See below reviews: 1* & 2*. There are over 170 5* reviews on Amazon, and in all fairness here’s a link for all the amazon reviews: from 1-5*.
All Amazon Reviews:
What’s the point of this post?
Being raised with a brother with mental illness through my formative years, and not being able to bring friends to my house, messed with my thinking.
I became hyper-sensitive to what others think of me, because I sure as hell knew what people though about my brother. I struggled with depression because of it and finally through the years learned to find inner peace and meaning for my existence.
I’ve always loved to write but never thought of myself as a writer. I’m just an ordinary human being, in just about everything I do, what I consider average. I make no claims to be this or that, better or worse. Writing has been a place of sanctuary for me where I get to say it all out loud and not worry about what will they think of me. Worry about that was present when I wrote this book. At first I didn’t even want to put it out, for fear I’d make an absolute fool out of my mediocre self. Then, encouraged by friends, one a publisher, I turned it over. And, out–to the world. That one person read and liked it was great. But all the attention has been a huge surprise.
The book’s made it into main stream press and magazines, been featured on a local TV show, read by an actress at a prestigious art center here in Southern California, is sitting with the film production company (Two Ton Press) that did The Bucket List (the head of that group was someone I met at my local dog park, lol) and now I just received an e-mail that The Rainbow Project has nominated it to be considered for their 2014 list. That’s the LGBT group that reads novels to determine if they are appropriate to be recommended to LGBT children. They’re affiliated with The American Library Association and trust me if my book makes it to that list, I will be a happy woman when I go to my final resting place. I won’t know the results of that one till January 2014.
(http://glbtrt.ala.org/rainbowbooks/archives/1055)
Back to the point of this post. Writing and putting it out there has subjected me to feedback from all over the place, good, bad, luke warm. The first negative review left me sleepless for two nights, wanting to crawl into my, I’m not good enough cave. Now, after other 1 & 2 * on Amazon and others on Goodreads, I’m building immunity to what others think. I’m okay with honest feedback and want dialogues to ensue. Why? Because it’s not about me. It’s all about tolerance and if we can open up channels of loving acceptance, than my own small self can suffer a little. Don’t you agree?
I do not agree with homosexuality. If I had realized that this was the center of the book; that it was the story of lesbian sisters I would not have ordered it.
I couldn’t get past the second chapter after learning the subject of the story. I do not agree with persecuting anyone but reading a story of the lif e of a lesbian is not on my list of entertainment. I give it a thumbs down.
I never finished the book as I do not care for books regarding homosexuality. I wish it had been based on something else.
I do like like the gay agenda always coming through as being the thing to accept these days. I know people will think I am narrow minded but if God’s Word says it is wrong…it is wrong to carry out the act. I find it disgusting to read about the act. Should there be hate crimes committed? Absolutely not. Could not read the rest of the book. I was thinking it would be a wholesome book. In my opinion it was not.
The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap 
How many times have I read it? Too many to count, but each time I read it my emotions and reactions were different, depending on my mood or what I had going on in my life at the time. It’s a great story that says a lot, in a brilliant way, about intolerance. No one has faulted that. It’s also a great learning lesson for you, as the author, to have your skin toughened up a bit. That’s good self protection. We can never please the world and so in the end I guess the basic question is who do we do this for? Your love of writing is answer enough. Terry
Well said good point, and you have agreement from someone who I really like, Colleen. Thanks, hubby. 🙂
How many of us did you run in to in that “not good enough cave”? 🙂
I would feel the same way about criticism. Though I am getting better at accepting well thought out, calmly presented disagreements.
I love this post. Your story seems to have touched a chord in many many people. And that’s what is so wonderful. I bet everyone who read it does not “agree” with alternative life styles, but agrees that people should not be persecuted for their differences.
I agree with Terry, above.
