By Mary Kennedy Eastham
© 2012
Robertson Publishing
Robertson Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-61170-093-0
Author Mary Kennedy Eastham begins her book with a
back-story about losing some of her writing due to a computer glitch. She could
not simply forget them and move on. Then one day a woman handed her a fortune
cookie saying that if she wished upon a star, she’d receive everything she
wanted. The following day, her puppy was playing with a tennis ball that rolled
into a closet. Much to her surprise and delight, in that closet she found those
missing stories among a pile of Christmas ornaments.
I tell this for one very good reason. Just like those lost
stories, Eastman offers up a series of vignettes that each contain a hidden
jewel – a message that may have become lost on you – a message that runs deep
within, without her actually saying it – that you can use to change your own
life for the better.
For instance, in the chapter entitled Cat’s Eyes, a son
grapples with feelings of intense loss, his mother having left his father just
months after his birth. Now preparing for her fifth marriage, the son arrives
with a deep-set resentment against a mother who seemed more concerned with
savoring every moment of life rather than being a dotting mother. However, he
soon learns how swiftly life can end, leaving only the Cats Eyes that he played
with as a child, as the only reminder of what is truly important.
Each story gives us a peek into someone else’s life – just
for a moment in time – each including a profound message but don’t worry. This
is not a collection of ‘poor me’ tales. Eastham’s quick wit eases the tension
and reminds us that laughter is also vital in our lives.
When you read Squinting Over Water, take your time to let
each message sink into your soul. Only then will you realize the true value of
Eastham’s thought provoking work. A number of her stories have won literary
awards.
Squinting Over Water is available at various on-line
bookstores, including Amazon.com HERE in paperback and Kindle format.
Mary Kennedy Eastham Web Site
Mary's Blog
Mary's View on Writing
Mary's Writing Tips
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