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'Write What You Know:' Westchester Author Sets Scenes Close To Home

ARMONK, N.Y. -- Dear Carol. Why does it feel like my life is over? 

Carol Weston has set her latest novel in Westchester and NYC

Carol Weston has set her latest novel in Westchester and NYC

Photo Credit: Submitted
Carol Weston's new book takes place in Westchester.

Carol Weston's new book takes place in Westchester.

Photo Credit: Submitted
Carol Weston grew up in Armonk and Yonkers.

Carol Weston grew up in Armonk and Yonkers.

Photo Credit: Submitted

Sound like an angst-ridden teen you know? As the Dear Carol columnist of Girl's Life Magazine for 23 years, Carol Weston is attuned to the life of middle and high schoolers. She also knows Westchester, having grown up here.

And so, it makes sense that her newest novel, "Speed of Life," take place both here and in Manhattan.

The story, about a 14-year-old girl and first love, blended families, multicultural friendships, grief and growing up, was inspired by the many places Weston has lived, including Yonkers (she went to PS 26), Scarsdale (Edgewood Elementary), then Armonk where she spent sixth grade and beyond.

"Speed of Life" mentions a host of area spots including Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, where Weston's daughter was treated after a bike accident; Windmill Club and Crittenden and Wampus and Byram Hills High School (her alma mater) as well as DeCicco’s in Armonk; the train station in North White Plains; La Manda, her favorite Italian restaurant in White Plains; and Red Hat, the restaurant on the water in Irvington.

"While this is my 16th book, 'Speed of Life' is the first to have gotten starred reviews in SLJ, Booklist, Kirkus, and Publishers Weekly," said Weston. "Maybe the old adage is right: 'Write what you know.' 

"And I do love and know Westchester."

Weston divides her time between the Upper West Side and Armonk.

She will be signing books on Wednesday, April 26 at Anderson's Book Shop in Larchmont from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Anderson's is at 96 Chatsworth Ave, 914-834-6900. 

Go to  www.carolweston.com for more information. 

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