P.D. Workman's Blog, page 68
May 7, 2020
Books for Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. If you’ve been hanging around my blog for a while, you know that I frequently write about mental illness in both my books and on my blog.
You can’t even escape it in my cozy mysteries.
Mental illness is pervasive, even if people are afraid to talk about it.
.ugb-e73463e li{--icon-size:20px;margin-bottom:2px !important}.ugb-e73463e li::before{height:20px !important;width:20px !important;background-image:url('data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTk0IDE5NCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIiBzdHlsZT0iZmlsbDojQkUxRTJEIj48cGF0aCBkPSJNOTYuOSAyYy01Mi40IDAtOTUgNDIuNi05NSA5NXM0Mi42IDk1IDk1IDk1IDk1LTQyLjYgOTUtOTUtNDIuNi05NS05NS05NXpNNzguMiAxNTAuNGwtMTAuNi0xMC42TDExMC4zIDk3IDY3LjYgNTQuMmwxMC42LTEwLjZMMTMxLjUgOTdsLTUzLjMgNTMuNHoiPjwvcGF0aD48L3N2Zz4=')}.ugb-e73463e li ul{margin-bottom:2px !important}.ugb-e73463e.ugb-icon-list ul{columns:1}.ugb-e73463e .ugb-inner-block{text-align:left}.ugb-e73463e.ugb-icon-list{margin-bottom:10px !important;padding-top:10px !important;padding-right:10px !important;padding-bottom:10px !important;padding-left:10px !important;background-color:#ECECEC}.ugb-e73463e.ugb-icon-list:before{background-color:#ECECEC}.ugb-e73463e .ugb-block-title{margin-bottom:12px}.ugb-e73463e .ugb-block-description{margin-bottom:8px}How common is mental illness?
Mental illnesses are among the most common health conditions in the United States.
Stats from https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/index.htm
When you consider these statistics, it is clear that there can be few of us who will be untouched by mental illness, either in themselves or in their immediate family or circle of friends.
So why aren’t we talking about it more? Why is there a stigma attached to mental illness that isn’t attached to corrective lenses, heart disease, or sprained fingers?
Why is it that our society encourages us to seek medical treatment for physical ailments, but to keep quiet and hide mental illness? Why is it that we rarely hold people responsible for their physical illnesses, but believe that someone with mental illness just needs more willpower or to ‘cheer up’?
I do think that things are getting better and that our understanding about mental illness is growing. But we’re not there yet. There is still plenty of room for improvement.
Improving understanding through literature
Books can immerse us into new worlds and give us new perspectives on life and our fellow travellers. One of my goals when writing is to educate and increase understanding of mental illness. Here are a few highlights.
.ugb-7a70ba9 .ugb-img{width:724px;height:auto !important}.ugb-7a70ba9 .ugb-button{background-color:#BE1E2D;border-radius:25px !important}.ugb-7a70ba9 .ugb-button .ugb-button--inner,.ugb-7a70ba9 .ugb-button svg{color:#ffffff !important}.ugb-7a70ba9 .ugb-button:before{border-radius:25px !important}Zachary Goldman Series
Zachary Goldman is a private investigator who suffers from a number of mental illnesses and learning disabilities. He struggles from ADHD, PTSD, anxiety, and more.
In the first case in the series, She Wore Mourning, he investigates the death of the son of a local celebrity, who struggles with mental illness herself.
.ugb-db46066 .ugb-img{width:741px;height:auto !important}.ugb-db46066 .ugb-button{background-color:#BE1E2D;border-radius:25px !important}.ugb-db46066 .ugb-button .ugb-button--inner,.ugb-db46066 .ugb-button svg{color:#ffffff !important}.ugb-db46066 .ugb-button:before{border-radius:25px !important}Between the Cracks
The Between the Cracks series delves into the lives of the members of the Simpson family and how their lives have been affected by their abuse as children.
Ruby, the main character of the first book, suffers from depression, anxiety, dysfunctional relationships, and the loss of many of her memories of those early years.
This book and several others in the series have won awards from the In the Margins Committee
.ugb-39c0395 .ugb-img{width:724px;height:auto !important}.ugb-39c0395 .ugb-button{background-color:#BE1E2D;border-radius:25px !important}.ugb-39c0395 .ugb-button .ugb-button--inner,.ugb-39c0395 .ugb-button svg{color:#ffffff !important}.ugb-39c0395 .ugb-button:before{border-radius:25px !important}Gem Himself Alone
I’ll not say too much about Gem’s mental health issues in this book, because I don’t want to give any spoilers.
