Event link: https://gpsparentseries.org/events/susan-dominus/

In this compelling conversation, Dominus and Damour will delve into the questions that shape every parent’s hopes: Why do some siblings thrive while others struggle? What fuels ambition and resilience in children? Drawing from Dominus’s new book The Family Dynamic: A Journey into the Mystery of Sibling Success, the session will explore the subtle forces—within families and beyond—that influence motivation, drive, and emotional well-being.

This session offers practical, research-informed reflections that challenge easy answers and encourage deeper thinking about what it means to support children in today’s high-pressure world. Parents will walk away with insights into how to nurture their children’s potential, understand the emotional undercurrents of sibling dynamics, and create a home environment that supports both achievement and healthy relationships.

Meet New York Times journalist Susan Dominus for a discussion of her new book, The Family Dynamic: A Journey into the Mystery of Sibling Success (2025) in conversation with Lori Rotskoff. Hear insights from scientific research into the ongoing “nature-versus-nurture” question in explaining the rare families that boast multiple children who achieve extraordinary success, sometimes in widely varied fields. Find out what can be learned about their struggles and the enigmatic, often disregarded role of sibling relationships. Inspired by the accomplishments of the legendary Bronte sisters, Dominus researched and detailed the stories of six remarkable families whose children achieved great success in their fields, from Olympic athlete to award-winning novelist to successful entrepreneur. Time will be reserved for Q&A.

Please note: Registration includes a signed copy of the book.

This program begins with a hearty Continental breakfast in a club setting overlooking Long Island Sound. Menu includes make-your-own yogurt parfaits with granola and other toppings, fresh fruit, hard-boiled eggs, mini pastries, coffee, tea, and orange juice. A portion of the proceeds from this event will be donated to the Larchmont-Mamaroneck Student Aid Fund.

Join us for an evening with author Susan Dominus. She will discuss her newest book, The Family Dynamic: A Journey into the Mystery of Sibling Success, alongside co-owner (and featured subject in Susan's book!) Lauren Groff.

Books & Books and the Books & Books Literary Foundation are proud to present an evening with Susan Dominus discussing The Family Dynamic: A Journey into the Mystery of Sibling Success (Crown, $30).

The book introduces us to the Holifields, including Marilyn Holifield, a Miami-based  Holland & Knight partner.

What explains those rare families that boast multiple children who achieve extraordinary success? An award-winning New York Times journalist weaves story with science to explore the circumstances that set those families apart.

This event is FREE and open to the public and books will be available for purchase the night of the event! Please RSVP only if you intend to join us.

This event is free to attend. Pre-orders are encouraged.

Join acclaimed New York Times Magazine staff writer Susan Dominus, National Book Award-finalist novelist Lauren Groff (Fates and Furies, Matrix, and more), two-time U.S. Olympian Sarah True, and New York Times Magazine staff writer, bestselling author and Emmy-nominated screenwriter Taffy Brodesser-Akner (Fleishman is in Trouble, Long Island Compromise) for an exploration of extraordinary siblings — and Dominus’ new book, The Family Dynamic: A Journey into the Mystery of Sibling Success.

Dominus will be in conversation with Mark Leibovich. Leibovich is a staff writer at The Atlantic. He is the author of five books, including three New York Times best sellers, and two No. 1 Times best sellers, This Town (2013) and Thank You for Your Servitude (2022). He is the recipient of a National Magazine Award for profile writing. Before joining The Atlantic in 2022, he spent 16 years at The New York Times, based in Washington, serving as the chief national correspondent for The New York Times Magazine. Prior to that, he worked at The Washington Post, where he covered technology and national politics. He is also a political analyst for NBC and MSNBC.

This event is free with first come, first serve seating.