Bella Vista Resident Publishes His Late Wife's Book

"Carol's Whimseys on the Way to Meet the Grim Reaper," a new book by Carol G. Steben with comments by Bill Steben, has been released by RoseDog Books.

How does one face a time certain ending? While the exact day remains unknown, the time is a year or less. What does one say when the doctor puts you in hospice with severe emphysema and states, "There is nothing more I can do!"

This book reveals how one talented writer dealt with it via a secret journal. An 8" by 10" steno binder collected her daily thoughts, questions, and hopes and fears. There are moments of anger and frustration but also an overall stoic resolve to face death in the bravest possible manner.

When found by her husband (after her death) it became imperative to self publish to serve as help for all facing the end. Carol had written text books, children's books, and some wonderful poetry, but saved the best for last. She is pleased to know that all sales (through the Carol G. Steben Memorial Scholarship Fund) will help young women pursue writing in college.

Carol G.Steben (Gilszmer) was born and raised in Park Ridge, IL, graduated from Elmhurst College, and received a master's from Northwestern University. She met her husband Bill at Elmhurst College and they enjoyed forty-six years of marriage.

She was always creative in all aspects of her life – from cooking, decorating, and of course writing. Her greatest joy was writing and she enjoyed success with children's reading books. She worked for Scott Foresman, Harper and Row, and freelanced after her involvement in a printing business (with Bill) in Monroe, WI. The work involved editing, as well as writing text books, teacher's editions, and children's books.

The greatest gift she possessed was the ability to talk to all and listen. As noted in the book, she seemed to draw people to her and truly believed (as a friend accused her) that everyone had something to contribute. She would be pleased to know that all author proceeds of book sales are going into her scholarship fund. This will help a young woman graduating from high school to have help in attending a college of her choice. Helping a new "wordsmith" to continue writing and perhaps create a masterpiece, would make Carol smile. The first was awarded in May 2013.


"Carol's Whimseys on the Way to Meet the Grim Reaper" is a 50-page paperback with a retail price of $10.00. The ISBN is 978-1-4349-3528-1. It was published by RoseDog Books, an imprint of Dorrance Publishing Co., Inc of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. For more information, or to request a review copy, please go to our virtual pressroom at www.dorrancepressroom.com or our online bookstore at www.rosedogbookstore.com.