Saturday Spotlight: Layla Martinez

About this Event

We are pleased to introduce our new Saturday Spotlight Series at the Center City Barnes and Noble! This is a new event series focused on celebrating Philadelphia's amazing community of local authors with signings and meet-and-greets each Saturday at the Center City Barnes and Noble. Stop by the store, chat with the authors, and pick up a signed edition of their book!

We've cast our May 11th Saturday Spotlight on Layla Martinez, author of When Your Family Says No.

In "When Your Family Says No," delve into the courageous journey of Laya Steinberg, who at 25, faced the harsh reality of being ex-communicated by her family. Abandoned by those she held closest, Laya's world shattered, leaving her to navigate a tumultuous path of self-discovery and defiance.

At the heart of Laya's narrative lies a forbidden love—a love that defies centuries-old traditions and religious laws. As she falls deeply for a non-Jewish man, Laya must confront the agonizing choice between following her heart or adhering to the expectations imposed by her upbringing.

In this poignant memoir, Laya's voice resonates as she recounts her transformation from a dutiful daughter to a woman determined to forge her own path. With every page turned, readers witness her journey of embracing independence and freedom, even as it threatens to sever her ties to everything she once knew.

Laya's story is not just about love and passion; it's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Through her experiences of interfaith marriage and familial betrayal, she offers a beacon of hope to all who have dared to challenge the confines of familial expectations.

For anyone who has felt the sting of abandonment for daring to live authentically, Laya's tale serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of embracing one's truth. "When Your Family Says No" is a stirring narrative that celebrates the beauty of life's unexpected twists and turns, urging us all to embrace our own journey with courage and conviction.