"I think you're having a stroke." I have been told this by concerned friends and family members more than once — each time I've come down with Bell's palsy, an unexplained episode of facial weakness or paralysis. Most folks recover from this condition, which typically leaves half your face in frozen and/or drooping mask. That I came down with it twice is remarkably rare — but at least I recovered both times.

Sarah Ruhl, the renowned playwright, essayist/author, two-time Pulitzer finalist and MacArthur genius, also came down with Bell's palsy, just as one of her plays was about to open on Broadway, and she endeavored to "wait it out" until all returned to normal.

Except it didn't go away.

In "Smile: The Story of a Face," Ruhl's new memoir, she has penned a series of autobiographical essays on her decade-long search to find a cure for her situation — all while balancing duties as a mother, wife and artist.

Ruhl will appear Tuesday for an author talk/signing in Westerly's Savoy Bookshop & Café. Expect laughter, wisdom, anguish and eloquence.

Sarah Ruhl., 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Savoy Bookshop & Café, 10 Canal St., Westerly; $5, $30 with signed copy of the book; banksquarebooks.com, (401) 213-3901.