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Musician Turned Author Jacqueline Sideman Guttman to Discuss Finding Humor in the Face of Loss

Summary: Musician turned author Jacqueline Sideman Guttman will discuss her book, Widowhood and Other Altered States, at the Bergenfield Public Library in Bergenfield, New Jersey.

(Bergen County, New Jersey; July 22, 2026) -– Musician turned author Jacqueline Sideman Guttman is back! This time, she has even more to say about laughter and loss, altered states and living alone for the first time at age 70-plus.

What is an altered state? Come and find out at Sideman Guttman’s presentation, ‘Finding Humor in the Face of Loss’, about her book, Widowhood and Other Altered States, at the Bergenfield Public Library, located at 50 West Clinton Avenue in Bergenfield, New Jersey, on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The presentation takes place at the library’s Friends Meeting Room in the lower level and is free and open to the public.

To register for the event, contact Bergenfield Public Library’s Adult Program Coordinator Mini Pavithran at 201-387-4040, extension 2889 or register online.

This wryly irreverent discussion looks at the absurdities and annoyances of living alone for the first time. The book presents a series of coming-of-age essays for people who have already aged and their younger friends. Sideman Guttman's talks and readings have been greeted with much enthusiasm at several venues. Typical responses from her audiences and readers have been comments like “I felt I was right next to you as you shared your experiences…” or “You’re so funny – you should do stand-up comedy!” According to poet Donna Pucciani, Sideman Guttman's matter-of-fact, often gently humorous take on a difficult subject is uniquely comforting and is sure to bring a smile and much wisdom to all her fortunate readers.

A Creative Transformation

When health issues interrupted Sideman Guttman’s musical teaching career in her 30s, she pivoted to arts administration and became a chamber music presenter at Wave Hill. Eventually, she assumed the position of development director at the Thurnauer School of Music at Kaplen JCC on the Palisades. Later, Sideman Guttman joined the faculty at New York University as an adjunct associate professor of performing arts marketing and acting program director in its arts administration program.

Writing was an integral part of her career. After her husband's death nine years ago, writing became a creative outlet for her emotional journey.

Writing about Grief with Humor

Sideman Guttman is often asked how she can write about the sadness of loss, while at the same time make readers and listeners laugh. While grieving itself is not humorous, laughter lies in the ancillary circumstances surrounding it.

When you are older and want to age in place despite some physical limitations, you set up systems to make it work, perhaps first as a caregiver and then for yourself. What does one do when the systems break down? Find the humor in the situation, of course!

Book Availability

Widowhood and Other Altered States can be found on Amazon by searching for the title and author. The book will also be available for purchase at a 25% discount at the reading in Bergenfield. 

Interested organizations and groups can book Sideman Guttman for speaking engagements about the publication, exploring the themes of aging, humor, personal resilience, self-publishing and related topics, by contacting her email.  

About Jacqueline Sideman Guttman

Jacqueline Sideman Guttman is a multifaceted professional whose life journey encompasses music, arts administration, and writing. She has authored multiple educational resources, including ARThematics Plus: Integrated Projects in Math, Art and Beyond, Partners in Excellence: A Guide to Community School of the Arts/Public School Partnerships from Inspiration to Implementation, and numerous curriculum guides for artist-in-residence school programs. 

With a career that navigated unexpected turns, she was a former adjunct associate professor of performing arts marketing and performing arts administration and acting program director at New York University. Sideman Guttman’s professional background spans musical performance, teaching, and arts education and administration. Her latest book, Widowhood and Other Altered States, emerges from personal experience, transforming life's challenges into a narrative of humor, resilience, and candid self-reflection. 

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