A Goodreads user
asked:
I haven't read the book yet, and I intend to, but I wonder if any other readers have a slight problem with the author being male? VIOLA SHIPMAN is a pen name for Wade Rouse, a popular, award-winning memoirist. Rouse chose his grandmother’s name, Viola Shipman, to honor the woman whose charm bracelet and family stories inspired him to write his debut novel, which is a tribute to all of our elders.
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Viola Shipman
Oh, my gosh, I certainly hope and pray that the pen name does not affect your reading of my novel, or impact your journey with it in any way. It was a personal decision: In fact, I like to say the pen name chose me, rather than I chose it. Not only did my grandmothers' charm bracelets, stories and lessons inspire my debut novel but my grandmothers encouraged me to become a writer, and their lives and sacrifices helped make me the person I am today. I truly felt it was a way for me to honor them and their legacies forever, and, in turn, honor those of all our grandparents and our elders. I wouldn't be here without them. I could go on and on, but all I hope is that you are charmed by THE CHARM BRACELET and reminded that the simple gifts in life (family, faith, friends, fun, love) are the grandest and most important. Thank you, and much love and happiness in 2016.
Wade/Viola
Wade/Viola
Shatan
Viola Shipman, I'm in love with your response to this comment! This book sounded really good prior to me reading your response but now I'm even more intrigued!
Jody Spreng
A lot of famous writers use pen names. Why should that matter? I find it a stunning tribute to his grandmother that Wade Rouse chose to honor his beloved grandmother in such a remarkable way. I also find it quite amazing that Rouse, being a male, was able to dead on capture the emotions of three generations of women. I call that a truly talented writer.
Letty
I had no idea it was written by a male using a pen name but it wouldn't have mattered to me at all. Just finished the book and thought it was such a beautiful story and a great tribute to his grandmothers. What an amazing writer!!
Sandralk
Hello Readers of all genders, sizes, ages and names-
I haven't read this book yet either (it is on my To Read list is which is growing with so many wonderful books!).
Gender, age, pseudo-name, etc doesn't factor into which book I may or may not read. As long as there is an honest attempt to write an enjoyable book the comment was just something I was unaware of until now.
I believe the Nancy Drew series I read as a pre-teen was written by a male with a pen name. I enjoyed that series along with The Hardy Boys.
Lately I've been on reading a lot of YA books, and I am not a teenager anymore, however I am a mom of one. So I guess I kind of mismatch myself. Still I really have enjoyed them compared to "back in my day" where Judy Blume and Norma Klein were about all we had relating to young love.
Maybe I read too much into the comment, it is hard to pick up on tone on-line sometimes. Regardless, I hope everyone continues to read books whether they are written by anyone with or without a pen name!
Happy Reading!
PS: I love bracelets!
I haven't read this book yet either (it is on my To Read list is which is growing with so many wonderful books!).
Gender, age, pseudo-name, etc doesn't factor into which book I may or may not read. As long as there is an honest attempt to write an enjoyable book the comment was just something I was unaware of until now.
I believe the Nancy Drew series I read as a pre-teen was written by a male with a pen name. I enjoyed that series along with The Hardy Boys.
Lately I've been on reading a lot of YA books, and I am not a teenager anymore, however I am a mom of one. So I guess I kind of mismatch myself. Still I really have enjoyed them compared to "back in my day" where Judy Blume and Norma Klein were about all we had relating to young love.
Maybe I read too much into the comment, it is hard to pick up on tone on-line sometimes. Regardless, I hope everyone continues to read books whether they are written by anyone with or without a pen name!
Happy Reading!
PS: I love bracelets!
Carol
It doesn't bother me at all. What a great tribute to his grandmother. As one who was very close to my grandparents, I find it very endearing.
I'm curious how you feel about George Eliot.
I'm curious how you feel about George Eliot.
Barb
Lots of women used men's pen names when they were afraid of not being taken seriously. Why should it be any different with the opposite?
Deanna Lynn Sletten
I am currently reading this novel (courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher) and I had no idea a man had written it. I read all types of books and by male and female authors, and most of the time you can tell when a man is writing about women. Not in this case. The story is beautiful and the characters are so vibrant and realistic. So I have to say kudos to Wade Rouse for writing such a lovely book. I hope you write many, many more.
Tricia McBride
Read the book and you will not have a problem
Arlene
I understand your apprehension. I am usually not a fan of men writing from a woman's perspective but Wade Rouse does a good job. Kudos Mr Rouse. I look forward to reading your next novel.
Cathy
I don't have a problem with the author using his grandmother's name. I go according to how I like the book and how it affects me. I think the author did a good job. I really enjoyed it. It's a book I want to keep.
You wrote your question a year ago. Did you read the book yet? How did you like it?
You wrote your question a year ago. Did you read the book yet? How did you like it?
Carol
If I hadn't read the question, I never would have known the author is a man! I am 25% through it; and i love it
MARGIE KRUEGER
I have no problem at all with the pen name. I absolutely loved this book. The story was great and I loved the characters. I think its a wonderful tribute to his grandmother to use her name.
Jane Harris
Whatever difference does that make? Are you implying that men cannot write stories appealing to women? I think that Mr. Rouse's usage of his grandmother's name was a charming, personal gesture, which might also serve to separate this work ( a novel) from his previous works. (memoirs).
Louise
Not at all. I never gave it a negative thought.
Linda Lou
I felt it was quite touching. I read it without checking to see "WHO" wrote the book. Does that mean I got less out of it? Absolutely not!
If I remember right there was some speculation that Shakespeare could have been a woman writer, but since women were not allowed to write at the time the writer took a pen name. Would you not read Shakespeare if you found out SHE were the writer?
If I remember right there was some speculation that Shakespeare could have been a woman writer, but since women were not allowed to write at the time the writer took a pen name. Would you not read Shakespeare if you found out SHE were the writer?
Lisa
I don't care if a male or female wrote it. I just care that I enjoy the book. I look forward to reading it. <3
SueBee
never judge a book by it's author's name LOL... Actually I think Wally Lamb did an outstanding job in She's Come Undone...so I say go for it!
Janine
I'm excited to read it. I think the book sounds great. I don't have any problem with the gender of an author as long as they tell a good story.
Lucinda Vinoski
This novel is written with sensitivity and a great deal of love. These sentiments are qualities that should be present in both males and females.
Enjoy his poignant tale and listen to the Wisdom within.
Enjoy his poignant tale and listen to the Wisdom within.
Mary T
I was actually shocked to read that it was written by a man. It's a beautiful story that I was sure was written by a woman. Please read it. It's a wonderful story of family (and Michigan!) This book really moved me. It has so many parallels to my life and that of my family. I want my Mom and my nieces to read it. I think I'll buy a few copies for Christmas presents.
Teresa Jackovich
Not only did I love this book - our book club did too. And while reading it I won a really nice charm bracelet and charms to add to my vintage collection - telling life story. What a thrill!! Made me love the book even more. Delicious read. I also live near Lake Michigan so it made it really special.
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