Dorothy Van Soest

Dorothy Van Soest is a writer, social worker, political and community activist, and educator who holds an undergraduate degree in English literature and a Masters and Ph.D. in Social Work. She is currently Professor Emerita at the University of Washington with a publication record of ten books and over fifty journal articles, essays, and book chapters that tackle complex and controversial issues related to violence, oppression, and injustice. Her novel, Just Mercy (Fall 2014, Apprentice House) was informed by her widely acclaimed investigation of the lives of thirty-seven men who were executed by Texas in 1997 and inspired by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice's Victim Offender Mediation/Dialogue program. Just Mercy personalizes the topic of the death penalty through a heart-wrenching and ultimately redemptive family drama of forgiveness, destiny, and the true nature of justice. Dorothy's next novel, At the Center, is a mystery that grew out of her experiences with the child welfare system. The stories of two boys are intertwined with the secrets and personal demons of the families and the social workers that shape their lives. From the stark poverty of American Indian reservations to the hidden dangers of affluent suburbia, a foster care supervisor and an investigative reporter must unlock the mysteries of their own pasts in order to bring a killer to justice. Dorothy Van Soest lives in Seattle, Washington where she is currently working on a novel inspired by her experiences during the 1968 teachers strike in NYC. Her website is http://dorothyvansoest.com/