Another Newbury Medal winner, I loved this book. When I first started reading Holes by Louis Sachar, I had so many questions: What kind of a place is this? Are parents really aware of the way the kids are treated? And why are they spending all day in the hot Texas sun digging holes?

This has been a long time coming! Although I finished this collection of literary short stories over a year ago, there have been too many things going on for both Jim (Publisher/Editor of BBD Publishing) and me and we haven't been able to give the book the time it deserved. But short of telling Jim he needed to 'drop everything' and focus on my book, the book is now done and we will be picking copies up from the printer next week.

I will never forget the day my first book arrived in the mail. I was excited to open the box and see the book that I had spent so long, about a year, in writing even though the idea had come to me at least another year previous to actually writing it. It represented so much more than just a solid book with a little over 300 pages. It was who I was, who I have always wanted to be, who I believed for so many years was not good enough or smart enough. The person who wrote this book could write and had creative thoughts and ideas and could complete if not a tome at least a book worthy of bragging about as in "it is 300 pages." That takes quite a bit of time and effort and concentration and planning. And it isn't something everyone can do.

As my husband, Jim,  said, "You know, my grandfather started his own business and he was successful but the building is gone where his store was and no one remembers it, except the few people who were around in that neighborhood at that time. But a book....that's around forever!" Yes, he was quite proud of my first book, as was I. And although he was a tremendous help in getting this book self-published, there would be no book if I hadn't written it.

Come to the Redhook Brewery

Pease Tradeport, Portsmouth, NH

Sunday, April 15, 2pm - 6pm

Support local and nationally known authors in this event that showcases New England Authors! Talk to the authors about their books, purchase signed copies, enjoy readings, and participate in a raffle. And then take yourself to dinner at the famous Redhook Brewery. For more information go to www.newenglandauthorsexpo.com. Free admission.

This little book took me far longer to read than I expected it would. Life gets busy sometimes. But now that I've finished the book, I did enjoy it.

The story is told from a third party who interviewed the sister and brother (Claudia and Jamie). It reminded me a bit about a story I am currently working on where a boy chooses a library to hide out and live in.