Teri Rizvi, the founder and director of the Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop, brings a powerful, original voice to a collection of essays that shows why our dreams matter. Woven throughout her writings is a deep faith in what’s possible when we open our hearts.  

A journalist and storyteller who has traveled widely, Rizvi writes with grace and eloquence about her marriage, which spans two cultures and two religions in a world that’s too often divided. Her lyrical writings illuminate our shared humanity through a series of small, everyday moments — a child’s T-ball practice, a socially distanced parking lot lunch with a friend — as well as recollections of major life milestones such as joyful weddings in foreign lands.  

The book takes its title from a phrase that Martin Sheen uttered when he received an honorary degree from the University of Dayton: “Remember this above all: One heart with courage is a majority.” 

Available through Braughler Books, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, the University of Dayton Bookstore and Bookshop. It's also offered as an ebook and an audiobook. Read the prelude here.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING

“Life’s lessons, lovingly taught.” — Craig Wilson, retired USA Today columnist and author of It's the Little Things: An Appreciation of Life's Simple Pleasures

“Teri Rizvi’s essays are the exact balm and spirit-lift we need in these trying times. Her essays are full of truth, joy and inspiration — a “SWAT team of love” — and a reminder that both our struggles and our connections matter. “ — Katrina Kittle, award-winning author of The Kindness of Strangers

“Through the lenses of an enlightened worldview and a resolute faith, Teri Rizvi’s richly insightful essays speak straight to the heart of a life — and times — eloquently examined.
— Anna Lefler, author Preschooled and The CHICKtionary

“One Heart with Courage chronicles Teri Rizvi's meaningful life journey to find purpose in her work, community, marriage and family. Each one is a gem.” — Matt Bombeck, screenwriter

In her debut collection of essays, Teri Rizvi tackles the big subjects of life — motherhood, marriage, friendship, work/life balance and faith. In lyrical prose and honest reflection, she reminds us to slow down and savor the moments of our lives. I found wisdom and comfort in the pages of this treasure of a book as I traveled Rizvi’s life journey with her. — Susan Pohlman, author of Halfway to Each Other and A Time to Seek

MEDIA COVERAGE

Print

The Courage to Write from the Heart by Beth Anspach

Debut Book Adds New Chapter for UD’s Teri Rizvi by Lauren Durham

Author Interview: One Heart with Courage by Hassan Naqvi

Grief and the Difficult Art of Letting Go by Teri Rizvi

Online Magazines 

Writing a Memoir? Your Stories Need a Heart, by Gina Barreca in Psychology Today

Where Are They Now? An Interview with Literary Mama Contributor Teri Rizvi by Christina Consolino

Writing with Courage and Heart by Rhonda Havig

The Art of Letting Go with Donna Cavanagh

Podcasts

Author, Can I Ask You? with Joni B. Cole

Entertaining Insights with Dr. Nancy Berk (interview starts at 29:43)

What's the Big Idea with Michele Tuck Ponder

Eat. Sleep. Write. with Adam Scull

Show Why Your Dreams Matter with Deirdre Pippins

Multiple Voices with Claudia Monacelli

Television

It’s All Write with Suzette with Suzette Martinez Standring

Blogs

An Interview with Teri Rizvi by Christina Consolino

Where Do You Get Your Ideas? Introducing Journalist Teri Rizvi by Trudy Krisher

American Book Fest Finalists

One Heart with Courage Wins Catholic Media Association Award

Listen Anywhere: One Heart with Courage Available as Audiobook