Author: Kathleen Gilles Seidel
Publisher: ePublishing Works!
ISBN: 1614177295
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 264
Book Description
Head writer for daytime's only historical romantic soap opera, small-town girl Jenny Cotton is on top of the world. But she can't seem to write herself out of a difficult relationship until actor Alec Cameron walks onto the set. br>Alec survived a big-budget TV flop with the same "good guy" courage that got him out of a failed marriage. But no matter how hard he tries, he can't seem to hide his wounds from writer Jenny. Now the script flowing from Jenny's pen and unfolding every weekday afternoon to millions of eager fans is more than just a story... it's his story, which is quickly becoming their story. But Jenny doesn't want to be rescued by a "good guy" white knight, any more than Alec wants to fall in love with Jenny. AWARDS RITA Winner for Best Contemporary, Single Title REVIEWS: "A delicious read... witty, romantic, and wise. Don't miss it!" ~Mary Jo Putney, NYT Bestselling author "The always terrific Kathleen Gilles Seidel brings to life a modern love story." ~Romantic Times "...combines a wonderfully humorous concept with a poignant love story." ~All About Romance HOMETOWN MEMORIES, in order After All These Years Don't Forget to Smile Till the Stars Fall Again
Again (Hometown Memories, Book 4)
Author: Kathleen Gilles Seidel
Publisher: ePublishing Works!
ISBN: 1614177295
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 264
Book Description
Head writer for daytime's only historical romantic soap opera, small-town girl Jenny Cotton is on top of the world. But she can't seem to write herself out of a difficult relationship until actor Alec Cameron walks onto the set. br>Alec survived a big-budget TV flop with the same "good guy" courage that got him out of a failed marriage. But no matter how hard he tries, he can't seem to hide his wounds from writer Jenny. Now the script flowing from Jenny's pen and unfolding every weekday afternoon to millions of eager fans is more than just a story... it's his story, which is quickly becoming their story. But Jenny doesn't want to be rescued by a "good guy" white knight, any more than Alec wants to fall in love with Jenny. AWARDS RITA Winner for Best Contemporary, Single Title REVIEWS: "A delicious read... witty, romantic, and wise. Don't miss it!" ~Mary Jo Putney, NYT Bestselling author "The always terrific Kathleen Gilles Seidel brings to life a modern love story." ~Romantic Times "...combines a wonderfully humorous concept with a poignant love story." ~All About Romance HOMETOWN MEMORIES, in order After All These Years Don't Forget to Smile Till the Stars Fall Again
Publisher: ePublishing Works!
ISBN: 1614177295
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 264
Book Description
Head writer for daytime's only historical romantic soap opera, small-town girl Jenny Cotton is on top of the world. But she can't seem to write herself out of a difficult relationship until actor Alec Cameron walks onto the set. br>Alec survived a big-budget TV flop with the same "good guy" courage that got him out of a failed marriage. But no matter how hard he tries, he can't seem to hide his wounds from writer Jenny. Now the script flowing from Jenny's pen and unfolding every weekday afternoon to millions of eager fans is more than just a story... it's his story, which is quickly becoming their story. But Jenny doesn't want to be rescued by a "good guy" white knight, any more than Alec wants to fall in love with Jenny. AWARDS RITA Winner for Best Contemporary, Single Title REVIEWS: "A delicious read... witty, romantic, and wise. Don't miss it!" ~Mary Jo Putney, NYT Bestselling author "The always terrific Kathleen Gilles Seidel brings to life a modern love story." ~Romantic Times "...combines a wonderfully humorous concept with a poignant love story." ~All About Romance HOMETOWN MEMORIES, in order After All These Years Don't Forget to Smile Till the Stars Fall Again
Till the Stars Fall (Hometown Memories, Book 3)
Author: Kathleen Gilles Seidel
Publisher: ePublishing Works!
