I'm so thrilled with the newest Amazon review for "VANILLA GRASS, a novel of redemption" that posted yesterday, May 15th, I had to share it. I hope you'll indulge my excitement because this is what authors dream of and hope for after investing months, sometimes years, researching, writing and editing, not knowing if all their hard work is successfully coming across.
REVIEW: Every once in awhile, a book comes along that causes you not just to read it, but sit in silence afterwards thinking about what you have been reading. Vanilla Grass is such a book. Once I started, I couldn't put it down. Everyone thinks they know what veterans face when they have PTSD, and you tend to brush aside "at risk teens" with perhaps a unsympathetic view, and oh yes, of course we've all heard about how meaningful a dog can be to a handicapped individual or even one with PTSD, but when you put all three elements into a single story, blend their interactions, speak in their language, and realize how initially, all three were misfits in a throw-away society that really wants to move on and not ask "why," you have a powerful book. In Vanilla Grass you have a powerful document that forces you to mentally address each element. This book was carefully researched by the author giving it, although a novel, a book based in fact. I highly recommend it - especially to Golden Retriever lovers! ~ Joy Viola, verified Amazon purchase
* *
I extensively researched while writing this novel. I already knew about dog rescue because I've been involved with rescuing Golden Retrievers and other breeds for 25 years so that part was easy. For the writings about PTSD caused from battle trauma, I drew upon memories of my former husband who served two tours in Vietnam. He came back a changed man from what he saw and did there. Although we divorced some years later, we're still friends and keep in touch. I also read extensively on the subject of battle-induced PTSD--articles and interviews. I watched many videos on YouTube and an HBO special featuring returning combatants from Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan. A close friend who also served in Vietnam shared many stories of his Vietnam experience with me before he passed away from complications due to Agent Orange exposure. It's all included in the book. My husband is a licensed therapist in private practice who has some military clients. Due to confidentiality he cannot give me any specifics about clients, but he was able to tell me many facts about the symptoms and effects of battle-induced PTSD.
Then, there was the challenge of writing teenage slang. While not all teens speak this way, many do and I wanted to be accurate in my depiction of them. I didn't know the first thing about how to write slang. So, I rode the bus to observe and listen to kids going to and from school. I watched weekly TV shows such as "Twisted" and "Graceland" featuring teens and young adults to get ideas of mean things they say to each other (snarking). I also watched movies featuring high school teens. While doing this, I took copious notes. Whenever I needed a particularly descriptive word I didn't already have, I referred to a slang dictionary. Since the book has been released, I've had readers contact me to let me know the kids in the book sound just like theirs!
One more thing--the character of Colleen is based on one of my closest friends (of another name). I asked her permission, and then she started talking about herself while again, I scribbled notes as fast as I could! Everything Colleen reveals about herself through conversation is exactly what my friend told me. I already knew things about her, but I wanted to capture them in her own words.
I wrote this novel as a way to acknowledge our soldiers' internal battles and challenges, and the wounds they live with when they return from war, some visible and others unseen. My dedication page reads: "For all who carry unseen scars." I hope you'll read "VANILLA GRASS" and take something with you to appreciate and remember.
Portrait by Tao Nguyen
Saturday, May 16, 2015
Monday, May 4, 2015
ACCOUNTS OF POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER DATE BACK 1000s OF YEARS
The news reports stories of returning
combatants from Iraq and Afghanistan with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD),
but did you know the first written accounts of battle trauma date back
thousands of years? The written history of traumatic stress begins with ancient Egypt's physicians. Their reports of hysterical reactions became one
of the first known medical textbooks to be published in 1990 B.C.
Twenty-seven centuries ago, “The
Iliad” and “The Odyssey” written circa 700 B. C. parallel accounts of modern day PTSD.
Achilles, the hero of “The Iliad” was undergoing traumatic battle experiences
and suffering stress reactions similar to combatants of the Civil War, World
War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War and the Gulf War. Similarly, “The
Odyssey” describes the psychological state of Odysseus returning home from the
Trojan Wars.