Good question. My counting meter busted on that one, lol. Your site is exemplar for dialoguing and agreeing to disagree. I’ll tell you, Colleen, if you ever put your name on any ballot, I’d vote for you. I mean that with absolute loving respect for how incredible you communicate and express your authentic self. As you probably know, I love your site. And, last but not least, you’ve made my hubby, Terry, happy.
Thank you Paulette. You can’t possibly know how much your words mean to me. You are my favorite today! It sounds like we have a commonality in our respect for one another’s sites, and one another.
I have to say, I hope I never find my name on a ballot! Politics in any form scare me. 😉
And did I make Terry happy by agreeing with him? 😉
Paulette just showed this to me so I’ll answer you. Yes. But not because I need or want to be right, there is a great moral lesson to Paulette’s story and also to her learning to toughen up, in a protective way. She’ also agrees with both of us.
Oh, I like agreement.
I’m with you on politics, Colleen. No thank you. Yes, a lot of commonality. I read yours with great relish. 🙂
I must say that you are a fantastic writer, however as you chose a controversial subject matter (which should not be controversial at all, but sadly is) it is actually pretty cool that the ratio from Fantastic (in my opinion very deserved) reviews is so astronomical to the few and far between bad reviews. No-one can put themselves in someone else’s shoes so for me it is hard to imagine that a person as extraordinary, in so many ways, not just as a writer, could be so deeply affected by a mere opinion. It is true that some of the traumatic day to day living as a child or teen leave scars that are very difficult to overcome. I have learned through therapy to conquer those, but there can be triggers that make all of us feel small and vulnerable.
Those are the obvious words of a homophobe and I cannot imagine giving them the slightest importance. I can tell you that I have found some magical things happen after a bad review; sometimes the attention it creates can be very helpful to the book.
I really admire how open you are about the difficulties of growing up; I cannot imagine that I will ever feel free enough to be that open. I stand by my FIVE STARS for the book and the Lady who penned it!
Oh I love you, my friend. Thank you. This review in particular didn’t hurt me from the perspective of writer but from the perspective of intolerance and that pains me deeply, what we do to each other, in the name of beliefs, conditioning, programming. Other, more personal negative reviews directly at my writing have stung, of course, but it’s also helped me grow stronger and tougher, and that’s been a good lesson for me. We’re all mixed bags, different strokes, one has strength where another is weak, etc. and I guess in that we can learn from each other, hopefully we can. I learn a lot from you, about kindness, sharing and now a different perspective on receipt of opinions. I guess it’s not the opinion, per se, but sometimes the energy that connects with it, and past things that get triggered. As I grow, I shed my skins. Big hug to you, Catalina.
I really relate to your story! BIG TIME!!! I hope you know that you are not alone in the pain you experience with reviews. My love and support go out to you! Lots of love and peace, Emily
Awww, that’s really sweet and kind of you to say. Yes, I guess we’re all somewhere on the human-condition-neurotic-thinking bell curve, emotionally, lol. I really appreciate your words, from my heart. Thank you!
Thrilled for you to hear it has made it to mainstream media, and that it’s with a film production company. Woooooohooooo! How fabulous. OMG you’ll be famous! And I know you 🙂
Hugs from me
Alison
Alison, Hold the fort. That’s where it is now. It could stay there forever. You and I both know, we have no clue what tomorrow will bring and if I get attached to that, I’m in big trouble for a lot of disappointment. Yes, it’s a thrill to be gifted with good things, but they pass, like everything else. Will more come? Time will tell and hopefully, all my digits crossed, I’ll be alive for many more years to continue on with the rollercoaster ride. I love you! And, Don.
Oh you’re so wise! And yes you are right of course, counting chickens is never a wise thing. Tomorrow will bring what we intend. It’s enough to intend peace and happiness. And then cross our fingers lol.
xoxox
That I can definitely raise my glass to, lol!
