Leaving Nirvana

by Julianne Sisung

It’s 1915. Bias thrives in Idlewild, a black resort village in northwest Michigan, and a small town, white woman learns the power of honor and the impact of subjugation in all its forms. Abby and her Irish father run a hotel in Idlewild, Michigan, a small-town resort for middle class Negros. Through fire, KKK painted crosses, the rape and beating of her black friend, and marriage to a local man, she learns the destructive power of oppression in all its forms and the value of honor. Over 30,000 people vacationed in Idlewild every summer from 1915 to 1964 when the Civil Rights Act made the resort unnecessary. Della Reese, Sammy Davis Jr., BB King and other famous black entertainers played there and made it the most notable resort in the nation. This account imagines what happens when honor confronts bias.

462 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 4, 2017

Reviews

[Maria S · Rating 4 out of 5]

I met JuliAnne at a festival, and was delightfully impressed by her writing! Knowing that she is a local author and giving her interpretation of historical fiction in Michigan made it that much sweeter.

This story kept me reading and often times I fought back the tears that it was, inevitably, creating. I thoroughly enjoyed the development of the characters throughout and seeing just how important they were. I recommend this to anyone that enjoys reading historical fiction, especially those that focus on social issues and oppression.

By the end the story gives a sense of women’s rights matter, any form of abuse is not tolerated, and the color of your skin does not change who you are or how you should be treated.

Oh, and did I mention that there are cats in here? Cherry on top.

[Jennifer Desloover · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is exceptional! One of the best books I've ever read. I found myself compelled to just keep reading one more page...until the entire book was consumed. I've always felt odd because I feel too much and most people don't want to see things like I do. Well...this book breathed courage into my soul to feel even more! Now I want to read all of JuliAnne's books.

[D Traver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story, especially liked it as we pass through this area on the way to a family fishing cabin on the Pere Marquette river. Look forward to reading others.

[Sherry Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as good as her Hersey series IMO but still enjoyable. She needs to learn about horses, you don’t nicker at them to make them go, you click your tongue.