06-2008 Fontana Public Library Hosts MHR
Thank you to Fontana Public Libary for hosting me on Tuesday, May 6, for a reading and discussion of Courting Kathleen Hannigan. I got a chance to help raise funds for the libary from book sales ($50 donation) and to discuss the book informally with about 20 people over refreshments. A lovely evening! |
04-14-2008 Thanks to Carey and Brett August: Yale Law School Association Reading
Many thanks to Carey and Brett August for hosting a lovely book reading and discussion at their home on Sunday afternoon. A dozen people came to discuss the questions raised about Courting Kathleen Hannigan and how each individual must define "success" for him or herself. I met some younger grads and got to know some older ones as well. It was a most entertaining evening for me, and many thanks to all who bought books and promised to help spread the word with my "viral" postcard campaign. |
04-14-2008 Mary to be Luncheon Speaker at Illinois State Paralegal Association Annual Meeting
I've been invited to give the luncheon speech at the ISPA's annual meeting on May 5, and to address issues surrounding women in law and balance. Email me if you have ideas on this subject! |
03-31-2008 LEADING LAWYERS MAGAZINE PROFILES MHR
See the great article about me by Olivia Clarke in the March Leading Lawyers Magazine. |
03-31-2008 LEADING LAWYERS PROFILES MHR
See the great article by Olivia Clarke about me in the March issue of Leading Lawyers. |
03-03-2008 CKH Added to Library at Marina Cay, BVI
While cruising in the BVI, Christine Albright, Lawrence Gill, my husband Bill Reed and I presented a couple copies of CKH to the cruising library at Marina Cay, one of my very favorite places. |
02-10-2008 READING CKH AT WOMEN AND CHILDREN FIRST MARCH 6
Please come to my reading of Courting Kathleen Hannigan at Women & Children First, on Thursday, Marcn 6 at 7:30.
I feel honored to be invited by this landmark independent bookstore,
located at 5233 N. Clark Street in Chicago.
Please come if you can! |
02-07-2008 YALE LAW NEWS--CHERYL AVIROM's REVEW
Thanks Cheryl, for telling my fellow Yale Law alums about Courting Kathleen Hannigan.
Again, for the record, Mary Hutchings Reed is not Kathleen Hannigan, though she can certainly relate to her! |
02-02-2008 BARNARD WOMEN'S WRITING GROUP
Thank you to Marsha Coleman Adebayo for inviting me to attend the Barnard Women's Writing Group while I was in DC. We had a wonderful three-hour discussion of the writing process and telling the truith in fiction and in memoir, as well as the ins and outs of privately publishing our efforts. |
02-01-2008 CBA ALLIANCE FOR WOMEN NEWS
If you are a member of the Chicago Bar Association Alliance for Women, check out their winter issue, with a wonderful interview by Lisa Seilheimer with me! |
02-01-2008 MHR Meets with Winston Women in D.C.
Had a most enjoyable lunch and discussion with the women of Winston & Strawn's D.C. office. Thanks to May Wall and Susan Longstreet for organizing! |
01-18-2008 PLEASE HELP ME: ONE FOR THE ARK A SEMI-FINALIST IN AMAZON.COM'S BREAKTHROUGH NOVEL COMPETITION
PLEASE HELP Me MAKE THE FINALS of the AMAZON BREAKTHROUGH NOVEL COMPETITION
My most recent unpublished novel, ONE FOR THE ARK, is one of 480 Semifinalists in this national contest (top 20%). TEN manuscripts will make the finals, as judged by Penguin Books. Penguin will select from those entries with the most “customer reviews.”
I’m asking you to take a few minutes to read part of the first chapter of ONE FOR THE ARK, and to write a few words of your own (75-300) about how you’ve been drawn into the story, are fascinated by the characters, love the writer’s blend of humor and insight, enjoy the quirky and smart narrative voice, can’t wait to read more and see the movie, etc. etc. It’s free!!—and reviewers (you) are eligible to win one of 3 prizes.