I think it’s brilliant that you have written this book. I really enjoyed it and have recommended it to others. So from me…thank you. Ignore any negative reviews, after all, Whadda they know!! 😉
Oh, you are so sweet and made me laugh and feel very good inside. Thank you so much! What do they know? Well…hmmm, they know their reaction, what they feel, and I value and respect that, whatever it is. Doesn’t mean it doesn’ hurt, but honestly, tolerance cuts two ways and people can’t always help their conditioning, what they’ve been raised to believe in, how they react. At least I haven’t met anyone personally who can do that. I don’t begrudge anyone their opinion as long as they don’t act on it to intentionally hurt another human being. I’m grateful beyond words that you liked and recommended the story to others. Does my heart good. 🙂
We can’t please the world dear friend, and everyone would not like our story. Although it would be like a stab wound when people hates our writings but the thing, we shouldn’t take it personal! Have a great week dear friend!
Much love. 🙂
Thank you! You hit the nail when you said ‘shouldn’t take it personal’… I’m a work in progress on that one. That was really good to see here. Wishing you a great week back. Much love to you as well. 🙂
I’ve never understood why anyone would write a review that states they don’t care for the subject matter of a book. That’s just opinion, and not even a review that can help a reader made a decision whether or not to read. All of your great reviews speak to how much your book has meant to so many people. It goes without saying, I totally relate to what you wrote above about your brother.
(BTW, I’m still following your blog, but I’m adding you to my RSS reader instead of following via WordPress.)
Jeri! It’s so good to see you here. Yes, this really is more a vent than a review. I’ve had a few that wouldn’t read it because of the subject matter, and one who wrote they returned it because of that. But, there have been reviews that have “hurt my feelings” as you well know, but they were valid, well written, good reviews that I couldn’t find fault with. And, they helped me grow. I’m all for honest feedback, whatever it may be, and will suffer the growing pains, with all my digits crossed that I continue to grow.
Yes, I’m also following your excellent blog and for anyone here that sees this, Jeri is a great writer, has taught literature classes, and is now working as an editor. Correct me if, I’ve misspoken here.
P.S. I’m sorry, Jeri, I meant to respond to the mention of relating to what I wrote about my brother. Yes, I remember that incredible post you wrote about your mother. It helped me to read it. Thank you.
Reading is subjective. Most of what we experience is filtered through what we experience in our own lives. I had a bookclub once. One of the ladies had a similar reaction to different books without reading the complet book: “I didn’t like the subject matter.” I couldn’t stand the such-and-such character.” “I couldn’t be bothered wasting my time on such a stupid story.” She finally dropped out. Yay.
No-one needs negative reviews, especially if the complete book isn’t read, but at least she was honest–I guess…
Boy, that’s the truth, about it being subjective. I think a negative review has its place though (depending on how we’re defining “negative”), as long as it’s well thought out feedback. But, a negative review to be mean, or to state one didn’t even want to read the book because of the subject matter… Writing, putting it out there, and promoting is not for the weak of heart. Thank goodness for support. Thanks, Tess.
Paulette, As you know I enjoyed your book from 1 st word to last. I thought it was extremely well written, and I look forward to your future efforts. Your 100 pct correct even reading reviews of your work is about tolerance, and to a degree acceptance. Acceptance that you can’t please everyone all the time. Mildred stands on her own merits, she is liked by significantly more folks than not. She has openned more eyes than closed, and she taught a lesson. Keep writing, and keep reading your reviews, some will love you others won’t be as kind. But thru it all be true to yourself. Take care, Bill
Be true to oneself. That is one great statement, my friend. Sure does feel good to read that. And, thank you so much. I will continue to read all the reviews and fingers crossed will toughen up when they’re less than pleasing and continue to grow. I think all of this is helping me become stronger as a person and for that I’m grateful. Have a good day, Bill.
Paulette, first, congratulations in advance for all the attention this book is getting because it (you) deserves it. Second, I love these posts in which you let us get a glimpse into the “you” behind the writer. We are so very alike.
