Joanne Greenberg published her first book, The King’s Persons, in 1963. It won the Harry and Ethel Daroff Memorial Fiction Award and the Jewish Book Council of America award. Most known for the psychological novel I Never Promised You a Rose Garden, She went on to finish fifteen novels, four short story collections, and most recently, a memoir of her time serving on a mountain fire and rescue team–On the Run. Among the Deaf community in America, Ms. Greenberg is known for the groundbreaking In This Sign, which is being reprinted soon in a special commemorative version by Penguin Books.
The King’s Persons
What caused the massacre of the Jews in York in 1190? King Richard was away at the Crusades. Who was left in charge?
1963
I Never Promised You a Rose Garden
A semi-autobiographical novel of my three-year hospitalization for schizophrenia, beginning my recovery, with good people and a fine therapist.
1964
The Monday Voices
This follows a skilled vocational rehabilitation counselor through several of his cases. I don’t think anyone has ever written a novel on this subject.
1965
Summering
A Collection of Short Stories
1966
In This Sign
Deaf couple, Janice and Abel, and their hearing daughter, Margret, live many experiences. Hallmark used it for Love is Never Silent
1970
Rites of Passage
A collection of short stories
1972
Founder’s Praise
My salute to the communes of the 1960s and ’70s with their premises of all love and no law. I invent a new religion and see where it goes.
1976
High Crimes & Misdemeanors
A collection of short stories
1979
A Season of Delight
A woman firefighter wonders what to do with the love left over, after her kids are grown. She contemplates a romance.
1981
The Far Side of Victory
What happens to someone who gets off scot-free? Is there punishment besides the law?
1983
Simple Gifts
My comic novel about a government plan to re-imagine ranch life in the Colorado 1800s.
1986
Age of Consent
Was he a hero? He was unable to love, but he was a good man. Can that be?
1987
Of Such Small Differences
Romance between a Deaf/Blind man who writes for Handi-cards and a hearing woman.
1988
With the Snow Queen
A collection of short stories
1991
No Reck’ning Made
The life of a teacher in a mountain town. Is she out of her depth or confronted by modern fads?
1993
Where the Road Goes
An epistolary novel about a walk across the U.S. and of one family, left behind.
1998
Appearances
If his father is dead, why is there no record, no memories except him riding that motorcycle?
2006
Miri, who Charms
What are the limits of charm? One woman has it, one doesn’t. A friendship is tested.
2009
All I’ve Done for You
Why is the main character a suicide? There was money involved. Where did it go?
2017
Jubilee Year
A town cut off without any modern conveniences. Does it improve their lives?
2019
On the Run
A memoir of 13 years as a woman in fire/Rescue, in a mountain community.
2023