Winner of In the Margins Committee Recommended Reads 2020.
Gem has a secret.
Teenage Gem, alone on the street, has survived abuse, institutionalization, and captivity.
He has lost everything and everyone he ever loved, but is finally free to build a life.
There is only one person he can count on, and that is himself.
.ugb-6f3c742 .ugb-img{width:741px;height:auto !important}.ugb-6f3c742 .ugb-button{background-color:#BE1E2D;border-radius:25px !important}.ugb-6f3c742 .ugb-button .ugb-button--inner,.ugb-6f3c742 .ugb-button svg{color:#ffffff !important}.ugb-6f3c742 .ugb-button:before{border-radius:25px !important}Stand Alone
You will spend most of this trying to figure out what mental health issues Justine is suffering from.
Justine’s therapist says she is ‘troubled’, but it means the same thing. He thinks that her vivid, reoccurring nightmares and atrocious behavior point to some trauma in her past; but Em, Justine’s mother, can’t explain it.
And more books
I have gathered a few other books involving mental health issues that you may enjoy as well.
.ugb-a07903a .ugb-img{width:333px;height:auto !important}.ugb-a07903a .ugb-button{background-color:#BE1E2D;border-radius:25px !important}.ugb-a07903a .ugb-button .ugb-button--inner,.ugb-a07903a .ugb-button svg{color:#ffffff !important}.ugb-a07903a .ugb-button:before{border-radius:25px !important}Where the Forest Meets the Stars
After the loss of her mother and her own battle with breast cancer, Joanna Teale returns to her graduate research on nesting birds in rural Illinois, determined to prove that her recent hardships have not broken her. She throws herself into her work from dusk to dawn, until her solitary routine is disrupted by the appearance of a mysterious child who shows up at her cabin barefoot and covered in bruises.
The girl calls herself Ursa, and she claims to have been sent from the stars to witness five miracles. With concerns about the child’s home situation, Jo reluctantly agrees to let her stay—just until she learns more about Ursa’s past.
.ugb-2ad24cd .ugb-img{width:349px;height:auto !important}.ugb-2ad24cd .ugb-button{background-color:#BE1E2D;border-radius:25px !important}.ugb-2ad24cd .ugb-button .ugb-button--inner,.ugb-2ad24cd .ugb-button svg{color:#ffffff !important}.ugb-2ad24cd .ugb-button:before{border-radius:25px !important}The Girl of all my Memes
Tenth grader Tommy Baher has always lived in the shadow of his older brother Johnathan, and he has always hated it. Determined to set himself apart from his brother, Tommy puts all his efforts into securing the highest grades in his class. There’s just one problem standing in his way: Kara Metaxas, his longtime academic rival, who has always made his life at school difficult.
Kindle[image error].ugb-8695901 .ugb-img{width:333px;height:auto !important}.ugb-8695901 .ugb-button{background-color:#BE1E2D;border-radius:25px !important}.ugb-8695901 .ugb-button .ugb-button--inner,.ugb-8695901 .ugb-button svg{color:#ffffff !important}.ugb-8695901 .ugb-button:before{border-radius:25px !important}It’s Kind of a Funny Store
Like many ambitious New York City teenagers, Craig Gilner sees entry into Manhattan’s Executive Pre-Professional High School as the ticket to his future. Determined to succeed at life—which means getting into the right high school to get into the right college to get the right job—Craig studies night and day to ace the entrance exam, and does. That’s when things start to get crazy.
At his new school, Craig realizes that he isn’t brilliant compared to the other kids; he’s just average, and maybe not even that. He soon sees his once-perfect future crumbling away. The stress becomes unbearable and Craig stops eating and sleeping—until, one night, he nearly kills himself.
.ugb-14f4399 .ugb-img{width:333px;height:auto !important}.ugb-14f4399 .ugb-button{background-color:#BE1E2D;border-radius:25px !important}.ugb-14f4399 .ugb-button .ugb-button--inner,.ugb-14f4399 .ugb-button svg{color:#ffffff !important}.ugb-14f4399 .ugb-button:before{border-radius:25px !important}Sold on a Monday
The sign is a last resort. It sits on a farmhouse porch in 1931, but could be found anywhere in an era of breadlines, bank runs and broken dreams. It could have been written by any mother facing impossible choices.
