Read previous chapters here. Chapter 6 Soledad climbs the pepper tree in their new backyard, a small house Mama has rented down the road from Abuela’s. The rough bark cuts into her hands, a feeling of adventure and hard work accomplished. Francis is below her, whining that her finger is bleeding, a tiny spot of… Continue Reading →
Read Chapter 1 Read Chapter 2 Read Chapter 3 Read Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Walt is still lying in the futuristic-looking bed, tubes growing from his face and wrist. His eyes remain closed, no gentle flicker to indicate the peaceful sleep of dreamers. Leda stares at him with hard resolve, hoping the sense of being… Continue Reading →
Read Chapter 1 Read Chapter 2 Read Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Soledad is a good girl, quiet and kind, polite and accommodating. She still doesn’t understand why they’ve moved, gone and left Papa in Los Angeles. She asks about him frequently, making Mama’s eyes glisten, a sight that immediately calls guilt to Soledad’s breast. She… Continue Reading →
Read Chapter 1 Read Chapter 2 _______________________________________________________ Chapter 3 Leda is home from the hospital now, not sure what day it is but not really caring. Walt is conscious, so the doctors and Diane convinced her to come home to rest and shower. Relax. She can’t believe they expect her to relax, not after what… Continue Reading →
Read Chapter 1 here. View from the Pepper Tree: Chapter 2 Leda is Soledad again, wielding a stick in the hot night air of Los Angeles. It is a magnolia stick that she and Manuel use as swords. Manuel is careful not to hurt her, for she is young, only four, and very small, just… Continue Reading →
Many years ago I fancied myself a budding author of fiction. I wrote a few novels, some finished and some half-finished. While I know now that I’m no novelist, and I know that my fiction writing is not the best, I do want to share it. So every Friday I will be sharing a chapter… Continue Reading →
Well, I’m reporting about a book I did not finish. I used to finish every. single. book. I ever read, but about 10 years ago I gave up on that. If the book doesn’t speak to me after about 50 pages, I’m out. I gave this book 64 pages. And then I gave up. The… Continue Reading →
Much of my research centers on women in the workplace, whether that be the home or a traditional office, and I look at women historically and in the current workplace. So when Sheryl Sandberg’s book Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead (2013) was released last year, I was intrigued. I got my… Continue Reading →
I need to come right out and say that I’m biased about this book. I am friends with the author, and to see his work in print through a major publishing company, finally, is really like Christmas morning. I’m sure he feels that much more so than I do. The World’s Strongest Librarian: A Memoir… Continue Reading →
A few years back, when it was still on television, Desperate Housewives was one of my favorite shows. (I know, I know.) But I do enjoy a good prime-time soap opera. Because of this, I’m excited to announce a new collaborative series on my blog: Literary Wives. My friend and blogger Ariel noticed that many… Continue Reading →
