Teri M. Brown's Blog, page 37

Banned Books Discussion

I am against book banning, against authors being told what they can and cannot write about, and against someone else making decisions for me. I firmly believe that parents have the right to say no to books for their children, but I don't believe that parents have the right to say no to other people's children.

During our discussion, we found that many banned books were coming-of-age type stories where a child, teen, or young adult had witnessed or experienced something traumatic and found a way out the other side. Generally, these books were banned for being "too" something. Too sexual. Too racial. Too stereotypical. Too violent. Too real.

My hope is that no matter what you believe or what prefer to read, that you also believe that same right belongs to everyone.

And with that, I'll step down from my soapbox and present you with a list of books that were read by members of the group. Each book was banned, either immediately upon publication, or at some point later in its lifespan.

My hope is that you will read at least one of these books to see if you can figure out why they were banned and also determine why these books might be just the right book for someone despite the elements that put it into the banned pile.
The Bluest Eye by Toni MorrisonA Stone in My Hand by Cathryn ClintonAnd Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter ParnellFahrenheit 451 by Ray BradburyThe Absolutely True Story of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman AlexieCatcher in the Rye by J.D. SalingerPeyton Place by Grace MetaliousTo Kill a Mockingbird by Harper LeeSpeak by Laurie Halse AndersonThe Lord of the Flies by William GoldingThe Color Purple by Alice WalkerMaus by Art SpiegelmanReading Lolita in Tehran by Azar NafisiWhere the Wild Things Are by Maurice SendakThe Giving Tree by Shel SilversteinHop of Pop by Dr. SeussHarriet the Spy by Louise FitzhughExtremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer
​Happy reading!

It's Time to Meet Jo

​Just as with The Authenticity Project, Stephanie Affinito also suggested Belittled Women by Amanda Sellet and then gifted me with a copy. (She tried to gift me with a copy of The Authenticity Project, but I purchased my own immediately upon her recommendation and didn't give her the chance! LOL).

My favorite character was Jo, as I'm sure it was supposed to be. The novel is about a woman with three girls that she named after Little Women characters. She then created a living book experience, much like the living history experiences around the country, only hers centered on Little Women. Belitted Women Jo hated being Little Women Jo, and we get to watch as she finally grows into her true self.

It's definitely a YA coming of age book, but one that I found really interesting. It brought back memories of trying to be my own person - specifically not my parents - only to eventually learn that I didn't have to throw away everything to be me. And now? I'm probably more like them than my teenage self would care to realize!

If you enjoyed Little Women and are willing to delve into a YA RomCom type book, I would recommend it. It's fun and sweet and might just be revealing!

It's Time to Meet Monica

Before I tell you why I adored this book, I want to explain why Stephanie Affinito suggested it to me. I was telling her all about the Kindred Spirit Mailbox where people go and leave their thoughts in journals. She was very intrigued and did an entire podcast about it (Listen Here). The idea of the mailbox reminded her of one of her favorite books, The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley. And there you have it!

Although the title of the blog is "It's Time to Meet Monica," it could have been Julian or Hazard or Riley or Alice or Lizzie. Each character was so well-developed that it was really difficult for me to choose just one. I focused on Monica because, although she didn't start the project, she seemed to be the glue that kept holding it together.

Julian is an elderly lonely man who writes his "authentic" story in a notebook and leaves the notebook for someone else to find and then to write their own story. Everyone who finds the notebook eventually meets. We get to see how being authentic and letting the world see it changes the world around you.

When I first met Monica, I thought she was a bit uptight and over-the-top. But I learned very quickly that she was kind, generous, and so very lonely. Eventually, I learned why, and my heart went out to her in a greater way. I think that is the way it is in real life, too. As we allow ourselves to get to know others and understand the why behind their actions, we have the opportunity to gain enormous empathy.

