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About a decade ago, I was a high school teacher in the city of Philadelphia.
One day I was walking my homeroom to hear a guest speaker, an author of a “YA” novel, give a talk.
I had never heard of the author.
I had never heard of the book and, at that point in my life, I had to ask someone what “YA” stood for.
The speaker was Matthew Quick, author of a book called, Silver Linings Playbook.
Matthew Quick was an exciting guest.
His story, Silver Linings Playbook, was made into a movie, and that movie was coming out in a few short months after this talk.
When Ginny Kochis’ book came out just this Spring, I couldn’t help but recall Quick’s talk and his story. Like Ginny, Matthew Quick was once a high school teacher himself.
Both Quick and Kochis talk about mental health in their YA genre.
Matthew Quick’s writing – and not any special connections or relatives – got the attention of Hollywood.
I can’t help but wonder if these two new books by incredibly hard working authors an publishers might do the same.
Will These New YA Novels (by Catholic Authors) Become Motion Pictures?
Blink and We’ll Miss It is a poignant, swoon-worthy novel about finding the strength to forgive, the courage to move forward, and the vulnerability to fall in love.
The book is already loved internationally and “very much recommended for some great mental health rep and great characters too!”
One reviewer gives a great look at what this book is all about:
“I really enjoyed this book. It is well written and deals with mental health issues realistically, yet sensitively. Mae is a teenager whose life has been upended by her mother’s mental illness. We accompany her on her journey to cope with the impact it has had on her future plans, friendships, and her budding romance with childhood friend Ezra. Mae experiences “blinks” in which she is momentarily thrown into the past and is able to uncover family secrets that shed light into her family’s dysfunction. The parentification of the protagonist and her struggle to find normalcy in a difficult situation will pull at your heart strings, but you will be uplifted by this coming of age tale of resilience, friendship, and love. This book gives major Outer Banks vibes, but is age-appropriate for the target audience as a YA book.”
Read more about Ginny Kochis at NotSoFormulaic.com
Listen, as ageless questions are carried in on the hot winds of the Great Red Valley: Do you know what it means to truly be brave? And, what if you had to risk your life for a simple cup of water?
Join Talitha and Moses on their journey,
one marked with violent drug lords,
crippling jealousy, blinding anger,
but also…tremendous beauty. And, the flutters of first love.
Meet other villagers and colorful characters along the way, all of whom are grappling with dire loss after a recent mine explosion.
Become acquainted with multiple generations of a missionary family who sacrificed all, moving out to the African bush to fulfill a driving passion—one that most would call a crazy dream.
Listen, as ageless questions are carried in on the hot winds of the Great Red Valley: Do you know what it means to truly be brave? And, what if you had to risk your life for a simple cup of water?
Brave Water is just one of many incredible books available from Voyage Comics and Publishing.
One reviewer says this about Brave Water:
“Robsdottir handles heavy subject matter with finesse and cultural sensitivity, approaching the hard reality of human trafficking without being too heavy-handed or didactic. She places her characters in nuanced, layered situations that reveal how things aren’t always what they seem:
motives aren’t black and white,
villains aren’t always pure villainy, and
heroes have Achilles heels.
The plot becomes increasingly gripping as the story progresses.
The themes of the novel are worth your attention and the plot will make this a quick read.”
Entertainment for Readers Who Listen to Their Conscience
In a world and culture where virtue and entertainment are often not found together, many people are seeking to find stories – both in print and on screen – that don’t compromise their morals or damage their souls.
These YA Authors and small businesses like Voyage Comics and Publishing, offer promising content and superb talent.
Voyage Comics and Publishing aims to create exceptional entertainment, informed by Catholic values, that inspires people to live a heroic life.
Through their products, they seek to advance the truth, beauty and goodness found in powerful stories. Their store is a great place to shop for both Catholic boys and men!
Want to join our community of Catholic authors and influencers? Apply here today!
