Author Brittany Batong

Author Brittany Batong will speak about her novel, "Rally of a Purple Heart," this Saturday from 1-2 p.m. at the Downey City Library. Batong's story was inspired by the lives of her father, who grew up in Downey, and his mother, Gladys Brown. Gladys was a single mother when she traveled with her son to Southern California in 1951. She settled in Downey and met the author's grandfather, Glenn Brown, while working as a waitress at Lloyd's. Although a fictitious account, "the book is a tribute to their lives and their love." Saturday's event is free and open to the public. ********** Published: Feb. 6, 2014 - Volume 12 - Issue 43