ISBN: 1614177287
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 330
Book Description
In a small Minnesota mining town, young Krissa is sheltered from her violent father by Danny, the brother she idolizes. Danny, a budding musician, is determined to escape with his sister in tow. When the pair finally succeed, they meet Quinn, a privileged and wealthy college student. Drawn together by a passion for music, Danny and Quinn set up a successful pop group. As their stars begin to rise, Danny falls in love with fame, and Quinn and Krissa fall in love with each other. But the higher Danny, Quinn and Krissa climb, the faster their worlds crumble, until they part. Sixteen years later, their paths cross once again, three fallen stars. Danny is gravely ill. Quinn and Krissa are still in love. But to hear the music again, the three must face their joined pasts and use the lessons to create a better future. REVIEWS: "...beautiful, lyrical writing, fascinating characters, and a touching renewed romance..." ~ All About Romance "An extraordinary novel! ...full of beauty, love, compassion, and truth..." ~Susan Elizabeth Phillips HOMETOWN MEMORIES, in order After All These Years Don't Forget to Smile Till the Stars Fall Again
Publisher: ePublishing Works!
ISBN: 1614177287
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 330
Book Description
In a small Minnesota mining town, young Krissa is sheltered from her violent father by Danny, the brother she idolizes. Danny, a budding musician, is determined to escape with his sister in tow. When the pair finally succeed, they meet Quinn, a privileged and wealthy college student. Drawn together by a passion for music, Danny and Quinn set up a successful pop group. As their stars begin to rise, Danny falls in love with fame, and Quinn and Krissa fall in love with each other. But the higher Danny, Quinn and Krissa climb, the faster their worlds crumble, until they part. Sixteen years later, their paths cross once again, three fallen stars. Danny is gravely ill. Quinn and Krissa are still in love. But to hear the music again, the three must face their joined pasts and use the lessons to create a better future. REVIEWS: "...beautiful, lyrical writing, fascinating characters, and a touching renewed romance..." ~ All About Romance "An extraordinary novel! ...full of beauty, love, compassion, and truth..." ~Susan Elizabeth Phillips HOMETOWN MEMORIES, in order After All These Years Don't Forget to Smile Till the Stars Fall Again
Hometown Memories
Author: Thomas Kinkade
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
ISBN: 9781565079250
Category : Art
Languages : en
Pages : 56
Book Description
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
ISBN: 9781565079250
Category : Art
Languages : en
Pages : 56
Book Description
Hometown Memories
Author: Brian Weaver
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781537336442
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 124
Book Description
Our bellies heaved after our day of playing, running and riding our bikes. Sweat ran down our foreheads. Even the humidity somehow felt good. At night, for those of us with only a box fan to move the air, the bed sheets stuck to us as we reached for the cool side of the pillow until sleep overtook us.If you're looking for a source of inspiration for your life...this isn't the book for you. There are no ghastly tales of parental abuse or triumphs over grinding poverty awaiting you inside these pages. There are no drugs (aside from generous doses of Bactine, tincture of iodine and Murcurochrome for my various and sundry childhood injuries), no murders or terrorist plots.This is a very loose collection of recollections from my youth in the 1960's and 1970's.
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781537336442
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 124
Book Description
Our bellies heaved after our day of playing, running and riding our bikes. Sweat ran down our foreheads. Even the humidity somehow felt good. At night, for those of us with only a box fan to move the air, the bed sheets stuck to us as we reached for the cool side of the pillow until sleep overtook us.If you're looking for a source of inspiration for your life...this isn't the book for you. There are no ghastly tales of parental abuse or triumphs over grinding poverty awaiting you inside these pages. There are no drugs (aside from generous doses of Bactine, tincture of iodine and Murcurochrome for my various and sundry childhood injuries), no murders or terrorist plots.This is a very loose collection of recollections from my youth in the 1960's and 1970's.
Looking Back
Author: Lois Lowry
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
ISBN: 9780395895436
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 200
Book Description
Using family photographs and quotes from her books, the author provides glimpses into her life.
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
ISBN: 9780395895436
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 200
Book Description
Using family photographs and quotes from her books, the author provides glimpses into her life.
