Author to sign copies By Maria Allard In Mary Monroe’s new book, “Deliver Me From Evil,” lead character Christine finds herself trapped in a dead-end marriage living with what the author describes as the “in-laws from hell.” Christine wants to leave her husband and unhappy life, but knows she’ll get nothing in a divorce settlement because of the prenuptial agreement she granted. Out of desperation, Christine conspires with an ex-boyfriend to fake her own kidnapping. But the plan backfires, and Christine, a girl from “the wrong side of the tracks,” finds herself in a risky game of love, money and sex. “Deliver Me From Evil,” published by Dafina Books, an imprint of Kensington Publishing in New York City, was released Aug. 28. It’s the ideal novel for readers who prefer their love stories mixed with intrigue and complex characters. Fans can meet Monroe in person. The Oakland, Calif., resident will sign copies of her new book at 1 p.m. Sept. 8 at the Wal-Mart, located at 29240 Van Dyke, in Warren. The author also will meet fans at 7 p.m. this Saturday at Borders, 31150 Southfield Road, in Beverly Hills. Books will be available for purchase at both locations. “Mary is one of our best authors,” said Maureen Cuddy, Kensington Publishing senior publicist. “We’re extremely excited to be publishing her new book. She’s a really interesting person with a great story and amazing background.” Monroe, who to date has published nine books — including “God Don’t Like Ugly” and “Gonna Lay Down My Burdens” — always looks forward to meeting her readers. “It’s so exciting,” said Monroe, who often finds herself further discussing her book characters and sharing her writing practices. Monroe, born in rural Alabama, developed a love for reading and writing at a young age. She dreamed up characters while working in the cotton fields, and by age 12 began sending out manuscripts. But family and friends discouraged her from pursuing her passion. “I was in the South when it was still segregated. There weren’t a lot of opportunities for black people,” Monroe said. “Everyone told me to be a good worker and find a husband.” But Monroe rebelled. As her love for reading grew, she made the decision to follow her dream. Since books were scarce, the young girl substituted cereal boxes, Sears catalogs and “old newspapers off the ground” for reading materials. The family eventually settled in Alliance, Ohio, where Monroe got her first library card, recalling that her initial visit inside a library was “a glimpse of heaven.” “It was just another world,” Monroe said. “It was just an escape. I’ve always had a relationship with words.” After being “rejected so many times,” the aspiring writer published her first book, “The Upper Room,” in the 1980s. Monroe then disappeared from the literacy scene, endured more rejections, and re-emerged in 2000 with the release of “God Don’t Like Ugly,” which received the PEN/Oakland Josephine Miles Award. Monroe’s 2006 book, “God Don’t Play,” made it to the New York Times Best Seller List, which “floored” the author. “It’s such a dream come true,” Monroe said. Monroe already has her next book written, due for release in 2008. “Spirit In The Dark” tells the story of a woman who works on a cruise ship and has two husbands. Her world is turned upside-down when “her jealous best friend spills the beans.” For more information on Mary Monroe, check out www.kensingtonbooks.com You can reach Staff Writer Maria Allard at allard@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1045. |
