Tuesday, February 22, 2022

In the Pink

 


Title: IN THE PINK
Author: Nicholas Garnett
Publisher: MidTown Publishing
Pages: 275
Genre: Memoir

BOOK BLURB:

Washed out of another corporate job, scraping by playing drums in a wedding band, delivering roses in a tuxedo. This was Nicholas Garnett’s version of the go-go 90s. Then, beautiful, worldly, Rachael turns his world upside down, introducing him to her gay friends who occupy the upper crust of the burgeoning gay circuit party scene. Nick and Rachael marry. They become known as the hot straight couple that party hardy with the boys in all he right places—until their friends self-destruct, Rachael burrows into addiction, the marriage implodes, and Nick is out on the street again. Follow his harrowing journey as he struggles to find his way in a life that’s been buried beneath a lifestyle.

“In the Pink is a the story of a singular life, told coolly and cleanly, with admirable introspection. If I felt, at times, that Nicholas Garnett occupied an alternative universe — well, he did and I am glad that he decided to chronicle it with a refreshing lack of judgment for his fellow travelers — and himself.“—Laura Lippmanauthor of DREAM GIRL, LADY IN THE LAKE, and the Tess Monaghan series.

“By turns outrageous, hilarious, and truly moving, this unflinching chronicle of a profoundly mismatched straight couple’s foray into the gay party and power circuit sets a new standard for the tale of wretched excess, and provides much-needed perspective along the way.  Nicholas Garnett has–no lie–produced a book like none other.”Les StandifordNew York Times bestselling author of LAST TRAIN TO PARADISE and BRINGING ADAM HOME.

“I’ve just finished reading Nicholas Garnett’s electrifying memoir In the Pink, and now I need to catch my breath and recover. And then I’m going to read it again. Here is a gritty and lyrical portrait of what it’s like living life way out there on the edge, spinning out of control, and staring into the abyss. Astonishing and slightly terrifying.”John Dufresneauthor of LOUISIANA POWER & LIGHT and REQUIEM, MASS.

“Fasten your seat belts and take this ride through the A-list, drug-fueled, sex-centric circuit party scene of the 1990’s with Nicholas Garnett. Like Bill Clegg’s memoir PORTRAIT OF AN ADDICT AS A YOUNG MAN and David Carr’s NIGHT OF THE GUN, In the Pink will terrify, startle, and ultimately make you sigh with relief over Garnett’s unflinching look at this world and his place in it.”Ann Hood, New York Times bestselling author of COMFORT: A JOURNEY THROUGH GRIEF and THE KNITTING CIRCLE.

“In the Pink might read like one man’s heady quest to become the gayest straight man in America. But look deeper and it’s your story, what you’ve done to hang on to love, to live beyond labels while searching for your own, to find yourself after decades of getting so lost. Do yourself a favor: buy this book. Read it now.”Anjanette Delgadoauthor of THE CLAIRVOYANT OF CALLE OCHO.

Book Information

Release Date: October 18, 2021

Publisher:  MidTown Publishing

Soft Cover: ISBN:  978-1626770331; 276 pages; $22.99

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3zxQhYb 

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3q0YDV0


Nicholas Garnett received his MFA in Creative Writing from Florida International University. He has taught creative writing at FIU, the Miami Book Fair, and Writing Class Radio. Garnett is also a freelance editor and co-producer of the Miami-based live storytelling series, Lip Service: True Stories Out Loud. He is a recipient of residencies from the Vermont Studio Center and the Woodstock Byrdcliffe Guild, and fellowships to the Norman Mailer Art Colony and Writers in Paradise. His writing has appeared, among other places, in Salon.comTruehumor.com, Sundress Publication’s “Best of the Net” and Cleis Press’s Best Sex Writing.

His memoir, In the Pink, is forthcoming from MidTown Publishing in January 2022.

You can visit his website at www.nicholasgarnett.com or connect with him on Twitter and Facebook.


