Heidi Yewman with Amanda Turner — 'Dumb Girl'

Third Place Books welcomes gun control advocate and author Heidi Yewman to our Seward Park store for a presentation of her new book, . At turns heartbreaking and inspiring, it tells the story of how she survived emotional, physical, and sexual abuse to ultimately become a powerful voice for change. Heidi will be joined in conversation by fellow gun control advocate Amanda Turner.

This event is free and open to the public. For important updates, RSVP is highly recommended in advance. This event will include a public signing and time for audience Q&A. Sustain our author series by purchasing a copy of the featured book!

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This event is free to attend. For important updates, registration is highly recommended in advance.

For fans of Jeannette Walls, Jodi Picoult, and Alice Sebold, a heartening memoir about a girl who survives abuse and molestation to become a powerful advocate against gun violence in America.

The inspiring memoir of a woman who overcomes the physical, emotional, and sexual abuse of her early life to blossom into a gun violence prevention activist.

Growing up in a toxic, male-centered household where she’s repeatedly told, “Don’t be a dumb girl,” Heidi’s abused by her dad—starting with a punch in the face at five years old—and left to fend for herself by her alcoholic mom, who neglects to protect her from either her violent father or her brother who molests her. For years, Heidi’s traumatized and without a voice.

Then comes Columbine. Thirteen years after Heidi graduates from Columbine High, this horrific school shooting rocks the nation—and gives her a sudden sense of purpose. Despite her childhood wounds, or perhaps even because of them, she becomes determined to stop gun violence. Gradually, she finds her voice: organizing vigils and protests, joining the Brady Campaign Board to battle the NRA, and eventually writing a book and directing a documentary about the after-effects of gun violence. In doing so, she finds her inner strength and resolve and overcomes her fear of conflict—and learns that when you frame it the right way, even being “dumb” can be a superpower.

Heidi Yewman is a gun violence prevention advocate, author, and documentary filmmaker. She’s best known for her international award-winning film, Behind the Bullet and her first book, Beyond the Bullet, both of which explore the impact of gun violence on individuals and communities. A graduate of Columbine High School, she has dedicated her career to gun violence prevention, including serving as board secretary at Brady: United Against Gun Violence. As a survivor of childhood physical and sexual abuse, Heidi is driven by a commitment to reducing trauma and promoting public safety through education and advocacy. For more information: heidiyewman.com.

Amanda Turner is a National Board Member and the Seattle Chapter Lead at Brady: United Against Gun Violence.

About Third Place Books

Founded in 1998 in Lake Forest Park, Washington, Third Place Books is dedicated to the creation of a community around books and the ideas inside them. With locations in Lake Forest Park and Seattle's Ravenna and Seward Park neighborhoods, Third Place Books is proud to serve the entire Seattle metro area. Learn more about their event series at thirdplacebooks.com/events.

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