Before We Were Strangers
Author: Renée Carlino
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1501105787
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 320
Book Description
From the USA TODAY bestselling author of Sweet Thing and Nowhere But Here comes a love story about a Craigslist “missed connection” post that gives two people a second chance at love fifteen years after they were separated in New York City. To the Green-eyed Lovebird: We met fifteen years ago, almost to the day, when I moved my stuff into the NYU dorm room next to yours at Senior House. You called us fast friends. I like to think it was more. We lived on nothing but the excitement of finding ourselves through music (you were obsessed with Jeff Buckley), photography (I couldn’t stop taking pictures of you), hanging out in Washington Square Park, and all the weird things we did to make money. I learned more about myself that year than any other. Yet, somehow, it all fell apart. We lost touch the summer after graduation when I went to South America to work for National Geographic. When I came back, you were gone. A part of me still wonders if I pushed you too hard after the wedding… I didn’t see you again until a month ago. It was a Wednesday. You were rocking back on your heels, balancing on that thick yellow line that runs along the subway platform, waiting for the F train. I didn’t know it was you until it was too late, and then you were gone. Again. You said my name; I saw it on your lips. I tried to will the train to stop, just so I could say hello. After seeing you, all of the youthful feelings and memories came flooding back to me, and now I’ve spent the better part of a month wondering what your life is like. I might be totally out of my mind, but would you like to get a drink with me and catch up on the last decade and a half? M
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1501105787
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 320
Book Description
From the USA TODAY bestselling author of Sweet Thing and Nowhere But Here comes a love story about a Craigslist “missed connection” post that gives two people a second chance at love fifteen years after they were separated in New York City. To the Green-eyed Lovebird: We met fifteen years ago, almost to the day, when I moved my stuff into the NYU dorm room next to yours at Senior House. You called us fast friends. I like to think it was more. We lived on nothing but the excitement of finding ourselves through music (you were obsessed with Jeff Buckley), photography (I couldn’t stop taking pictures of you), hanging out in Washington Square Park, and all the weird things we did to make money. I learned more about myself that year than any other. Yet, somehow, it all fell apart. We lost touch the summer after graduation when I went to South America to work for National Geographic. When I came back, you were gone. A part of me still wonders if I pushed you too hard after the wedding… I didn’t see you again until a month ago. It was a Wednesday. You were rocking back on your heels, balancing on that thick yellow line that runs along the subway platform, waiting for the F train. I didn’t know it was you until it was too late, and then you were gone. Again. You said my name; I saw it on your lips. I tried to will the train to stop, just so I could say hello. After seeing you, all of the youthful feelings and memories came flooding back to me, and now I’ve spent the better part of a month wondering what your life is like. I might be totally out of my mind, but would you like to get a drink with me and catch up on the last decade and a half? M
Memories of My Life in a Polish Village, 1930-1949
Author: Toby Knobel Fluek
Publisher: The Experiment, LLC
ISBN: 1891011693
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 158
Book Description
Available again for the first time in decades, this jewel of a memoir is the poignant story of a young Jewish girl growing up in a Polish farm village, from the peaceful early 1930s through the tragic war years, and finding safe harbor at last. “Deeply moving”—Elie Wiesel “A tone poem evocative of a vanished world”—Chaim Potok In her own words and with her own beautiful paintings and drawings, artist Toby Knobel Fluek (1926–2011) lovingly unfurls a unique view of Jewish life. She introduces us to her village, to her family, to the people among whom they lived; she shows us how customs and holidays were observed; and, with both feeling and restraint, she illustrates how this long-enduring way of life was shattered by World War II. She depicts her family’s experiences through Russian occupation and the devastation wreaked by the Nazis—and, finally, her new beginning in America. New to this edition is a foreword by Rakhmiel Peltz, PhD, PhD, Founding Director of the Judaic Studies Program at Drexel University, which he led for twenty years.
Publisher: The Experiment, LLC
ISBN: 1891011693
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 158
Book Description
Available again for the first time in decades, this jewel of a memoir is the poignant story of a young Jewish girl growing up in a Polish farm village, from the peaceful early 1930s through the tragic war years, and finding safe harbor at last. “Deeply moving”—Elie Wiesel “A tone poem evocative of a vanished world”—Chaim Potok In her own words and with her own beautiful paintings and drawings, artist Toby Knobel Fluek (1926–2011) lovingly unfurls a unique view of Jewish life. She introduces us to her village, to her family, to the people among whom they lived; she shows us how customs and holidays were observed; and, with both feeling and restraint, she illustrates how this long-enduring way of life was shattered by World War II. She depicts her family’s experiences through Russian occupation and the devastation wreaked by the Nazis—and, finally, her new beginning in America. New to this edition is a foreword by Rakhmiel Peltz, PhD, PhD, Founding Director of the Judaic Studies Program at Drexel University, which he led for twenty years.
