Customer Reviews

Myra Sims

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Having read the first novel,My Brother Michael, I could hardly wait for the follow-up! It was well worth the wait. Myra Sims with her intriguing combination of strength and vulnerability is a character well worth the closer look we get in this book. Told from Myra's point of view, this novel fills in all of the blanks left by Gabriel Catts. I was thoroughly impressed by the skill with which Janis Owens accomplished this without even a hint of redundancy. I was moved by this story of tragedy and victory set in a rural south so familiar I felt like it was home. If you read and enjoyed My Brother Michael, I dare to say that you will enjoy Myra Sims even more. If you haven't then I suggest you add both to your reading list today.

This book is a fabulous look into the lives of rural Floridians. You'll feel like a guest in the home of Myra and Michael when you read this, so palpable are the situations depicted here. You'll cry when you read about Myra's childhood, scarred by the abuse of a tyrannical father. You'll share Myra's pain when she is torn between two brothers, Gabe and Michael, who love her perhaps too much. And you'll rejoice when Myra finds the strength to love herself in the end. Be sure to buy "My Brother Michael," a companion piece to this novel, to gain insight into the fascinating characters depicted here. I hope to see more from this fascinating author.

Myra Sims is a girl we think we know and really don't know as well as we thought. Gabe spins out the love of his life, his brother, family members, and himself in My Brother Michael as clearly as can be. But, we find that just maybe he didn't tell it all. Myra returns the favor in her own version of the story in Myra Sims. By reading both books you are able to get closer to the bottom of what might be closer to the truth. Janis Owens can sure tell a story and what's even better is that she can tell a story twice. Readers will devour both books and after doing so might just become confused about which version to believe. One thing is sure, both books move you right next door to a real Southern family. Before you know it you'll have a cravin' for biscuits, grits, fried pork, fresh coffee, and a big helpin' of anything that Janis Owens decides to put on paper.

Janis Owens trumped her first great book with the second, 'Myra Sims', which deepened the intriguing Sims-Catts' story. Myra's voice, real, painful, joyous, sad, never strays from truth even when that truth forces itself inward. Owens' creativity and courage in allowing Myra to speak so honestly barreled in on human emotions and conditions that so often aren't faced, much less spoken of. This story is a walk through the hell of abuse and its' long lasting effects. Redeeming in the telling is the long journey of survival, hope and sanity. Those who have lived in the dark pit will recognize it. Those who haven't would do well to listen to Myra's voice, for she hands out a good 'dose' of healing humanity.

Having consumed My Brother Michael in one sitting, I was looking forward to Myra Sims with great anticipation and was not disappointed. The author has an amazing way of drawing you into the world her characters live in with charm and skill. She carries you through her books like you're riding a tube down a lazy river on a sunny, summer afternoon; easy and seamless. You keep reading to see what's around the next bend. The voices of her characters ring true and their stories leave you thinking about them for days. I have read and re-read all of Janis' books and each time I see a deeper story emerge. She did a great job of re-telling the story without being boring or redundant. Instead the stories get richer, like many facets of a jewel; deeper colors and hues emerge as you move from book to book.

This excellent book fills in all the gaps left out by Gabriel Catts in the previous book, MY BROTHER MICHAEL. It gives Myra's view of the story and makes you understand her a lot more. I loved it!

After waiting two years for this book to come out I can say I wasn't disappointed. Myra Sims is a story of sadness and victory that only Myra can tell. It takes the reader to live with the Catts family and you don't want to leave. Janis Owens has a way of bringing small town USA to everyone.