Publicity
Book Review by Michele Mekel, JD, MHA, MBA, in Journal of Radiology Nursing: “Teaching About Care From Both Sides of the Hospital Bed”
Silvestri has written “an ode to hope and resilience in the face of fear, morbidity, and mortality.” Through her poems, she “embraces the reader as a cherished confidante by sharing her innermost trepidations, mirthful musings, and prayerful petitions.” Her vivid descriptions of patient stressors offer “powerful wisdom.” Her book “should be required reading for students entering the care professions.”
Book Review by Stephen Rojcewicz, MD, PhD, in Journal of Poetry Therapy
“Silvestri has accomplished a medical humanities miracle in integrating personal candor, vivid exposition of medical procedures, and distinctive poetic techniques. . . . harrowing, and, at times, humorous . . . This book has helped her, and will undoubtedly help many others to ‘emerge from the ruins.’”
Radio Interview by Dianne Callahan, Host of The Light-Hearted Life on Women Lead Radio
“It is so important to tell these stories. . . . so that others can understand our journey.” As a ten-year transplant survivor and thriver herself, host Dianne Callahan asks Dr. Silvestri candidly about her perceptions as a physician-patient. The two share thoughts about the healing benefits of creating art, helping others, and practicing gratitude.
Colrain Poetry Manuscript Conference Participant News
Dianne Silvestri’s collection, But I Still Have My Fingerprints, is available from CavanKerry Press. Dianne attended Colrain in 2016. Dianne writes, “Working with Joan, Ellen, and the other attendees at the April, 2016, Colrain Manuscript Conference in Naples, Maine, was very helpful to the development of my manuscript. . . . “
The Healing Muse Journal Published Writers’ News
From poet Dianne Silvestri comes the good news of her new book But I Still Have My Fingerprints from CavanKerry Press. The book comes from the press's LaurelBooks imprint which is dedicated to exploring the lived experience of illness and its complex effects on the self, family, marriage, and work. Congratulations, Dianne, on not only surviving but thriving and sharing with others the story of your journey to healing.
Indiana University School of Medicine Alumni Notable News from the Class of 1974
Doximity has put together a report highlighting achievements of you and your classmates from Indiana University School of Medicine class in 74. Notable work from your class, includes this one featuring Dianne Silvestri, MD.
From the Butler University Alumni Magazine fall 2023 issue: CLASS ACTS — the 70’s
Dianne (Minneman) Silvestri ‘70 announced her first full-length book of poetry, But I Still Have My Fingerprints, recently published by CavanKerry Press. Dr. Silvestri began Butler as an English major, captivated by working with Dr. Allegra Stewart, later switching to pre-med. When acute myeloid leukemia and a stem cell transplant forced her to retire as Associate Professor of Dermatology at UMass Chan Medical School, she continued writing poetry through the arduous journey of survival, persevering to redefine life beyond what was lost.
CavanKerry Press Anniversary Celebration & Toast to the first 25 Years and Those to Come
More than two dozen CavanKerry Press poets join the staff and family to toast press founder Joan Cusack Handler. Watch and listen to the heartfelt tributes to this very special publishing house. Se
Massachusetts Poetry Society NEW BOOKS by Massachusetts Poets
Read the interview of Massachusetts poet Dianne Silvestri plus a sample from her new book But I Still Have My Fingerprints, published by CavanKerry Press. The LaurelBooks imprint is dedicated to exploring the lived experience of illness and its complex effects on the self, family, marriage, and work. Michael Salcman, MD, poet, neurosurgeon, and editor of the 2015 anthology Poetry in Medicine wrote, “It’s too bad Poetry in Medicine came out so many years before Dr. Silvestri’s book . . . . Her themes, technical terms (the Glossary is wonderful) and knowledge of science are relatively rare in contemporary poetry.”
National Marrow Donor Program Annual LA Fundraising Gala on August 13, 2024
The book But I Still Have My Fingerprints, poetry by Dianne Silvestri, joined a collection of relevant books in a basket offered in the fundraising auction emceed by radio host Dianne Callahan, herself a two-time stem cell transplant survivor. Event festivities included introductions and testimonies by donors and survivors, celebrating this organization that offers a means to life for many blood cancer victims.
Book Review by Linda Lamenza in Intima: A Journal of Narrative Medicine
Poet and literacy specialist Linda Lamenza reviews Dianne Silvestri’s But I Still Have My Fingerprints, a book of poetry from CavanKerry Press. Lamenza lauds the captivating account of the poet’s “harrowing out-of-control free fall through illness” as seen from the unique dual perspective of both physician and patient. Along with the raw depiction of devastation, there is also humor, gratitude, and “hope on every page,” as the verses follow her ultimate emergence “from the ruins.”