Fight It Out Box Set Books 1-4
Author: Terra Kelly
Publisher: Balto Creative Media, LLC
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 905
Book Description
Binge read the first four books in the gripping romantic suspense series. Survive (Book One): It’s not just about winning the championship title in this gritty romantic suspense. My father made sure my life was built on lies. Everything about my past was created to protect me. I just don’t know why. Former fighter, Julian Moore, used to grace my TV one too many times, and I secretly had posters of him on my walls. Now, he may be the only one I can trust and he’s vowed to stand by my side no matter what. I want to believe him. My father’s secrets brought Julian and me together–a secret that I have yet to uncover. I was never given control of my past, but now it’s time to take control of my future. Unbroken (Book Two): The very people you’re taught to trust are the people you’re now running from in this intense romantic suspense. My father controlled me, dictating my every move. He almost made me believe I was weak. Almost. So I left. Being in control of my own life was safer. Then I met him. Brooks Moore is a champion MMA fighter and the one man determined to train me to be indestructible. I never planned to fall for him. I didn’t think I was ready to trust another man, until the day he started to knock down my perfectly placed walls. Then my father reappeared determined to break me. To survive I must let go of my past. Temptation (Book Three): It’s a race against time in this emotional and gritty romantic suspense. The man I’m trying to avoid might be the only one who can help me. Tyler Moore is broody, mysterious, and a complete asshole. Then one night he shares all his secrets and I finally see who he really is. I want him…all of him. But I never thought I’d get entangled in his life with another man. Tyler and Stephen want to claim me, and I plan to let them. I wasn’t prepared for what two men had to offer, but they satisfy me like no-one else can. As we find our new normal, danger lurks in the shadows. When Stephen suddenly disappears, Tyler and I will stop at nothing to find his kidnapper. Temptation brought us together, but will fate take it all away? Protected (Book Four): When you discover the life you dreamed about was all a lie in this emotional and intense romantic suspense. The man I married became a monster. I was too afraid to run, but more afraid to stay. Then I met Malik, a retired MMA championship fighter with mesmerizing hazel eyes. He rescued me. Kept me safe and hidden away from the life I knew. I didn’t think I could ever feel again. I’d forgotten how to love. Then Malik showed me what life could be like without fear consuming me. As each day passes, I realize we’re both in danger until we can rid our lives of the monster for good. Maybe I should’ve stayed, but I want to survive. In the Fight It Out series you’ll get a strong female lead, mixed martial arts, suspense, and inspiration to make a new recipe.
Publisher: Balto Creative Media, LLC
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 905
Book Description
Binge read the first four books in the gripping romantic suspense series. Survive (Book One): It’s not just about winning the championship title in this gritty romantic suspense. My father made sure my life was built on lies. Everything about my past was created to protect me. I just don’t know why. Former fighter, Julian Moore, used to grace my TV one too many times, and I secretly had posters of him on my walls. Now, he may be the only one I can trust and he’s vowed to stand by my side no matter what. I want to believe him. My father’s secrets brought Julian and me together–a secret that I have yet to uncover. I was never given control of my past, but now it’s time to take control of my future. Unbroken (Book Two): The very people you’re taught to trust are the people you’re now running from in this intense romantic suspense. My father controlled me, dictating my every move. He almost made me believe I was weak. Almost. So I left. Being in control of my own life was safer. Then I met him. Brooks Moore is a champion MMA fighter and the one man determined to train me to be indestructible. I never planned to fall for him. I didn’t think I was ready to trust another man, until the day he started to knock down my perfectly placed walls. Then my father reappeared determined to break me. To survive I must let go of my past. Temptation (Book Three): It’s a race against time in this emotional and gritty romantic suspense. The man I’m trying to avoid might be the only one who can help me. Tyler Moore is broody, mysterious, and a complete asshole. Then one night he shares all his secrets and I finally see who he really is. I want him…all of him. But I never thought I’d get entangled in his life with another man. Tyler and Stephen want to claim me, and I plan to let them. I wasn’t prepared for what two men had to offer, but they satisfy me like no-one else can. As we find our new normal, danger lurks in the shadows. When Stephen suddenly disappears, Tyler and I will stop at nothing to find his kidnapper. Temptation brought us together, but will fate take it all away? Protected (Book Four): When you discover the life you dreamed about was all a lie in this emotional and intense romantic suspense. The man I married became a monster. I was too afraid to run, but more afraid to stay. Then I met Malik, a retired MMA championship fighter with mesmerizing hazel eyes. He rescued me. Kept me safe and hidden away from the life I knew. I didn’t think I could ever feel again. I’d forgotten how to love. Then Malik showed me what life could be like without fear consuming me. As each day passes, I realize we’re both in danger until we can rid our lives of the monster for good. Maybe I should’ve stayed, but I want to survive. In the Fight It Out series you’ll get a strong female lead, mixed martial arts, suspense, and inspiration to make a new recipe.