My Review


Nicholas Garnett’s IN THE PINK was a well written Memoir that I found to be a good read. I personally liked the way it followed Nick and Rachael's lives. The book gave me a good taste of the history going on at that time and what the world was like while also teaching me about the lives both of them led.





Monday, February 21, 2022

Discovery of the Five Senses Book One - The Urban Boys Series by KN Smith

 DISCOVER OF THE FIVE SENSES - THE URBAN BOYS by KN Smith

THE URBAN BOYS: DISCOVERY OF THE FIVE SENSES by K.N. Smith
Book Details:

Book Title: Discovery of the Five Senses Book One - The Urban Boys Series by K. N. Smith
Category:  YA Fiction (Ages 13-17), 340 pages
Genre:  Young Adult Action-Adventure, Young Adult Thriller, Urban Fantasy, Mystery/ Thriller
Publisher:  Two Petals Publishing (self-published)
Release date:   September 15, 2021
Formats Available for Review: print - softback (USA only), e-book (mobi for Kindle, EPUB, PDF_
Tour dates: February 7 to February 25, 2022
Content Rating:  PG 
Book Description:

Welcome or unwelcome. Fate has arrived.

"A captivating and poetic tale of mystery, fantasy, and reality tied together by action!" 5-stars, Lars Jackson, Amazon Customer

A suspenseful incident in a forbidden preserve heightens the senses of five friends. Sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell become super-gifts that forever change the world. But furious battles confront the boys as they try to understand their sensory super powers in a race to save mankind. With light beings and mysterious strangers complicating their plight, will the boys be able to defeat the evil Druth before it’s too late? Get prepared for the twisting and grinding of this award-winning, action-adventure story — an edge-of-your-seat narrative for young and mature readers alike.  ​

EXCERPT:

As one would imagine, a mysterious forest might offer deep, eerie chills, especially at night. Instead, the forest cast a rich glow, and the environment was beautiful and serene.

Walking slowly with their eyes absolutely feasting on the horticultural delights, the boys were approached by something they weren’t sure was real. It floated effortlessly, lighting up in a sporadic pattern, but had neither sound nor discernible shape, other than being somewhat clear and round.

Its fluttering wings suspended it in the center of their disbelieving huddle. All eyes were on it, but what it was provoked more mystery than the forest itself. It bounced in a cheery, beckoning fashion, flashing its stunning wings, drawing the boys into a never-ending waltz. They were transfixed, unable to glance at each other, prevented by the daze each silently battled.

The little glowing being carried about, moving closer to their faces. It moved in and out of trees, spewing, sparkle and splendor, then floated away from the boys, yet stayed close enough to continue the enticement.

Contributing to the amazing glow ricocheting from sprawling fronds to soaring trees and fallen leaves, the being’s creativity advanced in a display of twirls and spins, astonishing the boys. And they followed their little friend further and further into the forest.

Deeper ahead, the visual spectacle beautifully intertwined with the clicking noise, which grew louder and more defined, moving up the scale into high notes. The repetition of the noise mesmerized the boys, equating to an invisible lasso.

The friends grouped together, looking ahead and behind. Their stomachs tightened as the tension grew.

What they saw next would pale in comparison to their little, wondrous friend, who steadily bounced around several curvy pathways.

The small creature led them into an area deep within the preserve housing two large, floating, clicking balls of light. The boys instinctively covered their eyes, yet still tried to peep through their fingers.

The light balls began spinning wildly and grew louder, with their tops spitting out free-falling shavings of light like fireworks.

The sputtering light bounced off the dirt only to end up against a tree or one of the boys, then back down and up again.

Slowing down, the beings moved in between the boys. Too scared to move and struggling with reality, the boys’ eyes locked onto the radiant balls.

And with a striking force, the five friends were encased by a bright, piercing light as the balls exploded, emitting their energy onto the boys.

Mixing and mashing north, south, east, and west, bright waves covered the soil, spreading across trees, rock, and all plant life. The forest fell silent, frozen like an inhale without an exhale. It was dark and quiet, except for the liquid energy dripping from the huge, wavy leaves.

