Pen for Posterity
Books, books, and more books!
I will tell you about three must-reads.
In Pieces by Rhonda Ortiz
I purchased a signed copy of In Pieces through the author’s website. I could hardly wait to read it and dove in. I commenced reading, going slowly on purpose at first because of the number of characters and plot twists. I was enamored by the personalities contained therein. With every chapter, I became more intrigued, wondering how Ortiz would tie the whole of it together. She writes beautifully and descriptively, the way the best of the best do. Scenes, sights, sounds, tastes, and smells jump from the page. I looked forward to reading more of the saga every day. With one-third of the book to go, I could hardly set it aside! The dialogue was crisp and entertaining, and the plot twists began to unravel creatively, much in the way of Austen. In Pieces lured me in and leaves me impatient for the next book of the series. It will
you, too.
Where Angels Pass by Ellen Gable
Ellen Gable’s newest novel, Where Angels Pass, will take readers to the depths of their emotions. It is a beautifully written, yet heart-rending tale of sexual abuse and the long-term effects such a crime has on its victims. From the beginning of the story, Ellen draws in the reader bringing them close to lovable characters, each with their own story to tell. Immediate attachment and empathy compel the reader to keep moving through a story that might be difficult for some to read, as it zooms in on sexual abuse by clergy. Anger and compassion go hand-in-hand throughout this tale, and Ellen Gable does a remarkable job balancing the two. I believe this novel will bring to light the utter tragedy of clerical abuse and the ripple effect it has for generations to come. Yet, through the darkness of that abomination, a dawn rises, and we are assured that justice can prevail, and healing can be achieved. I highly recommend this book for anyone who seeks to understand, for this just might be one of the most important novels of our time.
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
My sister-in-law, and avid reader and one who has been a great supporter of my journey as a novelist, drew my name for a family Christmas gift exchange. To my fortunate blessing, she went off-road on my Christmas list and gifted me with a copy of Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott. Although this book was published decades ago, it remains a timeless map for authors in their quest for better writing. No matter when a writer reads this book, he or she will never feel late to the party. After reading just three chapters, this highly entertaining and honest book, new life stirred within me. I was able to pen over 10,000 words in fewer than three days. For anyone wanting to gain confidence for themselves as an author or help someone else move beyond writer’s block, this book is one of the best gifts to encourage forward momentum. It is a book I will never sell or loan because for me as a novelist, it has become a priceless treasure.