Miss Memory Lane
Author: Colton Haynes
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1982176180
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 256
Book Description
“A brutally honest memoir that socks you in the gut with its candor” (Elton John and David Furnish) about lust, abuse, addiction, stardom, and redemption from Arrow and Teen Wolf actor Colton Haynes. In 2018, Colton Haynes woke up in a hospital. He’d had two seizures, lost vision in one eye, almost ruptured a kidney, and been put on an involuntary psychiatric hold. Not yet thirty, he knew he had to take stock of his life and make some serious changes if he wanted to see his next birthday. As he worked towards sobriety, Haynes allowed himself to become vulnerable for the first time and discovered profound self-awareness. He had millions of social media followers who constantly told him they loved him. But what would they think if they knew his true story? If they knew where he came from and the things he had done? Now, Colton bravely pulls back the curtain on his life and career, revealing the incredible highs and devastating lows. From his unorthodox childhood in a small Kansas town, to coming to terms with his sexuality, he keeps nothing back. By sixteen, he had been signed by the world’s top modeling agency and his face appeared on billboards. But he was still a broke, lonely, confused teenager, surrounded by people telling him he could be a star as long as he never let anyone see his true self. As Colton’s career in television took off, the stress of wearing so many masks and trying to please so many different people turned his use of drugs and alcohol into full-blown addiction. “In searing, honest prose, he tells a coming-of-age story that is utterly his own, yet surprisingly universal” (Bill Clegg, New York Times bestselling author)—of dreams deferred and dreams fulfilled; of a family torn apart and rebuilt; and of a man stepping into the light as no one but himself.
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1982176180
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 256
Book Description
“A brutally honest memoir that socks you in the gut with its candor” (Elton John and David Furnish) about lust, abuse, addiction, stardom, and redemption from Arrow and Teen Wolf actor Colton Haynes. In 2018, Colton Haynes woke up in a hospital. He’d had two seizures, lost vision in one eye, almost ruptured a kidney, and been put on an involuntary psychiatric hold. Not yet thirty, he knew he had to take stock of his life and make some serious changes if he wanted to see his next birthday. As he worked towards sobriety, Haynes allowed himself to become vulnerable for the first time and discovered profound self-awareness. He had millions of social media followers who constantly told him they loved him. But what would they think if they knew his true story? If they knew where he came from and the things he had done? Now, Colton bravely pulls back the curtain on his life and career, revealing the incredible highs and devastating lows. From his unorthodox childhood in a small Kansas town, to coming to terms with his sexuality, he keeps nothing back. By sixteen, he had been signed by the world’s top modeling agency and his face appeared on billboards. But he was still a broke, lonely, confused teenager, surrounded by people telling him he could be a star as long as he never let anyone see his true self. As Colton’s career in television took off, the stress of wearing so many masks and trying to please so many different people turned his use of drugs and alcohol into full-blown addiction. “In searing, honest prose, he tells a coming-of-age story that is utterly his own, yet surprisingly universal” (Bill Clegg, New York Times bestselling author)—of dreams deferred and dreams fulfilled; of a family torn apart and rebuilt; and of a man stepping into the light as no one but himself.
