Ask the Author: Michelle Stevens
Answered Questions (2)
Michelle Stevens
Hi, Cassie. Many people ask about my relationship with my mother. We actually have been in contact on and off since Gary died in 1997. Over the years, I have come to understand that my mother is incapable of lifting her denial enough to really accept what Gary did to me. As such, she has never apologized, and I don't seek it. I do not need her validation.
As for Gary's former students, DOZENS contacted me after the book came out, including many of his former victims. I also heard from some of his colleagues. Overall, I was shocked to learn that many, many people suspected that Gary was a pedophile while I was growing up. Reports were made to authorities, but nothing was done. The systemic protection of pedophiles still goes on. I just wrote a piece for the NY TIMES that citing the recent child sexual abuse scandal at Choate.
I do not know if "Madeline" (it's a pseudonym) is still alive.
As for Gary's former students, DOZENS contacted me after the book came out, including many of his former victims. I also heard from some of his colleagues. Overall, I was shocked to learn that many, many people suspected that Gary was a pedophile while I was growing up. Reports were made to authorities, but nothing was done. The systemic protection of pedophiles still goes on. I just wrote a piece for the NY TIMES that citing the recent child sexual abuse scandal at Choate.
I do not know if "Madeline" (it's a pseudonym) is still alive.
Michelle Stevens
What a perfect question. I'm dealing with it RIGHT NOW! At this very moment, I'm trying to write a piece for the NEW YORK TIMES, but the darn words don't want to come! After many decades of writing, I have learned that block is a natural (but annoying) part of my process. I experience it at the beginning of anything new--a new blog, article, chapter, etc. It is maddening to sit, sometimes for days, staring at a blank screen while nothing comes. I have learned though to just keep at it. If I sit long enough, the words eventually flow. Until they do, there's always Facebook, wine, online solitaire, and junk food to help me bide my time.
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