A more current literary figure, Charles
Dickens wrote of his emotional trauma after he was involved in a train accident
in 1865. Dickens wrote, “I am not quite right within, but believe it to be an
effect of the railway shaking.” He summed up his psychological condition: “I am
curiously weak-weak as if I were recovering from a long illness.”
Modern accounts of PTSD—or shell shock as
it was originally coined—began during World War I. After WWII and the Korean
War this term was replaced by war neurosis or traumatic neurosis. The current
name, post traumatic stress disorder, became official in 1980.
After so many years, why is PTSD now getting
so much attention? One reason is there are a growing number of veteran suicides—22
reported daily. The numbers are so staggering one organization dedicated to assisting
our veterans, K9s for Warriors, has started a STOP 22 campaign to spread
awareness. K9s for Warriors rescues and trains shelter dogs to become service
dogs. Veteran and his assigned dog go through training together. This type of
program has been proven successful for veterans battling PTSD. Other
organizations such as Paws and Stripes, Northwest Battle Buddies, and Gunnar Center
are only three of many similar groups around the country dedicated to saving the
lives of both shelter dogs and veterans.
The problem of veteran suicides has
become so dire, early this year the Clay Huntley Act passed the House and
Senate. Here’s a brief excerpt taken directly from the website:
“Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for
American Veterans Act or the Clay Hunt SAV Act
(Sec. 2) Requires the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs (VA) to: (1) arrange for an independent third party
evaluation, to be conducted by September 30, 2018, and each fiscal year
thereafter, of the VA's mental health care and suicide prevention programs; and
(2) submit a report to Congress, by December 1, 2018, and each year thereafter,
containing the most recent evaluations not yet submitted to Congress and any
recommendations the Secretary considers appropriate.
Directs the Secretary to submit interim
reports to Congress by September 30, 2016, and September 30, 2017, on the VA's
mental health care and suicide prevention programs.”
A study from June
2014, published online in Current Psychiatry Reports states: “Veterans are more
likely to take their own lives when they feel they have become a burden to
their family, friends and community, and are socially isolated with little to
no meaningful personal connections . . . ”
The Vietnam War produced thousands of
veterans returning home with PTSD. Their greeting was often unwelcome and as a
result they suffered in silence. Decades later there are still homeless Vietnam
Vets living on our nation’s streets with untreated PTSD. Those returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are welcomed home, but have trouble readjusting. Many are in a constant state of hyper vigilance and depression.
What exactly is PTSD, and what are the
symptoms? Flashbacks, constantly on alert/hyper vigilance, insomnia,
depression, anxiety, anger, nightmares, guilt, associated triggers that induce
flashbacks, drugs and alcohol, relationship problems, social withdrawal, and
isolation. Those with PTSD continue to react to minor stimuli as emergencies
i.e., fireworks, car backfire, flashing lights, noisy crowds.
An Army’s
PTSD training document provided to medical staff in December 2014 reports that
more than half the soldiers with PTSD and other mental health problems still
don’t receive care. When they do seek help, sadly many don’t continue and drop
out of treatment. Soldiers believe that reaching out to a mental health
provider will be held against them by their peers and leaders, and could damage
their careers. If they have families to support losing their career would not
only bring shame, but would remove their source of income and benefits.
If you know someone battling PTSD let them know
you care and are deeply concerned for their well being. Encourage them to seek
help because things are changing and more help is available. This conversation
could save their life.
Bibliography
After years of war in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Army is
overhauling its mental health services. Article
written by Hal Bernton, Adam Ashton,
April 11, 2015 updated April 12, 2015
Congress.Gov – H.R. 203 – Clay Hunt SAV Act 114th
Congress (2015-2016)
Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act signed February
12, 2015
Current Psychiatry
Reports published online, June 2014 Volume 16
Suicides
in the Military: The Post-Modern Combat Veteran and the Hemingway Effect
by Carl Andrew Castro, Sara Kintzle
Post
traumatic Stress Disorder: A Chronological Account written by Kevin Roberts, Ph.D.
