Far From Here engaged me right from the start with its thoughtful
descriptions, unexpected twists, and relatable familial bonds. Nicole pieces
together a beautifully raw story where one woman’s agonizing contemplation over
her husband’s disappearance solidifies to dedicated resolve over time.
I identify with Nicole’s devotion to portraying realistic
characters. Through gifted storytelling, Nicole’s exploration of loss, grief,
and eventual forgiveness is tangible and crawl-inside-my-head familiar.
Danica and Etsell Greene’s marriage is convoluted. Etsell’s
mysterious departure complicates Danica’s impression of what they’ve built. In
her literary work, Nicole surrounds Danica with strong character defining women
who each do their part in helping Danica make peace with her present
circumstances.
I found myself continuing asking if I’d make the same
decisions Danica did. In light of this, I’m confident Far From Here would make
an excellent book club selection.
Because Nicole and I have established a connection in the
past, I was eager to ask her the following question:
Moi: What
surprised you most while writing Far From Here?
Nicole: Hmmm...tough question. I think the thing that
surprised me most while writing FAR FROM HERE was discovering that hope
changes. I used to consider hope a stagnant, definable, specific thing, as if it was one certain
wishing star instead of (potentially) the entire stunning array of the
galaxies. For example, I never stopped to ponder this before, but when Aaron
and I were seriously dating, I entertained the hope of an engagement ring. I
had an idea of what I wanted it to look like and the words that I hoped he
would use as he presented it to me, but the longer I knew him and the deeper I
fell in love with him, that hope shifted significantly. I didn't even notice it
happening, but I started out wishing for a princess cut diamond engagement
ring, and ended up longing for a deep, abiding, faithful marriage with the man
who I knew I couldn't live without. Who cared about a stupid ring? He could
have made me a friendship ring out of twine and I'd still be wearing it with
pride. I believe that as we change and grow, our hopes change and grow. That
was a surprising, and beautiful discovery that I made as I wrote FAR FROM HERE.
Thanks for that
intimate and poignant glimpse, Nicole! And Congratulations on your starred
review on Publishers Weekly!