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Literary Dialogs with Nina Serrano interviews Dena and Becky Taylor, authors of “Tell Me the Number before Infinity: The Story of a Girl with a Quirky Mind, an Eccentric Family, and Oh Yes, a Disability.” The interview took place September 28, 2018 in Vallejo, California at the home studio of Estuary Press. Dena and Becky read from the book as part of the program.
“Tell Me the Number Before Infinity” is a memoir in 60 short chapters arranged chronologically by Becky Taylor, who was born with cerebral palsy, and by her mother, Dena Taylor. Dena writes of Becky’s birth in 1972, discovering Becky’s exceptional gift for calculus and depth of thought even at the age of four. Together they write about her school years and college to adulthood, in counterpoint, from their own distinct perspectives. Although several books on disabilities already exist, the use of two narrations is unique. We hope you enjoy this interview as much as we did.
TELL ME THE NUMBER BEFORE INFINITY is a hero’s journey with Becky Taylor at the forefront of the pivotal 1975 federal education act mainstreaming disabled children into the public schools. Parents, teachers, people with disabilities, people who know and work with people with disabilities, those curious about how a child’s mind works, and even brain researchers will find TELL ME THE NUMBER BEFORE INFINITY a fascinating account as the authors describe life and the realities of having a disability. Becky Taylor has a degree in accounting, and is a Computer Science graduate from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She lives in Santa Cruz where she vice-chairs the Commission on Disabilities, and is involved in other civic organizations. Dena Taylor, M.S.W., Rutgers University, is the mother of two grown daughters, and is retired from careers in social work and education. She is the author, editor and co-editor of six books on women’s issues.