Totally loved this book, the protagonist, the use of a popular child’s game to foreshadow dark plot points. The use of white space to frame thoughts and events. The sense of suspense, real or imagined, that drives the story forward. Such rawness. Makes me remember how adolescence can be a series of daily battles against punitive authorities. Lessons in the real world come hard for so many of us. Your cast of characters show us. Thank you for writing ABOUT GRACE.
Hi Leaf! It's great to hear from you. In fact, I visited ML last week and your name came up. I always like to check in about her interesting friends:-) I'd love to know what you think of "Grace" and would be glad to chat about it and about your mom's work sometime.
Hi Barb. I’m M-L’s friend Leaf. We met many years ago, probably in Durham, New Hampshire. I’ll have to get your book. When I was a kid, my mother was a juvenile probation officer, and occasionally she would bring a girl home from Juvie for the weekend who would share a room with me. I’ve been teaching writing andvolunteering in prisons in jail since the late 80s so I’m all about this book. Thanks for writing it and I’d love to chat with you about it sometime and about your experiences that inspired it.
Barb, I have always thought that someone could take the facts of my life and write a tragedy. I believe that's true for most of us. I always chose to write a rom-com. I fully credit my mother for that. How wonderful that you were there - chose to be there - to help these girls find and explore some happy moments/incidents in their lives! I'd love to be able to know how many you may have saved, how many others were positively affected by the difference you may have made in a girl's life.
Oh, Barb. I love that this new book is based on your memories of Building a Rainbow. Reading Book Pilgrim this time, I nodded my head again and again in recognition of similar successes I have felt as a Building a Rainbow volunteer. I can't wait to read the book. I worked with younger kids as a volunteer, but I can relate to your experiences nonetheless....lots of needy kids given the opportunity to unlock the stories within them. It's a great program and a rewarding experience for all.
I have tears in my eyes from the story of the yellow ball. I'm sorry she had to search so hard for a happy memory, and I'm so happy you unearthed it. What beautiful work you are doing, Barb!
The story of how you came to write About Grace is fascinating. The girls at the correctional facility were so lucky to have you as their mentor and, it sounds like, you were lucky to know them. Congratulations on the publication of this worthy novel!
Totally loved this book, the protagonist, the use of a popular child’s game to foreshadow dark plot points. The use of white space to frame thoughts and events. The sense of suspense, real or imagined, that drives the story forward. Such rawness. Makes me remember how adolescence can be a series of daily battles against punitive authorities. Lessons in the real world come hard for so many of us. Your cast of characters show us. Thank you for writing ABOUT GRACE.
Thanks so much! It would be lovely if you'd post this on Amazon and/or Good Reads.
Hi Leaf! It's great to hear from you. In fact, I visited ML last week and your name came up. I always like to check in about her interesting friends:-) I'd love to know what you think of "Grace" and would be glad to chat about it and about your mom's work sometime.
Hi Barb. I’m M-L’s friend Leaf. We met many years ago, probably in Durham, New Hampshire. I’ll have to get your book. When I was a kid, my mother was a juvenile probation officer, and occasionally she would bring a girl home from Juvie for the weekend who would share a room with me. I’ve been teaching writing andvolunteering in prisons in jail since the late 80s so I’m all about this book. Thanks for writing it and I’d love to chat with you about it sometime and about your experiences that inspired it.
Yes!! So excited that About Grace is in the world! You are a gift in the lives of so many people. Can’t wait to read it!!
Thanks, Mary. This means so much to me.
Barb, I have always thought that someone could take the facts of my life and write a tragedy. I believe that's true for most of us. I always chose to write a rom-com. I fully credit my mother for that. How wonderful that you were there - chose to be there - to help these girls find and explore some happy moments/incidents in their lives! I'd love to be able to know how many you may have saved, how many others were positively affected by the difference you may have made in a girl's life.
Thanks, Christine. I hope you like it. And, yes, a little good news is a wonderful thing!
Thanks so much, Mary. I hope you like the book.
Oh, Barb. I love that this new book is based on your memories of Building a Rainbow. Reading Book Pilgrim this time, I nodded my head again and again in recognition of similar successes I have felt as a Building a Rainbow volunteer. I can't wait to read the book. I worked with younger kids as a volunteer, but I can relate to your experiences nonetheless....lots of needy kids given the opportunity to unlock the stories within them. It's a great program and a rewarding experience for all.
Thanks!
Yellow is my favorite color, too. Ordering ABOUT GRACE today. Can't wait to read it.
Thank you. I did love those girls. (And the yellow ball made it into the novel:-)
I have tears in my eyes from the story of the yellow ball. I'm sorry she had to search so hard for a happy memory, and I'm so happy you unearthed it. What beautiful work you are doing, Barb!
Thank you!
The story of how you came to write About Grace is fascinating. The girls at the correctional facility were so lucky to have you as their mentor and, it sounds like, you were lucky to know them. Congratulations on the publication of this worthy novel!
They do, indeed!