and the critics say...

Check it out, Publisher's Weekly just gave KINDRED a starred review!

Kindred
Tammar Stein, Knopf, $16.99 (272p) ISBN 978-0-375-85871-0
In this refreshing twist on a traditional call narrative, theological musings transform into urgent moral questions requiring decisive action as well as literal and metaphorical leaps of faith. Skillfully intertwining family, medical, and supernatural dramas with a sweet romantic subplot, Stein (High Dive) unleashes cosmic battles to play out among the inhabitants of smalltown Hamilton, Tenn., a setting replete with Civil War history. Narrator Miriam, a college freshman and budding journalist, responds with a persuasive blend of faith and doubt to archangel Raphael's terrifying appearance, dropping out of college after her only partly successful attempt at obeying his command to "evacuate Tabitha before the Sabbath." Thus launched on an unexpected path, Miriam confronts a serious illness and the growing awareness that her spiritual quest pits her against her twin, Moses, a recruit of demonic forces. Additional parallels add intriguing nuance, such as the Christian and Jewish faith perspectives offered by the twins' divorced parents. Miriam's initial interpretation of her illness as divine punishment gives way to more complex theological reflections in this riveting tale, an angel book that stands out from the chorus. Ages 12–up. (Feb.)

What a lovely way to end 2010. Thank you PW for that awesome review!!

More later,

Tammar

Committment

I'm not a big sports fan. And of all the professional sports out there, I care about football the least. I couldn't care less about football. And I think making heros out of successful athletes is just asking for trouble. But I always read Sport's Illustrated's profile of their Sportsman of the Year, and this year it was Saints' quarterback Drew Brees. (I had to look at the cover to type this, I am that clueless about football.)

It was a very long article and as you might expect, down right worshipful of him. He's a dedicated team player, a caring father and husband, and has given a lot back to the New Orleans community, in addition to winning the Superbowl.

The part of the article that really struck me was a quote from his memoir Coming Back Stronger about when he proposed to his wife, Bethany.

"...when I put the ring on Bethany's finger, I said 'For better or for worse, till death do us part.' Period. No matter how bad it could possibly get, I am committed. It's not about happiness. It's not about a feeling. I committed myself for the rest of my life, and I promised never to walk away."

What an emphatic, beautiful explanation of what it means to commit. In one way, he's saying it's not about the romance, it's not about those giddy, lovely moments that make you fall in love. Yet just saying that, it's incredibly romantic. He's pledging to stand by his wife through thick and thin, through ups and downs, external and internal to their relationship.

It's beautiful.

I wish them a long, happy marriage and a successful football career. Here's one athlete that makes a good hero.

More later,

Tammar

Kindred trailer

Check out the trailer for my new book, Kindred, coming out February 8!!

Kindred by Tammar Stein

If you're wondering about that awesome song, it's Cassandra by Tiger Weather, obviously a very talented group on their way to big things! (And who kindly let me use their song in the trailer...thanks again!)

More later,

Tammar