A Glance Back – What List?
I received a message from a friend this week that surprised me beyond words. My first novel, MOTHER EARTH FATHER SKY, published way back in 1990 and then republished this year as an ebook, had made a national CNN list. Before I tell you what list, I should explain that although I wrote MEFS as a novel for the general adult market, in 1991 the American Library Association named it as one of its Best Books for Young Adults. From that time on it has straddled two markets, and that’s been good for the book and for me.
The CNN list (which was published on Wednesday, January 15 at the top of their CNN Living page) included 12 books, with MEFS as number 8. That’s a heady placement on a national/international news site. The title of the article is, “Young Adult Books and Sex: What We Learned Under the Covers,” by Kat Kinsman. The article is very well written, it’s honest, entertaining, and it made me think. (http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/15/living/ya-flowers-in-the-attic-sex-education/)
I was still, however, surprised that MEFS made any kind of list about sex. I seem to remember a few reviews that bemoaned its lack thereof.
I contacted my ebook publisher, Open Road Integrated Media. They were delighted with the PR and as surprised as I am that MEFS was included on the list. Then I contacted my agent, Rachelle Gardner. Rachelle believed that MEFS was included on the list because of a rape scene that, although it’s not explicit in a sexual way, is explicit in dealing with the young woman’s emotional reaction to the rape. Rachelle reminded me that the books on this list helped teenage girls begin to understand and cope with their world.
So here’s my reaction after wise advice (and reassurance that nobody was going to kick me out of my church. LOL)
1.I’m amazed to be included with top-notch YA writers in a national CNN list. 2. I’m humbled if my novel helped anyone get through the tough growing up years in life.
So thank you so much Kat Kinsman, CNN, Laura De Silva at Open Road Integrated Media, my agent Rachelle Gardner, and my husband Neil Harrison. My gratitude also to my friends Dr. Scott and Cheri Skinner for the heads up! I am blessed.
Blessings to you,
Sue
Thank you, Wayne and Judy!!
Sue, good things happen to good writers and CNN is just recognizing a great author. Best wishes!
You always lift my spirits, Erin! Thank you!
First, congratulations on making a CNN list with one of my favorite books. I am so happy for you at its resurgence to the market. Of course it isn’t a sex book of the romance variety, but you know how women were treated in those days. If you didn’t include any of her struggles you’d have been remiss. Your book, and some others, that dealt with major life issues like this made me become a stronger woman.
Thank you, Don. That means a lot.
I read this book in 1991. I felt then, as I do now, that you handled the subject with grace and a straightforward way. Healthy attitudes are developed from factual and intelligent discussion. You pulled it off. Congratulations.