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I have finished book 4 in my series, Chronicles of MatiLou and PerryAnn. It took eight years because each time I finished one I had to take a break. The novellas needed special care and were hard to write! They are about environmental concern and painful experiences and coming through to the other side. And they are about friendship, learning lessons and appreciating the gifts in life. MatiLou and PerryAnn’s stories demanded to be told, and I am their storyteller. I did not plot their experiences out in a neat outline; I simply wrote what came to me as I typed along. The writing is intentionally simple to include all readers. The novellas occur within a thirty year span, and I wrote them so that any one book can be read individually; however, reviewers have suggested reading the entire series. As the author, I tried to record the girls’ hope, what they felt and learned, much of their dialogue, and what they gained and lost along the way. Although fiction, their journey resonates with current times. It seems to me the stories are at a good place to end, but who knows? If there is more to record, I will gladly type away. "Painted Moment" On a trail out west, I’m on a mustang, and I am free. The cowboy ahead leads the way. There’s nowhere else to be. We climb the hill in silence, our horses watching their steps…
Reviewed by Joe Wisinski for Readers' Favorite
Chronicles of MatiLou and PerryAnn by Martha Passel is about two young women who face tragedies, tough decisions, and many questions about their future, as well as what happened in the past. The book is written in four parts and covers 30 years. PerryAnn’s parents had died in a car crash, and she wanted to know exactly what happened, so she and MatiLou looked for the answer. Their quest was complicated by the fact that a boy PerryAnn had a crush on may have been involved. At the same time, MatiLou struggled with her marriage because her husband worked for causes that were in opposition to her beliefs. As they work through their respective issues, the characters mature and eventually find the answers they are looking for. In addition to the two friends, there’s a significant character who’s 83 years old and who teaches a philosophy of forgiveness, acceptance, and responsibility. The book has a strong pro-environment message.
Chronicles of MatiLou and PerryAnn by Martha Passel is a fascinating read. The author grabs her reader’s attention from the beginning and keeps them in suspense throughout. The characters are credible because they show the full gamut of human emotions and frailties. I liked the pro-environment message, which the author is passionate about, although never preachy. Because the characters are young this is particularly important, as young people will identify with them and be encouraged to support the same cause. I also liked the emphasis on relying on your best friends, even though you may sometimes have disagreements. The inclusion of the wise elderly character teaches respect for those who are older and who know more than readers do. The ending wraps up the plot lines well and leaves readers looking for more. Anyone from early teens upward will find it compelling, entertaining, and satisfying. I highly recommend this book.
