The influenza stole in upon like a sneak thief in the night. It prowled the white-washed halls of the [hospital], snatching up lives where it pleased. Iris had, of course, seen the grippe before. But this was a far stronger, more malevolent version of what she’d heard Mrs. Banning call “the old person’s friend.’ It fed indiscriminately upon the inhabitants of the hospital. One of the men it took was Abraham Wagner: Abraham had fought for all he was worth, but his already damaged lungs had made it a losing battle almost from the start. Tim, who’d befriended the gentle black man, wandered the corridors, totally bereft….”He’s the one who’d died, and it’s me what’s feeling like a ghost,” he said wearily to Iris one afternoon….
She worked over Fritz[, the German prisoner of war,] like a sinner trying to expiate her sin. She didn’t neglect her other duties or Archie – who, of course, had ceased to be a duty to her long ago. But every spare moment she had, she gave over to Fritz’s care. She bolted down her rations and barely slept. There were days when her vision was so blurred, she could barely distinguish one person’s face from another. Other times, usually at night, she saw with an eerie clarity the shadow behind the shadow, the soul within the most commonplace of things.
She was, Iris sometimes thought, between worlds, neither of the living nor of the dead. Early one morning, just before dawn, she felt a cold, gentle touch on her shoulder while she sat, half-dozing, at Fritz’s bedside. She jerked her head up and found herself staring up into Abraham Wagner’s deep-set brown eyes. He smiled at her, then at the boy, who was still after having been thrashing about most of the night in a fevered sleep. Iris looked up at the dead man fearfully, but he only smiled and, taking her hand in his, placed it on Fritz’s forehead. Iris gasped: he was still hot but no longer burning up.
Suddenly, Fritz sat up. His eyes looked beyond Iris. She turned and saw Abraham, still smiling, move toward the open doorway, where a woman stood waiting for him. The woman’s features were blurred, but she felt familiar somehow, just as the man outside the gates had. And there were other presences, more shadowy still, out in the hallway behind her. Like Abraham and the woman, they were silent; but Iris felt their pain and fear give way to wonderment, and her heart broke open inside as she felt some of that wonderment wash over her.
Fritz slumped back down onto the cot, but Iris knew from his breathing that he was going to be all right now. She sat there, exhausted but humbled and thankful for what she’d seen.
“Miss Amory.” The hand on her arm this time was warm and living. Iris jerked her head up from the counterpane. Dr. Blaine was gazing down at her, his green eyes kinder and wearier than usual, his clothes a tad more rumpled. “So you’ve been here all night.” He gestured toward Fritz. “How’s this fellow doing?”
“Better – I think,” Iris said, her brain still blurred and confused. Her eyes felt dry and gritty and her mouth even worse, as though she’d been licking out a dustbin. She started to get up, but there was a feeble tug on her hand. It was Fritz, his blue eyes battered and washed out like cornflowers after a heavy rain. “Danke schon,” he whispered. “You saved me. The black man, he would’ve taken me with him, but you stayed, and he took the woman instead.”
T. J. Banks is the author of Catsong, Souleiado, and Houdini, a novel for young adults which the late writer and activist Cleveland Amory enthusiastically branded “a winner.” Catsong, a collection of her best cat stories, was the winner of the 2007 Merial Human-Animal Bond Award. A Contributing Editor to laJoie, she has received writing awards from the Cat Writers' Association (CWA), ByLine, and The Writing Self. She has worked as a stringer for the Associated Press and as an instructor for the Writer's Digest School.
A Time for Shadows can be purchased at Amazon by clicking on the cover at the start of the post or here. We also have a print copy of A Time for Shadows up for grabs for a random commenter. Just leave a comment and your email address (or after commenting, send an email to contests.bookblog@gmail.com). A winner will be chosen on Thursday, November 19.
Review by Melissa Cornwell
Here's the blurb from Amazon:
Jeff Prince is in Dallas and becomes embroiled in a fight that ends with a death. He quickly becomes the prime suspect and is jailed. Prince unwittingly uses an attorney with a conflict of interest and draws a two-year sentence for manslaughter. His injustice grows within his mind like a festering sore. Known as stubborn and unyielding, he returns to the scene of his downfall when released. With help from a club waitress, he locates a witness to the fight scene. An actress, present at the fatal fight, refuses to get involved. Stymied temporarily, he seeks help from a member of the Dallas Homicide division. The old cop admits that a crime mob does exist and is growing. He must move with care in dealing with the mob, as they may have infiltrated the police department. Events unfold that provide a rosier view. Jeff's name could be cleared, his future looks brighter and love is in full bloom.