Sunday, April 5, 2015
SYNCHRONICITY: MORE THAN COINCIDENCE
Synchronicity. You’ve heard the word, but what does it
mean? In the 1920s Swiss psychotherapist and psychiatrist, Carl Jung, the
founder of analytical psychology, coined the term to describe the phenomena
when two unrelated events occur simultaneously experienced in a meaningful
manner. More than coincidence, it can be manifested by strong intent.
We’ve all experienced
synchronicity at one time or another. For example, you’re gassing the car and
you start thinking of someone you haven’t seen or talked to in a while. You
make a mental note to phone or text them and a moment later they pull up at the
next pump and get out of the car. “I was just thinking about you,” you greet
them with a laugh. “Really? I was just thinking about you too—and here you
are!”
”GOOD FORTUNE’s” recurring theme of synchronicity
is something I commonly experience in all areas of my life, so it came as no
surprise that while researching Chinese culture and customs, the information I
needed often appeared as if I’d attracted it like a magnet. One of many such
examples is how I learned about the history of Shuikou noodles.
I was well into writing chapter
40 devoted to the annual Chinese New Year dinner hosted at the Chow household.
After consuming a feast, the Chow family and friends listened to elders tell
after dinner stories. I wanted this section to be interesting and not read like
a textbook. I’d already researched and written about the history of the Chinese
calendar and the art of calligraphy through the vehicle of two elders relating
tales about these topics. I wanted a third tale to be something different and
attention-grabbing, yet relating somehow to traditional Chinese food.
The next morning while getting
ready for work I mulled this over, wondering where I’d find just what I needed.
When I got home that night and collected the mail I was still thinking about
this dilemma because I still had no idea where to find exactly what I needed.
Among the mail that day I noticed an Auto Club magazine. Usually, I’d put it
aside and wouldn’t look at it until much later, yet for some reason I felt
compelled to sit down and read it immediately. I placed the magazine on the
table and, as if by magic, the pages popped open to an article about the
history of Shuikou noodles. There was my research—problem solved! This is the
actual article.
If you’d like to share examples
of synchronicity in your own life, send me an email via ljbratspis@gmail.com
and I’ll post them in another blog. I wish you good fortune!
Leslie Bratspis
Leslie Bratspis
“GOOD
FORTUNE” is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble in paperback and e-Book
formats. The eBook is on sale now for $2.99 through Smashwords using coupon
GY25V. Offer good through May 1st.
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/65462
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/65462
Friday, March 27, 2015
PTSD AND VETERAN SUICIDE IS WHY I WROTE "VANILLA GRASS"
My former husband was twice deployed to Vietnam. I have memories of how changed he was when he returned. He looked the same, but looks can be deceiving. I had no idea what was going on inside his mind. While he was overseas he wrote letters about missing me and looking forward to coming home, but they never revealed anything about what it was like being there. His fear. His trauma. These were his guarded secrets. Years later, long divorced and both of us remarried, we finally had a long phone conversation about his Vietnam experience. It was cathartic. We cried.
I wrote “VANILLA GRASS, a novel of redemption” about the challenges Veterans past and present face with flashbacks and depression as part of their daily struggle with PTSD. Until recently, post deployment integration has offered little help readjusting after coming home from war. Thankfully that’s beginning to change. This is so important because there are 22 reported military suicides daily. It's a national tragedy.
“VANILLA GRASS” shows the healing power of dogs for those struggling with PTSD when conventional attempts of therapy have failed. With their heightened senses of empathy and instinct, dogs are capable of bonding with humans to become their emotional healers. With this book I’ve attempted to raise awareness of the challenges our veterans and active military are coping with in their day-to-day lives. The story also exposes current problems with a fictitious group of at-risk teenagers who are promiscuous, talk slang, swear, smoke pot, rob houses, and have no goals. I’ve written how through example, the importance of community banding together to make a positive change in these kids’ lives brings forth surprising results.
