Recently, I read an article in my local paper in Virginia Beach, Virginia, about a homeless woman who had written several books.  (They are fictional accounts of being homeless, that have a reality base to them.)  She was mainly able to write the books by using public computers at the library.  My church decided to follow-up on the article, and have since met with the author, and read her books within the congregation.  The start of the series is called, "Home Street Home", and quite honestly I found it riveting!  

THIS BOOK WOULD BE AWESOME FOR BOOK CLUBS, LOOKING FOR SOMETHING NEW TO READ!  The books are gritty and  honest, but they are monumental in helping you to gain empathy and understanding of what the life of a homeless person can involve.  If you go to the Amazon site, you will see the book is getting amazing reviews. 

Here's the link from our club:  http://www.paperbackswap.com/book/browser.php?k=Home+Street+Home

By the way, the author has just moved into an apartment last week, that she can now call "Home"!  Please post a reply to keep this near the top of the forum.  We can all help a little, just by spreading the word.  The author is hoping to support herself from the sale of these books! 

Georgia Saunders, the author of the book, has asked us to spread the word via facebook.  If we "like" the site, she is hopeful a publisher will be interested in the book.  Thanks for helping!  Here's the sites:

http://www.facebook.com/homestreethomebooks

Home Street Home - The Virginia Beach Chronicles*

Home Street Home - The Virginia Beach Chronicles Author: Georgia Saunders   Home Street Home is a work of literary fiction set in the homeless community of the Oceanfront in Virginia Beach. Based on hard facts, it is the reader's ticket for a virtual journey into a parallel universe that is increasingly easy for any of us to fall into these days. Home Street Home is the jeopardy story of Ella Migliore, a... more »

 

I think the Oprah show is done so I'm not sure she's doing her Oprah's Book Club thing anymore. 

Well, hopefully we can spread the word enough on our own!  These books would be perfect for Book Clubs to read.  They definantly make you think, and want to discuss ways of helping.  With the economy the way it is, this really could be any of us out on the streets!. 

Please post your thoughts so we can keep this topic near the top!

Please help keep this topic going!  I'm meeting with the author on Friday, and I'm going to suggest she write a discussion question list for book clubs to use.   ( I'll post it here, if she passes one on to me!)  Thanks again for reading this post!  

I hope this book is as good as you say!   I told our book club about it tonight and we're reading it for February.

Carol - an interview with the author might be used in the PBS blog.  I've seen several author interviews there!

Perfect!  I'm seeing her tomorrow, I will suggest that.  Thank you for the reply.  I'm trying to keep this going. 

This sounds like a good book.  I'm going to get one from Amazon.  I may be posting it for a swap later.

Welcome Deborah!  I hope you have the same wonderful experience that I have had in the club.  My copy of the book is probably going to be in rough shape by the time everyone I know reads it, so I don't think I'll be able to swap it.  (My husband is halfway done, and really enjoying it.  My son is next to read it.)  Thanks for the post!  Important topic, so I'm trying to keep it moving.