(NEW YORK, NY) Today, The Unthinkable, a harrowing new book by Lois Schaffer, officially began print publication by Brown Publishing Group. The non-fiction book recounts the true story of the senseless shooting and murder of Susie Schaffer, the author’s daughter, exactly five years ago, by two teenage would-be burglars. The author artfully describes the life and tragic death of her daughter, reignites the debate over gun control in the U.S. and recapitulates the need to end the needless bloodshed caused by illegally possessed firearms. The book is not only homage to the author’s slain daughter, but also a plea for legislative and cultural reform.
“Tragically today we honor the life of Susie Schaffer, a loving daughter, mother and partner,” Lois Schaffer, Author of The Unthinkable said. “Five years ago my daughter Susie was killed in cold blood by two reckless, illegal gun toting teens at her home in the middle of the afternoon. It is unthinkable that this could happen in our country, and yet, sadly it happens everyday. Today’s release of my new book The Unthinkable celebrates my daughter’s life but also takes a look at the impact it has had not only on our family but her community in St. Louis Missouri, our community here in Long Island, in the health and fitness industry she worked in and the lives of the two teens who tragically took her life. Susie’s death is just one of thousands that happen every year in our country, The Unthinkable reignite the discussion on how we can prevent tragedies like this and heal as a community from our harsh awakening to gun violence.”
Excerpts from The Unthinkable:
“Our family’s life was irrevocably changed on December 16, 2008. On that day, my wonderful daughter, Susie Schaffer, had her life savagely extinguished by a young punk with a gun. She was a vibrant human being with a personality that mixed strength and softness, a blend of focused grit and sensitivity, sometimes mischievous and often outspoken.” (p. 15)
“Three modes of thought and action governed Susie’s personality. One was her respect for her Jewish heritage and determination to instill the same in her children. The other two were unconditional love and unswerving dedication to doing the right thing. This was how she lived.” (p. 27)
“The loss of a child is unfathomable to begin with, particularly under senseless, violent circumstances. It takes all the strength in a parent’s gut to maintain any equilibrium after the initial shock. Devastating as the tragedy is, I believe that one must ultimately focus on the living, which to me means concentrating on the physical and emotional welfare of my husband David, my son Eric, his family, Susie’s children, and Alvin, in addition to my own well-being.” (p. 108)
“Our personal story is a quintessential example of why there is an immediate need to stop the easy accessibility of illegal handguns that are ultimately appropriated by the wrong individuals.” (p. 171)
Copies of The Unthinkable can be purchased from major retailors across the country and online. Speaking engagements and readings in the New York area will be announced in the coming weeks. The electronic version of the book will be released in the coming months available in all e-reader formats.
