Can a spirit from the past come back to help us solve a problem in the present?Twelve-year-old Marcie Horton is not looking forward to spending a lonely and boring summer at her grandparents' lake cottage. That is, until the woods near their home are threatened with development by the wealthy president of the university where her parents teach. Marcie is guided by the spirit of a Native American girl as she seeks to unlock the secrets of the past in her quest to save the centuries-old forest from development. Her effort is complicated by her growing friendship with the university president's popular daughter and the annual sailboat race, in which Marcie finds herself competing on the team of the wealthy summer house owners against the local residents. Marcie's success hinges on whether she can unravel the cryptic messages she receives in her dreams and visions from the mysterious spirit of the Native American girl, before the woods-and perhaps something much more important-are lost forever.
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From the Author
Indian Summer developed in my imagination over a period of many years. Marcie's story at Lake Pappakeechee explores different themes that interest me: the similarities and contrasts between different social and economic groups, the magic in the world that children are very much aware of, and the journey through adolescence to young adulthood.
I wanted to explore the idea that we make assumptions about people based on stereotypes or our own experiences only to find out that the reality can be something completely different. Also, I wanted to expose readers to the idea that the way we experience the world may be only part of what is true. I am really intrigued by that idea--that there is more to life than meets the eye, if we take the time to look.
Marcie's development from feeling ordinary, unconfident, and slightly in awe of the Swyndalls, to discovering her own strength and resulting self-assuredness is a passage I know we would all hope to make, a kind of universal journey if we are lucky enough to take it.
Writing Indian Summer was a selfish pleasure for me in some ways. I think young adulthood is so filled with possibilities and discoveries, and writing about it allows me to experience that in some measure.
About the Author
Tracy Richardson lives in Indiana with her family and their dog, Ernie. When her children started reading, she rediscovered her childhood favorites and began developing stories of her own. Images from growing up on Lake Michigan feature prominently in her novels, and sometimes bits and pieces of actual people and events - much to her children's delight and dismay!
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I haven't always been a writer. Many writers kept journals when they were young and wrote stories and dreamed of becoming a writer. That was not me. But I've always been a voracious reader. I've started getting books on tape to listen to while I'm driving - I'm a working mom, so I drive A LOT! I also read books on my kindle, my iphone (in a pinch - its not my first choice) and of course REAL books. So many books, so little time! I studied biology in college and thought I would be a doctor at one point. My path didn't lead that way, but science is playing a role in my writing. I think the author who has influenced my writing the most is Madeleine L'Engle who's writing combined elements of science fiction (or is it fact?) and the spiritual. My first novel, INDIAN SUMMER, has an archeological and historical theme, and also an environmental conservation element. My next novel, tentatively titled THE FIELD, also has the environmental theme and delves into quantum physics and The Universal Energy Field. I know, sounds thick, but my teenagers tell me its a good read! I started writing when my kids began reading and I rediscovered all the books I loved as a child. I found myself developing stories of my own so I began writing novels for children and young adults. Images from my childhood growing up on Lake Michigan and the landscape of Indiana feature prominently in my novels, and sometimes bits and pieces of actual people and events - with the names changed to protect the innocent of course! I live in the suburbs of Indianapolis with my husband and two children and our Jack Russell terrier, Ernie. I like gardening, reading YA novels, knitting, rummaging through junk shops, cooking and going out to eat - the list is endless really!
