Nancy Davenport

Eternal Improv: a Memoir Nancy Davenport

Following a childhood of parental abuse, and subsequent homelessness, Nancy Davenport went on to graduate from UCLA Phi Beta Kappa, later receiving her Master's Degree in Social Work. An accomplished poet and artist, she dedicated her life to counseling children and families affected by child abuse. While writing this memoir, Nancy was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease. Suddenly faced with devastating illness, she became determined to complete this work in order to spread her message that child abuse is as likely to be found in a mansion as in a mobile home. Eternal Improv is an inspiring work of profound courage and hope."What an accomplishment! Nancy Davenport's searing, raw, witty account of a deeply disturbing childhood and brave escape from an abusive father is marked by the wisdom of reflection and the grace of forgiveness. Rising above homelessness and starvation to achieve academic and professional success against tremendous odds, Nancy has written her memoir while struggling daily to live with the invasive consequences of Lou Gehrig's disease. Completing this book demonstrates a strength beyond words, for as she has lost her ability to speak, so her voice booms from the page."-Jacqueline Winspear, author of Maisie Dobbs, Birds Of A Feather, and Pardonable Lies"Nancy Davenport's recollections reveal a writer with a clear eye, a dry wit, and a crusty, resilient spirit. Reading them makes the heart ache."-Linda Hunt, Academy Award-winning actress"Nancy Davenport writes about her childhood abuse, homelessness and debilitating disease without ever dipping into self-pity, victimhood or easy platitudes. Her memoir crackles with wit, irony and wisdom. It's a story of something all too rare in today's world: courage."-Barbara Abercrombie, Instructor in the UCLA Extension Writers' Program and author of Writing Out the Storm