Wilton author Rebecca Hendrickson's debut novel, Lessons from the Mountain, exposes the challenges in the education and mental health systems.

Ever since the family reunion in the Adirondack Mountains two years ago, nothing has been the same. Annie, the middle sister is experiencing an acute episode of postpartum depression. The youngest sister, Cade, has moved south to work at a school that resembles a trailer park, determined to succeed on her own adventure. Rye is a former teacher of the year, working in a wealthy, litigious school district who is always put together and organized until her father begins to deteriorate. Winnie's husband, Don, has become suddenly ill, both mentally and physically, and no doctor can explain. The family must watch Don's health decline while dealing with struggles of their own. Readers will also find themselves rooting for each character as they search for answers.

Rebecca Hendrickson is a special education teacher at an alternative high school in Fairfield County.  She previously published The Four Trimesters: Poems Highlighting the Joys of Motherhood.  She and her husband and two children live in Wilton.

elmstreetbooks.com will be selling copies after the talk.  A portion of the proceeds goes to Wilton Library.