By writing this post about bad reviews being about tolerance for different points of view, you help me to face the bad review that will inevitably come my way. Thank you. I really don’t mind being in a cave, but I’d rather be their by choice, not because I’m hiding! 🙂
I like what you said about don’t mind being in a cave… rather by choice than because you’re hiding. Really good point. Yours and the other feedback here today is so helpful. Very grateful for that, all of it. 🙂 smooches to you and Scrappy.
Congratulation i find it a great story
Thank you.
I do believe this review was not kindly given at all. I read her review as CONSCIOUSLY mean-spirited. Not worth the time.
Oh, yes, I didn’t know your comment was directed at this one in particular. Thought you were talking about negative reviews in general. I see your point. Thanks.
You are way big enough to weather this storm in a teacup! The numbers stack up to make this type of review irrelevant. If readers don’t like the subject matter it won’t make a difference who writes the story and it’s probably a good thing that they are filtered off into a nice calm backwater… Here’s to you getting selected for the LGBT festival but more than anything getting more readers.
Wow, thanks for this. I like the storm in a teacup. That’s great and made me laugh. It’s all that furry energy you’re around that makes you so wise. Seriously, I really appreciate this a lot. Helps with perspective. Thank you.
Paulette
That is one of the hardships of living in this world. We all have different opinions. And trust me, I am with you where feeling that you aren’t valued or your opinion isn’t is very hard. My dear, try to remember that as it is upsetting to you that their opinion isn’t in your corner, their opinion to you isn’t in your corner either. And most of all, remember and if you have to everyday, put it on the fridge or mirror that you are valued by your works not by the words ofr others. God knows your heart. You know your heart. Remember this also – the greatest reward for our work, is not what we get for it, but what we become by it. You are a good person with a good heart. And never let anyone pull you down to their level. You have much light. Let it shine through darkness as well. Darkness can’t exist in the light.
Shine on my dear friend
Yisraela
What an amazingly lovely thing to write here. I love what you said about not what we get but what we become. That’s just great. Thank you!!
Oh Paw, I know, I know … some comments can truly suck. We writers who send our babies out into the world need to keep suits of armor at arm’s length. Those babies aren’t always going to be liked or approved of. Like you, I’ve pulled the covers over my head more than once, considering myself a failure for even trying, and a joke for even thinking someone might want to read my stuff. The thing is, not everyone is going to love me or you or what we write (hate that part). But I think (after I pull the covers off my head) that has more to do with them than with us. We can only show up and do our best—WHICH YOU HAVE DONE TEN TIMES OVER (and, no, I’m not shouting … I’m emphasizing). 🙂 Proud to call you friend!
I love you, Lee. Thank you for your beautiful heart and support. There’s a comfort in sharing and being open about our humanness, and not hiding behind some false pretense. Again, thank you! Hugs to you and Baby Rae. 🙂
You can’t please everyone. Many negative reviews I’ve read on Amazon are from people who have never even read the book. Some people are not going to like the subject matter, and there are those who have such insipid lives and are so miserable, they have to make everyone else unhappy, too. So, regardless of what everyone else thinks, your book is awesome!
Thank you, Ruth. I really appreciate this from you, a lot. It’s true that we can’t please everyone. Sometimes it doesn’t bother me at all and at other times it hooks and pains me, depending on the situation. Someone earlier pointed out to not take things personally. That pinged with me and relates to what you wrote as well. I’ve come a ways with that one, but there’s more road ahead. Glad for supportive people, like you, to help me see things with more clarity.
I agree, ‘It’s all about tolerance and if we can open up channels of loving acceptance’ that’s a wonderful thing! That review wasn’t a review, it was merely a reflection of the writer’s own prejudice and insecurities. How could you possibly do a review when you haven’t read the whole book, talk about judging a book by its cover!
