Author:
Audrey Cuff Ed.D
Publisher: Wild
Child Publishing .
Length: Novel
Sub-Genres:
BLURB:
When Ashley Brown was five years old, her parents left
her in the care of her Grandma, though her mother promised to return for her.
At fourteen, Ashley is still living with her grandmother in Highland, a city on
the outskirts of Maryville, a place known as the “ghetto.”
Ashley has shadowy memories of her mother taking her to
her favorite place, the library. Reading a good book allows Ashley to escape
her poverty and crime infested community.
One afternoon after listening to the Mayor’s press
conference, Ashley discovers that the Mayor is taking away the community
library. In spite of being put on punishment for a week by her Grandma for
defending herself from the school bullies, Ashley feels it is worth the risk to
sneak out of her apartment to mail a letter she has written to the Mayor about
keeping the library open.
Every day homeless people approach her and beg for
something to eat or for money. The most frequent requests come from two
disheveled individuals Ashley has nicknamed “Orphan Annie” and the “business-man
bum.” As if escaping the homeless people
isn’t enough, there are a bunch of bullies who harass Ashley. One day, the
bullies chase her into an alley. They force her to the ground and Ashley is
afraid of what could have happened next. This is one time Ashley wished she
listen to her Grandma.
Second
Hurry up, grab her bag,” one of the boys said.
“Leave me alone,” I said back. I glimpsed back over my left
shoulder.
Before I took another stride, heavy footsteps sounded behind
me. I stepped on the curb with the taste
of fear in my mouth; something heavy grasped my right shoulder.
“Gotcha,” he said. He pulled the hood of my sweater which
caused my head to jerk back, making it very difficult to breathe.
All in one motion, I
watched both of my legs kick out in front of me. I almost floated on air.
Luckily my hood cushioned my head, but zilch could prepare me for what happened
next. Before I screamed his hand covered my mouth and nose. My legs kicked
uncontrollably while he dragged me into a back alley.
EXCERPT:
“That stupid Mayor. I don’t
believe it! She’s shutting down the library. The only library we have in this
community and replacing it with some, some business store,” Grandma yelled. She
scowled at the TV. “I don’t believe the stupid Mayor. You see what I mean about
people in power making decisions that ruin your life, and you have no say about
anything.”
“Oh, oh, Grandma, that’s so
terrible. The library is the only place I have left that’s positive in the community.”
“Ashley, don’t you get it?
They don’t give a hoot about people from our neighborhood. All they care about
is making money off of the poor,” she said.
Then a quick flash the Mayor came on the
television. Suddenly, my knees felt weak and heavy. I felt like I was ready to
collapse.
“Grandma, what is, is the
Mayor’s name?” I asked. I struggled not to stumble.
“I’m not for sure. Some
person name Baldwin, a Mrs. Baldwin I guess. Oh watch they are showing that
evil witch on television right now,” Grandma said. She glared at the
television. Grandma was going nuts.
I desperately tried not to
break down, Grandma didn’t have a clue that I’d met Mrs. Baldwin, and I wasn’t
about to tell her. Luckily, Grandma was going crazy about the Mayor; she didn’t
notice that I’m emotionally falling apart.
BUY LINKS:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dr Audrey Cuff was inspired by
her special education students to write her debut novel "City of Thieves". She
wanted her students to reach their goals and aspiration regardless of their
obstacle or shortcoming in life.Also, she wanted her students to understand how
important it is to fight for to better their community.
Dr Cuff received her doctoral degree at Fielding Graduate University in
Santa Barbara California.
Also she earned the following certifications in the education arena:
Teacher of Psychology, Teacher of Special education,and Supervisor of Education.
My Review:
I was struck when I first started reading this by how likely this is to be happening. There were realistic conditions and the characters were very believable. Even though this book is really inspirational, it makes you think. What could you do to make this world a better place? This little girl made such a big difference in her community by simply following her heart and protecting one of the things that meant the most to her. By doing so? She changed everyone's life for the better. This book is an excellent read for young teens and adults alike. Everyone can take something away from this book, and encourage everyone who loves this genre to take a look. It is a day brightener and so full of hope!! Fantastic Read!!
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