The magic of the beautifully heartfelt epistolary novel is not merely that it perfectly captures the early 1990s and how so many of us struggled to make sense of what we were learning about the war in Sarajevo at the time, nor that it also deftly illustrates and evokes the sometimes painful journey of finding …
I am always up for a novel in letters (84, Charing Cross Road, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, Meet Me at the Museum). I like the challenge of piecing together a picture of each character through the way the letter writers describe the landscape of their lives. This novel has the added …
Seattle author Mark Holtzen interviewed Kristi Wientge; the two are long-time critique partners and long-distance friends. Best Friends, Bikinis, and Other Summer Catastrophes is available at bookstores around the country as of May 17, 2022. Mark Holtzen (MH): You have a new middle grade children’s book. What first inspired this story idea? What caused …
Willig’s Band of Sisters pulled me in and took me on a journey of complicated friendships that grew and matured in the midst of hardship and trial. Mishaps with roosters, snowstorms, and reminders of the kindness and resilience of people, this historical fiction is a delight to read. –Laura DeLaney, Rediscovered Books, Boise, ID Dive …
On most occasions when I’ve read a book and been struck by its uniqueness, it’s because of something unfamiliar about it, something strange I’ve never seen before. This is the first time one has stood out for its relentless and positively brilliant mundanity. The title characters of Irish writer Rónán Hession’s debut novel are two meek, …
Combine equal parts Donna Tartt’s The Secret History and Judy Blume’s Just as Long as We’re Together. Add a splash of Mary Oliver and you may begin to approach the essence of Elizabeth Ames’ gorgeously written debut novel. On its surface it is a story about the relationship between four college friends; going deeper it’s …
I loved this book! It is a silly novel that deals with real problems and hardships of our world in a manner that brings light to a different approach to hard times. This book is centered around family, friendship, and forgiveness. Sal is a sweet-talking, sarcastic, light-hearted magician; Gabi is a hard-headed, determined and intelligent …
An interview by Seattle author Mark Holtzen, originally posted to The Winged Pen blog Welcome to my fellow Winged Pen Critique Partner, Kristi Wientge! I’m going to dive right in with questions about your upcoming middle grade release on June 4th, 2019, entitled Honeybees and Frenemies from Simon and Schuster. When did the seed of …
Oh man! What a lovely huge little tiny little thought-provoking book. For everyone. Not just ones with friends like Jerome. All of us. –Suzanne Perry, Secret Garden Books, Seattle, WA Find books to open your heart at Secret Garden Books and other independent bookstores. From the starred Kirkus Review: “Two little boys share an intense …
