Susie Newman

Diaries: a Collection of Short Stories Susie Newman

Diaries is a unique and inspiring collection of ten short stories.  Written in distinct voices, Diaries is an assemblage of life, love, laughter, death, innocence and triumph. The stories make up a richly layered tapestry, woven with tales of human strength and human weakness. Each story is an honest portrait and look into the human condition. The diaries are a mixture of heartbreak and wit told through clear and honest voices. At times the stories are raw and visceral and at other times they are lighthearted with comic timing. The first story, "Ruthie" is the journal of a dying woman. Ruthie faces her mortality and records her final days with courage and comfort. Her diary gives the reader a spiritual insight gifted from a simple and humble woman. The razor sharp memoir of "Libby" is both tender and piercing and takes the reader to hidden places of darkness.  The readers of Diaries will cheer on "Sissy" as she survives her abandonment and heartbreak with three kids, a free spirit, and bare feet. "Eden" is a diary wrought with heartache. Her raw history of abuse and neglect is written in lyric beauty that will move the reader to tears. The stories that make up Diaries tiptoe lightly on issues such as death, mental illness, abuse, racism, homosexuality and mid-life crisis.  These solemn and earnest topics are confronted with a fetching wit, unrestrained charm and a carefree style.  These stories resonate something that is fresh, simple, heartfelt and homespun. Diaries carries a message to the heart that touches the soul.