Book In Review

       Standing Still is a novel that has the edge of a psychological thriller.  It is the story of Claire who is bound up in her struggle between the cliff of her irrational fears and the valley of her very real, emotionally dis-connected marriage.   She doesn’t even have the assistance of her husband to help her deal with her panic attacks; because his focus is elsewhere, on his own seperate pursuits in life.  Claire must brave her demons on her own power; she feels helpless to do so.

        In what turns out to be a case of self-fulfilling prophecy, Claire is kidnapped.  She was faced with a scenerio right out of one of her nightmares when a stranger forces himself into her home and attempts to steal her young daughter.  In a desperate moment of complete mother love, Claire trades her freedom for her child’s potential imprisonment by this stranger.  As the knowledge of what she has done sets in, Claire’s internal panic mode sets in.  It is her nightmare come to life; that lack of control over what is about to happen to her…she feels trapped and powerless to guarantee a good outcome.  Claire’s husband has been living a secret life; maybe that is true but, so has she.   These things are revealed slowly to her, during her time in captivity. 

          This taking of her freedom is what ultimately sets Claire free and opens her eyes to the life that surrounds her.   Come and see how she puts the pieces of her life together, into a framework that allows her to live her life in appreciation of beauty, instead of fear; with a sense of fulfillment and gratitude for the things she holds dear.  By the time the book was completely finished, I thought the title should have read; Still Standing!   I loved this book, and you will too.

           If you have ever had any relationship with an irrational fear, panic attacks or an anxiety disorder this book will feel like someone is speaking your language.  A sister who shares your thoughts and feelings…she gives you hope that life can be different, freer, and more peaceful once again.  Read the novel, soak it up and enjoy the knowledge that this author, Kelly Simmons, doesn’t make light of those who know what Claire has been through!

            You can learn more about the author here on her website:  http://www.bykellysimmons.com/  There you can also find a link to purchase her book.  You wont be sorry that you did.  The book Standing Still was published by Atria Books and copyrighted in 2008.   They are a division of Simon & Schuster, Inc.  You can find Atria Books here:  http://www.simonandschuster.net/content/destination.cfm?sid=33&pid=427719