Welcome to the Challenge of Literature Blog Hop reveal!
When I saw Erin's call for participants I sent her an e-mail immediately.
I knew the exact book I wanted to use for the challenge.
It was a book I read almost 100 times while I was in grade school.
I would always cry at the end of the book and yet I read it again and again.
Say Goodnight, Gracie by Julie Reece Deaver
From the back cover:
Seventeen-year old Morgan Hackett and her best friend Jimmy have known each other all their lives. They hang out together. Best friends for life. As they break into the Chicago theater scene to pursue their goals as actors, however, the're discovering that they're on the brink of something more than just friendship. So how could life be so right and then so wrong? After a terrible accident, Morgan suddenly has to face life alone. Without Jimmy around, though, it's like the best part of her has died. How could he do this to her? As she begins a downward spiral into depression, she wonders how she will ever cope without the one person in the world who understands her.
I didn't have a copy of the book when I signed up for the blog hop. I hadn't read the book in a while and I wanted to be in the brains of the character's before I made anything so I went on Half.com and bought the book. I read it in less than a week. I cried in all the same spots, I can remember how I felt when I read the book when I was young. I remembering wanting the be their friend.
I decided to make a bracelet using my most memorable quote in the book:
"Knowing what you have to lose, but risking the loss anyway."
I wanted the bracelet to be lightweight and simple because that is what would suit Morgan's personality. I can picture her playing with the heart and key dangle while waiting for the train into the city. I can hear the charms dangling as she rehearses for a play. I can see her running her thumb over the stamping thinking of Jimmy.
Thanks for visiting!
Here are the rest of the participants:
27 comments:
Shannon, isn't it wonderful that books can bring such emotions out :) I still have books I read over and over again and cry. I just love that bracelet and the quote you picked out! It is perfect! Now I need to go and order that book :)
This sounds like my kind of book, putting it on my list! Your bracelet is gorgeous! Simple and sweet and a wonderful message! LOVE IT!
Shannon, your piece is wonderful. I love that it was inspired by a lovely quote in the book. This sounds like a good book to read.
This is my favorite blog post you have ever written and the bracelet is exquisite. Thank you for the inspiration you brought us from the book!
That book sounds great- and it's going on my 'to read' list! I really felt your emotion in this post and felt a little teary looking at the bracelet. So pretty and heart-felt.
You have truly expressed the power of literature in your memories of the story and the quote that touches all of us! I think your interpretation is excellent, not too much other stuff, because the quote is all you need for impact!
This book sounds wonderful and I have added it to my TBR pile.
And your bracelet is perfect! Simple but with so much impact with that quote.
A wonderful piece, I love it
I'm loving this hop and seeing what everyone reads. Love your bracelet Shannon - The fact that you're so moved by the story come through clearly.
That is so pretty! What a wonderful job!
Hi Shannon,
Your bracelet is simply beautiful.
Isn't funny how a book we loved when read as a young person stays with us all our lives. With me the book is "The Summer of 42" it was the first book I ever read from cover to cover. Back in the early 70's it was very risque for a young Catholic girl of 13 to be reading LOL!
Therese
I don't know how you do it, I can't read books that make me cry, but you got me with this little vingette into the book anyway. Fabulous job and interpretation.
Oh Shannon! I've never read this book but it sounds wonderful. This piece is just so sweet and the quote is perfect.
The quote fom the book is perfect for your bracelet..love the color of the words against the darkened metal by the way..... Brilliant.
Jenni
I love your design and the quote you've included on the braclet. I think this is another one for my reading list...
Whoa. Sounds like a heavy book. I love your bracelet. From your description, I can see this being a huge comfort to someone who has lost a loved one. I have a bracelet I made to remind me of my grandfather. It has a leaf charm I play with... all.. the... time. Lol I'm surprised it hasn't fallen off!
That is a beautiful quote, Miss Shannon! I love the heartfelt thought behind it, and that it comes from the book, but really has a connection to all our lives. I like the way you made the letters blue to pull in the color of stones. I have never heard of this book but you have definitely piqued my interest! Thank you for playing with me in this Challenge! Enjoy the day. Erin
Shannon - its lovely! Very current, easy to wear, yet timeless since it takes you back to a younger day... I like the simplicity, and the color accents in the stamping.
From a non-reader, this is the one book that will have me hunting for it. Great job and even better inspiration. Thanks.
Wonderful bracelet! All of the elements tie in so well with the book. I like how the bracelet could be worn with so many different outfits. The book sounds very interesting - I am going to check it out.
Must be one Damn good book for you to have read it so many times. That kind I bravery makes for good stories I would think
Those books we read as we grow up really stay with us don't they? I love your bracelet, I can just picture a young woman on the brink of her life wearing something like it.
Wonderful bracelet, and great quote! I actually read that book a few times in school, too. In fact, the first time I read it, I was in study hall in maybe seventh or eighth grade, which was in the library. I walked over and grabbed a book and started to read. By the end of study hall, I was weeping. That reminds me I need to re-read it. :)
I haven't read that book, but that is a beautiful quote. I love the bracelet and the way you made it thinking of what Morgan would like
I really like how you've balanced the longer quote out with a simple, elegant and slightly rustic design. Works perfectly!
I'd never heard of this book, but your description really makes me want to read it! It's on my list now. ;)
It sounds as though you really know these characters and not only made the bracelet with the book in mind, but with THEM in mind. It turned out beautifully!
Beautiful Shannon! I love the bracelet and so impressed with your stamping - it's gorgeous!
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