I Know This Much Is True
Author: Wally Lamb
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 9780060391621
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 884
Book Description
With his stunning debut novel, She's Come Undone, Wally Lamb won the adulation of critics and readers with his mesmerizing tale of one woman's painful yet triumphant journey of self-discovery. Now, this brilliantly talented writer returns with I Know This Much Is True, a heartbreaking and poignant multigenerational saga of the reproductive bonds of destruction and the powerful force of forgiveness. A masterpiece that breathtakingly tells a story of alienation and connection, power and abuse, devastation and renewal--this novel is a contemporary retelling of an ancient Hindu myth. A proud king must confront his demons to achieve salvation. Change yourself, the myth instructs, and you will inhabit a renovated world. When you're the same brother of a schizophrenic identical twin, the tricky thing about saving yourself is the blood it leaves on your bands--the little inconvenience of the look-alike corpse at your feet. And if you're into both survival of the fittest and being your brother's keeper--if you've promised your dying mother--then say so long to sleep and hello to the middle of the night. Grab a book or a beer. Get used to Letterman's gap-toothed smile of the absurd, or the view of the bedroom ceiling, or the influence of random selection. Take it from a godless insomniac. Take it from the uncrazy twin--the guy who beat the biochemical rap. Dominick Birdsey's entire life has been compromised and constricted by anger and fear, by the paranoid schizophrenic twin brother he both deeply loves and resents, and by the past they shared with their adoptive father, Ray, a spit-and-polish ex-Navy man (the five-foot-six-inch sleeping giant who snoozed upstairs weekdays in the spare room and built submarines at night), and their long-suffering mother, Concettina, a timid woman with a harelip that made her shy and self-conscious: She holds a loose fist to her face to cover her defective mouth--her perpetual apology to the world for a birth defect over which she'd had no control. Born in the waning moments of 1949 and the opening minutes of 1950, the twins are physical mirror images who grow into separate yet connected entities: the seemingly strong and protective yet fearful Dominick, his mother's watchful "monkey"; and the seemingly weak and sweet yet noble Thomas, his mother's gentle "bunny." From childhood, Dominick fights for both separation and wholeness--and ultimately self-protection--in a house of fear dominated by Ray, a bully who abuses his power over these stepsons whose biological father is a mystery. I was still afraid of his anger but saw how he punished weakness--pounced on it. Out of self-preservation I hid my fear, Dominick confesses. As for Thomas, he just never knew how to play defense. He just didn't get it. But Dominick's talent for survival comes at an enormous cost, including the breakup of his marriage to the warm, beautiful Dessa, whom he still loves. And it will be put to the ultimate test when Thomas, a Bible-spouting zealot, commits an unthinkable act that threatens the tenuous balance of both his and Dominick's lives. To save himself, Dominick must confront not only the pain of his past but the dark secrets he has locked deep within himself, and the sins of his ancestors--a quest that will lead him beyond the confines of his blue-collar New England town to the volcanic foothills of Sicily 's Mount Etna, where his ambitious and vengefully proud grandfather and a namesake Domenico Tempesta, the sostegno del famiglia, was born. Each of the stories Ma told us about Papa reinforced the message that he was the boss, that he ruled the roost, that what he said went. Searching for answers, Dominick turns to the whispers of the dead, to the pages of his grandfather's handwritten memoir, The History of Domenico Onofrio Tempesta, a Great Man from Humble Beginnings. Rendered with touches of magic realism, Domenico's fablelike tale--in which monkeys enchant and religious statues weep--becomes the old man's confession--an unwitting legacy of contrition that reveals the truth's of Domenico's life, Dominick learns that power, wrongly used, defeats the oppressor as well as the oppressed, and now, picking through the humble shards of his deconstructed life, he will search for the courage and love to forgive, to expiate his and his ancestors' transgressions, and finally to rebuild himself beyond the haunted shadow of his twin. Set against the vivid panoply of twentieth-century America and filled with richly drawn, memorable characters, this deeply moving and thoroughly satisfying novel brings to light humanity's deepest needs and fears, our aloneness, our desire for love and acceptance, our struggle to survive at all costs. Joyous, mystical, and exquisitely written, I Know This Much Is True is an extraordinary reading experience that will leave no reader untouched.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 9780060391621
