At the end of May B., I am crying. I am crying at the ways she is so strong and capable.
I remember that intimate dedication and I feel like Caroline Starr Rose wrote this book in part for me.
It was as if she were writing to encourage me on behalf of all my teachers in and outside of the classroom who for years didn’t see that all the misspelled words and run-ons as a red flag. It was as if she were writing right into the places of my heart where those accusations of being careless and not good enough had settled. And she whispered that like May, I could overcome. I could hope for the good things even when they are hard. Thank you Caroline. Thank you May.
I am deeply moved and grateful Amy reached out to share this with me. I’m again reminded that what we create is always bigger than anything we could ever imagine. Please click through to Stories and Thyme to read the rest.
Oh wow, this is a beautiful thing : ) I just read Amy’s post and I’ll say the same thing here, it’s amazing what we can overcome to tell our own stories and the stories of others. Glad your book is out there to inspire.
It is incredible to think this little book I wrote initially for myself has spoken to a much broader audience. Truly a gift!
Thanks Caroline! I found that in the days and weeks after I read May B, I kept bringing it up in conversation. On the phone with friends or in the corner at parties, I wanted to explain how this book had moved me. Books find places in my heart for all sorts of reasons: how they come together so perfectly, how they make me feel like I have a friend in a character, or how they ask a question or face a problem that makes me think. May B did all three. And when you find a book that great you find you want to share it with all who’ll listen!
I feel the exact same way, Amy (there are a number of characters I feel are personal friends). To know it’s my own character who has “met” and “spoken to” someone else so profoundly is both humbling and exhilarating. Thank you so much for sharing your story with me.
Thank you for sharing this with us, Caroline! Reading something like Amy’s post makes me realize that I CAN’T stop writing, because I never know what reader’s life I may touch. Definitely helps with getting through tough writing days!
Don’t you dare stop writing or stop writing the parts that are especially hard. They count!
An absolutely beautiful that writing “fiction” enriches, enhances, and empowers real lives. Thank you for sharing, Caroline!
An absolutely beautiful that writing “fiction” enriches, enhances, and empowers real lives.
Yes, this!
Wow. I am nearly in tears!
Yes.
I can see how she would feel this way after reading your book. Love strong girl characters! May B. is exceptional.
Mia, thank you. This means a lot to hear you say this.
Love this! I am so happy May B is connecting with so many readers. This book deserves all the recognition. How great to get a letter like this – one of those days a writer can put in the vault and take out when needed.
Wow. Absolutely beautiful.