Phyllis Theroux is an essayist, columnist, teacher and author. Born in San Francisco, California, she is the critically acclaimed author of numerous books, including California and Other States of Grace, Peripheral Visions, Nightlights: Bedtime Stories for Parents in the Dark, The Book of Eulogies., Serefina Under the Circumstances, Giovanni’s Light. The Journal Keeper: A Memoir is being published by Grove Atlantic in March 2010.