For struggling reporter Ellis Reed, the gut-wrenching scene evokes memories of his family’s dark past. He snaps a photograph of the children, not meant for publication. But when it leads to his big break, the consequences are more devastating than he ever imagined.
.ugb-9ee5105 .ugb-img{width:331px;height:auto !important}.ugb-9ee5105 .ugb-button{background-color:#BE1E2D;border-radius:25px !important}.ugb-9ee5105 .ugb-button .ugb-button--inner,.ugb-9ee5105 .ugb-button svg{color:#ffffff !important}.ugb-9ee5105 .ugb-button:before{border-radius:25px !important}Turtles all the Way Down
Aza Holmes never intended to pursuethe disappearance of fugitive billionaire Russell Pickett, but there’s a hundred-thousand-dollar reward at stake and her Best and Most Fearless Friend, Daisy, is eager to investigate. So together, they navigate the short distance and broad divides that separate them from Pickett’s son Davis.
Aza is trying. She is trying to be a good daughter, a good friend, a good student, and maybe even a good detective, while also living within the ever-tightening spiral of her own thoughts.
.ugb-0c5b9c4 .ugb-img{width:329px;height:auto !important}.ugb-0c5b9c4 .ugb-button{background-color:#BE1E2D;border-radius:25px !important}.ugb-0c5b9c4 .ugb-button .ugb-button--inner,.ugb-0c5b9c4 .ugb-button svg{color:#ffffff !important}.ugb-0c5b9c4 .ugb-button:before{border-radius:25px !important}My Sister’s Lies
For a decade, Hannah’s life has been pretty close to perfect – she has a great job, she’s married to Mark, and her child-free existence means she’s free as a bird. The only sadness in her life is a fall-out with her sister Diane, who hasn’t spoken to her in over ten years. But now Diane is on her doorstep – and this time, she’s got her teenage daughter Mia in tow.
When Diane asks if Mia can stay with Hannah and Mark for a few days, Hannah is glad of the chance to get to know her niece. But as the days turn into weeks and Diane doesn’t return, Hannah begins to worry. Why hasn’t her sister been in touch?
Diane is carrying a devastating secret that will destroy Hannah’s carefully constructed life.
Reading Lists
Reading list: Young Adult Fiction about Depression
Reading List: Addiction Fiction
Reading list: Young Adult Fiction about Psychosis
Reading List: Fiction about Personality Disorders
Fiction about Anxiety
May 5, 2020
Excerpt from Killing Floor
I hope you managed to pick up some free books over the weekend! If not, some of them may still be available for free. If you’re looking for some new reads, check it out.
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme. Read the rules and more teasers at The Purple Booker. Anyone can play along.
Killing Floor is Lee Child’s first Jack Reacher novel. I’m sure that I have read it before. A couple of points have “rung a bell,” but otherwise it has been like reading it for the first time.
This is not quite the same Jack Reacher as we know and love in the later books in the series. Like any character, he has morphed and become more well-rounded as the series has developed. This first book is written in first person point of view (“I”) instead of third person (“he”), which is a little disconcerting if you are not used to getting right inside of Jack Reacher’s head. And Reacher sings. Both in his head and out loud. There’s lots of stuff about his interest in music in this book that you won’t find in the other books in the series.
Those differences aside, Jack is still Jack, and you can expected the chills, thrills, and twists you are used to getting from Lee Child.
You may have been murdering people left and right in a dozen states. I just don’t know. I can’t be expected to give you the benefit of the doubt.
Lee Child, Killing Floor
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Ex-military policeman Jack Reacher is a drifter. He’s just passing through Margrave, Georgia, and in less than an hour, he’s arrested for murder. Not much of a welcome. All Reacher knows is that he didn’t kill anybody. At least not here. Not lately. But he doesn’t stand a chance of convincing anyone. Not in Margrave, Georgia. Not a chance in hell.
May 1, 2020
Auntie Clem’s Bakery 7-9
Bundle/Collection!
Genres: Cozy Mystery
Author DirectBuy NowBookbub Goodreads
eBook Price: $9.99 The Author Direct option, if shown above, allows you to purchase directly from the author using PayPal
Download format options are Kindle or ePub (iBooks, Nook, etc.) format
Made me want to read all the books. An easy fast paced read!