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
enjoyable young adult tale,
This review is from: Indian Summer (Paperback)
Indian Summer
Tracy Richardson Luminis Books, Jul 2009, $11.95 http://www.luminisbooks.com ISBN: 9781935462255 Twelve-year-old Marcie Horton looks forward to the last day of school especially no math for the summer. The last day of school means the fun symbolic Children's Fair in which she always wins the foot race. However, as she pedals up the hill she dreads spending a few boring weeks at the isolated cottage of Mamaw and Poppy on Lake Pappakeechee. At her grandparents' cottage, Marcie is bored until she learns university President Swyndall plans to have the nearby James Woods torn down for a development project. She feels strongly opposed to destroying this ancient thriving forest. Encouraged by a Native American Adena girl's spirit, Marcie pushes to find a way to prevent the destruction of the pristine woods. At the same time, she becomes friends with Kaitlyn Swyndall, daughter of her opponent, as they are part of the same team for the upcoming regatta. Finally Marcie fears her intervention could cost her parents their jobs as each works at the university. This is an enjoyable young adult tale that focuses on how a courageous but frightened tweener sees things in an adult world. Marcie is terrific as she fears her intrusion will harm her parents since she does not fully comprehend tenure, but also feels she must do the right thing re the Adena girl's spirit. Although the solution to how she earns the respect of the Swyndall family simplifies a complex issue of development vs. environment and ultimately heritage, middle school fans will enjoy Marcie's charming Indian Summer. Harriet Klausner
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Thoughtfully written adventure with a hint of magic,
By
This review is from: Indian Summer (Paperback)
Indian Summer is targeted at the YA or "tweener" audience and at 212 pages, this slim paperback should not be intimidating to younger readers. I recently had the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy of this book by Tracy Richardson. The protagonist, twelve-year-old Marcie Horton, faces a number of conflicts and personal challenges during summer vacation at her grandparents' cottage along Lake Pappakeechee in Indiana. What sets Indian Summer apart is Richardson's approach. Unlike many stories in this genre, Richardson presents conflicts and issues that are subtly shaded with no clear good vs. bad, right vs. wrong. This real world treatment of complex social and environmental issues places Indian Summer a notch above similar stories. Marcie's first conflict comes early in the story when she and her friends encounter a group of cliquish girls from school, and she subsequently finds herself thrown together with one of the girls, Kaitlyn Swyndall. Richardson's ability to create complex, yet realistic relationships begins to be revealed at this point. Kaitlyn friendship offers access to the lake's exclusive yacht club and an opportunity to crew in the big regatta. In counterpoint, accepting it could place Marcie at odds with longtime friends. Adding yet another layer, Kaitlyn proves to be a nice, if somewhat shallow, individual. To add to Marcie's confused and conflicted feelings, she discovers that Kaitlyn's father has secret plans to develop James Woods, a wilderness area and long time recreation destination of local residents. Her desire to aggressively fight development of the woods is complicated by the fact that Mr. Swyndall is president of the college where the both of Marcie's parents work. Issues of loyalty, personal values, and integrity unfold as Marcie tries to balance the various conflicts. Robertson does an admirable job of presenting balanced views of the issues forcing Marcie to carefully weigh alternatives before acting. To add additional depth and suspense to the story, Marcie begins to experience paranormal episodes in which she flies, interacts with an ancient Native American girl and senses that a close friend, miles away, is in critical need. This element contributes a dreamlike dimension to the story that is somewhat reminiscent of Robert McCammon's novel Boy's Life. It is worthy of note that the story is written entirely in present tense from a third person, omnipotent point of view. This is an unusual combination and I must admit that it took several chapters to become accustomed to this style. Overall, Indian Summer is a thoughtfully written story requiring the reader to consider a number of value judgments along the way. For the YA reader, it will be an entertaining and informative read.
3.0 out of 5 stars
"Indian Summer",
This review is from: Indian Summer (Paperback)
Indian Summer
BY: Tracy Richardson PUBLISHED BY: Luminis Books PUBLISHED IN: 2010 ISBN: 978-1-935462-25-5 Pages: 200 Reviewed by Billy Burgess Ages: Middle Grade In "Indian Summer," Marcie Horton is a twelve-year-old who loves to win competitions, especially bike races. She's not looking forward to her summer vacation this year. She spending the summer at her grandparent's lake cottage on Lake Pappakeechee. Kaitlyn Swyndall is the only other girl she knew there, but Kaitlyn is a rich, snobby girl. Marcia befriends some other kids at the lake, and is looking forward to the upcoming boat race. The woods, James Woods, surrounding the lake is going to be torn down by a wealthy developer, Mr. Swyndall. He is the president of the university where Marcie Horton's parents teach, and he is also the father of Kaitlyn. Marcia is starting to like her, so things start to get complicated. Marcia begins to have strange visions of a mysterious spirit. Could it be Indians? "Indian Summer," is a easy, fast read. I read it in one sitting. The author likes to "tell" more often than "showing" in her writing. The plot is simple - a pre-teen girl tries to stop a wealthy developer from destroying the centuries-old forest. I've read dozens of similar plots before, this is nothing new. The ending of the book is predictable. The main character, Marcia, is fun, energetic and likeable. Despite the book's downfalls, I still enjoyed reading it. Note: I would like to thank the Author for sending me this complimentary copy to review.
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