Mallory O’Meara’s THE LADY FROM THE BLACK LAGOON won the 2019 South California Independent Bookseller Association Book Award in the Biography category. SCIBA’s aim is to recognize the creative talent of Southern California writers, editors, illustrators, and subject matter. Winners were announced at SCIBA’s final Fall Trade Show, which SCIBA director called, “one of the best attended shows we’ve had in years.” This award is one more on the ever-growing list of praise and acclaim O’Meara’s title continues to receive.

THE LADY FROM THE BLACK LAGOON uncovers the life and work of Milicent Patrick—one of Disney’s first female animators and the only woman in history to create one of Hollywood’s classic movie monsters.

O’Meara’s breakout debut hit #8 the LA Times Bestseller List and held a spot on the list for two weeks. The New York Times offered high compliments saying, “O’Meara achieves her goal. Thanks to her persistent efforts, THE LADY FROM THE BLACK LAGOON pulls Milicent Patrick and her considerable accomplishments out of the murky swamp of overlooked history and back into the light.”

O’Meara’s book garnered positive reviews from the LA Times, which calls it “engaging and compelling”, along with the Seattle Times. A Publishers Weekly starred review calls the title, “a fascinating slice of Hollywood history with a feminist slant, correcting a sexist wrong from decades ago and restoring Patrick to her rightful place of esteem.” This compelling narrative nonfiction has also been in featured in articles on Entertainment Weekly and The Washington Post.

THE LADY FROM THE BLACK LAGOON graced the cover of BookPage as well as received a starred review from BookPage insisting, “Even if you’re not a fan of horror films, THE LADY FROM THE BLACK LAGOON is a riveting, sincere Hollywood saga that will quickly win your heart.”

O’Meara’s is hard at work researching for her next upcoming project, GIRLY DRINKS, which sold to Hanover Square Press.