Now That I Have Your Attention…
In honor of my spotlight on Nancy Bo Flood today, I wanted to start this post by displaying a picture of my delectable slice of Heath Mud Pie, per her request (or, okay, expectation). Alas, I did not bring my camera to lunch that day, and I’ve not yet joined the rest of the 2010 world by getting a camera phone. I tried to Google an image of this delight, but instead I kept accidentally clicking on myriad links telling me how many calories are IN said delight. Hello! I don’t want to know! I just want to see it again. A picture is zero calories. In fact, I probably burn calories by drooling.
This was supposed to be a picture of a decoy chocolate dessert I had on a cruise with my grandmother, but instead it is a picture of us with the Neil Diamond impersonator onboard. I am not going to find the replacement photo because I’ve wasted too much time already. Also, I’m not sure how to delete this one. And why would I want to, anyway?
But back to Nancy Bo Flood and her book, Warriors in the Crossfire. Just so you know, I’ve always used all three names when addressing Nancy Bo Flood, and it’s a habit I can’t seem to shake.
Even if Nancy Bo Flood wasn’t my friend, I would still think this was a great idea for a novel. The story takes place during the final months of World War II, in the tiny South Pacific Island of Saipan. I know I was fascinated with WWII when I was younger, and most of the ten-through-thirteen-year-olds I know have been at some point, too. But I think most of them are as clueless as I was about Saipan’s role in the war: it acted as a buffer between Japan and the American troops. Saipan was caught in the crossfire, as is Joseph, the main character in this book.
Add to that the beautiful, poetic language I’ve long admired in Nancy Bo Flood’s work, and you have a story with everything–adventure to keep you on the edge of your seat, and good writing to make it a read to remember. Here’s one of my favorite reviews:
“Nancy Bo Flood’s novel casts a bright light on one of the forgotten shadows of World War II, the near total devastation of Saipan and the native people who lived there. Joseph’s story forces us to pay attention, to see war itself as an event that affects more than the opposing forces and illuminates its darkest corners.”
–Kathi Appelt, author of The Underneath, finalist, the National Book Award, Newbery Honor Book
That’s high praise, friends, especially considering the source (oh, mighty Kathi).
Want a copy of this book? Go buy one! Just kidding. I mean, you should buy one, but if you can’t swing it right now, never fear! Leave a comment on this blog and enter to win Warriors In The Crossfire. Twitter/ facebook/blog about it and get an additional entry for each! Don’t wait–do it now.
And have a top day!
May 6th, 2010 at 3:41 pm
Hey, Emily! Thanks for this review of a remarkable book (by a remarkable woman and writer, NBF): Warriors in the Crossfire. It is an unforgettable story told beautifully. I also really enjoyed the photo of your grandma and you with “Neil Diamond.” We had a Neil Diamond impersonator come to my brother-in-law’s fiftieth birthday. He did Elvis, too, and was only so-so with either.
May 6th, 2010 at 6:20 pm
Sounds fascinating. I can’t buy one, but happily, one has been ordered for the Minuteman Library System (the greater Boston library group), so hopefully I’ll get to read it.
Or you can pick me and I can have a free copy.
I love her name (Nancy Bo Flood)!
May 6th, 2010 at 6:22 pm
Oh, yes, one other thing. I tried to help you out today by linking to your blog on my blog–in relation to my quiz and your awesome quiz writing skills (knowing that you’d have this post today–I thought it would be perfect). But I could NOT find the quiz writing post and it didn’t really make sense to just randomly refer to your blog (there are already too many random comments on my post), so alas, the plan didn’t work.
May 6th, 2010 at 7:03 pm
I am so happy that I AM your friend! Who else could make me laugh and NOT show me a picture of Mud Pie and NOT have mud pie as the prize? Thank you for an entirely delightful post, Emily, and when is your next book ready to be read? I shout my hello from northern Arizona up to your home in Utah – only a few deserts between us — but what is a dessert between friends?
NBF
May 6th, 2010 at 8:03 pm
Woo-hoo, Emily Wing Smith. Look at tech savvy you! (…even if you don’t have the dessert…).
I can hear your voice in this post! Wish we could sit down for a nice long chat.
Isn’t this achievement of our wonderful Nancy Bo Flood and WARRIORS a terrific happening!
I’m so proud of her. And you.
Did you ever make it back to Wilmington?
From a Gig with only two names. CD
May 6th, 2010 at 9:35 pm
Here I am again, must be time for us ladies to meet in the dorm bathroom with toothbrushes in hand. Wish we could! Nancy Bo Flood
PS but skip those showers!
May 7th, 2010 at 7:56 am
That guy totally does not look like Neil Diamond, and yet it’s still cool that you got a picture of him. We need a picture of us with Barry.
Anyway, the book sounds very interesting. You know everyone.
May 7th, 2010 at 9:08 am
Sounds like a great book! I’d love to have a copy!
May 7th, 2010 at 1:09 pm
Having been raised in Japan and having gone to boarding school with some Saipanese (?) kids, I’d LOVE to be educated about the history. And to learn the history by reading a book that Emily and Kathi praise so highly . . . . sounds delicious!
Thanks.
May 8th, 2010 at 3:11 pm
[...] Emily Wing Smith [...]
May 12th, 2010 at 8:01 am
Sounds like a great book, by an author with a great name! seriously, when i finally get around to being published the editor’s first act of business will be to find me a cooler sounding name.