Being subjected to drifts both in and out of reality, the boys succumbed to the lure of a vacant black space within the deepest parts of their minds. They fell to the ground unconscious, laying in this forbidden domain in the center of a place they had been warned not to approach.

And from some distance toward the other side of the preserve, a draped shadow had been looking inward and saw this mysterious incident.

The curve of his black hood was loose enough for him to witness the unthinkable. But it also shrouded his expression, which was impassive.

This figure, a dark stranger, had been watching the boys for a period of time and saw the explosion of light. He knew it had exposed them to a grave risk in this place of both awe and fear. He realized time would now take the reins as a master guide for these stricken young men, all of whom would need hope as a rod and stamina as a spear on the long journey ahead.

Knowing the veil of normalcy would need to be maintained in order for this inconceivable episode to be minimized, the Dark Stranger drew upon his strength to physically move each of the boys to Rhee’s house.

He knew familiar surroundings would ease them as they roused, barely able to comprehend their predicament.

For he knew much, and every step, every footprint left an indelible impression on the path leading to the studio in Rhee’s backyard. Indeed, footprints providing a window to the past meshed with hope for the future.

And like a laser, the Dark Stranger steadied his gait, hurling each one up and over his powerful shoulders.

As he absorbed the totality of the scene, he breathed deeply. His head hung in a manner to which only trauma could relate. But in a sign of resilience, it swiftly sprung back.

Under the circumstances, he knew time would not be patient nor friendly.

Welcome or unwelcome. Fate had arrived.
K.N. Smith
Meet the Author:

K.N. Smith, winner of the “Best of” in the category of “Outstanding Young Adult Novel” at the Jessie Redmon Fauset Book Awards, is an author, screenwriter, and passionate advocate of literacy and arts programs throughout the world. She inspires people of all ages to reach their highest potential in their creative, educational, and life pursuits. She lives in California with her family. 

connect with the author:  website twitter facebook goodreads

Thursday, February 17, 2022

THE ART OF TRAVELING STRANGERS by Zoe Disigny

 The Art of Traveling Strangers by Zoe Disigny

THE ART OF TRAVELING STRANGERS by Zoe Disigny

Book Details:

Book Title:  The Art of Traveling Strangers by Zoe Disigny
Category:  Adult Fiction 18+, 272 pages
Genre:  Literary Fiction, Women's Fiction 
Publisher:  Subplot Publishing 
Release date:   February 2022
Formats Available for Review: print-hardback (USA), e-book (gifted Kindle, mobi file for Kindle, EPUB, PDF, NetGalley download)
Tour dates: Feb 15 to Mar 7
Content Rating:  PG13 + M for cursing (from a side character), reference to adultery, and discussion of AIDS. 
Book Description:

It’s the 1980s, and art historian Claire Markham reels from a series of heartbreaking losses. Desperate to escape her shattered reality, she becomes an art guide in Europe for quirky stranger Viv Chancey and embarks on a life-changing journey through the art-filled cities of Milan, Venice, Ravenna, Florence, Siena, Rome, and Paris.

Once abroad, Claire tries to hide her woes by focusing on Viv’s art education, but Viv—who is not who she seems—has a different learning experience in mind. Frustrated and wanting to reimagine her life, Claire embraces the idea of reality as illusion and finds herself slipping into the tales of art and history.

When threatened with one more crushing loss, Claire must learn from the spirit of her eccentric companion and the lessons from the art they encounter to take charge of her life or lose the most precious thing in it.

The Art of Traveling Strangers is a journey of self-discovery and personal empowerment inspired by the great art masterpieces of Italy and France. It’s a tale of female bonding and the amazing powers of perception. After all, reality, like art, is just an illusion.
Buy the Book:
Mascot
Amazon ~ B&N ~ Bookshop.org
add to goodreads
THE ART OF TRAVELING STRANGERS by Zoe Disigny
MEET THE AUTHOR:

Zoe Disigny holds a master’s degree in art history and has taught at the college level throughout her career. She has led numerous art tours in Europe and established a business in Paris offering art history adventures for American tourists. 

connect with the author: website ~ twitter ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads

My Review
THE ART OF TRAVELING STRANGERS by Zoe Disigny was a well written Literary Women's Fiction book. I enjoyed following Claire Markham and Viv Chancey on their art journey especially as I liked seeing how Clair changed from getting to know Viv. I enjoyed the art aspects as well as the author kept them interesting and did not allowing them to become boring.

