Calling Me Home by Julie Kibler

Julie Kibler’s debut novel, Calling Me Home, is a story that will make the reader think- how far a person is willing to go for love, choosing between what you want and what your family expects of you, and standing on your own in the world.

They were two unlikley friends- one an aging white woman and the other a younger black woman. Hair helped them make each other’s aquaintance and friendship grew. However, a road trip for the two showed that they have more in common than one ever thought. Isabelle McAllister asks her hairdresser and friend Dorrie to accompany her on a road trip to a funeral in Cincinatti. Dorrie, feeling the need to escape from her worries for a few days, agrees to drive Isabelle.

As the 2 ladies embark on a journey- one heading toward a past that has painful memories and the other leaving her present for a few days- Isabelle begins to share the story- the story of Isabelle far before Dorrie ever knew her. Isabelle tells a story about her first love- her great love. A boy who was the son of the housekeeper that worked for Isabelle’s family. As Dorrie listens- Isabelle tells of Robert and the love they shared- a love that the town Isabelle lived in could not understand.

Calling Me Home– it’s a story that has sadness, much sadness at times. It’s also a story of love and hope- and being true to yourself. Looking for a good book to read- a story of love, friendship, family consisting of the people you choose and much more? You have found the book then.

Literary Friday ya’ll…

Hey ya’ll- it’s Friday. The first day of the new month. It’s also just a few more days till Valentine’s Day- which is a day that some people love, some dislike and some just don’t care. I, for the most part, love it. I like hearts and glitter personally. And no matter the status of my love life- I always make sure to treat myself- this year it’s all about culture- I have tickets to Cirque de la Symphonie and plans for dinner with a friend. On to #literaryfriday news:

1. Deep South Magazine– Amelia Bedelia, The Following, literary events, and much more. Check out this week’s edition and if you do the Pinterest thing, check out Deep South Mag’s board- quite fun!

2. She Reads is discussing The Art Forger today, all day long! Get your book loving selves over there- let’s discuss art, love, lust, double-crossing and more!

Here’s the link to my review of The Art Forger– a book that still thrills me and I’m basically just telling everyone to read. I mean, seriously, everyone. Strangers on the street are hearing “Read The Art Forger”.

3. Not to toot my horn, but I have some good news: I’m the new She Reads Discussion Leader! The first book discussion I’ll lead is Calling Me Home by Julie Kibler. So grab some copies (book comes out Feb 12!) and read- then come by She Reads at the end of the month and let’s discuss!

4. My #fridayreads is Gods of Mischief by George Rowe and The Next Time You See Me by Holly Goddard Jones. Look for both books in February from Touchstone Books.

5. Speaking of Valentine’s Day- why don’t you give the book lover in your life a new book? A fellow #srblog member has ideas! Check out Bookmagnet’s Blog for suggestions of books to give and reviews!

Happy Reading!

Literary Friday ya’ll…

Friday! I’m off for a weekend of books and foods and friends- don’t be jealous!

1. Deep South Mag is back with their Twitter chats today- Attica Locke, author of The Cutting Season (it made the Deep South Mag Fall/Winter Reading List!) Come chat. NOW. 2-3pm EST. Use #southernlit to join in.

Deep South Mag and their #literaryfriday is also posted- Edgar Allan Poe’s birthday and talk of the Pulpwood Queen’s Girlfriend Weekend among other things!

2. My #fridayreads is Calling Me Home by Julie Kibler. Really enjoying it so far!

3. I’ve been hearing such great things about Me Before You by JoJo Moyes that I’m putting that on my “To Read” list!

Sorry to cut it short- I’m chatting in the Attica Locke Twitter chat, preparing to leave for my weekend away- and basically trying to do too many things at once! I need about 5 more hands to accomplish all!

Literary Friday ya’ll…

Today is a beautiful day. Bright sunshine after a couple of days of dreary rain- temp is in high 60’s/70’s and it’s #literaryfriday!

1. Deep South Magazine will have 2 author chats in the upcoming weeks- so please check back at @deepsouthmag or Deep South Magazine’s Facebook page for more information on that. In other #literaryfriday news, a picture of F.Scott Fitzgerald in drag, a list of 12 Gay Book Characters Turned Straight for Movies ( can you guess who they are?), Pulpwood Queen talk about their upcoming Girlfriend Weekend (Kimberly Brock, The River Witch, will be there!) and much more.

2. What are you reading for #fridayreads? I’m reading Stuck on Murder by Lucy Lawrence ( this will be my 3rd book in goal of 13 for Cruisin Thru the Cozies Reading Challenge 2013).

3. In case you missed the announcement earlier this week, She Reads January Book Club pick is The Art Forger by B.A.Shapiro. Here are some links that you might find interesting.

Literary First Love: B.A Shapiro

B.A. Shapiro on Why She Wrote The Art Forger

January Book Club Selection

The Art Forger: Review by Traveling With T

4. Traveling With T took the plunge and made a Facebook page- facebook.com/TravelingWithT

So come over to Facebook and give Traveling With T a “like”. Blog posts will be posted to the facebook page- but not to worry- if you don’t do the facebook thing, feel free to stick around the blog- I’ll be blogging, commenting, posting pictures and recommending books here as well as there.

5. Want to help a soon to be published author? Read Julie Kibler’s tips- Julie’s debut book is Calling Me Home (release date is Feb 12, 2013). Her book has already been getting some advance praise- hopefully will get much more!

6. Excuse my while my inner child squeals- but on Wednesday Jan 16 at 5:30 pm (EST), Scholastic is hosting a BabySitters Club meeting- talk with Ann M. Martin and test your BSC knowledge! Grab the Kid Kits, find some junk food in Claudia’s room (unless you are Stacey or Dawn) and get ready for a great meeting- and don’t be late or Kristy will give you THE LOOK. Follow @scholastic and use the hashtag #BSCMeeting to join in.

7. Check in with Cozy Mystery Book Reviews– they are giving away books for the month of January!

8. Peeking Between the Pages is giving away a copy of Allison Winn Scotch The Song Remains the Same– check in with that blog for the rules and details.

Happy Reading!

Want to help a soon to be published author? Read!

I forget exactly where I read this, but I read somewhere that a new author has like 6 weeks to make an impression once book is published (I think I have that figure and statement right!) Here’s the important thing: With as many books that are being published daily- it’s the newcomers to the field that need the help, the extra attention. Think of them like the kindergarten kids- they just need a little extra help to boost them through the ranks. Sadly, some writers don’t get the attention they need- maybe it’s because the book was just not right, or too many other good books out at the same time. Maybe the author doesn’t have the support team. Who knows- a million things can go right or wrong in the process- and sometimes hard work is just not enough.

Soon to be published author, Julie Kibler, has written this as advice to help a soon to be published author. The tips are great- really informative and very easy to do (if you are so inclined!)

As I read over the tips- I dubbed them (in my head) The Good Karma Rules of Literary Folks. If you’re lucky enough to get ARC copies- read and tell your thoughts. Book cover is giving you a good feeling? Pre-order that book! Going to the book signing, but already have the book? Consider buying the book for a friend. Ask for it at the library. Tweet. Facebook. Blog. Instagram. Like something about the book? Tweet the author!

Julie Kibler’s book, Calling Me Home, will be released on Feb 12 2013. Read over her tips to help her (and other soon to be published authors).