This book was very interesting and very easy to follow. I absolutely grew to love the character of Jeff Prince in his quest to prove his innocence. I cannot imagine what it would have been like to be in prison for two years knowing you are innocent. There was such a huge, complex cast of characters, and I have to say bravo to that. Jeff finds allies in unexpected places, such as Olin Miller and Katy. I like the romantic twist to the story. Jeff definitely deserved to have something good happen in his life.
The novel was very realistic and very well written. The complex story plots fit together very well. It was interesting to see the process by which Jeff went through to accomplish his goal; being in the thick of danger, but not afraid to keep pushing ahead. I think one of the biggest things I got from this novel was that if you want something bad enough, you will do anything to get it. It also means that you probably shouldn't get caught up with the mob. Very good image of what the mob does and it was a very interesting twist to the story. Out of everyone, I didn't see the mob as the ones responsible. Thank you for a very interesting read!
Anyone besides me excited about Dan Brown's upcoming release The Lost Symbol on September 15. For those of us who have read Brown's other works such as The Da Vinci Code, Angels & Demons, and Digital Fortress, we've been awaiting this new book.
Personally, I love historical fiction books. I'm not limited to reading books in this category to Dan Brown, but with the "controversy" of The Da Vinci Code, everyone knows his name. Check out this information about The Lost Symbol from Amazon:
The Lost Symbol will once again feature Dan Brown’s unforgettable protagonist, Robert Langdon.
“The Lost Symbol is a brilliant and compelling thriller. Dan Brown’s prodigious talent for storytelling, infused with history, codes and intrigue, is on full display in this new book. This is one of the most anticipated publications in recent history, and it was well worth the wait,” said Sonny Mehta, Chairman and Editor in Chief of the Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group.
Brown’s longtime editor, Jason Kaufman, Vice President and Executive Editor at Doubleday said, “Nothing ever is as it first appears in a Dan Brown novel. This book’s narrative takes place in a twelve-hour period, and from the first page, Dan’s readers will feel the thrill of discovery as they follow Robert Langdon through a masterful and unexpected new landscape. The Lost Symbol is full of surprises.”
"This novel has been a strange and wonderful journey," said Brown. "Weaving five years of research into the story's twelve-hour timeframe was an exhilarating challenge. Robert Langdon’s life clearly moves a lot faster than mine."
We aren't given anything about the nature of the story or where it takes place, but I for one will read it no matter what. So excited!
Just out of curiosity... who else plans on reading this book? It's available for preorder through Amazon
Jen: This week we welcome Markeise Washington to Book Talk with J & J. Markeise, will you please share a short bio with us.
Markeise: I’m originally from South Philadelphia. I’ve been living in Delaware for a while now. I am a proud father and I would say a workaholic. I have been writing since I can remember. I am an author, publisher, and an entrepreneur. I like to joke a lot but when it comes to business I’m as serious as can be.
Jen: Tell us about Entrepreneur and where it's available for purchase.
Markeise: I am in the process of re-releasing my novel through my company 5ive Star Publications. I had a couple issues and I will have it available for purchase very soon. It will be available through www.5ivestarpublications.com Feb. 2009. The story follows Swift a college graduate trying to break into corporate America. When the doors keep slamming in his face he takes he frustrations to his best friend Block. Block is the most feared hustler in the streets of Philly. When there efforts are combined they both see opportunity. When Block is incarcerated it is at that point when Swift is thrust into the arms of the streets.
Jen: You’re the owner of 5ive Star Publications. Why did you go into publishing? Tell us more about the company.
Markeise: The publishing world takes careful research. I didn’t do mine when I decided to put my book out initially. As a result I winded up taking my bumps and bruises and turning them into a positive. 5ive Star Publications was born to cater to authors without a platform to speak. I wanted to attack every genre. We have contemporary fiction, urban fiction, and children’s literature just to name a few. We are always looking for fresh talent. In 2009 we plan to announce ourselves with the literary world.
Jen: If someone is interested in learning more about the company, who can they contact and what is the website?
Markeise: Anybody interested in the company can go to the website www.5ivestarpublications.com or they can contact the V.P. of 5ive Star Publications at Sharminat@5ivestarpublications.com. All emails are answered and we love to hear feedback.
Jen: Describe your writing in three words.
Markeise: Explosive, Cinematic, and Authentic
Jen: How do you approach your writing? Do you plot or go with the flow?
Markeise: I go with the flow because I used to write in a composition book then take that to my laptop. Now I cut the book out and go straight to the laptop. When I get in front of a computer my creative juices flow and stories are born.
Jen: Do you have a writing routine?
Markeise: I just wait to the house is silent and everybody is asleep. The complete silence clears my mind so I’m able to focus.