Friday, February 11, 2022

CINDI'S CHOCOLATE VALENTINE by Beverly Reichman

 CINDI'S CHOCOLATE VALENTINE by Beverley Reichman


Book Details:

Book Title:  Cindi's Chocolate Valentine by Beverley Reichman
Category: Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7),  36 pages
Genre: Children's Book
Publisher:  Book Baby 
Release date:  January, 2022
Format available for review:  Print- softback, ebook (pdf)
Will send print books out:  USA
Tour dates: February 1 to February 14, 2022
Content Rating:  Rated G. Suitable for everyone
Book Description:

​Cindi isn’t sure about this holiday called Valentine’s Day, but after her people pair dress her up like a flamingo and take her for a walk in front of her friends, and her handsome new neighbor dog, Chip, she doesn’t like it at all! She and her BFF, Pitty Pat, have been watching Chip ever since he moved next door. She wants to meet him, but not like this! Have you ever changed your mind about something? In this outrageously funny story, meet some of Cindi’s fur-friends and find out if she changes her mind about Valentine’s Day.

Cindi’s Chocolate Valentine is an especially SPECIAL book because it features 17 pets that were chosen as winners in the Cindi Features a New Friend contest last summer.  As you can imagine, their ‘people families’ are beyond excited about their pets being part of the story.  They had over 750 pets, including dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, hedgehogs, and even a chicken, goat, donkey and monkey enter the contest!   

Buy the Book:
BookBaby

Amazon ~ B&N

18% of the Cindi series book sale proceeds is
donated to animal rescue and shelter organizations.

Picture
Author Beverly Reichman
Meet the Author:

Beverley Reichman is a devoted mom, retired elementary school teacher and author. She co-authored her first book, Justice and Honor for My Sister: The Story of Margie Grey in 2018 and published her first children’s book, Kevin Can, in 2019. The second book in her Kevin series, Kevin is a Smart Cookie, and the first book in her popular Cindi the Teenie Chiweenie series were published in 2020. Her delightful and beautifully illustrated Cindi book series include: Cindi’s Chocolate Valentine, Cindi and Sparkles Howl-oween Ghoulfriends and Cindi’s Christmas Kitten Surprise, which earned a 5-Star Readers’ Favorite review.

Beverley teaches, tutors, and mentors children and shares with them her passion for learning, literature, living in faith, and experiencing life to its fullest. Beverley currently resides outside of Atlanta, Georgia.

connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads

My Review
CINDI'S CHOCOLATE VALENTINE by Beverly Reichman was a simply adorable Valentines book. I liked how the author used animal characters in this book as it made the book extra cute. The author did a great job explaining Valentines day in a way that young kids could understand while also entertaining them with all the different pet characters. The aspect of the pets being chosen from Cindi Features a New Friend contest was quite cool. Additionally, I really liked that  18% of the Cindi series book sale proceeds are donated to animal rescue and shelter organizations.

Thursday, February 10, 2022

Jack Gregson & the Forgotten Portal (book one) by Peter Wilson

 


JACK GREGSON AND THE FORGOTTEN PORTAL by Peter Wilson
Book Details:

​Book TitleJack Gregson & the Forgotten Portal (book one) by Peter Wilson
Category:  Middle-Grade Fiction (Ages 8-12), 174 pages
GenreFantasy/Mystery
Publisher:  Crystal Publishing, LLC
Release Date: June 2018
Format available for review: ebook (mobi file (for Kindle), ePub, PDF)
Tour dates: January 31 to February 11
Content Rating:  PG. My book is rated PG because there is no sex--not even a suggestion. The language is appropriate for a 10-year-old. (Similar to Harry Potter.)