Crafty Lady, Amazon reader
+ About Auntie Clem's Bakery 7-9
Erin Price is a baker, not a sleuth. It’s really not her fault that mysteries keep landing in her lap while she’s trying to run Auntie Clem’s Bakery and make a living from baking gluten-free and specialty goods.
In these volumes, Erin is meeting new family and friends and looking forward to being settled in Bald Eagle Falls… but things don’t work out quite the way she expects.
Sink your teeth into these sweet mysteries!
This set includes:
7 Sour Cherry Turnover
A brutal murder reminds Erin that there are worse things than business competition. Especially when she is discovered with the murder weapon in her hand.
8 Apple-achian Treasure
Reading about a secret treasure in Clementine’s papers, Erin decides to distract herself by putting back on her detective hat and she and her friends try their hands at solving the clues.
9 Vegan Baked Alaska
“At least you won’t be stumbling over any bodies on an Alaskan cruise.” Mary Lou couldn’t have been more wrong. Of course Erin Price, gluten-free baker extraordinaire, would stumble over a body on the cruise!
Reviews from Goodreads.com
+ Praise for the Series
—This lady knows how to write!! I read this during hurricane Irma on my Kindle so I didn’t care the power was out!
—It was very good! But made me hungry!
—Oh my goodness I loved it! The murder mystery was so awesome… I couldn’t put this book down. Props to you again for another amazing read!
—I really enjoyed this book … Would make a great Hallmark movie.
—This very enjoyable story with uncomplicated characters and a sweet and easy storyline was well done.
+ Book Club Resources
Gluten-Free Pinterest Board
Disease and Disorder Pinterest Board
Food families reference
+ Praise for P.D. Workman
“Every single one of [P.D. Workman’s] books has spoken to me in ways no one or almost anything else has. And I have found strength in the books I’ve read.”
“The way that P.D. Workman writes just flows amazingly and allows the reader to get really invested in a book.”
“This is one author I certainly will be looking out for, I can’t recommend her enough.”
“I’ll read anything by P. D. Workman that I can get my hands on.”
“Every book by PD Workman that I’ve read has been a gripping one, however different the genres are, going from lighter mysteries to really dark ones… this is one of my favourite, most dependable authors.”
“P.D. Workman is an incredibly versatile writer. No matter which of her books I read I am drawn into a great story and honestly, I don’t think I’ve followed another author that could go from cozy mystery to YA to a PI series dealing with mental health issues. Really enjoy her books!”
+ Gluten-Free Murder on my Blog
April 30, 2020
Freebie Weekend! Virtually Harmless and More
Freebie blogs are always my most popular posts when they are first announced. I wonder why that is? 
Santa Shortbread
Coming Soon!
Series: Auntie Clem's Bakery #12
Genres: Cozy Mystery
Buy NowBookbub Goodreads
eBook Price: $4.99 Preorder now! Release date July 17.
The Author Direct option, if shown above, allows you to purchase directly from the author using PayPal
Download format options are Kindle or ePub (iBooks, Nook, etc.) format
The Grinch has come to Bald Eagle Falls
+ About Santa Shortbread
Somebody is stealing Christmas gifts from the Bald Eagle Falls children. At the rate that presents are disappearing, there soon won’t be a gift left in Whoville. Err, Bald Eagle Falls.
Gluten-free baker Erin Price and her friends are on the case to try to unmask the Grinch and bring him to justice, and toys to the children. But time is not on their side. Soon it will be Christmas Eve—will the winner be the Grinch or Santa?
+ Praise for Auntie Clem's Bakery Series
—This lady knows how to write!! I read this during hurricane Irma on my Kindle so I didn’t care the power was out!
—It was very good! But made me hungry!
—Oh my goodness I loved it! The murder mystery was so awesome… I couldn’t put this book down. Props to you again for another amazing read!
—I really enjoyed this book … Would make a great Hallmark movie.
—This very enjoyable story with uncomplicated characters and a sweet and easy storyline was well done.
+ Author's Note
Author’s notes may contain spoilers!
Coming soon!
+ Book Club Resources
Gluten-Free Pinterest Board
Coming soon!
+ Praise for P.D. Workman
“Every single one of [P.D. Workman’s] books has spoken to me in ways no one or almost anything else has. And I have found strength in the books I’ve read.”
“The way that P.D. Workman writes just flows amazingly and allows the reader to get really invested in a book.”
“This is one author I certainly will be looking out for, I can’t recommend her enough.”