As for me, I couldn’t put it down, it had me captive till the last word. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend your book as a must-read for all thinking humans. Is there a chance of a sequel? I wonder how all those people (in the book) are… 😀
Thank you, Ela, for your kind words and yes, it is about tolerance. That’s the whole point of the story and opening discussions, to shine a light on hatred and hope that in some small way someone’s heart opens to see that preference is not something one can think or believe themselves in or out of, if so why would someone willingly chose a life that lands them in prison? Or worse? All the endless torture and suffering endured…for what? I am siding with the side of science, it is not a choice. And, if all things are created under God, then it’s my prayer hearts learn to see this as just that, another human creation, no better or worse than anyone else.
No idea if a sequel will come. But, I think of them also, so perhaps… Big hugs and rubbies to Tara. 🙂
Hearts will see it and books like yours will help speed up that process. Don’t forget, any publicity is good publicity, like advertising industry says. If you need proof , just look at the huge response to this post! 😛
My honest and most sincere hope is it does shine a light on intolerance. Thank you for all your support and love. I feel it and it helps. 🙂
This will tickle you: “I haven’t any right to criticize books, and I don’t do it except when I hate them. I often want to criticize Jane Austen, but her books madden me so that I can’t conceal my frenzy from the reader; and therefore I have to stop every time I begin. Every time I read Pride and Prejudice I want to dig her up and beat her over the skull with her own shin-bone.” – Mark Twain
Good one! You made me laugh and I feel better. Nothing like perspective. 🙂
😆
Thank you for this link, Ela. The site owner said it was okay to copy it. His link below, a lovely site.
“There are hidden wounds within all of us that we never reveal, but they surface on their own accord through our reactions, without our knowledge.”
We can try to camouflage our pain but it will always surface and always at an inopportune time because pain cannot be contained, it has to be released.
We must face what pains us in order to heal and all healing begins by admitting our hurt and loving our self enough to let it go.”
http://awindowofwisdom.wordpress.com/2013/06/03/window-232-heal-through-love/
My pleasure! 😀
It is simple. You are a good person and a good writer. Cruelty and false criticism are noise that you must not pay attention to. I am so happy for your well deserved success. Sleep well~
It means a lot to me that you came here to say this. Thank you. But, in all honesty I didn’t post this because it hurt my feelings (other reviews have that I took way more personally). This one hurt my heart because shows intolerance and what closed doors do. My overly sensitive heart, and that’s why I posted this. Believe me, it wasn’t easy. I’ve known too many who have suffered from intolerance and I simply can’t help that it pains me deeply. Love to you, Cindy.
I love your honesty and your guts here.
It means an awful lot that you came her to say this. For the bigger picture, intolerance and animal abuse, I’ll put myself out there even at the cost of losing sleep, which I did. Love to you, Julie.
In all honesty, I don’t think you should ever really worry about any kind of critique. It stems from that person’s individuality, and if they don’t like reading something, they don’t like it. IF they do, they do. Me, I hated that grey rubbish, and I don’t hesitate to say so every chance I get, yet, that woman made craploads of money with something as silly as those books.
You have been lauded everywhere – even my son, that lives in SA has heard of you – and not through me.
And 9 less rosy ones as opposed to 100+ rosy ones – really Paulette. I would not even give them a second thought!!
Ghia, my friend, I can’t help my nature, my overly sensitive personality, it’s just how I am. I struggle with putting myself out there and holding back because the pain of some of the feedback does get to me, not just with this but with people’s insensitivity in general. I don’t like losing sleep and worrying but then I hate even worse that a teenager may be sitting in their room today contemplating suicide because of how someone bullied them, or was intolerant. Unfortunately, that hits very close to home for me. It made my heart feel good to hear that your son has heard of the book, I’m assuming that’s how he heard of me. Whether through my book or another, I hope and send good thoughts out to the world regularly that hearts open to a greater acceptance of differences. Sending you a big cyber hug and lots of love as always.
There will always be negative opinions out there. In truth, it is easier to be negative than positive. You did a wonderful thing, writing from your heart and it is clear that many more appreciate that than those who find fault.
