Who’s Reading What Wednesday: Oregon Authors
I read two terrific books by Oregon authors this past week. Both authors have graciously donated a visit to a school or library for the cost of a raffle ticket. The funds will help local YA public librarian, Bridget Zinn, who is currently fighting Stage Four Colon Cancer.
The Heart of a Shepard by Rosanne Parry
Rosanne Parry has written a very tender story about the importance of family and doing what is right. When 12 year old Brother’s father leaves for Iraq, it is up to him to step up to ranching duties in Eastern Oregon. He is not sure he is capable of such responsibilities. He know he must help his grandparents with older brothers away at school. Brother discovers he has the heart of a shepard in this coming of age book. The pacing of the story made it impossible to put down.
I found myself thinking about my father who left his home in New Jersey at 17 to spend a year on a ranch in southeast Idaho. He would have enjoyed hearing about this book. It provides a slice of life glimpse of what it means to live in eastern Oregon. It is a book with a lot of heart and Rosanne should be proud of her first novel.
Radiant Darkness by Emily Whitman
When you were a teen, did you fight with your mother? Were you interested in boys that perhaps were parents would not approve?
Radiant Darknesstakes us to the realm of the Greek gods and goddesses. The story of Persephone retold in a unique way with a twist, Whitman takes us to a world long forgotten. I read the book on the way to the coast last weekend because I could not put it down. YA readers will relate to the tussle between parents and wanting freedom. I hope this book sees a huge readership. Emily has written a terrific first novel.
If you would like to have one of these authors at you school (in the Portland area), then contact me for a raffle ticket. Drawing will be held on May 29, 2009. Tickets are $10.00 each. Money goes to the Bridget Zinn Fund.
Happy Reading.
MsMac
