Melanie Gideon was born and raised in Rhode Island and now lives in the Bay Area with her husband and son. She graduated from Emerson College with a degree in journalism. She has been a waitress (a very clumsy waitress). She has worked in advertising. She was a buyer for a company that made one of the first parallel processing supercomputers. Her favorite job was working in a herbal apothecary where she learned to appreciate kale. When she’s not worrying about earthquakes, she is working too hard at housebreaking her puppy. She is the author of two young adult novels, The Map that Breathed and Pucker. The Slippery Year is her first memoir.
17 Comments
July 29, 2009 at 3:54 pm
Work at the Newport Public Library, Newport RI – and just finished reading your book “The Slipper Year” — and was laughing out loud so much that now everyone in my department can’t wait to read it — Sorry that we lost you to the Bay Area — but so much of what you have said rang true — married for 41 years – 3 kids multiple pets and continued my Art — Life in RI is about how many hats can you wear — Do you do speaking engagements?
July 30, 2009 at 6:02 pm
Hello Melanie,
You and I went to Emerson College together. You may not remember me but we were friends and I always enjoyed talking to you. I am glad to see you are well and I am looking forward to reading your book.
Take care.
Ken
August 4, 2009 at 7:03 pm
Hello;
I had the pleasure of listening to your interview with Diane Rehm on NPR earlier today. I’ve given my wife the link to your site and recommended your book The Slippery Year to her as well.
Looking forward to listening to the interview again from home rather than in my car over lunch.
Wonderful words and advice to by which to live.
August 5, 2009 at 1:43 am
Listening to you today on NPR has been very inspiring
To my goal I now will be aspiring
Your words are so profound and illuminating
Flows from a fountain breath taking and elating
August 15, 2009 at 12:42 am
Literally just finished “The Slippery Year” and kudos to you. I loved your humor and you really captured something special in your simple dialogues with your son and your husband. You are trying so hard to be correct but nevertheless your humanness shines through, thank goodness. I adored when you used swear words. I also winced a bit at the part where you opt out of the ladies’ dinner get together and then felt sad. I have been there so many times. Hope you go on to write many more funny, yet poignant, works.
Thank you.
August 29, 2009 at 4:05 pm
Thank you for writing, Laura! I really appreciate your comments!
August 25, 2009 at 12:31 pm
I just finished “The Slippery Year” yesterday and loved it. I am late 40s, married 24 years with 2 kids ages 18 and 15. I still die a little bit inside when my daughter goes back to college, but I haven’t fainted yet. Your book made me laugh and cry. You truly have a mother’s heart.
August 29, 2009 at 3:53 pm
Patty, thanks so much for writing. I can’t imagine what it will be like to send Ben off to college. Good luck!
August 26, 2009 at 6:35 am
Hi! I’m so happy I get to email you! I just wanted to tell you that the Map That Breathed was literally one of my favorite books EVER! Have you ever thought of making a sequel to it?
August 29, 2009 at 3:55 pm
I’m so happy you liked The Map! I’m not planning on writing a sequel. I was, originally, then got swept up in another book. I still love Billy and Nora, however. Thanks for writing, Noelle.
November 7, 2009 at 8:03 pm
Hi Melanie,
I’m reading your book at this time and enjoying it. I’m not a mom nor a wife, but an East coaster from Long Island, NY. You are so funny how you describe West coast to East coast, how I can relate. I loved your description of the Trader Joe’s life experience. I couldn’t stop laughing…I work for Trader Joe’s in the Bay area and printed that page for my co-worker’s to read. Post it in the break room. They all lol!
You are refreshing! I miss the sense of humor from the East coast. Hope you write more books…
your fan, Ellen
November 10, 2009 at 6:09 am
I just had the pleasure of listening to you read tonight at the MakeOut Room – wonderful stuff! I’ll have to get a copy of The Slippery Year when I get a chance.
My ex was from RI, btw, and I feel like a need to ask what number you have/had on your license plates. I’m sure there’s some kind of therapy for this.
November 18, 2009 at 5:34 pm
Hi Melanie,
You were one of my camp counselors from ECC in RI. It’s nice to hear of your success. I look forward to reading your book, The Slippery Year.
November 23, 2009 at 11:37 am
Hello,
Mrs. Gideon I am a student who rather enjoys your writing style. I have only read Pucker and it was amazing. I would love to read you other books and I will if I get the chance. I also used Pucker for a book report. I loved getting a chance to read this book. I just waned to thank you for writing Pucker and i’m there may be a new book in the horizon.
your fan,
Kayla
January 4, 2010 at 5:24 pm
Read your book over the holiday weekend and enjoyed it very much. I’ve been married 29 years now, to a wife who’s a real fire cracker.
We have two daughters 22 and 25, both out of college now, both, thankfully employed.
Appreciated that the book was about more or less normal people going through normal things.
January 11, 2010 at 1:37 am
Dear Ms. Gideon,
I’ve just started your book “The Slippery Year” and already I’m in love with it! You’ve captured my life. I am 49 and have been married for 23 1/2 years to a wonderful man. We have 2 children ages 14 and 16.
My maiden name is Gideon and my 2 sisters are twins so I feel a real connection to you!
Just wanted to say how much I’m enjoying the book! I’m sure the rest will be as great as the beginning!
Thank you!
May 21, 2010 at 9:37 am
Ms. Gideon,
I just finished your book, Pucker. I am 14 years old, and it is 4 in the morning. I picked it up at 8 and since I’m a slow reader, I just finished it. I could not put it down! I loved it; I was so happy to finally read a good book. Some parts confused me though, but overall, I loved it. Are you thinking about making a sequel? ;) I plan on reading The Slippery Year and the Map asap :D