The thing I loved most about this book is that I cannot stop thinking about these characters. I want to know more. I've created endings - the happily-ever-after kind because those make me happy. But most importantly, I've wondered what it would be like to start my own notebook - or blog - or podcast - or something - that gave people the space to tell their own truth and allowed others to experience it and potentially make changes in their life because of it.
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The book is set in the modern world, with topics like sex, drugs, and alcohol, but done with taste and without anything gratuitous. I highly recommend this novel and am grateful that Stephanie recommended it to me. If you read it, let me know your thoughts!

It's Time to Meet Miss Coltrane

I LOVED The Flight Girls by Noelle Salazar (Follow her on BookBub). I laughed. I cried. I laughed while crying. And because it was historical fiction, I learned. What more can you ask for?

How about great characters?! And that's where Miss Audrey Fitzgerald Coltrane comes in.

I wasn't sure what I thought of Audrey when I first met her. She seemed a bit shallow. Maybe a bit spoiled. A little too self-involved, caring more about her flying than anything else. I wondered if I would grow to like her. I soon discovered that there was a lot more to her than met the eye - and guess what? She learned that about herself, too.

Audrey was a progressive woman stuck in a time when women were only given a chance because the men were busy fighting in war. Despite doing amazing things, women across the country received few accolades, and when the war finally came to an end, were expected to retreat again to kitchens across the US.

Audrey turned out to be smart, funny, generous, loving, and brave. She knew what she wanted, and she worked hard to get it. She learned that following ones dreams doesn't mean that you have to throw everything else out the window. In fact, you just may be able to have your cake and eat it, too.
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I highly recommend this book. (I listened to the audio version). If you read it, let me know what you think!

It's Time to Meet Nessa, Harriet, and Jo

I love this book, but before I go any further, I want my readers to know that this book contains language. I tend to shy away from such books, especially those that drop the f-bomb. However, this was a book club selection, so I persevered. And I'm glad I did because the characters were riveting!

This story is menopause mixed with feminist revenge with a slash of superhero and black magic. Despite the serial killer theme, the women are delightful. As a woman who has lived through midlife and experienced the glass ceiling and groping hands and roving eyes of unwanted men, I found myself in each character - the good girl trying to follow the rules, the livid one ready to make the world pay, and the crazy one who decides that gardening naked isn't such a bad idea after all. Generally, I think I am a pretty even compilation of all three, which is why I connected so easily with this trio.
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Of course, Kirsten Miller does an excellent job weaving a tale for these characters which allows us to experience them in all their glory. What I think I loved most was that the book was both angry yet loving, hard as nails, yet soft, tragic yet humorous. I would rate this 5-stars except for the language, but even with the f-bomb, it gets a solid 4.8. ,

It's Time to Meet Maggie Mae!

The Tobacco Wives

I just finished The Tobacco Wives by Adele Myers and had a wonderful book discussion with the OIB Beach Girls Book Club (they graciously have allowed me to begin attending despite me not living at Ocean Isle Beach).

I loved this book for many reasons:
The story lineThe charactersThe NC historyIt made me think!
Although written to be an easy read, this novel lends itself to some really deep thought. What is right? What is wrong? How does one handle a gray area? What if something is wrong but pointing it out ruins not only your life and your family's life, but the lives of everyone in your town - even your state? Is it okay to push for some change without tackling the entire issue?

And then there was the whole idea of women's place in society in the 1940s - and how it compares to now. It has changed, but has it changed enough? If not, why - and what are you willing to do about it? If you think it has changed enough, then what do you say to women who don't agree?

In some ways, the book reminds me of An Enemy Like Me in that the main character is pitted against two opposing forces, both of which the main character loves. In An Enemy Like Me, it is Jacob's German heritage and his American patriotism. In The Tobacco Wives, it is the pride of being part of tobacco - the thing that is making NC great - and the understanding that tobacco is not only making NC great but making many seriously ill. How do the characters respond when they can't seem to have it all?

I love the character Maggie Mae. She is young and principled. She sees everything in black and white. Right is right. Wrong is wrong. But as she gets involved in the lives of the tobacco wives, she begins to see, reluctantly, that life isn't as simple as that.

