StoryTalk Testimonials

Told through the wise soul of Momma Tee, these stories will find a way to your heart. This soul food presented by author Deborah Simon is a timeless journey of insight and reflection that offers simplicity to the complexities of any day.

— Diem Jones
Deputy Director Arts Council Silicon Valley
San Jose, CA

Between these pages of Whispered Blessings are stories of hope, love, courage and the triumph of light over darkness. There is something in this collection for everyone irrespective of age, color or creed. As a skillful storyteller, Ms. Simon weaves tales of long gone days that are as relevant today as they were decades ago. These are stories that you can quietly sit with and enjoy or share with family, friends, classmates or work colleagues. The stories are personal, but as Ms. Simon skillfully and delicately tells them, she invites us to a quiet reflection and gives us permission to laugh and cry and soon we discover that they are indeed our stories too. This collection is a rare achievement.

— Chike C. Nwoffiah
Executive Director, Oriki Theater, Inc.
Producer/Director, Sabar—The Movie
Mountain View, California, USA

Whispered Blessingsis a collection of beautifully written, heartfelt stories. As much as I like the book it doesn’t compare to the joy of hearing them told by the author—Deborah is an amazing storyteller.

— Anne Welker
Campbell, CA

Your stories bring life to the plight of Africans caught in the nightmare of slavery in America. You speak to the strengths of African individuals to endure the humiliation, yet still be able to display their productive talents and contribute to the welfare of their families, as well as the underground African Village Community on the Plantation.

— Hewitt R. Joyner II
CEO/Founder, J/PYSA, Aquarius Project
Lecturer, HRTM, San Jose State University
Faculty Advisor, Collegiate 100 at SJSU
H & W Chairman, 100 Black Men of Silicon Valley

Deborah, having had the honor of working with you, I can testify to your storytelling talents. Your heart is always in the right place.

— Vickie Arroyo
Head Start Teacher

As a minister and spiritual teacher I found Deborah’s workshop to be practical as well as inspirational. She involved us in a myriad ways during our time with her. We had the opportunity during StoryTalk to practice the storytelling techniques she so skillfully modeled for us and to ask questions.

Deborah is a Master Teacher. We will definitely invite her back to work her magic and spin her tales. She is a delight to work with—the perfect combination of professional and personable.

I received 100% positive feedback from workshop participants in response to StoryTalk offered through our community programs at AWAKENING.

— Rev. Nancy Ballinger, Spiritual Director
AWAKENING Interfaith Spiritual Community
Morro Bay, CA

Deborah Simon is the Narrator, “the Voice!” for two of Bring Me A Book’s important DVD’s that introduce our First Teachers Read Aloud Program for parents and caregivers. Her heart-felt passion for reading aloud, for bringing written word and personal stories “to life!” is among her great gifts—gifts celebrated by all of us who know her and continue to be inspired by her life’s work.

— Donovan Cook
Director of Development
Bring Me A Book
Mountain View, CA

Your stories about the pain for friendships lost ring with a sense of true joy and deep gratitude as you express your laughter and quiet whispers.

— Janet Udovich
Storytelling participant
Morro Bay, CA

I was amazed at your extemporaneous stories, I can’t wait to read your book.

— Janet Karzmark
Seminar participant
Morro Bay, CA

I loved the drama, the suspense, the emotion and the heart of your stories and the connection made by your sharing.

— Susan Wood
Seminar participant
Morro Bay, CA