Stillpoint
Patricia Campbell Kowal
Reviewed by D. Andrew McChesney
As
readers we often prefer a certain author, a certain genre, or a particular
theme in our reading. Many of us are
loathe to step outside of our preconceived and often
narrow range of reading opportunities. As
bookstore customers and library browsers, we make many of our decisions based
on the cover illustration and title. It
is a shame that we do, for often that story that does not appeal to us at first
glance can turn out to be an inspiring and tremendous read.
Such is
the case with Stillpoint by Patricia
Campbell Kowal. Because of the title and
the cover, my first assumption was that it was probably a little too feminine
and a little too self-analytical for my reading tastes. But, having won a copy of it at my second
ever SASP meeting, and having had it graciously autographed by the author, I
determined that I would read it, and that I would try to keep an open mind as I
did so.
Was I
ever wrong regarding my first impressions of the story! I found it to be a touching and emotionally
moving story, nearly a lifelong “biography” of a very likable, believable, and
yet fictional character. The writing
itself is clear, concise, and inspiring; qualities that allow the reader to
progress steadily through the story without the need to reread or try to guess
at the author’s meaning and intent. As
with all exceptionally well written stories, I found that I lost track of my
surroundings and was physically present, perhaps as a silent observer, in the
events unfolding on the page.
Stillpoint encompasses Sam Barsby’s
life, from his childhood in
Stillpoint is a very well written,
uplifting, and inspirational story. I
most strongly urge everyone to read it and to pass it along to others so that
they might read it as well.
(This review can also be found on the Spokane Authors
and Self-Publishers website at www.spokaneauthors.org)