The "star" of my book is Sage. She was a nine-month-old abused Golden Retriever puppy, blind in one eye, being chocked to death by a chain around her neck that had been slipped over her head when she was much smaller. I rescued her on her "last day" at the shelter and she lived five happy years with our two other Goldens who became her canine pals. Sadly the early abuse she suffered cut her life short. I have resurrected Sage in my novel because her courage and spirit made her the perfect companion for my Vietnam Vet battling PTSD. Writing about her brought her back to me for a little while. I miss her every day.
"VANILLA GRASS" is available from the usual online retailers and directly from Robertson Publishing. You can also purchase it from my website www.lesliebratspis.com and there's a "shop now" link on its Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Leslie-Bratspis-Vanilla-Grass/1459047377684683?ref=hl
Thank you!
Leslie Bratspis
www.lesliebratspis.com
www.rp-author.com/bratspis
http://www.amazon.com/Vanilla-Grass-Leslie-Bratspis/dp/1611701961/ref=sr_1_1_twi_1_pap?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1427499318&sr=1-1&keywords=vanilla+grass+by+leslie+bratspis
Twitter: @LeslieBratspis
I wrote “VANILLA GRASS, a novel of redemption” about the challenges Veterans past and present face with flashbacks and depression as part of their daily struggle with PTSD. Until recently, post deployment integration has offered little help readjusting after coming home from war. Thankfully that’s beginning to change. This is so important because there are 22 reported military suicides daily. It's a national tragedy.
“VANILLA GRASS” shows the healing power of dogs for those struggling with PTSD when conventional attempts of therapy have failed. With their heightened senses of empathy and instinct, dogs are capable of bonding with humans to become their emotional healers. With this book I’ve attempted to raise awareness of the challenges our veterans and active military are coping with in their day-to-day lives. The story also exposes current problems with a fictitious group of at-risk teenagers who are promiscuous, talk slang, swear, smoke pot, rob houses, and have no goals. I’ve written how through example, the importance of community banding together to make a positive change in these kids’ lives brings forth surprising results.
The "star" of my book is Sage. She was a nine-month-old abused Golden Retriever puppy, blind in one eye, being chocked to death by a chain around her neck that had been slipped over her head when she was much smaller. I rescued her on her "last day" at the shelter and she lived five happy years with our two other Goldens who became her canine pals. Sadly the early abuse she suffered cut her life short. I have resurrected Sage in my novel because her courage and spirit made her the perfect companion for my Vietnam Vet battling PTSD. Writing about her brought her back to me for a little while. I miss her every day.
"VANILLA GRASS" is available from the usual online retailers and directly from Robertson Publishing. You can also purchase it from my website www.lesliebratspis.com and there's a "shop now" link on its Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Leslie-Bratspis-Vanilla-Grass/1459047377684683?ref=hl
Leslie Bratspis
www.lesliebratspis.com
www.rp-author.com/bratspis
http://www.amazon.com/Vanilla-Grass-Leslie-Bratspis/dp/1611701961/ref=sr_1_1_twi_1_pap?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1427499318&sr=1-1&keywords=vanilla+grass+by+leslie+bratspis
Twitter: @LeslieBratspis
Thursday, March 12, 2015
IT'S ALMOST SPRING! TIME FOR BOOK CLUBS TO SELECT THEIR READS
Hello book club readers and others who just like to read! After a cold dark winter in Southwestern Washington, I'm sooooooooo ready for lots of warm and sunny spring days leading into summer. This morning our cherry tree finally bloomed. It was great to see the blossoms after watching the buds slowly develop over the past couple of weeks. Spring is just around the corner and my excitement is mounting.
