Acclaimed novelist Anne Rivers Siddons's new novel is a stunning tale of love and loss.Now I must confess: I have never read Anne Rivers Siddons, but I have several of her books and have always wanted to read her. Now I will - this books sounds excellent and I can't wait to read it.
For as long as she can remember, they were Cam and Lilly--happily married, totally in love with each other, parents of a beautiful family, and partners in life. Then, after decades of marriage, it ended as every great love story does...in loss. After Cam's death, Lilly takes a lone road trip to her and Cam's favorite spot on the remote coast of Maine, the place where they fell in love over and over again, where their ghosts still dance. There, she looks hard to her past--to a first love that ended in tragedy; to falling in love with Cam; to a marriage filled with exuberance, sheer life, and safety-- to try to figure out her future.
It is a journey begun with tender memories and culminating in a revelation that will make Lilly re-evaluate everything she thought was true about her husband and her marriage.
Do you get time to read? What are your favorite types of books to read?
If I have time to read, I write. Don't get me wrong, I love reading, but I'm not the type to devour a book in one sitting. The books I read sit on my nightstand and I go to them when I need an escape.
What is your favorite room in your house?
My bedroom, always has been.
What is your favorite spot to read in?
The bath, surrounded by candles and good smells..I know it's cliché but it's awesome.
What is your favorite snack food?
Pistachios
Do you have a schedule for writing each day or do you just do it when you can?
I attempt to have a schedule. If something comes to me, I stop whatever I'm doing and write. I've been known to write on napkins at restaurants, the back of receipts...my hand.
Where did the idea for Dancing With Ana come from?
I'm not sure actually, it just came to me. I wanted to write a story about the incredible bond that exists between true friends. The rest just came as I wrote...there were days the book wrote itself, I was just the vehicle.
Where did your character of Beth come from?
Once I realized that Beth was going to go down this journey, I wanted her to be as “normal” as possible. It's hard for society to digest a situation like this when the victim resembles a friend or a family member. The attitude of, “Why would she do such a thing? She has a perfect life!” is very prevalent. The thing is, most people don't wear their pain on the outside.
Where did the title "Dancing With Ana" come from?
If you put yourself in a room with a hundred people, the chances are pretty good that one of them will appear anorexic. She/he will be terribly thin, bones protruding, limp hair, dull skin..empty eyes. Chances are there's another ten people merely dancing with ana. Their pain, their suffering, isn't as obvious. Anorexia is a brilliant disease. It slips in quite unnoticed and slowly takes over. Some victims only dance for a little while, then leave on their own. Others can't leave without help. Some never leave.
You wrote this book in a way that appeals to young adults obviously, but also I think it appeals to the older generation too. We all remember our teenage years and the tough issues we faced. But I think the key was you didn't distance the older reader with too much of now's technology and phrases, but kept it fresh for the younger reader too (I know the girls text, but a lot of us do and for those that don't the texts read like phone conversations too). Was this intentional?
It was very intentional. I wanted this to be a contemporary story that could be respected and appreciated by a young adult audience. At the same time, I knew there are many people like me who remember their teen years and could relate. I also wanted it to be a book that both parents and their kids could have in common.
What book are you working on at the moment?
I'm working on another young adult book. This one takes place in the Northeast. My main character is Lily and she has two best friends. There's a love story...
Any book signings/conferences/public/blog appearances in the near future?
Yes! Updates are always posted on the website. There is also a Dancing With Ana Facebook group that receives regular updates, or you can follow me on Twitter.
Any last words on Dancing With Ana or anything else that you would like to sha
I loved writing this book and I hope the readers enjoy it. I also love hearing from my readers!
The Description:When Nell Channing arrives on charming Three Sisters Island, she believes that she's finally found refuge from her abusive husband -- and from the terrifying life she fled so desperately eight months ago...I absolutely fell in love - I was enthralled from the first page. I loved Zack and Nell, I loved the other characters, I loved the background story of the island. And I fell in love with the writing of Nora Roberts. Reading one of her books now is like coming home - I always remember my first read by her and how great it was.
But even in this quiet, peaceful place, Nell never feels entirely at ease. Careful to conceal her true identity, she takes a job as a cook at the local bookstore café -- and begins to explore her feelings for the island sheriff, Zack Todd. But there is a part of herself she can never reveal to him -- for she must continue to guard her secrets if she wants to keep the past at bay. One careless word, one misplaced confidence, and the new life she's created so carefully could shatter completely.
Just as Nell starts to wonder if she'll ever be able to break free of her fear, she realizes that the island suffers under a terrible curse -- one that can only be broken by the descendants of the Three Sisters, the witches who settled the island back in 1692. And now, with the help of two other strong, gifted women -- and with the nightmares of the past haunting her every step -- she must find the power to save her home, her love... and herself...
Product DescriptionI really enjoyed this look into teenage life that reminds me of the old Choose Your Own Adventures books I use to read. Except these help tweens and teens see the consequences of choosing one of two scenarios. One is obviously the morally correct choice and the other is the often popular/go-along with the crowd choice.Drew Daniels finally has what she thought she wanted—popularity and a cute boyfriend. But now she’s faced with choosing between pleasing her boyfriend and doing what’s right. Tween readers make the choice in this interactive story and see how the consequences change Drew’s life. Includes a contract and prayer to remind the reader of the importance of making godly decisions.
Book DescriptionDecisions, decisions! How is a girl supposed to choose? Lessons of right and wrong are put to the test in the Scenarios series, where you can test your decision-making abilities in an eye-opening, but safe, way. Each book follows a character up to the point where she has to make an important, life-changing decision—then it’s your turn to choose. Will your choices lead to a happy ending?
Posts
All Comments
