FINDING JOY: ONE WOMAN’S JOURNEY BACK THROUGH FAITH

Today’s literary birthday: Shelby Foote, American novelist and Civil War historian, born November 17, 1916.

FINDING JOY: ONE WOMAN’S JOURNEY BACK TO FAITH is an insightful and inspiring memoir that gives a personal glimpse into the life of Joy Wooderson, the daughter and granddaughter of Christian missionaries who lived and preached in South Africa.

In FINDING JOY, Wooderson gives a unique perspective into her faith, her family, her African homeland, and her journey to the United States, where she became a U.S. citizen.

The front cover, with the photo of white daisy seeking sunlight as it pokes through the parched brown earth, gives a hint of what awaits the reader inside. Chapter 1 opens with a quote from St. Augustine and begins with the author perched on top of Mount Sinai, marveling at the view and grandeur of the vista before her.

Divided into nine parts and thirty chapters, Wooderson’s memoir reads like a novel, with the end of each chapter leaving me wanting to read more.

The chapters and sections are peppered with Biblical passages from the Old and New Testaments, as well as other meaningful and contemplative quotes. The end of each chapter also contains what Wooderson calls “Pointers,” which are questions and statements that challenge readers to examine their own beliefs. The last page of each chapter also includes space for readers to record their reflections.

Wooderson’s memoir is filled with candor and clarity. She openly discusses her crisis of faith, her doubts about organized religion, and the path she took to navigate through dark days into the light.

Anyone who has struggled with their faith or questioned their belief system will find comfort, compassion and wisdom in FINDING JOY.

THE LAST WILL OF MOIRA LEAHY by Therese Walsh

October 29 – On this date in 1942 the Alaska highway was completed.

THE LAST WILL OF MOIRA LEAHY is the debut novel by Therese Walsh, published by Shaye Areheart Books. Walsh is a gifted storyteller who has written a gripping story about the powerful bond of sisters and the unbearable sadness of losing a loved one.

 Raised on the coast of Maine, twin sisters Moira and Maeve, play pirates in their father’s boat. They are groomed to be uniquely different—one shy and demure, the other outgoing and bold—by their controlling mother. Moira is the piano-playing, awkward sister who grew up in Maeve’s shadow. Maeve, the extremely talented saxophone-playing, adventurous sister who is fun-loving and well liked.

 Though different in talent and tastes, the twins are connected by the strong bond of a shared secret language and an innate intuition. During the autumn of their sixteenth year, Moira steps out of Maeve’s shadows onto the main stage in an effort to become more daring–like her sister. Moira experiences her first love and gets wrapped in a web of lies and deception which led to a tragic end.

Years later Maeve is doing her best to cope after the loss of Moira. Estranged from her mother, who blames Maeve for Moira’s accident, Maeve pushes intimacy and music away and cocoons herself in her work. She skims the surface of life until one night at an auction she bids on a keris, a Javanese dagger that reminds her of the joyful days she shared with Moira. Her acquisition of the keris sets in motion a series of events that propel her to seek the truth and open herself from the numbness of her life to seek adventure, love, and face he secrets of her past.

 I love this book, even though toward the beginning I got confused trying to distinguish between the sisters, which mirrors the reality of not always being able to recognize the individuality of twins. Once I got Moira and Maeve straight in my mind, I was swept away with the beautiful language and compelling story. Walsh has written an elegant novel that transported me to a dark and mysterious world of love, secrets, regret, acceptance, and forgiveness. Reviewed by Donna Volkenannt

It was my good fortunate to receive two copies of Walsh’s debut novel as part of the WOW! Blog tour. I received one copy to review, and one to use as a giveaway on Donna’s Book Pub, my other blog.

Beginning tomorrow, through next Wednesday, stop by Donna’s Book Pub to read an interview with Therese. Anyone who leaves a question or comment for Therese on my blog is eligible to win the giveaway copy, which will be announced on November 4 (the birthday of my twin grand-nephews). 

 

THE HIDDEN MAN by David Ellis

On October 20, 1925, U.S. journalist and humorist Art Buchwald was born. Okay, I’m a day early mentioning a celebrity writer’s birthday, but tomorrow is also my grandson’s Michael’s birthday–so why not?

I recently read a thriller called THE HIDDEN MAN, written by David Ellis and published by G.P. Putnam’s Sons. What makes this book so intriguing and noteworthy is not only the vivid writing, compelling characters, and strong story line, but also the author himself. Ellis is not only a writer, but he was the lead prosecutor in the trial of former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich. 

Ellis uses his first-hand knowledge of the criminal defense system to write THE HIDDEN MAN, a thoughtful and surprising thriller that ponders the larger questions of fate, loyalty, redemption and having the courage to do the right thing, in spite of the risks and regardless of the consequences.  

