Publisher Description

In 1963, a young teenage girl moves with her mother and sisters from the suburbs to the downtown of a Midwestern city when her parents divorce. Emmie, a naïve, curious and intelligent girl, wants the security of her suburban life but has always dreamed of adventure in faraway places. She must take risks, meet new people and become independent. The change is difficult for all because of her mother's alcoholism and lack of a steady income. When Emmie's mother takes a job, she cares for her sisters at night. In her new neighborhood, Emmie meets people from different cultures. Emmie's life becomes a pattern of good and bad experiences. She meets good people who give her courage and support. Her newfound strength allows her to confront evil, thus awakening spiritual and mental determination. When her mother's drinking worsens, and the family's income goes down, Emmie struggles with weakness and doubt. The responsibility of taking care of her sisters, in addition to attending school and trying to maintain normal relationships are stressful to Emmie, but she never gives up. Some of the ways she copes are by satisfying her natural curiosity and love of people, thus she is rewarded with good friends and unique experiences. Even though Emmie's daydreaming is a concern and could potentially lead to shutting out reality or withdrawing from life, she is able to compensate by participating in art, music and reading. Regular visits by their father allow Emmie and her sisters to maintain a small grasp on their previous life.

Author Biography

Kay Castaneda is retired from a career as a college writing instructor and special education tutor. She earned a B.A. and M.A. in English at Indiana University. Her publications include poetry, fiction and creative non-fiction in literary journals plus articles about education for reference books. She published a novel based on her experiences growing up in the Midwest, Emmie of Indianapolis. Kay is also a contributor to Death Among Us: An Anthology of Murder Mystery Short Stories. She is currently researching the history of Ireland for a novel based on her ancestors. Her work in progress is a mystery novel with a teen female sleuth. Kay's hobbies are reading, genealogy, traveling and browsing in antique stores and flea markets. Kay lives in Mexico with her husband Tony, son Richard and dogs Whitey and Buddy.

Review

"Emmie of Indianapolis Is a charming coming of age story that follows the life of a young 13 year old girl that moves from the suburbs to the Midwestern town of Indianapolis. Set in the 1960's, readers are taken back to a time and place when things were simpler." Artisan Book Reviews"Emmie of Indianapolis" reads as if Emmie is speaking directly to us, simply, succinctly, sometimes without understanding, and other times with deep understanding; but more often than not a sense of wonder. This charm, in spite of some troublesome episodes in Emmie's year, makes the story a pleasure to read." Amazon Customer"Sweet story of a young lady's experience growing up--the joys, fears, sorrows and triumphs that shape our lives as adults. Emmie, the main character, is brave, caring and hard working young lady destined to rise about her circumstances due to her simple faith and hope in her heart." Flora Wilsker, Amazon Customer "Castaneda tells a story of the essentials of friendship; against the inequities that adults, through their needs and intolerances, visit upon the lives of children. And in spite of those inequities, and in spite of the failings all too present in Emmie's world, the story is a warm one." Jamie Campbell, Goodreads"This is an episodic novel at times sugary and other times full of fright and bad things. Told by 12-year-old Emmie O'Brien, who may be the sweetest child in the universe, this is a tale of a family in trouble. Everything is bleak except Emmie." cinejue, Goodreads

Long Description

In 1963, a young teenage girl moves with her mother and sisters from the suburbs to the downtown of a Midwestern city when her parents divorce. Emmie, a na

Review Quote

"Emmie of Indianapolis Is a charming coming of age story that follows the life of a young 13 year old girl that moves from the suburbs to the Midwestern town of Indianapolis. Set in the 1960's, readers are taken back to a time and place when things were simpler." Artisan Book Reviews "Emmie of Indianapolis" reads as if Emmie is speaking directly to us, simply, succinctly, sometimes without understanding, and other times with deep understanding; but more often than not a sense of wonder. This charm, in spite of some troublesome episodes in Emmie's year, makes the story a pleasure to read." Amazon Customer "Sweet story of a young lady's experience growing up--the joys, fears, sorrows and triumphs that shape our lives as adults. Emmie, the main character, is brave, caring and hard working young lady destined to rise about her circumstances due to her simple faith and hope in her heart." Flora Wilsker, Amazon Customer "Castaneda tells a story of the essentials of friendship; against the inequities that adults, through their needs and intolerances, visit upon the lives of children. And in spite of those inequities, and in spite of the failings all too present in Emmie's world, the story is a warm one." Jamie Campbell, Goodreads "This is an episodic novel at times sugary and other times full of fright and bad things. Told by 12-year-old Emmie O'Brien, who may be the sweetest child in the universe, this is a tale of a family in trouble. Everything is bleak except Emmie." cinejue, Goodreads

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