Jen: What’s the most challenging aspect of writing? Easiest?
Markeise: The most challenging aspect is to find time to do it! I wear different hats on different days. When I actually get the chance to just write I’m excited. It’s hard because I have to read manuscripts and prep my own. It’s gets hectic but my partners Keith Washington and Sharmina Ellis help me pick up the slack when needed.
Jen: Where do you draw your inspiration?
Markeise: All types of things. I could be watching TV. I could hear something while I’m in the mall. Real life also plays a huge part because things I’ve experienced help me put together some of my work.
Jen: Who are some of your favorite authors and books? What are you reading now?
Markeise: My favorite authors are K’wan and Mary Higgins Clark. My top five favorite books are Addicted by Zane, Nervous by Zane, Eve by K’wan, Pretend You Don't See Her by Mary Higgins Clark, and The Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah. I’m currently reading a new manuscript I plan to hopefully put out next year!
Jen: What's next for you?
Markeise: There are so many things. I have Entrepreneur about to be re-introduced to the reading public in Feb. 2009 as well as the follow up Entrepreneur II: The Transition in 2009. I have A Father’s Struggle to soon follow that. We have Southside Hustler by Rich Mclaughlin coming in Jan. 2009. We also have a children’s book entitled JC and Mr. T coming 2009 from author Gil Trudell.
Jen: Where can you be found on the web?
Markeise: I can be found at http://www.5ivestarpublications.com or http://www.myspace.com/5ivestarpublications.
Jen: Do you have anything you’d like to ask our readers?
Markeise: I would ask the readers to keep a look out for 5ive Star Publications. We plan to be in a bookstore near you!
Jen: Thanks Markeise for being with us and telling us about your new company. Readers, if you'd like to be entered in a contest for a copy of Entrepreneur, leave a comment here before Thursday, Dec 11. Please leave your email address in the post if you are not going to subscribe to the post comments or stopping back by the blog to see if you're a winner.
Jen: This weekend we are excited to have Matthew Cory as our guest. Welcome Matthew. Will you please share a short bio with us?
Matthew: I was born, and mostly raised, in El Paso, Texas, where I live now with my wife and our two "kids" (a three-year-old beagle named Chloe and a two-year-old cat named Charlie). My parents divorced when I was young, and my mother and I moved around a lot -- mostly in southern California, and eventually to a small town in Washington (state). I'd stay with my father during the summers and my mother during the school years, until my mom moved to Washington; then I switched off and spent high school in El Paso, and the summers in Washington.
During and immediately after high school, my creative focus was on the piano, something that comes out in Like Glass and more so in the sequel that I'm working on for it (tentatively titled Shattered). I spent a small part of a semester at Texas Tech in Lubbock as a composition and piano performance major, then moved back to El Paso and went to UTEP. I switched up entirely from the creative world at this time and started studying computer science. I didn't graduate, but spent a lot of personal time studying software development, and currently make a living developing software for Philips Electronics in El Paso.
Jen: Tell us about Like Glass and where it's available.
Matthew: Like Glass is -- and always has been -- difficult for me to describe briefly. Every time I try, I make it sound like a soap opera, which definitely was not my intention in writing it. Here's the gist of it though, I guess: we've all, at one time or another, been so angry at someone that we wished they were dead. Well, what would happen if they really died?
That's what Like Glass starts off with -- Rob Jackson gets a phone call from his brother's wife, Janet, letting him know that his brother is dead. Rob had been hoping for that call for a long time, because a few years ago, he and Janet had been briefly (but fiercely) in love, and he never forgave his brother for stealing her from him. He goes up to Washington state (where Janet lives) for the funeral, and things just kinda go downhill from there. It's really a great story; I just hope I did it justice in being the one to write it.
It's currently available through my website, http://chocolatefordogs.com.
Jen: At what age did you discover writing and when were you first published? Tell us your call story.
Matthew: I've been writing off and on since middle school at least. I mean, "extra curricular" writing, not just school assignments. The most recent bought -- the one I'm in right now, and the one that's had the greatest effect on my life -- started in 2006, when I my dad had found some of my older poems and short stories. He told me they were really good, and that I should keep it up. So I started writing a couple of short stories just for kicks, and before long it kinda took over.
Jen: Describe your writing in three words.
Matthew: Emotional, real, regular life.
(Okay, that's four words; I hope I don't get docked too much for that though...)
Jen: What’s the most challenging aspect of writing? Easiest?