Thank you for this beautiful comment of support and love. I know you understand the voiceless very well, being a great animal advocate, and that’s why I titled this post, negative review, the big picture–because there are too many out there suffering from intolerance, afraid to have a voice. I’ve worked with a few. Big hug to you and many warm grateful thank you for being a sister animal lover and putting yourself out there to help (my other passion 🙂 )
Oh it irks me when people review material they didn’t even bother to read. Not everyone holds the same views–fine–but if you don’t like the subject material of a book, don’t read it, and if you don’t read it, don’t review it (with a negative or with a positive review either).
I hear you. Well said. This one pained me because it was a message, a statement of intolerance, in a public forum. Have your belief, your opinion, but to put it out like that…what’s that all about! But, then this is the land of freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and I’m exercising that freedom to try to level the playing field a little. Thank you so much for coming here and commenting. It means a lot to me.
You can’t please everyone, but sounds like the person who wrote that review was a bit of an idiot! I mean they clearly didn’t read the blurb before starting it and they didn’t even finish your book! I think you can happily ignore it 🙂
Misaki, my furry buddy, you sure have a whole lot of wisdom that I love to read. Thank so much! wag wag from my two M&B
It must be hard not to take it personally, but I think it’s their lack of tolerance speaking. There are far more people that like the book, I’m enjoying it. I can think of a few classics that I haven’t actually enjoyed – people have different tastes.
Thanks, Clowie. The ones that don’t want to read it, or read one or two chaps and then give a 1 or 2* review because it’s about homosexuals … what’s that all about? (rhetorical question). I’ve had at least 4 of those, maybe more. I advocate for tolerance and have been up front and personal with a suicide and others in the closet who are afraid to come out (in my job as a Nurse Practitioner). I try not to take it personally but I guess at times I just can’t help my nature and upbringing when a review stings. Of course, it helps that overall it’s been well received and I don’t dwell in the negativity or down emotions, life is way too short.
Leave it to you, my furry friend, to get me chatting… BOL from M & B
No one should be persecuted for who she/he is. I may not agree with homosexuality, but that doesn’t mean I can’t love the person. You have always been a gracious person even though we are at odds over homosexuality. I would be open to understanding more about the subject. I wish you great success!
This conversation with you, my friend Barbara, is what it’s all about. We don’t have to agree on what we feel, believe, think to be friends, to love and care about each other. I say that from my heart in all honesty. To me if tolerance doesn’t extend to all, homosexual, Christians, Buddhists, Mormons, Muslims, Jews, etc. then what’s it all about? It’s just hypocrisy. That doesn’t mean agreement, but rather acceptance of what is without trying to change it. Even agreeing to disagree. I would rather be loving friends with you and others, then fighting over who should believe what or try to convince someone that their belief is not the right one. Where’s that at? It has been joyful to follow your site, so filled with inspiration and kindness, wisdom, and I’m truly grateful for our connection. So glad to have you come through my cyber doors any time and I sincerely hope you always feel free here to speak your mind & heart openly. That’s where peace for all begins. Love, Paulette
It is those with bitterness that we can’t seem to reach. I agree, we each must walk the path we feel compelled to follow. There is no reason for any of us to be unkind to one another as we pass along life’s highways. It was and still is a pleasure to have a conversation with you. I have no doubt that we can and will continue to be friends, learning from one another. Your gentle nature drew me in. All the best to you.
🙂
Hi Paulette,
This post has really hit a cord with me. As you know, I loved Mildred and my 5* review can attest to that.
I know exactly what you mean. It’s so incredibly difficult to write a good book into which we put our heart and soul, and then have enough courage to get our baby out into the big world, exposing our most sacred, naked, vulnerable feelings and thoughts for all to see.
And after all this work, getting these crude and cruel, off-handed rejections by someone who didn’t even take the time to read the book, not to hear the message… And in my case, it was doubly hard as I’m a foreigner, with certain differences in my self-expression, language, etc. Being given 2 & 3 stars because someone didn’t like the difference in language was especially terrible.
