When the Bough Breaks

WHEN THE BOUGH BREAKS An Anthology by Members of KaBoom Writing Collective (Kentucky Book Mafia)

This book is not only a fabulous book to read, but the attention to detail and the time and effort these ladies put into publishing this book makes it an exquisite work of art unto itself. To check out a wonderful article on the making of this book, check out Public Republic.

"Late-Blooming Daisy" by Mary H. Alexander is probably my favorite story in the book. Daisy Fiske is an elderly woman trying to come to grips with the changing roles in her life. No longer able to do somethings by herself, she is dependent on others for help going to the doctor or the grocery or any number of day-to-day tasks. When she is confronted with the loss of her long-time physician, she tries to take matters into her own hands and size up his replacement before choosing a new doctor. What Daisy doesn't expect is the sudden emergence of late onset "puppy love" when she feels an instant attraction to her new "older" doctor. Although she is no spring chicken, Daisy realizes she is not ready to be put out to pasture just yet.

"His Place in the World" by Jan Isenhour struck a cord with me as it described a new found relationship blossoming between a divorced man and his present girlfriend while both try to support the man's young son. I was a single mother with two children once, so I know how hard it is to finally trust another person with the precious bundles that are your children. This was poignant and heartwarming and I could feel the emotions right along with the characters.

Leatha Kendrick's contributions to the book came in the form of poetry instead of a short story, but they were in no way a lesser style of writing. "Second Opinion" gives you a humorous look at the often dark subject of cancer. "No Reason" is an eye-opener to a news junkie like myself when all we seem to see on the television screen is death, destruction and mayhem. Sometimes it is hard to find the reason.

The works by the other authors are equally as charming: "Heartichoke" by Lynn Pruett is that ever-present struggle of modern women - how to have a family and a life; "Everything, Changed" by Gail M. Kochler focuses on the rapidly changing world of a new mother; Pam Sexton's selections of "Poetry" work through many issues dealing with everyday life; and "Rooted in Solitude" by Susan Christerson Brown focuses on the many changing roles our lives go through.

Each of these gifted writers make you feel the emotions they are trying to invoke. Powerfully written, collectively beautiful, each section is relevant to the breaking of a bough and the subsequent rehealing of the main tree. This is a book to keep on your nightstand because you will be turning to it time after time.

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