The Narrow Gate - Softcover

Stearns, Christine Margaret

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1079528172 ISBN 13: 9781079528176

Publisher: Independently published, 2019

Synopsis

This is a very moving coming of age story. The protagonist, Annie Simmons, is just starting high school. Two years ago, her mom died, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Annie still misses her every day, remembering her voice, her smell, and her gentle wisdom. Suddenly, she is becoming a young woman, and she has so many questions for her mom. Who is just not here anymore. Annie's dad is a teacher at the high school she will be attending. He has three children that he is trying to raise as a single dad, and he often feels overwhelmed and alone. Annie is trying to make her way in this whole new environment. She is aware of her dad's presence at the high school, and she very much wants to find her own identity, apart from his. Annie finds herself in an honors English class where they are reading books about sexy heroines, like the lusty Hester Prynne. Her teacher is open to a much more open level of discussion than Annie has ever encountered before. All the students in the class seem very smart, and Annie finds herself eager to learn more about everything. She really likes her teacher, Mrs. Murphy, that is--until it seems that her dad and Mrs. Murphy might be more than colleagues.In addition to all of this confusion, Annie joins the cross-country team, where she meets a lot of older students. Juniors and seniors--who seem to be much more advanced in many ways than she is. And then, there are boys. Who are suddenly interested in her. Annie misses her mom more than ever, and she wishes she had her to talk to about all of these changes. Her struggle will ring true to anyone who has ever lost someone they love very much. Someone who is trying to bravely find her way, in spite of this loss. This sacred hurt. In fact, the story will speak to anyone who is struggling to find their way in a whole new world, where things will never be the same. Knowing this, accepting this painful "new normal," trying to find a way to join the dance.

About this edition

• Publisher: Independently published
• Publication date: 2019
• ISBN 10: 1079528172
• ISBN 13: 9781079528176
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 292