Cracked Bat: A Novel

Janiece Hopper
Ten Pentacles Press (2008)
ISBN 9780981477701
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer for Reader Views (8/08)

 


Janiece Hopper has written a wonderful journey that many of us have gone through. The use of her fairy tale characters addresses how we get lost in relationships, jobs and friendships. It is a woman’s journey in losing her soul and control of her life by caring for others before she cares for herself. Ms. Hopper takes us through this journey and lets us know that we can be healed once we see we are spiraling down an unknown path.

Linnea Perrault is the editor of “The Edge,” the local paper that addresses issues that have an impact on her community.  Her husband Dan is the owner of “The Mill,” a gourmet coffee shop that is the hit of the town. Their 4-year-old daughter is the love of their life- she’s cute, has an imagination and charms everyone. Seems like a perfect life, doesn’t it?

What everyone doesn’t know is the impact of having her biological father leave when she was very young to a man who hated her and let her know every day of her life until she could escape. Her mother, whom Linnea thought should protect her from the evils of her father - didn’t. Even today her mother is critical and uncaring; all the focus should be on her.

Dan, the love of her life, also has his own issues- he’s an alcoholic and there isn’t one day that goes by he doesn’t remind her- as if to say it was her fault he has this problem. He’s too busy with his own life to even look at what is happening to his wife.

Enter biological father- he has come back to the town of Spinning Wheel Bluff to reclaim his relationship with his daughter. He has ulterior motives for his visit and uses her love for him to manipulate and strangle the breath out of her.

This is a story of healing and finding one’s self again- through imaginary friends, and the help of our angels to take our life back.  Ms. Hopper has given all of us hope, independence and love.  “Cracked Bat” is a great book for all.

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