Crack Dwellers [Paperback]

Leslie F. Keehn (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2005

Living in the gorgeous Southern California beach city of San Diego, Crystal Ackerman cannot easily ignore how much a woman’s appearance really does matter. And since her size-20 body does not conform to society’s ideal, she feels as though she has fallen through the cracks, isolated and lonely. At 33 years old, Crystal has a good career as an attorney, and has accepted her large size. But her past, and society’s insidious rejection of overweight people, have caused her to retreat deeply inside herself. Her inherent longing for meaningful connections with others drives her to hide a listening device in the women’s restroom at her law firm to overhear, and be part of, other women’s conversations. When Crystal is given the opportunity to work on a wrongful death trial against a popular fashion magazine, You’ve Got the Look, her life starts to change. The magazine is being sued by the parents of a teenage girl who died after developing anorexia during her struggle to obtain the physical perfection depicted in the computer-enhanced photographs of You’ve Got the Look. In the course of her work on the trial, Crystal revisits her own past, and her own journey to accept herself regardless of her body’s size. That experience, along with some surprising truths revealed in the women’s restroom, and a few unexpected encounters with other “crack dwellers,” lead Crystal to ultimately embrace herself more fully, including her ability to form nurturing friendships with the women around her.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Riveting book! If Leslie Keehn wrote the courtroom scenes for Law & Order, they'd be guaranteed an Emmy! --Laura D., Carlsbad, California

About the Author

Leslie is a San Diego native who received a B.A. in Creative Writing from University of California San Diego. She received her law degree from California Western School of Law where she was awarded a scholarship for her outstanding volunteer service to women in San Diego, particularly survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. In 2001, Leslie became the founder and Chairperson of the Animal Law Section of the San Diego County Bar Association - a first for the State of California. She works as a civil litigation attorney at Sullivan Wertz McDade & Wallace in San Diego.

Product Details

• Paperback: 244 pages
• Publisher: Inner Mermaid Publishing (April 1, 2005)
• ISBN-10: 097668800X
• ISBN-13: 978-0976688006
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,494,608 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful book for teenagers!, May 24, 2005

By 

FunToTeach (North Park, California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Crack Dwellers (Paperback)

Every teenage girl should read this book. Ms. Keehn's message about the media's false representation of women's bodies, and the effect it has on young girls, is critical for our society to hear. I am looking forward to recommending this book to my students.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Empowerment, June 12, 2005

By 

Nancy M (Little Rock, AR) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Crack Dwellers (Paperback)

I couldn't put this book down!I really enjoyed it. I actually felt as though I was living Crystal's life. The writer has a tremendous gift to make the reader feel as though she is at the beach,in the courtroom, etc. Although I was initially shocked that a lawyer would put a listening device in the bathroom, I realized as I read, that this was the common thread that wove the story together. I could never have guessed the plot twist at the end of this book! The book also encouraged me to expand my taste buds by going out and buying a red bull and a hard lemonade (and I am 65)!!!!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Day!, May 27, 2005

By 

TJ Callahan (Hawaii, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Crack Dwellers (Paperback)

I am probably not your intented demographic, but spending my Saturday immersed in your book was awesome. It made me ravenous, I drank red wine, laughed with the girls discussing marriage (woof), and even looked @ the man in the mirror ( and my not so perfect exterior "picture"). Congratulations! Your writing mastery is entertaining and inspiring. Thank you for providing such a wonderful experience.