I think you will applaud Maggie Mae - and eventually forgive Mitzy, the queen of Big Tobacco in Brightleaf. And I hope, you will ask yourself questions and try to determine what you would have done - in either woman's shoes.

It's Time to Meet Talmadge

The Orchardist by Amanda Coplin

The Orchardist was a slow and easy book that delved deeply into character development. I was amazed that even the conflicts were slow moving. In some instances, I wanted to read faster to finally "get to the point." However, in our world of rush, rush, rush, it can be nice to have a book that makes you practice mindfulness.

The Orchardist is Talmadge. He is a man of precision and exactness. He never hurries. He rarely gets rattled. In so many ways, the books pace was the pace kept by Talmadge. His life, though riddled with one challenge after the other, isn't very spectacular. Yet, in his ordinary doings, we begin to understand how deep his emotions go.

Della is the exact opposite. She seems to run headlong into trouble as fast as her two legs will carry her. And her challenges didn't temper her spirit. Instead, they drove it.

Finally, there is Angeline. A child who seems to possess the best of both Talmadge and Della. She knows when to be precise, and she knows when to be headstrong. She knows when to be quiet, and she knows when to make herself heard.

I enjoyed the interaction between these characters, as well as the many side relationships. Clee who never speaks, and Caroline who doesn't know how to keep quiet are Talmadge's best friends, though he would never use an expression like that. He rarely thinks in terms of best or least. They simply are.

I also learned a lot about orchards and growing fruit, and how things began to change with the coming of the railroad.

I would give this a 4 out of 5 stars, and for those who enjoy strong character-driven fiction and don't mind easing into a story, then this one might be for you.

It's Time to Meet Dela

The Woman in the Green Dress

The Woman in the Green Dress by Tea Cooper was quite enjoyable. I loved the dual timeline and was interested in reading a historical fiction set in WWI. Because of the dual timeline, there are two main characters. WWI Fleur and 1850s Della. I chose to focus on Della because I connected more with her character. Although I understood some of Fleur's angst, much of it felt overboard for me, making it difficult to form a bond.

Della, on the other hand, I loved. She is spirited. She is her own person. She works to understand the land she lives on and those native to the land - despite all the pressure to conform to society standards.

Just as importantly, I learned a lot about Australia, the native people, and the flora and fauna - but in a way that felt natural and not at all like a textbook. Finally, I learned why we have the saying, "Dressed to kill." (It has something to do with the color green!)

I would give this book a 4 out of 5 stars. If you read it (or have read it), let me know what you think!

It's Time to Meet Nick O'Connor

​It's that time of the month again to learn a bit about a character I'd love to invite to lunch!
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Today, I want to introduce you to Nick O'Connor, the main character of The Prisoner of Paradise by Rob Samborn. I was lucky enough to spend an hour interviewing Rob on The Writer's Lounge last week, and he's as interesting as his character! (You can listen to the interview here). But back to Nick O'Connor. Nick is a passionate man. He feels deeply for his wife. He is willing to put many things in his own life on hold for her. Until.

It's the "until" that draws me in. He hears a woman in a famous Venetian painting talking to him, and the feelings he has toward that woman rival the feelings he has for his wife. The rest of the novel, Nick spends his time proving his love - to both women. Although I don't believe in reincarnation, I have definitely loved before. How would I respond if an old love turned up on my doorstep, especially if there were unresolved feelings? You'll have to read the book to see how Nick handles this dilemma!

To me, this is a cross between a historical romance and a historical thriller. Think Julia Quinn meets Dan Brown. And the best part? The Prisoner of Paradise is the first of a series. I highly recommend The Prisoner of Paradise and am looking forward to more books with Nick O'Connor!

Currently Reading
I just finished Rob's book, as well as Stormy Weather by Carl Hiaasen, The Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns, Carry On, Jeeves by PG Wodehouse, and Three Wishes by Liane Moriarty.

I'm currently reading Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant by Anne Tyler, The Third Mrs Galway by Deirdre Sinnott, and Surrender by Wayne Drake (I'll be interviewing Wayne on May 30th on The Writer's Lounge).