STEP BY STEP:
1. Go to AMAZON.COM/ABNA
2. In the middle, under the headline, “Discover the Next Breakthrough Novel,” you’ll see “Explore Semifinalists in Five Categories.” CLICK on GENERAL FICTION
3. Go to PAGE 9 of GENERAL FICTION
4. ONE FOR THE ARK is the first selection (far left) in the second to last row on that page. CLICK on it.
5. At the new page, ONE FOR THE ARK, CLICK on the Left, “Download for Free”
6. When the new page comes up and tells you that you have received an “AMAZON Short,” CLICK “VIEW NOW” to read on-line, or CLICK “DOWNLOAD TO MY COMPUTER.” (Both are FREE.)
7. AFTER READING, RETURN TO PREVIOUS WEBPAGE (#6) and, at the BOTTOM, CLICK on “CREATE YOUR OWN REVIEW.”
This is when you say nice things, so that if I’m ever a famous author, I’ll remember you fondly and support you in your wild schemes and dreams.
8. ASK A FRIEND TO HELP A FRIEND
On MARCH 2, the top TEN are announced, and you get to vote again (and again, Chicago-style) for the Grand Prize winner.
THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!
MARY
maryhutchingsreed.com
|
01-14-2008 MHR to Meet with Women of Bell Boyd
Many thanks to the women of the law firm of Bell Boyd here in Chicago, who've invited me to speak with them on Tuesday, January 15. |
01-14-2008 Chicago Women of AIPLA Invite MHR to Speak
And thanks to the women of the American Intellectual Property Association for asking me to be a guest speaker at their Chicago dinner meeting on Wednesday, January 16. |
12-27-2007 BOOKLIST Reviews CKH
Just learned that the American Library Association's prestigious BOOKLIST reviewed CKH. The Review says "her novel paints a very precise picture of a place and time, showing what it meant to be a woman breaking glass ceilings. How Hannigan decides to testify in Ann Rose's case is worth the wait."
Yay!! |
12-23-2007 Annemini.com Features Interview with MHR
Go to www.annemini.com and read her interview with Mary and another author regarding the self-publishing and private publishing process.
Anne is a wonderful writer with a truly original voice. If you haven't read her work before, trust me, you'll enjoy getting to know her and her blog, which is chock full of useful information for writers at all levels. |
12-12-2007 Richardson & Mensch Host Event at Samuel Akainyah Gallery
What a wonderful evening last night at Samuel Akainyah Gallery. Julieanna Richardson and Linda Mensch outdid themselves: a beautiful spread of delicious eatables, and a wonderful crowd. Thanks to all who braved the weather to be there. It was my first chance to read (myself) to a crowd, and it was fun! Thanks for being so receptive, and for buying so many books! (Great stocking stuffers!)
And, a very special thanks to Samuel Akainyah. If you haven't seen his cubist or impressionist art, make a special effort to stop by: 357 W. Erie. Vibrant colors and highly imaginative. |
11-23-2007 Baker & McKenzie Law Firm to include CKH in its Benefit for the Salvation Army
The Women of Baker & McKenzie, Chicago, have invited woman-owned businesses to show and sell their wares at a holiday party at their offices on December 6, and I'll be autographing and selling CKH, with 10% of my proceeds to benefit the Salvation Army. Call Baker for information/invitation. |
11-20-2007 Chicago Daily Law Bulletin Article Features MHR and CKH
The November 19 issue of the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin had a wonderful article by Pat Milhizer on page 3 (with a picture of a quizzical yours truly) under the "Amicus Curious" banner. Pat really captured the flavor of the book and its attempt to tell the truth through fiction. We had a great time talking to each other, and at 28, he was amazed at some of the stories I told him--like about getting kicked out of luncheon clubs because I was female. A woman judge called me today to get a copy of the book: she told me a similar story about being allowed to take her boy-child to a meeting at a certain downtown Club. HE could go in the front door; SHE had to go in a side door!
Do tell your friends about CKH, and encourage them to share their stories with me! |
11-19-2007 Michelle Obama Meets Former Law Colleagues
Mary and a group of lawyers with whom Mary and Michelle Obama worked while at Sidley & Austin, Chicago, met for a few minutes at a luncheon where Michelle Obama was the featured speaker: if you've never heard her, she is phenomenal! She's been a little busy lately and hadn't yet started CKH, but said she was looking forward to it. |
|
|
Mary and fellow former Sidley attorneys with Michelle Obama |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
11-16-2007 Holiday Autographing Party on December 11
Julieanna Richardson and Linda Mensch are hosting a holiday aotgraphing party at Sam Akainyah's Gallery, 357 W. Erie, from 6 to 8 pm on Tuesday, December 11.
