When a child has a disability, every member of the family is deeply impacted. Turning an eye to her own life, Margaret reveals the emotional intricacies of growing up with a brother who has autism in her new memoir. Her story, released by Skyhorse Publishing in 2017, uncovers a family’s struggle to persevere in a time when disability was misunderstood and hidden away.
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Interviews
A Conversation with Margaret Combs – Literary Mama
Excerpts
“Mercy” – originally published in the North American Review, Spring 2011
Memoirist Margaret Combs traces a fateful day when, as a child of eleven, she kills a rattlesnake and summons a deep-seated fear. >>>
“Aileron” – originally published in Lost Magazine, Summer 2010
Seeking the sanctuary of her father’s world, memoirist Margaret Combs builds her first model airplane at ten years old. In the process, she makes a devastating discovery. >>>
Reviews
“In her hauntingly authentic memoir, Margaret Combs tells the story of a childhood turned sideways by the discovery of her young brother’s autism. Hazard is a poignant family portrait that is still shot through with light and a profound narrative poise…. This family memoir will hold you spellbound.” – Brenda Peterson, author of I Want to Be Left Behind: Finding Rapture Here on Earth
“In this achingly honest, courageous memoir, Margaret Combs will break your heart and then mend it again as she unfolds her story of growing up with an autistic brother. There are some harsh realities here, but like Mary Karr in The Liars’ Club and Jeannette Walls in The Glass Castle, Combs infuses hope and humor into even the most harrowing scenes. I couldn’t put it down.” – Holly Robinson, author of Beach Plum Island, Folly Cove and The Gerbil Farmer’s Daughter: A Memoir
“Hazard is beautifully written. Intelligence, sensitivity, and astonishing recall show on every page. And it is honest, without apology. I recommend it to anyone who would like a really good read.” – Rex Olsen, author of Fencing Out Rain
“Unflinching and bold, Hazard is the story of a loving family finally making it despite the odds stacked against them.” – Daniel Friedman, author of The King of Chicago: Memories of My Father