Book Description:

​Something has changed at the Gregson Manor. An evil force from the family's past has returned to upheave their lives. 

Jack and his cousins explore the family secrets as they are pulled through a portal into a universe of endless worlds and possibilities. 

Together, they race to escape and destroy the evil Theorden and his followers who strive to unlock the power of the Forgotten Portal and wreak havoc on Gregson Manor and the World.
Buy the Book
Amazon
add to goodreads

Author Peter Wilson
Meet the Author:

Peter Wilson is an award-winning writer based in Sydney, Australia. His first novel, Jack Gregson & the Forgotten Portal has won awards internationally, in both the USA and United Kingdom, and has quickly become a favourite with young readers. Peter’s second book in his trilogy series, Jack Gregson & the Forgotten Sons, is set for release in 2021. In addition to children’s and young adult content, Peter is also interested in writing for the adult market and is currently working on a crime thriller set in his home city, Sydney.

connect with the author: website ~ twitter ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads

My Review
Jack Gregson & the Forgotten Portal (book one) by Peter Wilson was a great start to this middle school fiction series. I have to say I liked the clean read aspect of it that kept the book free of sexual content, while still taking the reader on a fantasy adventure. Jack was quite easily my favorite character and I look forward to reading more about him in book two!!

Olive and the Valentine's Spell by Helen Millman

 OLIVE AND THE VALENTINE'S SPELL by Helen Millman

OLIVE AND THE VALENTINE'S SPELL by Helen Millman

Book Details:

Book Title:  Olive and the Valentine's Spell by Helen Millman
CategoryChildren's Fiction (Ages 3-7),  38 pages
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Publisher:  Mascot 
Release date:  February 1, 2022
Format available for review:  Print- hardback, ebook (pdf)
Will send print books out:  USA
Tour dates: February 1 to February 14, 2022
Content Rating:  Rated G. Suitable for everyone
Book Description:

​Olive is a sweet elementary school boy who is afraid to go to school on Valentine’s Day. . .because he thinks he’ll have to get married! Olive’s mom joins in his fight to defeat the “princess of love,” but along the way he learns an even bigger lesson, discovering the true meaning of love.

Olive and the Valentine’s Spell is an inspiring children’s book for all ages that shines a humorous light on Valentine’s Day and overcoming your fears.
Buy the Book:
Amazon B&N ~ Mascot
Author Helen Millman
Meet the Author:
​​
Children’s author Helen Millman is a loving wife and mom. Her three young boys continually inspire her with their wild adventures and vivid imaginations. They even helped inspire her to write her new book, Olive and the Valentine’s Spell!

While living in Vero Beach, FL, she spends her time writing, reading, singing, and growing through her life’s experiences. She knows the importance of “seeing the bright side of life” and encourages her readers to “choose love, even when it seems impossible”. A friendly, optimist Helen has always loved to read to her own children and remembers how much her imaginative voices really helped bring the stories to life. She invites her readers to gather with a beloved book, for it truly is one of the best places to snuggle, giggle, imagine, and make unforgettable memories - together.

connect with the author: website facebook ~ instagram

My Review
Olive and the Valentine's Spell by Helen Millman was a very cute kids book with great pictures! I really liked the Valentine theme of the book as most holiday book s focus on Christmas or Easter so this one was a nice breath of fresh air among holiday genre books.

ROMANCING THE DARKNESS (Book One) by Tyler R. Snyder

 ROMANCING THE DARKNESS by Tyler R. Snyder


Book Details:

Book Title: Romancing the Darkness (Book 1) by Tyler R. Snyder
Category:  YA Fiction (Ages 13-17), 260 pages
Genre:  Fantasy 
Publisher:  Crystal Publishing, LLC
Release date:   November 2021
Formats Available for Review: print-softback USA, e-book (MOBI for Kindle, EPUB, PDF)
Tour dates: January 31 to February 11
Content Rating:  PG-13 + M: There is no sex, but it is implied. The violence is typical for this genre (attacking monsters and a war). The language does include light profanity (hell, damn, ass). 
Book Description:

Monsters of Mythical Proportion
Worlds of Magic and Power
Forbidden Love
And DEATH. DEATH is the consequence...