Matthew: At the moment, the most challenging aspect I find is keeping focused. I'm working full time, and I'm trying to market Like Glass, while still maintaining a quasi-normal family life. It's tough to keep my writing and my day-job separated; I find when I have free time at work (which is rare, unless I'm forcing it) I'm working on my novel. And, when I start working on it, something always comes up, someone has a problem of some kind that I need to either take care of or send off to someone else who can do something about it. It took me two weeks to get the rough draft of Like Glass finished, working on it full time; Shattered has so far taken almost three, and I've only gotten nine chapters out of a planned forty-five chapters.
The easiest part of writing for me is actually just writing. Once I've got a scene in my head -- when I'm not distracted, and I can visualize it -- it just flows out like water. Sometimes it's a little tough to get that next scene, of course, but when it comes, its out before I can really stop it. It's great.
Jen: Did you do anything special to celebrate the sale or release of your book?
Matthew: I'm having a "release party" at my dad's bar, Shooter's Billiards in El Paso, Texas, to celebrate more that I'm able to market the book now. The book's been available for almost a year now, but I haven't had a chance to really push it at all. Now things have levelled off a little, and I can focus on it more, so I'm throwing a party. It's open to the public too -- anyone who happens to be in the area should stop by. It's a great little bar, if nothing else.
Jen: Is there a genre that you’d like to write?
Matthew: I'd love to write stories that are more supernatural or fantasy-like -- I don't mean like elves and orcs necessarily, but stories that are in a more "not-quite-as-normal" universe. I've got one novel of this nature collecting dust somewhere, but it'll be a while before I get back to it. This gets back to the focus thing though -- it's harder (for me, at least) to create something that's entirely made up, rather than something that could be happening next door as you're reading this.
Jen: Who has inspired you as an author?
Matthew: Stephen King, most definitely. I love the way he writes -- it's like sitting down and talking with your buddies, almost. No -- or at least, very little -- pretense, very down-to-earth. The way he connects with the reader -- with me, at least -- is great, and isn't something I ever got out of most things you'd find in more "high-brow" stuff.
More recently, I've been reading the The Chronicles of Narnia as well, and C.S. Lewis is definitely a great writer (yeah, I'm behind the times; people have known that for ages, I'm sure). And again, it's because of the connection he brings; it feels like I'm sitting by the fire, listening to a grandparent tell a story, rather than sitting there reading a book. It's wonderful.
Jen: What's next for you?
Matthew: Like I said, I'm currently working on Shattered, the sequel to Like Glass. I also have in mind several other books I may write around other characters in Like Glass -- more of a "group" of books than any kind of sequel/prequel series. I have a few other stories in mind that I feel need to be told as well, though I'm not sure when they'll decide they want to be written -- that's not something I can control.
Jen: Where can you be found on the web?
Matthew: I maintain a blog at http://chocolatefordogs.com, where I mostly talk about writing, events around my books, and software development (though I'm moving away from the software stuff at the moment). I'm also on FaceBook, and I'm always looking for more friends, so be sure to look me up there.
Jen: Is there anything you’d like to ask our readers?
Matthew: If a train leaves Boston going 55 miles per hour ...
No, I can't really think of anything to ask, but if you don't mind me getting a little preachy for a minute, I do have something I'd like to say that's a little off topic and probably more than a little corny.
Every day, everyone -- myself most definitely included, and probably worse than most -- gets so caught up in stupid stuff: work, bills, money (especially money), got to be here, got to get there. We lose sight of important things. Family. Friends. Life. Life isn't about paying bills, or about making that next paycheck. Life is about waking up in the morning and telling the person you love that you care about them. It's about deep breaths and sunsets and all the other things we like to make fun of because we don't take the time to let ourselves enjoy them.
We speed down the freeway so we get to work three minutes early -- trust me, the building will still be there when you get there, and the odds are you'll spend those three minutes waiting on the elevator anyways. We rush through our day, forgetting that, even though we may be at the office, that day is still special, it's still a one-time gift from whatever higher power (if any) you choose to believe in. We get home, nuke dinner, gripe about our lives while the TV blares in the background, and go to bed so we can do it all again the next day. That's existing, not living. And I want to reaffirm that I'm probably more guilty than a lot of people.
What I'd like to tell people is to slow down. Enjoy life while you're here, and, contrary to what Madison Avenue will have you believe, you don't need a fast car, the latest high-tech gizmos, a big house, or lots of money to enjoy life. Those take away from life. I know that from experience. As a wise man once said, "Life is what happens while you're making plans." Make your plans, but don't forget to enjoy the little bits and pieces in between.
Okay, I'll get off the soap box now.
Jen: Matthew, so much for joining us this weekend. Readers, we're holding a quick contest for a copy of Like Glass. Leave a comment here or ask Matthew a question and you'll be entered in the contest. I'll draw a winner on Sunday, November 2 at 8:00 pm PDT.