Local Author Day at Princeton Library

Today I'm at the Princeton Library in Princeton, New Jersey, attending its Local Author's Day event. 

A good friend, Lisa Dekis, is here with her novella, Frankie's Angel. It's the compelling story of a seven-year-old girl whose mother dies. It explores the child's grief and how her life is changing.

Here is an excerpt from the book where the girl, Frankie, attends her mother's funeral.

*** I saw my Mom in her coffin. She wore a fluffy, baby blue dress, and her hands held shiny, glass, rosary beads. I wrinkled my nose. There is no way Mom would have picked that outfit for herself. I guess Grandmom chose it, or Aunt Joanie.

Mom wouldn't have held those beads either. She usually held a coffee and a cigarette in her hands. One time on the way to church, my little sister Judy, threw up and I could tell my mom was glad that we had to turn around and go home. I was glad too.

My older brother George held my hand. Some people in suits quietly cleared a path as they stared at George in his new crew cut and suit jacket.

I was glad to see Mom, even though she lay in a white, satin-lined coffin. I thought maybe she would move and sit up and say, "Frankie, this isn't real. I'm not dead. Let's walk down the street and follow the moon."  **

I recommend the book especially for someone who may be grieving or experiencing a loss.

In recognition of Local Author's Day, Lisa Dekis is offering free downloads of Frankie's Angel through Monday.