Customer Reviews

Ripple Effect

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I've been reading two books at once: '1 Dead in the Attic: After Katrina,' and 'The Ripple Effect: A Collection of Fiction and Art.' Both have impressed me deeply. I have spent much pre-Katrina time in New Orleans, and the second book, a fictional anthology (the first is journalism), has reached in and touched my heart. The art is good, and three writers stand out, so far, in particular. Autumn Rose Wood and Matissa Evensong began to reach me, and a story called 'Entertaining an Angel Unawares' by Charie La Marr finished the job. That third story mentioned is a painting of many images seen by us, the 'public,' in the Katrina aftermath. I well remember seeing many Mary Bouchers. This story reminded me of all of them. I think of them still. Thanks, Ms. La Marr, and all the rest involved, to donate this work to the New Orleans Library Association. Thanks, all.

These stories will touch you. Some will touch you with humor, some with sadness, but all will entertain and impress you with what a project this was: bringing these artists together to benefit the libraries of New Orleans. I was particularly touched by "Entertaining an Angel Unawares," by Charie La Marr, and her telling of a girl from the big city who learned of courage and dignity first hand while wading through the rubble of destruction.

As soon as I learned that the money "Ripple Effect" received would go straight to New Orleans to help build libraries, I bought a copy. I was aware that all of these stories were written to benefit New Orleans, and so I expected them to be good, but not great. As soon as I began reading these stories, however, I was dumbstruck. Each author and/or poet becomes an artist in RE. Each has their own clear, unique voice. When strung together, it creates a powerful effect (no pun intended.) But, just like everything else, there is also a star that shines just a bit brighter than the rest. In Ripple Effect, that star is Charie La Marr. She understands the delicacy of words, and how each word has its own rhythm. Charie is able to string together a beautiful harmony of words while still maintaining a story that will have you flipping the pages like crazy. Charie paints every scene using a small quantity of words. Ripple Effect is truly a gift to every reader.