The main character is Midwesterner Jason Kolarich, who rises from humble beginnings to become a star in a high-powered criminal defense firm. Although Jason has escaped his neighborhood and unfortunate family situation, he has never forgotten his roots. After his wife and daughter die in a freak car accident while Jason is working late, he blames himself and walks away from his celebrity for a simpler life. While trying to cope with his unimaginable grief, he is hired by a mysterious “Mr. Smith” to defend a childhood friend from a murder charge. In doing so, Jason must relive a tragic incident that has haunted him for decades.

In THE HIDDEN MAN, David Ellis has created a likeable hero in Jason Kolarich, an everyday man who has scraped his way to the top through hard work and determination, yet still remains true to his values. Donna Volkenannt dvolkenannt@charter.net

Fearless by Max Lucado

October 1: On this day in 1985, writer E.B. White died. White is known for his children’s classics, Charlotte’s Web and Stuart Little. He and Professor William Strunk teamed up to write a handbook that I believe all writers should own–The Elements of Style. Here’s a quote about writing from White I found on thinkexist.com,  ”Analyzing humor is like dissecting a frog. Few people are interested and the frog dies of it.”

I can’t believe it’s been a month since I’ve posted a book review. Where did the month of September go?  With the changing month and now that the leaves are changing and adding color to the scenery, I thought it would be appropriate to post about a book that discusses dealing with life-changing events–without fear.

FEARLESS: Imagine Your Life Without Fear, published by Thomas Nelson Publishing and written by New York Times best-selling author Max Lucado, is an uplifting and inspirational book that offers promise and hope to live without fear. Chapter-by-chapter, using quotes from Scripture, the life of Jesus Christ, and examples from the famous and obsure,  Lucado  guides readers on a journey to understand and overcome fear.

The Discussion Guide in the back of FEARLESS is a welcome resourse. The guide can be used by groups or individuals. It is divided by chapters and contains three-part lessons for each chapter on: Examining Fear, Exposing Fear, and Battling Fear. Each lesson includes recommended readings from Scripture.

FEARLESS is a spiritually uplifting book to read and use as a study guide to live a life of faith–without fear. It’s a keeper.

Writer Mama by Christina Katz

On this day in 1875, Edgar Rice Burroughs, creator of the popular character Tarzan, was born in Chicago, Illinois.

Writer Mama: How to Raise a Writing Career Alongside Your Kids, by Christina Katz, is the book I’ve chosen to review this week.

Katz also has a fantastic Writer Mama blog. During in the month of September she is giving away a book each day. So, pop on over and sign up.

Back to Katz’s  book. I won a copy of Writer Mama book over on Cathy C. Hall’s blog a while back, and I’m so happy that I did. (Thank you, Cathy!) 

Katz’s book is chock-full of writing advice and encouragement for writing moms–and grandmoms like me. In the Pep Talk section, Katz lists 10 reasons for mamas to launch their writing career. The one that appeals to me is #5: “Mamas who write set a good example for their kids.” I’m sure this applies to Grandmas as well!

The book is divided into four sections, with exercises and sidebars  with highlights included in each section:

Preparation covers the tools and attributes writers mama need. 

Practice shows how to build basic writing skills to compete with professionals.

Professionalism covers querys and interviews and includes a glossary of query terms.

Poise offers suggestions for developing skills to get your name known and how to pitch.

Even if you not a Mama, Katz’s practical advice, exercises and resources can help your writing career.  And don’t forget to visit the Writer Mama blog during the month of September. You might get lucky and win a book on writing!  Donna Volkenannt 

The Last Ember by Daniel Levin

On this date in 1902, poet and editor Ogden Nash was born.

It’s been over two weeks since my last review, but if you’re looking for a page-turner with an intriguing premise, I believe this book is worth the wait.

The Last Ember by Daniel Levin is an exciting biblical thriller that will keep you reading till the wee hours of the night. Levin’s debut novel combines elements of history, mystery, conspiricies, politics, religion, and archaelogy into an intelligent and engrossing story. 

Jonathan Marcus, the main character, is a fallen-from grace antiquities scholar skilled in Latin, Greek, and archaelogy, now  practicing law in New York.  After Jonathan is dispatched to Rome to represent his firm in a high-profile case involving the authenticity of an ancient stone map, he is pitted against with Dr. Emili Travia, a passionate preservationist and a woman from his past.

 While Jonathan is in Rome, an Italian antiquities squad discovers a woman’s perserved corpse. The corpse bears a clue about a biblical mystery that leads to the discovery about a sacred object. The clue, coupled with a hidden message in the ancient stone map, propels Jonathan and Emili to join forces on a quest that takes them from the underground caverns beneath the streets of Rome to the holiest shrines in Jerusalem.

