I have always loved to read, as far back as I can remember anyway.
I remember curling up in the back of our van on road trips as a teen, completely absorbed in book after book.
I devour books.
I am a voracious reader and don't mind admitting it.
I used to read almost anything. Suffering through to the end even if the book wasn't good, in honor of the author and the time they had committed to writing a book.
I don't do that anymore.
So, I suppose in my old age I have gotten pickier and want to read books that are well written and capture my interest and hold it well. If it takes me longer than a week to read a book, it either means I am insanely busy, or the book is just not good and therefore not holding me captive with single minded fury.
Sometime just over 12 years ago I had a friend loan me this type of book to read.
I was in the throws of first time mommy-hood.
Overwhelmed, lonely, emotional, and yet deliriously happy to be taking care of a little life.
I immediately fell in love with the main character, Claire. She is a strong, independent, brave and yet tender woman who finds herself in a myriad of situations, designed to keep you turning those pages.
I have recommended this book to so many people, hoping (and yet knowing) that they too would ultimately love Claire and all of her many adventures that capture your heart.
And, having Jamie Fraser be a part of that doesn't hurt one little bit either!!
This first book in the series is a good 3 inches thick; full from cover to cover with adventure, intrigue and an amazingly impossible love story. And, the 6 books that follow come pretty close to being just as large and fantastic. So, it is no small feat to get through this series. And, she is currently writing yet another, oh the woe in having to wait!!
I don't really have a strong desire to own many books. I am very happy to simply borrow them from a friend or the library. This set, however, I do own. One was given to me by my reading buddy Lynette. One by my best buddy Tara. I found two at a used book store, and the others I have in paperback until the time comes when I can get the hardcover! They just stand up to life better.
Okay...I said all of that to say...
My friend, who I mentioned above, who loaned me this first addictive book has now written a book of her own. See, she already has credibility with me having put so many excellent books in my hands over the years.
I want to recommend her book to you because she is my friend!
But more importantly, I want to recommend this book to you because it is a beautifully written love story. Yes, it is a romance...but for me...the true love story told in this book is between Meg and her Savior.
Laura Anderson Kurk wrote Glass Girl specifically for teens and young adults, and though I am no longer in either category...I found myself carried away to Wyoming, loving Meg, adoring Henry, and realizing once again the beauty of salvation in Christ.
Here is the "product description" copied from the Amazon page.
In this powerful debut, Laura Anderson Kurk offers a rare glimpse into the soul of the often forgotten grieving sibling. Glass Girl is a lovely book that treats with compassion one of life's most trying times, lending honesty to the discussion about the impact of violence on families.
At turns funny, tragic, and hopeful, Glass Girl captures the reality that is Meg's life--the slow, messy heartbreak of grief balanced with the rush and energy of first love. Readers will recognize the gentle, believable journey that takes Meg from Pennsylvania to Wyoming, from loneliness to love, and from sorrow to hope.
The story of Meg and Henry will touch teens who are trying to do the right thing but still feel lost at times. Those who are learning that life is often a slow-moving dance that is exquisite and excruciating at once, but is, above all, beautiful.
Yeah, that is a great description!!
I keep wanting to add to it, but find that I simply cannot do it and still hold the integrity of how the story unfolds. It is something you have to discover and if I say more, I will give away too much.
I was so honored to be able to attend Laura's first (as far as I know) book signing yesterday.
It was a lovely gathering with so many cute yellow details planned out by the hostess!
So, here is Laura signing away on books! What a treat it is to have a signed first edition copy of a book! I had no idea something like that would ever mean so much to me.I am pretty sure Laura has quite a few more stories to tell, so it was fun to be here at the beginning, breathing in the promise of what is yet to come!
Thank you Laura for a book which kept me up at night and got me reading early in the morning.
I thoroughly enjoyed being led through those awkward teen moments, feelings of first love, and overwhelming grief enough to knock the stuffing out of you. I definitely had some teary eyed moments.
Actually, I will admit it, I had to do the little suck in your breath to get composed thing there toward the end. ( You will know what I am talking about when you get there!!)
Love Ya Laura!!!I hope you will consider investing in this book. I think you will find that you too, will want to recommend it to others!
Now I am off to plan an herb garden! I genuinely hope it is not interesting enough to write about!!
