Linda Villarosa is a journalist, author, editor and now novelist. For several years, she edited the health pages for the New York Times, working on health coverage for Science Times and for the newspaper at large. She was also the executive editor of Essence Magazine, where she wrote or edited a number of award-winning articles.

As a contributing reporter, she have written many articles for the Times, several of which ran on the newspaper’s front page. She's also contributed articles, profiles and reviews to a number of national publications, including Glamour, Health, Latina, the New York Times Book Review, O Magazine, Vibe and Woman’s Day. Whenever she gets the inspiration, she writes a column called “Outside the Lines,” which appears on afterellen.com

Villarosa has won numerous awards from organizations, including The American Medical Writers’ Association, The Arthur Ashe Institute, Lincoln University, the New York Association of Black Journalists, the National Women’s Political Caucus, the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists’ Association and the Callen-Lorde Community Health Center. She lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her partner and two children.

Passing for Black (A Novel)
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Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Dafina (June 1, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0758223870

“Finally, the story we´ve been waiting for, delivered in page turning, finely tuned prose by one of my favorite writers.”
–E. Lynn Harris, New York Times bestselling author.

Synopsis
“Passing for Black” is set in the volatile minefield where race and sexual identity collide. It is a sexy, fast-paced urban novel about Angela Wright, a young black magazine writer who throws her orderly life into chaos when she begins a passionate affair with a woman. And not just any woman: Her undercover lover, Professor Caitlin Getty, is the provocative Humanities Department nemesis of Angela’s fiancé, Keith Redfield, a university professor of African-American studies.

Boldly probing issues of race, desire, sexuality, family, friendship, religion—and hair—through seductive storytelling and witty observation, “Passing for Black” follows Angela as she zigzags between two worlds, but somehow finds a place to be herself.
 

Excerpt
“My hands were shaking as I pushed Cait’s buzzer. What was I doing? Coming to this woman’s house for what was obviously a booty call. Lying to Keith. I should turn around and take my confused self right out of Brooklyn and back home, to Harlem, to my fiancé, where I belonged. But I knew I wasn’t going to. I wanted to be with Cait so badly it hurt. Real physical pain, shooting through the muscles on either side of my groin. I felt pulled to her by some crazy need I had only suspected I had.” Copyright ©2007 Linda Villarosa

Deadline Fitness: Tone Up and Slim Down When Every Minute Counts
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Gina Lombardi with Linda Villarosa

Hardcover: 240 pages
Publisher: Wiley (December 22, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0470192399

From top celebrity fitness trainer Gina Lombardi--deadline-focused weight-loss and fitness secrets to shape up for special occasions

Whether it's a wedding in two months or the Academy Awards 30 days away, many people feel stressed out about getting fit and looking their best for a big occasion. In Deadline Fitness, readers can find the perfect program to meet their weight-loss and fitness goals. With five individualized plans for different time frames, the book combines proven, easy-to-follow exercise and eating plans with dramatic, inspiring stories about the special life events that spur us to tone up and look great.

Finding Our Way: The Teen Girls’ Survival Guide
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with Allison Abner

Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Perennial (HarperCollins) (December 1995)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0060951141

Grades 8-12. Written by a freelance journalist and the executive editor of Essence magazine, both African Americans, this candid book is one of the best resources for young women to come out in a long time. The tone is light but not flip, and most of the important subjects are here--body image, puberty, sexual development, birth control, relationships with friends and family, nutrition. So is information on trendy topics, such as tattoos and plastic surgery, and discussion of issues of rising concern among teens, such as personal safety. Judiciously used comments from teens personalize the reading, and there's an obvious attempt to encompass multicultural difference. The chapter on body image, for example, notes differences in the "ideal" body type as accepted by African Americans and by whites. The authors manage to be upfront about their opinions: the stance on abortion is pro-choice, and the chapter on birth control, which is both specific and very up-to-date, includes a critical assessment of the Norplant that notes its sometimes enforced use among women "who are poor and/or black." Lack of specific documentation is problematic at times, and some of the suggested readings are woefully out of date (however, some are quite new), but such problems are more than balanced by the quality and quantity of information included and the extensive listings of support groups and organizations that accompany each chapter. Put this on the shelf right next to The Teenage Body Book (1992). —Stephanie Zvirin, Booklist

The Black Parenting Book
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with Allison Abner and Dr. Anne Beal.

Paperback: 432 pages
Publisher: Broadway; 1st edition (December 29, 1998)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0767901967

The parents of America's 3.6 million black children under age six face unique challenges and, until now, there has not been one complete resource for them. Combining pediatric expertise, cultural wisdom, insight from leading experts, and the newest research, The Black Parenting Book finally fills this void. With stories from parents across the country and authoritative advice for all aspects of a child's early life--including sleep, nutrition, discipline, play, medical treatments, hair and body care, spirituality, and education--this is the most comprehensive book of its kind.

The Black Parenting Book also explores topics such as talking about race, finding children's books featuring African-American main characters, and deciding whether to send children to all-black preschools. Tackling issues neglected in most parenting books, this is a much-needed guide to the crucial first five years.

Body & Soul: The Black Women’s Guide to Physical Health and Emotional Well-Being
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Paperback: 608 pages
Publisher: Perennial; 1 edition (October 1994)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0060950854

Villarosa, a senior editor for Essence magazine, became involved with the National Black Women's Health Project, based in Atlanta, Georgia, discovered the disheartening facts about black women's health care, and decided to do something, which set the stage for this powerful, straight-from-the heart guide. Contributors are black female scientists, academics, health care practitioners, and writers. Though not intended to replace doctor visits, the guide critically addresses illnesses, such as fibroids, keloids, and diabetes, that have traditionally afflicted a large percentage of the female African American community. The section titles suggest the work's content and approach: "Our Bodies"; "Our Reproductive Health"; "Our Health Care"; "Our Emotional Well Being"; "Loving"; and "Keeping Safe in a Hostile World." Each section contains a history of its topic as it relates to African American women, an exemplary first-person narrative, and tips for combating the illnesses. The end-of-chapter material, truly empowering, is outstanding. More than a listing of information, it offers a means of achieving help--the chapter with the discussion on the hazards of cigarettes concludes with steps for smoking cessation. This is a one-source volume for women who wish to empower themselves and to improve their physical, emotional, and mental health. All libraries servicing an African American community will not be able to keep this book on the shelf. —Lillian Lewis, Booklist

Related Links

Official Website
http://www.lindavillarosa.com