“I’ll read anything by P. D. Workman that I can get my hands on.”
“Every book by PD Workman that I’ve read has been a gripping one, however different the genres are, going from lighter mysteries to really dark ones… this is one of my favourite, most dependable authors.”
“P.D. Workman is an incredibly versatile writer. No matter which of her books I read I am drawn into a great story and honestly, I don’t think I’ve followed another author that could go from cozy mystery to YA to a PI series dealing with mental health issues. Really enjoy her books!”
+ Santa shortbread on my Blog
Santa Shortbread
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Tai Chi and Chai Tea
Series: Auntie Clem's Bakery #11 Genres: Cozy Mystery
Buy NowBookbub Goodreads
eBook Price: $4.99 Preorder now. Release date June 19
The Author Direct option, if shown above, allows you to purchase directly from the author using PayPal
Download format options are Kindle or ePub (iBooks, Nook, etc.) format
Thanksgiving dinner did not go well
+ About Tai Chi and Chai Tea
It is Thanksgiving in Bald Eagle Falls and the smells of spicy new offerings waft from Auntie Clem’s Bakery.
Mary Lou is delighted to have Campbell home for Thanksgiving dinner, but less than thrilled with his companion. Before they can get to the bakery-fresh desserts, they are joined by an uninvited guest, the kind that comes with a warrant.
You would think things couldn’t get much worse, but the appearance of a dead body raises the stakes even more.
Erin needs to do some pretty fancy contortions if she is going to figure out how to get Campbell out of this one.
+ Praise for Auntie Clem's Bakery Series
—This lady knows how to write!! I read this during hurricane Irma on my Kindle so I didn’t care the power was out!
—It was very good! But made me hungry!
—Oh my goodness I loved it! The murder mystery was so awesome… I couldn’t put this book down. Props to you again for another amazing read!
—I really enjoyed this book … Would make a great Hallmark movie.
—This very enjoyable story with uncomplicated characters and a sweet and easy storyline was well done.
+ Author's Note
Author’s notes may contain spoilers!
I’ll admit, I’ve been wanting to write a book with this title for quite some time now! I was glad when everything came together in Bald Eagle Falls to allow me to use it.
Erin has been wondering for some time what is going on with Campbell Cox, and it all comes out in this case…
+ Book Club Resources
Gluten-Free Pinterest Board
Chai Recipes For Desserts That Go Way Beyond The Latte
30+ Mini Thanksgiving Desserts – Ideas for Best Recipes for Cute Thanksgiving Treats (not gluten-free, you’ll have to adapt)
+ Praise for P.D. Workman
“Every single one of [P.D. Workman’s] books has spoken to me in ways no one or almost anything else has. And I have found strength in the books I’ve read.”
“The way that P.D. Workman writes just flows amazingly and allows the reader to get really invested in a book.”
“This is one author I certainly will be looking out for, I can’t recommend her enough.”
“I’ll read anything by P. D. Workman that I can get my hands on.”
“Every book by PD Workman that I’ve read has been a gripping one, however different the genres are, going from lighter mysteries to really dark ones… this is one of my favourite, most dependable authors.”
“P.D. Workman is an incredibly versatile writer. No matter which of her books I read I am drawn into a great story and honestly, I don’t think I’ve followed another author that could go from cozy mystery to YA to a PI series dealing with mental health issues. Really enjoy her books!”
+ Tai Chi on my Blog
Tai Chi and Chai Tea
Excerpt 2 from My Story by Elizabeth Smart
Books for PTSD Awareness Day
Enjoy Vegan Baked Alaska and these other great reads!
Start the Easter weekend with New Releases
A Catastrophic Theft and other March freebies
A Psychic with Catitude and other Freebies
Fiction about Sexual Abuse of Boys/Men
Toxo and a round-up of freebies
New Year’s Specials!
Launch of He was Walking Alone and other new releases
Toxo
Release of Allergen-Free Assignation and others!
She Wore Mourning Freebie Weekend
It’s a freebie weekend!
$0.99 Books for Christmas!
Proxy, Medical Kidnap Files #3 and other new releases!
Kids in Peril Prize Pack!
Excerpt from Tattooed Teardrops
10 Steps to NaNoWriMo; Tips, Tricks, and Resources
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Muffins Masks Murder
Coming Soon!
