Lindsay Marie Morris

Thanks to all who braved the Los Angeles traffic to attend my Beneath the Sicilian Stars signing and discussion on September 8 at Vroman's Bookstore in Pasadena, California.

The book is rooted in a rarely told chapter of California history: the Italian Americans who endured curfews, property seizures, forced relocation, and internment during World War II. These stories have long remained in the shadows. 

I shared how this historical novel came to be, explaining that my research for my debut, The Last Letter from Sicily, led to my discovery of Una Storia Segreta, a collection of essays and testimonials by Italian Americans affected by World War II restrictions and imprisonment. The book's editor, Lawrence DiStasi, dedicated the last three decades of his life to bringing these stories to light, helping convince President Bill Clinton to pass the "Wartime Violations of Italian American Civil Liberties Act," which was signed into Public Law 106-451 in November 2000. I was fortunate to have had the chance to meet and interview Mr. DiStasi just weeks before he passed away in May of this year.

Vroman's holds a special place in the historic events portrayed in Beneath the Sicilian Stars. During the war, the bookstore donated and delivered books to Japanese American internees, offering comfort and connection in a time of hardship. Holding this event here felt both literary and deeply historical, honoring Vroman's legacy of community support.

I'm grateful to everyone who attended and sent well wishes. It was touching to see former colleagues alongside new faces in the audience. Everyone you meet influences your journey, and sharing this night with such an engaged group was an honor.

Thank you to Storm Publishing for releasing both of my books to the world this year, and to the small businesses who helped make the evening memorable with customized swag: vegan book-cover cookies from Dottie's House of Sweets (@nicoooo8), lip balm from Bulk Apothecary, and bookmarks from Platinum Print USA.

I appreciate all of the support I've received from those near and far. It means the world to this author.

Thank you for reading and watching. Check out my upcoming events and appearances. 

Thanks to all who joined me for the release of my newest novel, Beneath the Sicilian Stars (Storm Publishing, July 2025). I'm also so grateful for our party host, Catherine Maita. July 8's party brought readers together from near and far (from across the United States to India!) to celebrate a tale of family, resilience, and the enduring ties that span an ocean and generations.

Beneath the Sicilian Stars is my attempt to bring overlooked history to light and honor the resilience of ordinary people during extraordinary times. I believe these stories matter—not just to remember the past, but to remind us how fear can too easily overshadow compassion, and how immigrant communities have historically managed to endure even through the darkest times. Thank you for watching, for reading, and for supporting my journey.

Click here to see a list of where and when you can catch my future appearances (many are virtual).