Dee Reads

 In some previous posts I've mentioned my thoughts on what books should do for the reader.  For instance, I consider a book "good" if it evokes strong emotions, positive or negative, if it makes you love or hate a character, if it pulls on your heart-strings and doesn't let go.  The right book meets you where you are or finds you when you need it most.  It's a magical or karmic sort of relationship, if you believe in that sort of connection.  Yes, world-building, character development, and plot are important components of a well-written novel, but those are the tools that help build the house that is the book.  Without emotion a book falls flat for me, maybe you too. A recent loss brought these thoughts home to me in the most vivid way.  My 95 year old mother-in-law, Flo, passed away near the end of March.  She had lived a good long life and left behind a family with many lovely memories, some of which were shared at her memorial service.  My...

Tosca Lee Author Photo Credit:  Jennifer Studanski You really must read a book, any book by the author Tosca Lee . If I had my say, you'd read The Long March Home written by Tosca and Marcus Brotherton.  Chosen as The One Book One Nebraska selection for 2025, I also selected it as my Best of 2024.  It was a superior piece of historical fiction set during World War II's Bataan Death March, featuring three hometown friends who vow to make it back from the war alive.  It is as well-researched as it is readable!    This gem of a book sparked my interest in Tosca herself.  Like I did, you could go to her  social media pages and website, but to really get a feel for the person and her work, I needed a more personal interaction. I emailed Tosca, requesting an interview with the hope that I might hear from a member of her team.  Surprisingly enough, I got a quick response from the author herself agreeing to answer my questions by email.  Wow!...