Series: Auntie Clem's Bakery #10
Genres: Cozy Mystery
Buy NowBookbub Goodreads
eBook Price: $4.99 Preorder now — release day May 15
The Author Direct option, if shown above, allows you to purchase directly from the author using PayPal
Download format options are Kindle or ePub (iBooks, Nook, etc.) format
It's Terry who is in the spotlight this time.
+ About Muffins Masks Murder
Back in Bald Eagle Falls, Erin needs a vacation from her vacation. But she doesn’t get much of a chance to relax and get back to normal before the unthinkable happens.
This time, she is not the suspect in a murder investigation, her sweetheart Officer Terry Piper is. Could he have been pushed too far by drug runner Bo Biggles? Did he cross the line? Or is it someone else in the community, someone who might be close to Erin?
Jail is not a safe place for a cop, and Erin is desperate to figure out the guilty party before Terry is taken into custody.
+ Praise for Auntie Clem's Bakery Series
—This lady knows how to write!! I read this during hurricane Irma on my Kindle so I didn’t care the power was out!
—It was very good! But made me hungry!
—Oh my goodness I loved it! The murder mystery was so awesome… I couldn’t put this book down. Props to you again for another amazing read!
—I really enjoyed this book … Would make a great Hallmark movie.
—This very enjoyable story with uncomplicated characters and a sweet and easy storyline was well done.
+ Author's Note
Author’s notes may contain spoilers!
Muffins Masks Murder revolves around a death in police custody. There are many different causes of death in custody. The leading manner of arrest-related deaths is homicide by law enforcement officers. Of course, in 75% of those cases, arrests were made in response to a violent offense, such as assault, robbery or murder. It is only natural, when an offender dies during and arrest or shortly after, for suspicion to be thrown on the arresting officer.
But in 25% of cases, the cause of death is not homicide. It may be suicide, intoxication, accident, or natural causes. In 3-5% of arrest-related deaths, the manner of death cannot be determined. Some of these may be due to sudden cardiac death or excited delerium. It can be impossible to tell whether sudden cardiac death has been caused by allergy, obstruction, poisoning, asphyxiation, etc.
More information in the Book Club Resources section below.
Erin has her job cut out for her in trying to clear Terry in this case!
+ Book Club Resources
Gluten-Free Pinterest Board
Mortality in local jails
Deaths in police custody in the United States
When the Heart Stops, Drugs Often to Blame
Deaths from Cardiac Arrest Are Misclassified, Overestimated
Postmortem findings after fatal anaphylactic reactions
Positional Asphyxia—Sudden Death
+ Praise for P.D. Workman
“Every single one of [P.D. Workman’s] books has spoken to me in ways no one or almost anything else has. And I have found strength in the books I’ve read.”
“The way that P.D. Workman writes just flows amazingly and allows the reader to get really invested in a book.”
“This is one author I certainly will be looking out for, I can’t recommend her enough.”
“I’ll read anything by P. D. Workman that I can get my hands on.”
“Every book by PD Workman that I’ve read has been a gripping one, however different the genres are, going from lighter mysteries to really dark ones… this is one of my favourite, most dependable authors.”
“P.D. Workman is an incredibly versatile writer. No matter which of her books I read I am drawn into a great story and honestly, I don’t think I’ve followed another author that could go from cozy mystery to YA to a PI series dealing with mental health issues. Really enjoy her books!”
+ Muffins Masks Murder on my Blog
Muffins Masks Murder
Summer writing
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Sale on Questing for a Dream
Have you read Questing for a Dream, which InD’tale Magazine says is: “Easily one of the most thought-provoking and compelling reads of the year, Ms. Workman has written a masterful contemporary account of one native teen’s journey from home and the possibilities for hope even for those drowning in poverty, prejudice, and addiction … A must-read tale for any book lover!”
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About Questing for a Dream
Abject poverty. Utter tragedy. What if the only way to find yourself is to lose who you thought you were?
Life on a reservation isn’t easy.
Nadie is a bright young teen that scorns the ways of her Cree band.
Neglect and abuse are all too common. When tragedy strikes, tradition and ritual provide her little comfort.
Grief-stricken, Nadie sets off on a quest to the white man’s land in search of something better.
Something more.
Instead, she finds darkness. Prejudice and discrimination.
Incarceration.
In her search for wholeness, Nadie discovers that traditions might be more than just empty rituals.
They can be the path to healing and the journey home.
