About the Author

Storytelling was a cherished part of Audrey Birnbaum’s childhood, with her father’s thrilling tales of escape from Nazi Germany and desperate searches for food feeling like real-life adventures. However, as she transitioned from the dinner table to the classroom, Audrey discovered her classmates were less than captivated by her liverwurst sandwiches and tales of the Holocaust.

Nonetheless, those early stories of survival shaped her empathy and ultimately found new expression in her career as a Pediatric Gastroenterologist, where she learned that every child’s journey, much like her father’s, held layers waiting to be uncovered. Her medical career taught her the power of narrative, emphasizing active listening and the art of retelling each patient’s unique experience.

The seeds of her writing took root after her father’s death in 2018 when she uncovered his detailed notes about his escape from Nazi Germany. Compelled to bring his riveting story to life, she penned American Wolf, a memoir that intertwines themes of tragedy, faith, and resilience while infusing the humor that life often demands. This multifaceted narrative explores Holocaust survival, family drama, and the immigrant experience, shining a light on the complexities of identity.

Now, with her medical career behind her, Audrey enjoys writing, singing, and laughing with friends who share her eccentric upbringing. She lives in Westchester County, New York, with her husband, and has three marvelous grown children. Currently, she’s hard at work on her second book, weaving more tales that celebrate the strength—and peculiarities—of the human spirit.