Being a positive person, normally far and away from such negative people and attitudes, I was in shock. All this is awfully hard and I can totally relate.
Like with Mildred, my mystery/thriller Gold Train (Accidental Spy Russia Adventure) received a fair share of attention last year, making it to the Amazon best-seller lists. And 2 & 3 star reviews followed, together with all the meanness that goes along with them. Like you, I was more hurt for the main character and the message of the book than for myself.
It hurt awfully, but I learned to develop some immunity to all that. Of course, it helped to receive all the 5 star reviews. 😉
But several days ago, I got my very first 1star (and hopefully last) review on Amazon UK. The review was so laughable and unfair that I didn’t know what to say to it. It included things like: “I was expecting some sort of adult fiction, that is something written for any one aged ten or over.” http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B006NPVTH4/ref=rdr_kindle_ext_tmb#_
What I want to say is that it’s hard because our books are our babies, but really, those who don’t understand us are not our readers anyway. Inspired by your post, I might do a post about that on my blog soon.
Love and light,
Lada
This from you, Lada, means a lot to me, especially since I absolutely love your writing and books. I mean that most sincerely. I’ve always had issues with taking things too personally and think that’s part of the reason I did post this, to move through some of that discomfort. This whole process, including this from you, has helped me immensely and for that I’m really grateful. The sting has definitely lessened a whole lot.
Love and light to you, my friend.
🙂
Hello Paulette,
I just finished reading your wonderful book, which I thoroughly enjoyed. You are an enviable storyteller who has the ability of recounting a sensitive emotional subject with a gentleness that eases us into the life of the characters as though we are soon living among them. You have us feeling the anguish and frustration of the emotional dead end lives of Mildred and Edra, in a place and time where lack of knowledge and compassion was equal to a death sentence. When the few who understood and knew better, had to suppress their knowledge and feelings not to be ostracized from society. Mind you reading some of the deplorable critiques you had the courage and strength of posting, suggests the narrow minded bigotry of the Victorian era, that persecuted the brilliant and magnificent author, Oscar Wilde, is sadly still alive and well in today’s world. What a sad way of life man perpetuates thru his narrow borders of nationalistic and man made religious beliefs.
In any event your book is magnificent, was indeed a great pleasure to read, and now that I have read it understand without surprise the volume of accolade and best seller awards you continue to receive. Over and above all of this, I have the delicious good fortune and honour of being able to call this Paulette Mahurin, the distinguish author, very dear friend! Thank you for that privilege. And thank you for your contribution to all fellow creatures, as well as the kindness you have extended to me.
Wow, JJ, thank you so much for this. It really means a lot to me that you took the time to write this here. And, best part? I’m so thrilled with this lovely connection with you and Marianne, and your furry kids.
Mother’s advice: It does not matter what others do & say. It only matters what you do & say.
That’s great advice. Thank you! 🙂
This is absolutely magnificent. You should be so damned proud. It’s one thing to write and feel good – but all those 5*s! This is magnificent!
KUDOS.
Thank you so much! I really appreciate this from you. Proud is not a word I relate to easily. I’d say that this experience, this mind numbing and very humbling, experience has been a growing experience in a lot of ways. Some aspects really great and rewarding, others painful, but it’s toughened me in ways I need toughening and opened me to receive compliments and acknowledgments (which I’ve never been good at). My overriding reaction to all of it, gratitude. It means a lot to me that you stopped by to comment. 🙂
Oh, my pleasure, believe me!!
You just reminded me, I used to find it EXCRUTIATING when people complimented me. I’d pretend I didn’t hear it, brush it off or blush. My ex husband’s mother said to me I need to “learn how to take a compliment” and I thought it was the most bizarre thing to say, but now fully understand.
You’ve done great 🙂
Made me smile, that last reply, sounds all too familiar. It’s great when we let our hair down and speak our truths, to find how much we really have in common. 🙂
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