A poignant, Native American Cree saga, full of all the feels. Perfect if you love a heartfelt coming-of-age story that encourages healing from the roots up.
Read it today.
Goodreads reviews for Questing for a Dream
Praise for Questing for a Dream
“Brilliant masterpiece”
“Easily one of the most thought-provoking and compelling reads of the year, Ms. Workman has written a masterful contemporary account of one native teen’s journey from home and the possibilities for hope even for those drowning in poverty, prejudice, and addiction … A must-read tale for any book lover!”
“P.D. Workman’s skilled narrative of Nadie and her poignant journey to wholeness is a thoughtful exposé of shattered dreams and tragic youth sure to resonate with every reader.”
“An inspiring book which can encourage the reader to face the challenges in life’s journey and to accept the lessons that come as a result.”
“An amazing book, very well written; a heartbreaking story of loss, suffering, and self-realization.”
“I enjoyed this from the bottom of my heart.”
“My hat goes off to P.D. Workman for bringing such an amazing story to the market with emotional detail and intriguing characters. I would recommend this book to absolutely anyone.”
“The author’s writing was so good. At first I thought this book would be a difficult read since I don’t normally read books with cultural substance but the way it was written in an engaging way made the experience enjoyable for me.”
“What I found absorbing, what caught me up unaware was the power of this writer to translate Native American experience without once falling into any subtle sense of stereotyping.”
“An absorbing and satisfyingly complex tale.”
“This excellent and realistically wrought story will bring you to tears.”
“It was a GREAT read! I could hardly put it down. Very insightful. Will definitely read more of PD Workman’s books.”
Endorsements
Easily one of the most thought-provoking and compelling reads of the year, Ms. Workman has written a masterful contemporary account of one native teen’s journey from home and the possibilities for hope even for those drowning in poverty, prejudice, and addiction. Examining hard concepts such as death, rape, abuse, neglect, addiction, and wounds passed down from generation to generation, this story is full of raw emotion that will bring the reader to tears, yet unable to put the smoothly-paced story down. With true-to-life characters both good and bad, Nadie is inspirational. It isn’t because she’s perfect but rather because she is far from it and somehow manages to find the courage in the end to become someone who can help bring her tribe forward. A must-read tale for any book lover!
Sarah E. Bradley, InD’tale Magazine
My hat goes off to P.D. Workman for bringing such an amazing story to the market with emotional detail and intriguing characters. I would recommend this book to absolutely anyone.
This book is a compelling, well-written story… It fills a void in the today’s literature and creates a discourse regarding a marginalized part of the fabric of Canada. The book resonated with me as it is about being brave and knowing… what it means to be resilient. The book will appeal – and will provide insight – to a wider audience. This book is a winner because it is not a long book and it is a perfect cure for cabin fever: as an avid reader you get a sense of accomplishment when you finish a book!
Melissa Atkinson, What’s Up Yukon
The author’s writing was so good. At first I thought this book would be a difficult read since I don’t normally read books with cultural substance but the way it was written in an engaging way made the experience enjoyable for me. It was fun to read Nadie’s journey and her self-realizations. I became intimately involved and sympathetic to her as she took decisions after decisions.
I have always wanted to learn more about the Native American culture. I think I learned a little more in this book. This book was great. This book was sad but gripping. I enjoyed the characters and the story line. I cried with these characters and smiled when they did. I think the author did a great job with this book.
April 28, 2020
Excerpt from Good Omens
Do you have autistic loved ones who you worry about during this time of crisis on in anticipation of other emergent situations? If so, you might want to check out my blog post from last week on Autism Awareness During Crisis.
And be sure to come back this weekend for some great deals!
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme. Read the rules and more teasers at The Purple Booker. Anyone can play along.
I am currently reading Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett’s Good Omens. If you’ve read any Neil Gaiman, you probably know that it is going to be crazy, illogical, colourful, tongue-in-cheek and all rather brilliant. It looks like it was serialized last year on Amazon Prime, though I haven’t seen it. I am enjoying it so far. If you like things like Douglass Adams (Hitchhiker’s Guide) and Monty Python, you’ll like Neil Gaiman.
But demons like Ligur and Hastur wouldn’t understand. They’d never have thought up Welsh-language television, for example. Or VAT. Or Manchester.
He’d been particularly pleased with Manchester.
Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, Good Omens
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What if, for once, the predictions are right, and the Apocalypse really is due to arrive next Saturday, just after tea?
