Anne Hart

Have you ever visited the 9/11 World Trade Center memorial in New York?  I have not, but now I have to go after reading Blue Sky Gone by J.S.Farmer.  This beautiful tribute to those affected by the 9/11 attacks was a page-turner.  I loved all the relationships between the two sisters Audrey and Hannah.  It’s great how two sisters can be so different yet so alike.  The details in Audrey’s police training were fabulous as the author was a police officer.  Hannah’s love interest, Travis was a bit too good to be true but I loved him.  The great thing about this story is it follows up with the after-effects of the 9/11 attacks.  The trauma and injuries are still being dealt with daily.  Although this book is like a warm hug, there is no sugar coating the actual events or aftermath.  It’s not just a great story,  it’s an example of how to cope with tragedy.  I loved this book.  

Have you ever read a book that made you feel like someone really understood what you’ve been through?  Emily Maloney did just that in her book/essay collection called The Cost of Living.  It was like she was saying: I see you; I understand; It’s not your fault, and You will survive and thrive.  The essays read like a book that just isn’t in chronological order.  Emily survived a suicide attempt at the age of 19, but the medical costs followed her for 10 years. The costs were more than just money but also socially, career-wise, familial relations, and personal worth. I’ve dealt with 3 family members' suicide, luckily 2 survived.  The issue of the medications making depression worse is so true.  I also had to deal with people not being allowed to spend the night at your house or come over.  The looks from neighbors as they turned and hurried into their homes.  Then there are the calls from collection agencies.  On the other hand, I also ...