The more the merrier!
For more info, call The HistoryMakers, 312 674 1900 |
|
|
Mary and Paula Holderman, Winston's Director of Professional Development |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
11-14-2007 National Women's Studies Association Listing
I joined NWSA because I think CKH would be a great text for those studying women's progress in the professions. CKH is not listed on their site as a new book by a member, and if you buy through their portal to amazon.com, NWSA gets a donation from amazon.com (ou of amazon.com's share, not mine--win! win!) |
10-19-2007 Autographing Party
My thanks to Marjie Rynearson and Suzie Isaacs (Ampersand) for hosting a wonderful event yesterday in honor of the publication of Courting Kathleen Hannigan. Donna Steele, the Founder, Executive and Artistic Director of Steel Beam Theatre, St. Charles, IL read from the opening chapter, bringing Kathleen, Helen Bornstein and Ann Rose to life. Thanks to all who came and bought books: I really appreciate your spreading the word.
A reminder: If you enjoy CKH, write a few words on amazon.com!! |
|
|
Hostess Marjie Rynearson, Mary and Publisher Susie Isaacs |
Donna Steele Reads from CKH |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
10-07-2007 STAR Magazine Names CKH the HOT BOOK: LEADING LAWYER NAMES HOT LAWYERS!
STAR Magazine (Cover date october 15, a 160 lb Britney Spears on the cover) named COURTING KATHLEEN HANNIGAN th "HOT BOOK" on its HOT SHEET, found on page 22. How much fun is that?
The day before, Leading Lawyers Network named me one of the TOP 50 WOMEN BUSINESS LAWYERS IN ILLINOIS. Not quite as much fun, but appreciated, nonetheless.
|
09-21-2007 I get letters
What a great letter I got today from attorney Sean McCumber of Sullivan, Taylor & Gumina in Wheaton, IL. Sean writes:
"What a fantastic book you have written! Courting Kathleen Hannigan is intelligent, witty,and even-handed. There was a powerful message, but themessenger was notportrayed as a saint. That is what draws me into a book, and you have done that."
Thanks, Sean. I'm so happy you enjoyed the book. |
09-17-2007 DAUGHTERS OF THE LAND ANTHOLOGY TO INCLUDE MARY'S SHORT STORY
Mary's story, "Moraine Rocks" was accepted for publication in an anthology soon to be published by the Texas Tech University Press under the name, DAUGHTERS OF THE LAND. Elizabeth Cooper and Susan Wiltshire are the editors of the anthology, which is expected out soon.
|
09-10-2007 Women in the Legal Profession Summit
Mary will be attending the Lexis/Nexis Women in the Legal Profession Summit in Philadelphia on September 25, 2007. The Summit will focus on "Rainmaking, Negotiating and Collaborative Development." Mary will be selling and autographing Courting Kathleen Hannigan. |
09-07-2007 Because you asked
Some have asked about the facts of Ann Rose's case. That part of my novel is based on some of the facts found in Price Waterhouse v. Hopkins, 490 U.S. 228 (1989)--in particular, the "make-up" and "jewelry" and "exceptional performance" facts. While the case has a long history and a number of concurring opinions by various justices, you can read it online for free at
www.caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/scripts/getcase.pl?court=US&vol=490&invol=228 |
09-06-2007 The First 100 Books Have Been Sold!
|
09-04-2007 BOOKS HAVE ARRIVED!
Thanks to Susie Isaccs at Ampersand, Inc., they look gorgeous. Thanks to Kyla Buchanan at Simply Redd Communications for my new website, which went live today. Memo to self: We accomplish nothing alone!! |
08-31-2007 Mary Hutchings Reed Website Now Live
Welcome to the new website of Mary Hutchings Reed. Find out all about her new musicals, books, and more. |
|
|
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)