Writes From Readers
As a relatively unknown author, fan mail is a rare treat, so I thought I'd share:
Dear Ms. Verhoff, I enjoy reading about teen girls who have interests outside of dating and clothes. Glory isn't a wizard, she doesn't fight vampires or zombies, but kicks butt in her very own way. Her weapon is never giving up. Glory rocks! ~ Nicole* from Boulder, CO (12-4-2012)
Hello Nicole:
You are right about Glory Alley. While she's not immune from fantasizing about nice clothes and dating, most of her energy is focused elsewhere. As you know, her dream is to become a geologist, but her first priority is simply surviving her dysfunctional family. Like all teens, Glory Alley is a rich and complex individual, stubborn to a fault, yet insecure about her place in the world, a sinner and a saint at the same time. She's also a daughter, grand daughter, sister, friend, rock collector, student, budding geologist, spelunker and a dreamer.
Some readers have come away from the book calling her selfish and labeling her as the bad guy of the story. Others have seen her as a selfless hero. I find the range of reactions interesting, but not surprising. I love the way you defined Glory's weapon as never giving up. If you don't mind, I'm going to borrow some of your comments. Your email made my day. I really appreciate the time you took to contact me.
*I removed last name to protect the reader's identity
Dear Ms. Verhoff, I enjoy reading about teen girls who have interests outside of dating and clothes. Glory isn't a wizard, she doesn't fight vampires or zombies, but kicks butt in her very own way. Her weapon is never giving up. Glory rocks! ~ Nicole* from Boulder, CO (12-4-2012)
Hello Nicole:
You are right about Glory Alley. While she's not immune from fantasizing about nice clothes and dating, most of her energy is focused elsewhere. As you know, her dream is to become a geologist, but her first priority is simply surviving her dysfunctional family. Like all teens, Glory Alley is a rich and complex individual, stubborn to a fault, yet insecure about her place in the world, a sinner and a saint at the same time. She's also a daughter, grand daughter, sister, friend, rock collector, student, budding geologist, spelunker and a dreamer.
Some readers have come away from the book calling her selfish and labeling her as the bad guy of the story. Others have seen her as a selfless hero. I find the range of reactions interesting, but not surprising. I love the way you defined Glory's weapon as never giving up. If you don't mind, I'm going to borrow some of your comments. Your email made my day. I really appreciate the time you took to contact me.
*I removed last name to protect the reader's identity
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