It’s a predicament that Aziraphale, a somewhat fussy angel, and Crowley, a fast-living demon, now find themselves in. They’ve been living amongst Earth’s mortals since The Beginning and, truth be told, have grown rather fond of the lifestyle and, in all honesty, are not actually looking forward to the coming Apocalypse.
Now people have been predicting the end of the world almost from its very beginning, so it’s only natural to be sceptical when a new date is set for Judgement Day.
You could spend the time left drowning your sorrows, giving away all your possessions in preparation for the rapture, or laughing it off as (hopefully) just another hoax. Or you could just try to do something about it.
And then there’s the small matter that someone appears to have misplaced the Antichrist . . .
April 23, 2020
Autism Awareness During Crisis
I have been pondering, in the in-between times this month, how to approach my April Autism Awareness blog this year. (See my previous posts below.) This is primarily a book blog, so I normally share fiction or non-fiction books that have an autism-positive viewpoint or are good resources for autistic people or allies.
But this year, with COVID-19 and the restrictions and extra stress that everyone is facing, it seems disingenuous to post as if there is nothing going on. Neurotypical people are suffering with isolation and navigating new situations and programs with difficulty, not to mention those who are sick or have been affected by the deaths of loved ones. It is that much more difficult for those who are disabled and/or neurodiverse, including those with autism.
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Isolation inside isolation
But why would isolation be more difficult for those who are autistic? After all, don’t they prefer isolation?
No.
And even those who prefer living or working alone still suffer in this situation.
Here are a few articles explaining some of the problems autistic people are facing, including the risks of not being able to get the food they need to survive and of being triaged behind neurotypicals (and potentially not being treated) if they fall ill.
Autism and QuarantineAn Open Letter About COVID-19Shopping in the world of Coronavirus: an Autistic’s perspective
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Dealing with the current situation, crisis planning for the future
I started today looking for books for autistics about preparing for and dealing with disaster. I failed to find anything useful. I moved onto looking for articles and internet resources. Most of what I could find was emergency planning for families with autistic children. There was very little aimed at helping autistic adults or their carers.
I did find this helpful article.
So, I did what I should have done in the first place and went to the autistic/neurodiverse community to see what they were finding, creating, and posting. Here I found the isolation articles above, as well as some other real treasures:
Our Great Big List of COVID-19 Resources for Autistic PeopleWhy is everything so weird? Understanding life and the coronavirusUniversal Autism COVID-19 Individual Health Action PlanWe are Heroes A Plain Language Guide about Covid-19 and some of the changes in our livesMindful Body Scan guided meditationAutism and Coping With Pandemic Stressors: Advice from TPGA Community Members
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Medical concerns
I have also had specific concerns about autistic people knowing when they are in need of medical services and being able to access them. Autistic individuals tend to have a higher rate of a number of medical concerns than does the general population. So I went searching for some more articles and resources on that topic.
Asperger’s, Pain Perception, and Body AwarenessPrimary Care for Adults on the Autism SpectrumHow quiet headphones and visual guides help autistic patients get better health careThe Mindful Body Scan above may be helpful as wellThere are a number of visual pain scales available on the net, but I would like to get more feedback from autistics as to which one(s) work best for them before recommending one
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And more stress
Stress—in autistics and in neurotypicals—doesn’t look the same for everyone. We hide what we’re feeling. We don’t know what we’re feeling. We don’t know what specifically is bothering us. Or we’re just tired of being cooped up.
Some time ago, I came across this Wikihow on How to Handle an Autistic Friend’s Meltdown, which I thought was well-written and respectful. When things get to be too much, perhaps this can help you to support your autistic loved ones through difficult times.
There are other concerns that I have amidst this crisis, which also have a higher rate of occurrence in the autistic population. Homelessness is a real concern right now. People who are isolated with their abusers and no longer have a safe place to go or someone they can reach out to for help. Carers (both neurotypical and autistic) who are unable to handle the additional stress or physical demands. Please keep an eye out for the vulnerable around you. Reach out and offer help where you can.
Recommendations?
If you have some good resources, things that are helping you and your autistic family, friends, coworkers, etc. please post them in the comments section below!
And yes, books
As I said, I was not able to find books on the above topics. But I have recommended some autism-positive books in past blog posts.
Autism Acceptance Month
The International Day of the Stim
Excerpt from Neurotribes
Starting with Autism Awareness