The other day while perusing through my computer, I came across a couple of photos of book clubs that selected "GOOD FORTUNE" as their monthly read. In the top one I'm the red head sitting at the end of the table with a flower in front of my nose! I actually snapped the photo below at another book club meeting, which is why you can't see me.
It was great fun to be the guest of honor talking about researching Chinese culture and customs, answering questions, and enjoying the company of fellow readers. If you've read "GOOD FORTUNE" you know the topics of dreams, symbols, and synchronicity appear often. I shared personal experiences that I included in the book through the lives of my characters.
Since Spring is almost here why not plan ahead for your book club? What could be better than spending the day outside in the garden discussing a good book with friends? If you select "GOOD FORTUNE" I'll be happy to mail you autographed bookmarks to pass out to your book club members. With enough advance notice I can also send autographed books. Just send me an email with your request to lesliebratspis@yahoo.com.
Wishing you warm sunny days, and lots of good fortune. Have a great day!
Leslie Bratspis, Author
Follow my "GOOD FORTUNE" Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/GoodFortuneFans
Follow me on Twitter: @LeslieBratspis
New website under construction. Until then, www.rp-author.com/bratspis
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Leslie-Bratspis/e/B005EJ438W/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
The other day while perusing through my computer, I came across a couple of photos of book clubs that selected "GOOD FORTUNE" as their monthly read. In the top one I'm the red head sitting at the end of the table with a flower in front of my nose! I actually snapped the photo below at another book club meeting, which is why you can't see me.
It was great fun to be the guest of honor talking about researching Chinese culture and customs, answering questions, and enjoying the company of fellow readers. If you've read "GOOD FORTUNE" you know the topics of dreams, symbols, and synchronicity appear often. I shared personal experiences that I included in the book through the lives of my characters.
Since Spring is almost here why not plan ahead for your book club? What could be better than spending the day outside in the garden discussing a good book with friends? If you select "GOOD FORTUNE" I'll be happy to mail you autographed bookmarks to pass out to your book club members. With enough advance notice I can also send autographed books. Just send me an email with your request to lesliebratspis@yahoo.com.
Leslie Bratspis, Author
Follow my "GOOD FORTUNE" Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/GoodFortuneFans
Follow me on Twitter: @LeslieBratspis
New website under construction. Until then, www.rp-author.com/bratspis
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Leslie-Bratspis/e/B005EJ438W/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
Saturday, February 21, 2015
MY EPIPHANY WHILE MAKING VEGETABLE SOUP – SPOILER ALERT!!!
THIS
BLOG CONTAINS SPOILERS. JUST SAYIN’…
What
triggers the mind is fascinating. Yesterday while chopping vegetables for a pot
of homemade soup I found myself thinking about two main characters in my novels,
“GOOD FORTUNE” and “VANILLA GRASS, A novel of redemption.” My two protagonists are
vastly different, yet I realized they share the same virtue. Chow Lee Tong, an
aged Chinese immigrant, scholar and bookkeeper, and John Carrows, a Vietnam
veteran with PTSD, couldn’t be more opposite. At least that’s what I thought
when I created them.
Tong
is an immigrant from a small village in China who came to the U.S. as a young man
with his wife and young son, full of hopeful plans for their future. Soon his
hopes are dashed. John was born in the United States and grew up on a farm in
the Pacific Northwest. When he turned eighteen he was deployed to Vietnam and
is badly injured. What could an immigrant scholar and a wounded veteran with
PTSD possibly have in common?
As
I sliced a head of cauliflower into small chunks my mind came up with an answer:
Each man had suffered greatly, felt like he’d lost everything, and as a result
of years of emotional suffering had developed a compassionate heart.
“GOOD FORTUNE” Page 51 – “The much-anticipated journey to the
United States ought to have been the beginning of a shared dream for Tong and
Mei-li. But as fate would have it, Mei-li's tragic death so soon after their
arrival was to be only one of the painful losses Tong would have to endure.
