tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32315311.post3656168224734760224..comments2024-03-27T12:04:11.802-07:00Comments on Bloggin' 'bout Books: When the Bough Breaks Looks at Families In All Their Twisted, Imperfect GlorySusanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05344704891037668456noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32315311.post-51040504699590248202008-05-22T16:32:00.000-07:002008-05-22T16:32:00.000-07:00I realized I forgot to mention Kay Lynn's website ...I realized I forgot to mention Kay Lynn's website - check her out at www.kaylynnmangumnovels.com .Susanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05344704891037668456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32315311.post-30467487147373365592008-05-22T16:22:00.000-07:002008-05-22T16:22:00.000-07:00KLM - I had no idea Ryan was based on a real perso...KLM - I had no idea Ryan was based on a real person. Interesting. I'm glad her rehab went so well - such a quick recovery is definitely not the norm. <BR/><BR/>I know you talked about being frustrated with LDS publishers for not allowing you to write about everything you want to - hopefully, this book and teens' positive reactions to it will prove how necessary realistic LDS fiction really is.Susanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05344704891037668456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32315311.post-19879295140010020912008-05-22T10:41:00.000-07:002008-05-22T10:41:00.000-07:00Well, I've enjoyed reading the review of my novel,...Well, I've enjoyed reading the review of my novel, as well as the comments! RE: my novel wrapping up too neatly, from the research I did for this novel, which included interviewing a young woman who had just finished alcohol rehab, I've learned yet again that truth is stranger than fiction. I based much of the ending of the novel on her experience. In her case, once her family figured out what was going on with her, they researched to place her in one of the top three rehab centers for youth in the country. She has been fortunate -- one three month trip to rehab has helped her immensely. She has been clean and sober for almost two years now, and goes around to high schools telling of her experience. I hope she stays sober, but as she's told me, every day is a challenge, and she knows she could relapse, which is what often does happen to those who suffer from addictions. I wanted to end my novel with hope, which was why I chose to have Ryan's situation be similar to hers. I know from my research that this is not the case with many who suffer with addictions. The young woman I interviewed has said the same. She has definitely been fortunate! Even though my novel may have some flaws, it has been humbling to have many teenagers contact me through my website (several have been from homes with a family member who struggle with addictions) to tell me how much they enjoyed the novel. Knowing the audience you hope to reach is enjoying your work is something I think every author loves! :)Kay Lynnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14049689659047181043noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32315311.post-84128028893162370762008-05-22T08:57:00.000-07:002008-05-22T08:57:00.000-07:00Sarah - The thing I love most about book blogging ...Sarah - The thing I love most about book blogging is seeing (reading) people's different reactions to books. We all have such different opinions.<BR/><BR/>I guess when I wrote that things wrapped up too neatly, I was thinking about my own situation with an alcoholic sibling. His battle went on for years, and he still hasn't realized what an enormous toll his actions took on our family. I have been in the main character's shoes, and yes, I felt that part of the book wrapped up too easily. <BR/><BR/>I do think Kay Lynn was brave to take on a subject like alcoholism. In today's world, plenty of LDS families are dealing with issues like this, and I think teens are grateful to see reality finally being addressed in LDS novels. <BR/><BR/>You're right - I'm not a teen, so I probably have difficulty reading a "YA novel through the eyes of a YA." But, when I was a teen, I hated reading LDS fiction because it was preachy and so obviously trying to teach me a spiritual lesson. It's okay to "preach," but the key is subtlety. My opinion, anyway. <BR/><BR/>I'm glad you enjoyed the book. I've been communicating with Kay Lynn, and I know she'll appreciate your comments :)Susanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05344704891037668456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32315311.post-79151538081916468622008-05-22T08:33:00.000-07:002008-05-22T08:33:00.000-07:00I totally disagree with your review. I thought the...I totally disagree with your review. I thought the author portrayed her story in a very realistic fashion. I'm not sure where you are getting the "preachy" attitude from. Not even. I don't usually read LDS fiction because it is usually contrived and characters are flat (not the mention the cheese factor), but this YA novel was written for the YA in mind, and thus had the perfect depth of each of her characters individually. You think things were wrapped up neatly? I didn't see that at all. Perhaps you should read a YA novel through the eyes of a YA.Sarahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10626896164771048895noreply@blogger.com