BULLIED TO BESTIES: A DAUGHTER'S JOURNEY TO FORGIVENESS
A heart-wrenching yet uplifting memoir by Emmy award-winning filmmaker Gayle Kirschenbaum. In middle age, Gayle embarks on a painful journey to heal her relationship with her abusive mother, freeing herself from years of resentment and emotional bondage. By uncovering family secrets, reframing expectations, and finding empathy, Gayle not only forgives her mother but also transforms their relationship into a close friendship. As her mother lives to be over 101 years old, Gayle comes to appreciate their connection in ways she never thought possible.
"Bullied to Besties is a courageous, soul-baring journey that moved me to tears and then to triumph. Gayle Kirchenbaum’s story is a profound testament to the healing power of forgiveness, and a must-read for anyone seeking to break free from the pain of their past. Her transformation from wounded daughter to empowered woman is nothing short of extraordinary."
-Arielle Ford, author The Love Thief, The Soulmate Secret
"A rare and powerful memoir—Gayle Kirschenbaum opens her heart as she embarks on the journey of forgiveness.
This story of emotional wounds and triumph will leave you both inspired and enlightened."
– Dr. Robert Enright, Psychology Professor, University of Wisconsin-Madison and founder of the
International Forgiveness Institute
"I could not put this book down. I related in every aspect and it gave me hope that change is possible."
-Steve Bluestein, Author Playwright/Comedian
"Bullied to Besties beautifully illuminates the transformative power of forgiveness: how forgiving someone — especially someone close — can unbind and elevate the soul."
—Rabbi David Wolpe, author and named “America’s Most Influential Rabbi” by Newsweek
"Writing crisply and with astonishing openness, Gayle takes no prisoners but, by the end of her harrowing narrative, manages to bestow clemency. Readers will be alternately shocked and profoundly moved by Bullied to Besties."
– Nat Segaloff, author, The Exorcist Legacy, The Rambo Report, and A Lit Fuse: The Provocative Life of Harlan Ellison
"Radiantly honest and funny, Bullied to Besties goes beyond misery to genuine forgiveness.”
—Jenna Orkin, Author of How to Say "F— Your Mother" in Chinese
"In this powerful memoir, Kirschenbaum embarks on a reflective journey which takes her to a new position of self-liberation and self-empowerment. This is not just a book for daughters who have struggled with difficult mothers, but an enormously valuable resource for anyone navigating challenging relationships. This compelling transformative narrative is essential reading for anyone seeking to deal with unresolved pain or better understand the power of forgiveness. Bullied to Besties offers a brilliant insight into recovery for the mind, body and soul."
-Marina Cantacuzino, Author and Founder of The Forgiveness Project
Author Gayle Kirschenbaum
Called the Nora Ephron of documentaries, Gayle Kirschenbaum is an Emmy award-winning filmmaker/TV producer/writer/speaker/photographer, and forgiveness coach. She is the creator of several reality shows.
Her critically acclaimed film LOOK AT US NOW, MOTHER! is about the transformation of a highly charged mother/daughter relationship from hatred to love. It’s Gayle’s story. It has screened globally, premiered on Netflix, and is credited with transforming lives.
This is the “larger version” of her humorous short film, MY NOSE, in which we follow her mother’s relentless campaign to get her to have a nose. Both festival award-winning favorites played worldwide to rave reviews from The Washington Post, “Dazzling self-confidence,” to The New York Times, “Heartwarming story of forgiveness and acceptance.”
Kirschenbaum’s TEDx talk, NO MORE DRAMA WITH MAMA, is focused on forgiveness.
Another notable film, A DOG'S LIFE: A DOGAMENTARY, premiered on HBO, telling a heartwarming story about the bond between dogs and humans through Gayle's own experiences with her Shih Tzu.
Gayle's writings have been published in many outlets, including The Huffington Post, Parade, Shondaland, Next Avenue, The Ethel (AARP), and The Los Angeles Times.
Gayle's photographs have been exhibited in both solo and group shows in the US and Europe, have appeared in several journals, and are in many private collections. Gayle has been featured widely in the media, including The New York Times, NBC’s Today Show, and Psychology Today.
Gayle is actively involved in various industry organizations, including the Producers Guild of America (PGA), and serves as a judge for the Emmys and PGA.
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BOOK LAUNCH
Sept 30
Bibliotheque, NYC
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PRESS (select list)
PALM BEACH POST
"Queen of the one-liners"
WOMEN'S WORLD
"How a 100-Year-Old Woman Became a Social Media Sensation: The Inspiring Centenarian’s Story"
"100-year-old Traveler Discovers Hilarious TSA Glitch That No One Knows How to Fix"
THE GUARDIAN
"The People Started Again in their 90s. . ."
BREAKING NEWS
"100 Year Old Makes Fun of her Longevity: Train My Mouth"
UNTAPPED NEW YORK
NYC-Born Centenarian Shares Advice for a Happy Life in MILDRED’S MINDSET
NBC TODAY.COM
"Sassy 100-year-old trades stocks online, still drives ..."
NEXT AVENUE
"This 100-Year-Old Influencer Shares Her Secrets"
"Meet the 'Granfluencers'"
"Florida woman, 99, goes viral on Instagram . . ."
DAILY MAIL
"Look at the positive side of life: 99 year old goes viral"
MSN.COM"Better than a Kardashian: 99-year-old Boca TikTok star"
THE ETHEL (AARP)"How my 99 year old mom became a social media influencer"
PROJECT INDEPENDENCE - NPR
"Florida Granfluencer "
"Centenarian Mildred Kirschenbaum shares her journey"
"100-year-old traveler experiences an unusual but amusing TSA glitch"
"The Accidental Influencer "
PEOPLE.COM
"Birthday mix-up leads airline to mistake centenarian for infant "
"100 Year Old Traveler Discovers Hilarious Aviation Glitch"
"100 Years Old and Going Strong"
"100 Years Old and Going Strong"
"99 Year Old Gives Advice and Goes Viral"
"How to live a long live . . . "
"No more drama with Mama . . . "
"Woman Celebrates 100th Birthday. . . "
News.com.Au
"Sassy 100-year-old goes viral"
The New York Times
"'Look At Us Now, Mother' family journey to forgiveness"
"The Power of Forgiveness."
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