Like his wife, he too felt despondent to leave behind the village of his birth,
members of his family whom he knew he would never see again, and his life's
work from which he derived so much pleasure.”
“VANILLA GRASS” Page 151 – “After my family died I felt like I had no reason to
live. All my plans to go to college—gone. No family, no career, no wife and
kids. I got drafted and sure, I served my country, but for what? To
breathe poison chemicals that fucked up my lungs and get blasted up so bad I’ve
got a metal plate in my head?” He clenched his fist and raised it at the sky.
“Can you tell me why the hell I had to lose everything?”
I
dropped in the chunks of cauliflower and stirred the vegetables sautéing in the
pot, added garlic, ginger and a sprinkle of curry. Then I poured in homemade
chicken broth and began peeling carrots while my mind continued thinking about
the similarities between Tong and John that I’d never before considered.
The opening sentence of “GOOD
FORTUNE” reads: “Tong’s arduous
journey through life prepared him to help others. He discovered that kindness outlasts suffering, and
finding skillful ways through challenges mattered more than any indignity.”
Tong’s suffering and endless sorrow over losing Mei-li—the love of his life—made
him a compassionate man who dedicated his life to helping others.
In “VANILLA GRASS,” John’s suffering from the loss of
his family and the hell of having PTSD turned him into a total recluse—that is,
until his life gets invaded by the town’s delinquent teenagers. He finds
himself the target of false accusations that could ruin his reputation yet instead
of reacting with anger, he tells the mother of a girl responsible for starting
the false rumor something she never expected. “VANILLA GRASS” Page 221 – John stared at
his glass and watched a drop of water zig zag down the side like a tear. “I’ve
suffered too much and seen and done too many awful things to want to inflict
pain on anyone unless my life is threatened.” Like Tong, John’s years of suffering
made him a kind and compassionate human being.
While mulling
this over, I added chopped carrots and celery to the 12-vegetable soup, lowered
the flame, put on the lid, and started cleaning the kitchen. I rinsed out the
sink and thought about how interesting it was that I’d unconsciously given both
men in my novels—who I’d
thought were complete opposites—the shared quality
of compassion. A Chinese immigrant scholar and an American veteran with PTSD were
both men of honor. Each had to overcome painful obstacles and were survivors
who overcame personal pain to help others in need.
“GOOD
FORTUNE” Page 331 – “Yet, until he grew to adulthood and
experienced his own pain after losing his father, Wu had no way of measuring or
understanding the depth of the wounds inflicted upon his father when he was
robbed of his cultural roots, his profession, and even his wife. In the face of
such terrible losses, Tong stoically accepted all the changes life thrust at
him with what Wu now realized was the strength and courage of a warrior. Reflecting
on that early time of his life, he was finally able to grasp that his father
relied on his Herculean inner strength and courage to forge ahead, despite the
enormous intensity of his personal grief. For the first time he comprehended
the unselfishness of his father's motive to hide his pain and sorrow from him,
and the love that made him believe this was the right thing to do.”
“VANILLA GRASS” Page 308 &
309 – “For some
unknown reason after I did you wrong more than once, you didn’t give up on me.
Anyone else would have cast me aside as a lost cause, but not you, John
Carrows. You had a big heart and opened up a world of opportunities for me I
never thought possible…You were a man of few words. Your actions spoke for you.
You were a human being with a compassionate heart who understood the pain of
others because of your own painful experiences.”
Until I got busy yesterday chopping
soup vegetables it hadn’t occurred to me how I wrote characters I admired. In
my own life, being compassionate towards humans and animals is of paramount importance.
Like everyone, I’ve had my own share of challenges to face, bitter
disappointments to overcome, and pain to suffer through. Writing has been a way
for me to express myself creatively and say what I believe is important.
Both my books are available in
print and eBook. You can follow the links below, or on their Facebook page click the "shop now" link.