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 884
Book Description
With his stunning debut novel, She's Come Undone, Wally Lamb won the adulation of critics and readers with his mesmerizing tale of one woman's painful yet triumphant journey of self-discovery. Now, this brilliantly talented writer returns with I Know This Much Is True, a heartbreaking and poignant multigenerational saga of the reproductive bonds of destruction and the powerful force of forgiveness. A masterpiece that breathtakingly tells a story of alienation and connection, power and abuse, devastation and renewal--this novel is a contemporary retelling of an ancient Hindu myth. A proud king must confront his demons to achieve salvation. Change yourself, the myth instructs, and you will inhabit a renovated world. When you're the same brother of a schizophrenic identical twin, the tricky thing about saving yourself is the blood it leaves on your bands--the little inconvenience of the look-alike corpse at your feet. And if you're into both survival of the fittest and being your brother's keeper--if you've promised your dying mother--then say so long to sleep and hello to the middle of the night. Grab a book or a beer. Get used to Letterman's gap-toothed smile of the absurd, or the view of the bedroom ceiling, or the influence of random selection. Take it from a godless insomniac. Take it from the uncrazy twin--the guy who beat the biochemical rap. Dominick Birdsey's entire life has been compromised and constricted by anger and fear, by the paranoid schizophrenic twin brother he both deeply loves and resents, and by the past they shared with their adoptive father, Ray, a spit-and-polish ex-Navy man (the five-foot-six-inch sleeping giant who snoozed upstairs weekdays in the spare room and built submarines at night), and their long-suffering mother, Concettina, a timid woman with a harelip that made her shy and self-conscious: She holds a loose fist to her face to cover her defective mouth--her perpetual apology to the world for a birth defect over which she'd had no control. Born in the waning moments of 1949 and the opening minutes of 1950, the twins are physical mirror images who grow into separate yet connected entities: the seemingly strong and protective yet fearful Dominick, his mother's watchful "monkey"; and the seemingly weak and sweet yet noble Thomas, his mother's gentle "bunny." From childhood, Dominick fights for both separation and wholeness--and ultimately self-protection--in a house of fear dominated by Ray, a bully who abuses his power over these stepsons whose biological father is a mystery. I was still afraid of his anger but saw how he punished weakness--pounced on it. Out of self-preservation I hid my fear, Dominick confesses. As for Thomas, he just never knew how to play defense. He just didn't get it. But Dominick's talent for survival comes at an enormous cost, including the breakup of his marriage to the warm, beautiful Dessa, whom he still loves. And it will be put to the ultimate test when Thomas, a Bible-spouting zealot, commits an unthinkable act that threatens the tenuous balance of both his and Dominick's lives. To save himself, Dominick must confront not only the pain of his past but the dark secrets he has locked deep within himself, and the sins of his ancestors--a quest that will lead him beyond the confines of his blue-collar New England town to the volcanic foothills of Sicily 's Mount Etna, where his ambitious and vengefully proud grandfather and a namesake Domenico Tempesta, the sostegno del famiglia, was born. Each of the stories Ma told us about Papa reinforced the message that he was the boss, that he ruled the roost, that what he said went. Searching for answers, Dominick turns to the whispers of the dead, to the pages of his grandfather's handwritten memoir, The History of Domenico Onofrio Tempesta, a Great Man from Humble Beginnings. Rendered with touches of magic realism, Domenico's fablelike tale--in which monkeys enchant and religious statues weep--becomes the old man's confession--an unwitting legacy of contrition that reveals the truth's of Domenico's life, Dominick learns that power, wrongly used, defeats the oppressor as well as the oppressed, and now, picking through the humble shards of his deconstructed life, he will search for the courage and love to forgive, to expiate his and his ancestors' transgressions, and finally to rebuild himself beyond the haunted shadow of his twin. Set against the vivid panoply of twentieth-century America and filled with richly drawn, memorable characters, this deeply moving and thoroughly satisfying novel brings to light humanity's deepest needs and fears, our aloneness, our desire for love and acceptance, our struggle to survive at all costs. Joyous, mystical, and exquisitely written, I Know This Much Is True is an extraordinary reading experience that will leave no reader untouched.