In my social circles, I am constantly asked for book recommendations. For the past several months, I’ve answered with one question. Did you read On The Island?
So, I thought I’d jot a little blurb about one of my faves this past year for those many readers who frequent this site (3, I think). This is not a true review. There are so many out there and I don’t need to reinvent the wheel. These are just my thoughts on this book and its author:
I read On The Island last year, and like so many others, fell in love with Anna and TJ and their story of survival, friendship and love.
When their plane crashes into the sea near the Maldives, Anna and TJ (tutor and student) eventually end up on a deserted tropical island and together they figure out how to overcome various obstacles, natural threats and against all odds, survive.
I got caught up in Anna’s bravery and then TJ’s. I even envied their life, free from possessions and money and clothes. Living on fish and breadfruit, they were thin and tan and healthy. How could they not fall in love?
I won’t spoil the story for those who have yet to read it. Suffice it to say, I wept and I cheered.
I wrote a long email to Tracey Garvis Graves, author of this newly discovered treasure. In my email, I gushed over her book and asked a bunch of questions about her publishing experience, since I’m a writer (though far less successful at the moment), not once believing she’d take the time to write me back.
I’ve been writing for years, while telemarketing on the side, so I’m ass-deep in rejection but extremely patient. I figured I had half a chance of getting a response. Won’t get answers if you don’t try, right?
Tracey answered me within the hour. Every question. One writer to another, though I’m a struggling unknown. I’ll always be grateful to her.
I started following her blog, friended her on Facebook and waited.
During that time, I tried to convince my husband we should escape to a remote island indefinitely, live on fish and fruit, swim in turquoise water every day, lose weight so we can finally walk around naked and fully tan without embarrassment, really get to know each other without meddling distractions like cell phones and television. I promised I’d even leave my books behind (Looking back, I’m aghast at my desperation). It sounded positively dreamy. It still does. The man wouldn’t budge; something about “kids” and “responsibility”.
A year later, Uncharted, a novella connected to Anna and TJ’s story, was released on July 2nd. July 3rd, I read the last page, satisfied. But wanting more.
Covet, Garvis Graves’ next novel is due to be released in Sept.
You have less than a month to catch up. Go get On The Island. Then read Uncharted. If you’re not completely happy, let me know. In the meantime, I’ll wait for the next one…
It’s a good thing I’m patient.
kimberlywenzler 