In recognition of Earth Week, just 65 miles away from NYC, "Welcome to Shirley: A Memoir from an Atomic Town" tells the story of growing up in Shirley, NY and the realization that the neighboring Brookhaven National Laboratory was polluting the land and drinking water on Long Island. Through well researched evidence, Kelly links cancer clusters around Shirley to the nuclear site, and weaves a touching story of friendship and loss in her hometown.

About the Author:

Kelly McMasters is a freelance writer who has had her articles published in the New York Times, the Washington Post, Elle Décor, and Time Out New York, among others. She is the co-director of the KGB nonfiction reading series here in NY. She also teaches writing at mediabistro.com and the undergraduate writing program and Journalism Graduate School at Columbia University. Kelly grew up in Shirley, Long Island. She has a BA from Vassar College and an MFA in literary nonfiction from Columbia University.

This event took place on April 23, 2008 at the Google NYC office.