Lornie Walker, Argyle Park

On Sunday, June 15, at 3 pm, Talking Leaves…Elmwood will host Lornie Walker for a book signing featuring her recently released memoir, Argyle Park. The book signing is free and open to the public—copies of the book, which takes place in Buffalo’s Elmwood Village neighborhood from the 50’s to the 70’s, will be available for purchase.

In her quest to let go of her aging father, Lornie Walker breaks society's taboo regarding suicide and sifts through years of guilt surrounding the death of her sister. In Argyle Park, she delves into the childhood relationships the two sisters had on the Buffalo street where they grew up. Raised with two children adopted from birth, Walker offers a poignant account of her journey as the only biological child of the family. Argyle Park also offers an honest look at the difficulties of coping with aging parents. Anticipating her long-distance move, Walker begins to face the emotionally frozen man her father has become. A week-long visit with him coincides with the anniversary of her sister's suicide, generating flash backs to the years 1968 through 1977 and the tumultuous experiences that shaped these sister's lives, including Vietnam protests and drug problems. Drawing upon the spirituality instilled by her mother and her own inner strength, Walker discovers healthy ways to move beyond her struggles.

Lornie Walker was born in Buffalo, NY in 1950. She has been a freelance writer of human interest stories for small-town newspapers for over 20 years. With a BA in Special Education and Psychology, Walker has taught kindergarten, works with the elderly and mentors children with special needs. She also manages a retreat cottage on one of Puget Sound's magnificent islands while tending her gardens. She lives in Washington State with her husband and two sons.