Levin’s background and education undoubtedly qualify him to write this novel. He does a fine job translating the foreign language passages so the reader isn’t distracted from the story. He writes with elegance and passion about emotionally charged topics, but at the center of it all is a remarkable tale. 

A longer version of my review of The Last Ember can be found on Bookreporter.com. You can also read New York Times bestselling author Steve Berry’s fascinating interview of Daniel Levin on Bookreporter.com.  Donna Volkenannt

Fearless Confessions: A Writer’s Guide to Memoir by Sue William Silverman

On this date in 1965, Joanne Kathleen Rowling, better known as J.K. Rowling, was born. J.K. shares the same birthday as her famous fictional boy-wizard, Harry Potter.

The book I’ve chosen to discuss this week is FEARLESS CONFESSIONS, A Writer’s Guide to Memoir by Sue William Silverman, published by The University of Georgia Press.

Although I don’t plan to write a memoir, I found Silverman’s book fascinating. The book is filled with practical writing advice, which is relevant to all types of writing. Her writing is thorough, yet easy to understand. Throughout the book Silverman gives examples and includes writing exercises. She provides lists of informative Web sites that provide advice on writing, publishing, and promoting writing.

Some of the topics she covers in her book are: Theme, Plotting, Voice, Style and Marketing. She also gives an excellent overview of the subgenres of Creative Nonfiction. She also includes an appendix with a reading list of contemporary creative nonfiction, by topic.

In the chapter on Style, she suggests: “Avoid the ‘3As’ in writing: adjectives, adverbs, and abstractions. Rely on nouns and active verbs. . . “

On Voice, she says: “The voice of each piece you write needs its own tone, rhythm, vocabulary, and energy.”

On August 5, as part of the WOW! Author’s Tour, Sue William Silverman will be guest blogger on my other blog, Donna’s Book Pub, http://donnasbookpub.blogspot.com

If you’ve ever wondered about ”Truth in Memoir,” Silverman’s post on August 5 on  http://donnasbookpub.blogspot.com is one you won’t want to miss.

Links to Books Featured Here on Amazon.com

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A Cup of Comfort for Breast Cancer Survivors

On  this date, July 17, in 1889, Erle Stanley Gardner, detective writer and creator of the Perry Mason series was born.

The book I’ve chosen to discuss this week is A Cup of Comfort for Breast Cancer Survivors, published by Adams Media and edited by the amazing Colleen Sell.  A Cup of Comfort for Breast Cancer Survivors is an anthology of touching true stories of courage and triumph.

One of my favorite essays is “Hidden Treasures” by Alice Muschany, a breast cancer survivor and a fellow member of the Coffee and Critique writers’ group.  Alice’s story is just one of the scores of essays in this inspirational anthology that celebrates “strength, resilency, and hope.”

In addition to publishing an inspiring anthology of stories written by courageous survivors, Adams Media donates a portion of the sales of each book to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Writing Picture Books by Ann Whitford Paul

Today’s famous writer’s birthday: On July 10, 1905, Mildred Augustine Wirt Benson was born. Who? Maybe the name Carolyn Keene sounds more familiar. If you grew up reading Nancy Drew mysteries, thank Mildred. She is known as the first Carolyn Keene, ghost name for the popular Nancy Drew series, created by Edward Stratemeyer.

Now, on to this week’s featured book. I’ve selected Ann Whitford Paul’s Writing Picture Books: A Hands’On Guide from Story Creation to Publication (Writer’s Digest books). 

A couple weeks ago, Ann was a guest blogger on my other blog, Donna’s Book Pub, and Ann was such a gracious guest, I want to spread the word about her wonderful book. Even if you aren’t interested in writing picture books, Ann’s book can help you become a better writer.

Her book is divided into six sections, with a “What’s Next” section at the end of each chapter:

Before You Write your Story covers research and understanding the essence of picture books.

Early Story Decisions - includes, along with other suggestions, ideas for building a frame for your story and creating compelling characters. 

Structure of Your Story- What to know about creating fabulous first lines, the three-act structure and holding your story together? This section has specific how-tos. 

Language of Your Story – The two “Ss” of strong writing in this section apply to all stories. Ann also covers the importance of word count in this section.

Tying Together Loose Story Ends – Creating great titles and using a dummy board to tell you story are covered in this section.

After Your Story is Done  – Ann gives ideas on researching the market and practical tips on selling your manuscript.

The above is just a brief summary of what’s in Ann’s book. There are many additional pieces of advice and tidbits of information as well as practical, hands-on exercises.