A Reminder
I am still raising money for Ukraine, and as part of that effort, the digital version of Sunflowers Beneath the Snow is available for $3.99 with $1 going to support the Ukrainian effort. This special price is only available through the Must Read Historical Fiction promotion. Feel free to pass the link on to your friends! (https://books.bookfunnel.com/mustreadhf/ya2yibdb87) Thank you for being part of my writing journey. Happy reading until next time!

PS: I've raised nearly $500 for Ukraine so far. Pass the word on to your friends - what's better than reading a good book and helping Ukraine at the same time?

Podcasts, Fundraisers, and Lots of Big News

Today is May 10th - aka Trust Your Intuition Day! Seriously, it is. I have always had a fascination with odd holidays and enjoy seeing just what people are celebrating. When it comes to Sunflowers Beneath the Snow, I've been trusting quite a bit in my intuition, as well as listening to a few marketing gurus, in hopes of getting the book out in front of potential readers.

So, today, if you aren't sure what to do, just trust your gut!
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Recent PodcastsI've been super busy the last several weeks and have been on quite a few podcasts. A few of the most recent include:
​Bad Ass Writers​​Turning Readers Into Writers​​Artist First Radio​​Focused on Writing​​The Writer's Lounge​​Late Boomers​​Living the Dream with Curveball​​Eat, Sleep, Write​​The Interracial Podcast​Take a listen and tell me what you think. I'd also be interested to know if there are questions you have that I haven't answered yet!
​Coming up May 16th
May 16th is my first time co-hosting The Writer's Lounge. You can hear me live on Monday at 7pm Eastern time at Blog Talk Radio. Tom Riddell and I will be chatting with Rob Samborn and his book The Prisoner of Paradise.
I'd love to have you listen live - and don't forget, you can call in with questions for the author!
​Potentially Big News
​So....I think Sunflowers Beneath the Snow may be an audio book before the end of the year. And guess who is going to be the narrator? Yep, you guessed it. Me. I've got the equipment I need, the app, and an audio editor to help me. I've turned in the first chapter and am awaiting the verdict.
​What do you think? Do you like it when authors read their own work? Send me a message - I'd love to here your opinion!
Another Piece of Big NewsAs of the last week of April, Atmosphere Press has accepted my second manuscript. My editor is currently reading, and we have our first meeting tomorrow. That's when I'll find out how many changes I need to make to An Enemy Like Me. I've also turned in my ideas to the cover designer.
Here's my back of the book blurb:
How does a man show his love – for country, for heritage, for family – during a war that sets the three at odds? What sets in motion the necessity to choose one over the other? How will this choice change everything and everyone he loves?
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Jacob Miller, a first-generation American, grew up in New Berlin, a small German immigrant town in Ohio where he endured the Great Depression, met his wife, and started a family. Though his early years were not easy, Jacob believes he is headed toward his ‘happily ever after’ until a friend is sent to an internment camp for enemy combatants, and the war lands resolutely on his doorstep.
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In An Enemy Like Me, Teri M Brown uses the backdrop of World War II to show the angst experienced by Jacob, his wife, and four-year-old son as he left for and fought in a war he did not create. She explores the concepts of xenophobia, intrafamily dynamics, and the recognition that war is not won and lost by nations, but by ordinary men and women and the families who support them.Continued FundraiserI've decided to keep raising money for Ukraine, so a portion of all proceeds will go to support Come Back Alive, a Ukrainian fund recommended by Ksensia - the "real life" Ionna. To help with that, I decided to be part of the Must Read Historical Fiction book sale. Until the end of the month, the digital copy of Sunflowers can be purchased for just $3.99 by going to this link. Please feel free to pass it on to your friends! If you know anyone who would like a signed copy, they can get one at my website www.terimbrown.com.
​Happy reading!
PS: So much is happening with Sunflowers Beneath the Snow and now An Enemy Like Me. Be sure to follow me on my social media to keep up with everything that is going on!