When Tristan defies Ambion’s only law—royal and common blood cannot mix, he discovers the consequences are real. The young guardian finds himself in a world where love and hate, war and peace, duty and betrayal blur into darkness. As his world devolves into a battle for survival, he learns only an Angel can save Ambion from the destruction wielded by the Dividers. Is Tristan the Angel destined to save the world or will he succumb to the wiles of a dark goddess?

​“Boy! Hey boy, let me show you the end.” Tristan looked in horror as tens of thousands of men and women were hooded figures. Explosions erupted everywhere, and the black sky spewed red lightning all around the warriors. A ground shaking roar forced Tristan to cover his ears. When he looked up, a massive golden dragon breathed fire upon the world: fire engulfed the horizon. “The end will begin with ash.”   
Buy the Book:
Amazon

Author Tyler R. Snyder
Meet the Author:

Tyler Snyder was born in 1984 in Medford, Oregon.

As a child, he was captivated by movies, video games, and Dungeons and Dragons, along with the worlds these activities created. The original spark that ignited Tyler’s imagination was when he wanted to see a movie similar to The Legend of Zelda, but the closest film at the time was The Dark Crystal. That itch, to this day, has still not been scratched. This led him to books and stories like the pastimes he adored and gave him exposure to a much grander well of ideas and possibilities. Meeting like-minded friends who shared the same hobbies, Tyler developed a passion for creating new worlds. In Romancing the Darkness, Tyler explores his world, Ambion, and the countless decisions confronting his characters.

Mr. Snyder currently lives in Wyoming with his wife, Sandra.

connect with the author: website ~ twitter ~ facebook instagram goodreads

My Review
ROMANCING THE DARKNESS (Book One) by Tyler R. Snyder was a good read that proved an enjoyable way to pass some time and have me waiting on the edge of my seat for book two! It was easy to be pulled in to Tristan's journey and I found myself quickly captivated by both him and the events surrounding him!

Monday, February 7, 2022

Jack Gregson and the Stolen Sons

parallel universes JACK GREGSON AND THE STOLEN SONS by Peter Wilson


Book Details:

​Book Title: Jack Gregson & the Stolen Sons (book two) by Peter Wilson
Category Middle-Grade Fiction (Ages 8-12), 193 pages
GenreFantasy/Mystery
Publisher:  Crystal Publishing, LLC
Release Date: December 2021
Format available for review: print-softback (USA only)  ebook (mobi file (for Kindle), ePub, PDF)
Tour dates: January 31 to February 11
Content Rating:  PG. My book is rated PG because there is no sex--not even a suggestion. The language is appropriate for a 10-year-old. (Similar to Harry Potter.)
Book Description:

Dark Mystery
Ancient Prophecy
Family Secrets

When a loud, incessant knocking disturbs the peace at Gregson Manor, David and Rosie once again travel through the mysterious portal, where they encounter darkness, chaos and impossible impossibilities.

Only by fulfilling an ancient prophecy and uniting unlikely allies can they save parallel universes.

A dormant sun awaiting new dawn,
Two stolen sons their mothers mourn.
One will wake from whence they laid,
The other repeats a mistake once made.

​Who are the sons?   
Buy the Book
Amazon

add to goodreads

Author Peter Wilson
Meet the Author:

Peter Wilson is an award-winning writer based in Sydney, Australia. His first novel, Jack Gregson & the Forgotten Portal has won awards internationally, in both the USA and United Kingdom, and has quickly become a favourite with young readers. Peter’s second book in his trilogy series, Jack Gregson & the Forgotten Sons, is set for release in 2021. In addition to children’s and young adult content, Peter is also interested in writing for the adult market and is currently working on a crime thriller set in his home city, Sydney.

connect with the author: website ~ twitter ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads

My Review
Jack Gregson & the Stolen Sons (book two) by Peter Wilson was a good read. David and Rosie once again travel through the portal, where they find themselves faced with a prophecy that must be fulfilled if they are to save the parallel universes. This was a nice clean read that is a great book for young teens, especially those that enjoyed book one! 

