Fla's plight is handled expertly by author Felicia Thomas in her ground-breaking
new book 80 Proof Lives. The reader is moved to cry or to celebrate with Fla as
she determinedly makes her way through her fifteenth year of a cruel life. Finally,
Thomas brings the reader up short with an unpredicted plot twist that explains a
great deal and may cause the reader to thunk herself in the head and ask, "Why didn't
I see that coming?" The author ties up loose ends and brings the novel to a satisfactory
close. While closure is good, this reviewer still wonders what lies ahead for Fla
and can only hope that this is the first in a series that follows Fla into what will
undoubtedly be an interesting adulthood.
Liz Jameson, Reviewer
Felicia, that exciting, pulsating and gut-wrenching ride I just finished is awesome!
You nailed it, kid. For a first novel, in my opinion, it takes a great deal of guts
to tackle such a subject, at that pace, in the first- person. I find it difficult
limiting the scope and such emotional depths, in first-person singular. You did a
splendid job as your scenes remained tightly interwoven, avoiding the temptation
of banal drift. I would have been a bit more forgiving while transitioning from
one point of tension to another - giving the reader a moment to catch his breath,
but you skillfully maintained that killer cadence with vibrant, descriptive, engaging
and relevant imagery, and avoided such meaningless drifting. Your characterizations
were well developed in that their identities were unique and quite easily recalled
during the flow of action. The big mystery you agonizingly guarded so well, was well
thought out and full of suspense. The lack of acrimony proves a good, adult story
can still maintain its realism without the expletives. These are my immediate thoughts.
Like stepping off a roller coaster, one has to steady and re-orient himself. I'm
going to let this marinate and present some additional thoughts at the book signing
event.
Great ride!
John McPhaul, reader
...He recently brought me your book and asked me to check it out. I was honored that
he valued my opinion. But to be honest, I have read lots of first books and so was
not anticipating anything wonderful. BOY WAS I WRONG.
Your book is EXCELLENT and well written and totally at a teenage kids interest level.
But what I liked the MOST was that you could get the story across without using 4
letter words, every other word. Our kids hear it every day and use it every day and
have few role models except for their teachers. How refreshing to read such an entertaining
book without having to cringe every time I read another FY !!
What a great role model !
I look forward to your NEXT novel !!!!!!
Congratulations on being a published author !!
Carolyn Coggins
