Writing a book is like opening up my bathrobe in Target when it’s really crowded. I feel as if I’ve bared my soul through my latest work, Redemption. Along with Stacey Lannert, I’ve done my best to use language to convey her life’s story. It’s a grim tale of a childhood of sexual abuse that resulted in murder and 18 years in prison. But as the title suggests, there is a happy, freeing ending–as happy as an ending can be under such circumstances.
So when the reviews started coming out, I got that antsy feeling. I became all sensitive and vulnerable and judgy. But, of course, I read every critique. I’m happy and relieved to report that two were good this week.
One was on the website Darkness to Light. The other was from True Crime Book Review. TC wrote, “It’s not your typical true crime; not even marketed as such–but considering Stacey’s story, I feel it’s more than appropriate to recommend to my fellow TC fans.”
There were also 19 customer reviews on Amazon here. Most of them were positive, offering kind words and virtual support for Stacey. My favorite line was by reviewer Jenna Glatzer: “This was one of the rare books that’s hooked me so deeply that I couldn’t wait to finish whatever I was doing so I could get back to reading it.”
It doesn’t get better than that.
Three of the Amazon comment were so-so, but I vow to be brave. We did our best, so I remind myself that there’s no need to envision the bathrobe. I can take–and learn from–whatever reviewers have to say. Bring it on.
(lowjumpingfrog/Flickr)
I heard Stacey speak about Redemption on the Diane Rehm show. I immediately emailed my local library in St. Charles, Missouri and highly recommended they purchase Redemption. I am just about finished and this book has moved me more than any other book I have read. Actually it has been such a powerful book I will be ordering my own copy from Amazon today to share with my daughters.
I am honored that Stacey would share her story with us. She is a true hero and someone who is making a difference. I am so glad she is free as she should have been long ago. Please keep up the good work Stacey.
Thank you Kristen for a extremely well written book which I can only assume was hard to put into words for both Stacey and you. I appreciate how your book can be used as a tool to open eyes of everyone to the problem of abuse to children – including sexual, verbal, emotional, and physical abuses. I know your book will help to change lives and make victims like myself feel more like survivors and victors. It did for me. Lisa Rose
I heard Stacey speak about Redemption on the Diane Rehm show. I immediately emailed my local library in St. Charles, Missouri and highly recommended they purchase Redemption. I am just about finished and this book has moved me more than any other book I have read. Actually it has been such a powerful book I will be ordering my own copy from Amazon today to share with my daughters.
I am honored that Stacey would share her story with us. She is a true hero and someone who is making a difference. I am so glad she is free as she should have been long ago. Please keep up the good work Stacey.
Thank you Kristen for a extremely well written book which I can only assume was hard to put into words for both Stacey and you. I appreciate how your book can be used as a tool to open eyes of everyone to the problem of abuse to children – including sexual, verbal, emotional, and physical abuses. I know your book will help to change lives and make victims like myself feel more like survivors and victors. It did for me. Lisa Rose
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