To purchase “GOOD FORTUNE” on Amazon:
To purchase “VANILLA GRASS, A
novel of redemption” on Amazon:
Follow my books on Facebook:
Twitter: @LeslieBratspis
Thursday, February 19, 2015
"VANILLA GRASS, A novel of redemption"
My new novel is finally released! In fact, it's re-released. I had some issues with the original publisher and was able to cancel my contract and publish elsewhere. While arrangements were being made I updated the Kindle, notified the Library of Congress of changes, had a book signing, ate too much chocolate, and somehow managed to remain sane!
"VANILLA GRASS, A novel of redemption" looks at some important and timely issues: Veteran PTSD and the need for post deployment reintegration into society; comfort dogs and service dogs, and the important roles they play in emotional healing; 22 reported veteran suicides daily and some measures being taken in hope of stopping this tragedy; at risk teenagers who abuse sex and drugs while talking slang and lacking motivation; domestic violence and alcohol abuse.I know this sounds serious--and it is! Yet my book is a fast read and entertaining. I know this because I hear from readers:
"It made me laugh and cry. I loved it."
"I read your book in two days. I couldn't put it down and I didn't do anything else except stop to eat."
"I haven't gotten any work done because I can't stop reading your book."
Here are some early reviews:
"This book kept me going from page one to the end. The author has developed the characters so deeply that I felt I knew each one. It taught me about many important aspects of life that I had not given much thought: the horrific physical and mental burdens returning soldiers suffer, the healing power of dogs trained to give solace; the redemption of wayward teens when someone cares enough to teach them their worth, and the importance of speaking up when peers attempt to lead you in a dangerous direction. Congratulations to Bratspis for this thought-provoking book with a plot I could not only immerse myself into, but I could even smell it."
"VANILLA GRASS, A novel of redemption" looks at some important and timely issues: Veteran PTSD and the need for post deployment reintegration into society; comfort dogs and service dogs, and the important roles they play in emotional healing; 22 reported veteran suicides daily and some measures being taken in hope of stopping this tragedy; at risk teenagers who abuse sex and drugs while talking slang and lacking motivation; domestic violence and alcohol abuse.I know this sounds serious--and it is! Yet my book is a fast read and entertaining. I know this because I hear from readers:
"It made me laugh and cry. I loved it."
"I read your book in two days. I couldn't put it down and I didn't do anything else except stop to eat."
"I haven't gotten any work done because I can't stop reading your book."
Here are some early reviews:
"This book kept me going from page one to the end. The author has developed the characters so deeply that I felt I knew each one. It taught me about many important aspects of life that I had not given much thought: the horrific physical and mental burdens returning soldiers suffer, the healing power of dogs trained to give solace; the redemption of wayward teens when someone cares enough to teach them their worth, and the importance of speaking up when peers attempt to lead you in a dangerous direction. Congratulations to Bratspis for this thought-provoking book with a plot I could not only immerse myself into, but I could even smell it."
"Every character in Vanilla Grass touched me in
some way. The characters are developed through precise dialog and very
realistic circumstances, whether an isolated Vietnam veteran or an alienated
teenager. This novel brings to life not only the essence of redemption but does
so through exploration of some very complicated and humanly challenging
circumstances. The effects of war on life and identity are very real . The
struggles of disenfranchised young adults and the search for connection that we
all struggle to achieve jump,out of every page. The healing power of dogs not
only brings together the commonality of the characters but highlights the
essence of what really pulls our characters through PTSD and other live
traumas. This is a very sensitive and important story. It is about all of us.
It is about healing."
"This turned out to be one of the best books I
have ever read. Growing up through the Vietnam era, I know that some of our
soldiers came back with debilitating conditions. While having heard of
"service" dogs, I had not heard of "comfort" dogs, and I
found this story to be so touching on so many levels. Leslie's characters all
had an amazing depth to them, and made me feel more like I was IN the story,
rather than just reading it."
To read more, go to the Amazon website.
Thank you for your support. STOP 22!
Leslie Bratspis
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