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"April Showers by Anne Maisy Scott is a contemporary novel exploring lives touched by substance abuse. This tale is centered on family - inter-family relationships, the destruction - and the building - of the individuals. The abuser in the family is compared to 'a harsh and violent storm," who "rained disappointments and ridicule" on her family. Metaphors throughout cleverly – but unobtrusively, recall that 'storm' comparison.
Even though the start is macabre, and at many parts relationships rough, demanding and hurtful, still this is not an unsympathetic treatment of the abusive character. Indeed, the story explores many significant personalities and their role - be it enabler, aggravator, helpless, or rescuer. What is perhaps most revealing is the development of the main character, from a far from ideal background - her goals, achievements and hopes for the future. Her past is inescapable however, and when memories reveal various occurrences, the reader cannot help but admire the strength the main character developed, in spite of all. Echoes of the past seem indeed, to haunt her.
Maggie, the main character, is well developed and her deep feelings sense of loss are moving. Her children, husband, sister, and perhaps most importantly, Aunt Paula, all form a tight bond of family, although none remain untouched by the dysfunctions of the one, the main character's mother.
This novel deals realistically with contemporary issues of substance abuse and how they affect various members of a family. Throughout, the dialogue is intriguing, fast-paced and revealing. It is interesting to read, but at times, disquieting. It is a valuable story, and cannot help but move any that have known those with similar issues; one imagines a certain level of catharsis, here, on the part of the writer, and it is impossible not to empathize in many sections of this work.
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TITLE OF BOOK: April Showers
AUTHOR: Ann Maisy Scott
PUBLISHER: Publish America
ISBN:1-4241-7136-9
PAGES: 380
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Anne Maisy Scott was born in Toledo, Ohio. Even though she moved from my hometown long ago, she still holds Toledo near and dear to her heart. April Showers is based in North Toledo. The author's childhood memories, as many of you can relate, are a roller coaster of experiences with many highs and lows along with many unexpected twists and turns. This story is FICTION, but a hint of "her" is embedded within its pages.
Anne Maisy Scott currently reside in Central Michigan, which is absolutely beautiful! She moved here from Indiana two years ago. She lived in North Central Indiana, which is ten miles East of Kokomo. With moving so often, she has had the opportunity of meeting so many different individuals who have made an impact on her in one form or another. "How will you be remembered?" will always be April's legacy.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
"How will You be Remembered"
The author, Anne Maisy Scott takes you into her world, where you will find yourself tearful, smiling, frustrated, disgusted, angry, happy, resentful, even loving but most of all forgiving as you delve deeper into her family memories.
April Showers is about family dynamics and the many positives and negatives that build a family foundation. It is truly a novel written with a purpose and a serious reality. The purpose being th awaken it's readers up to the importance of family and history.
The reality being that there is no perfect family nor is there a perfect world. There will always be storms to overcome and get through as well as an inviting calmness to give us strength to build our hopes as well as strengthen our family bonds.
The key being forgiveness, so that you can move forward in your own life and learn from your past.
womensselfesteem.com highly recommends, April Showers as a must for every age group. It is an essential part of the learning curve in preparing people for the storms of family life. It offers foresight and guidance to all of us that have been challenged with family struggles. April Showers teaches us also the true meaning of two very important keys to living healthy and happy, those being: moving forward and forgiveness!
March-08)
DorothyL@womensselfesteem.com
Reviewer- Dorothy Lafrinere, Founder of WomensSelfesteem.com
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