A lifelong writer with a Ph.D. in dramatic literature, Aileen Robbins served as managing editor of the Drama Review and contributed articles to the New York Post, Elle, Lear’s, and other publications. But when her childhood friend, Brooke, suggested a trip to Italy for a class in the personal essay, Aileen found her true voice.

No Time for Small Talk is a collection of humorous and heartfelt essays that celebrate family, food, shopping, song, and connection. A one-time opera singer, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Aileen co-founded the Dunn-Robbins Group, a wine and spirits marketing and public relations firm and is a member of Les Dames D’Escoffier. She co-authored Chinese Cooking for the American Kitchen with Karen Lee, which was nominated for a James Beard award.