Sunday, February 6, 2022

L'Origine: The secret life of the world's most erotic masterpiece by Lilianne Milgrom

 

Thursday, February 3, 2022

ASHES TO INK: A MEMOIR by Lisa Lucca

 ASHES TO INK: A MEMOIR by Lisa Lucca



Book Details:
Book Title:  ASHES TO INK: A Memoir by Lisa Lucca
Category:  Adult Non-Fiction (18+),  267 pages
Genre: Memoir
Publisher:  JuJu House Publishing
Release date:  October 2021
Tour dates: Feb 1 to Feb 21, 2022
Content Rating:  PG-13. There is some bad language (several f-words), sexual scenes (not explict), and cigarette and marijuana smoking.

“Lisa Lucca weaves the past and present into a vividly written and important story with many layers: family secrets, fathers and daughters, love and sexuality, and at the core, forgiveness. What touched me most was the call to action to become the love of your own life. Read, learn, and become!” — Laura Munson, New York Times bestselling author and founder of the acclaimed Haven Writing Retreats.

“In this raw and gripping memoir, Lisa Lucca has perfectly captured the unique ripple effects of life with a gay parent. With little representation in popular media, people who grow up with (or find out about) LGBTQ+ parents/caregivers are often left to wonder if there’s anyone else who really understands. Ashes to Ink is proof we are not alone, and that love truly does win.” — Jordan Budd, Executive Director of COLAGE, National LGBTQ+ family organization

“Fresh, warm, sassy, and smart... Lisa’s voice is a delight! I was enchanted by this book.” — Alexia La Fortune, Author of Sex, Love, and Spirit

"Ashes to Ink… a power punch of a book written by the glorious Lisa Lucca. Filled with rage and anger and sorrow and more unleashed anger…and much humor and love...human emotion in each chapter. Lisa's memoir is all about LOVE, the wanting, the needing, the longing, the acceptance, the fear of love, the need for love. From a parent whose lifestyle flattens her to the seeking of love with men who challenge her (unconsciously) to finding the right one. This is a memoir about family - the down and dirty - about love, about searching... and forgiveness. This book is filled with so much truth, so many untamed feelings, so much rawness… a memoir that gives you ample time to hold your breath and exhale. Read it, devour it, allow yourself to creep into the uncomfortableness. Life is filled with discomfort and unease - Lisa gives us all the rare opportunity to see ourselves in the dazzling, and magnificent mirror she holds up for us." — Amy Ferris, Marrying George Clooney, Confessions from a Midlife Crisis

Book Description:

Acceptance struggles to emerge from a cocoon of family secrets . . .

After her parents' divorce in 1974, Lisa Lucca's idyllic Midwestern childhood is shattered when she learns her father is gay. Sworn to secrecy, she begins carrying the emotions of her family like a cracked bucket, making a mess as she embarks on a life of rebellious choices.

Decades later, faced with the aftermath of her father’s death, Lisa revisits the complicated relationship she had with him, delving deeper into the stories she’s held about love, sexuality, and the family she comes from with a shimmering clarity that arises from her grief.

A story of heartache and the power of forgiveness, Ashes to Ink shines a light on the challenges of living true to who we are, especially for single parents.

Author Lisa Lucca
Meet the Author:

Lisa Lucca’s work has been published in several publications and anthologies, most recently in Crone Rising. She is the co-author of the epistolary memoir, You Are Loved, with her partner, Mark Mathias, a love story she will continue telling in her next book.

She shares a home with Mark in the high desert of southern New Mexico where she continues her work as a life coach, and hosts a weekly public radio show, Live True, bringing insightful and engaging interviews to her listeners. The show streams globally at lccommunityradio.org where the shows are available in the archives.

connect with the author: website ~ twitter ~ facebook instagram goodread