South Carolina author contacts the blog
Susan Zurenda contacted me several months ago about her new book The Girl From the Red Rose Motel. I recently had a chance to read indepth reviews about the book, and I think it is one followers may want to buy or order, especially since so many of you have worked with students. Amber Wheeler Bacon, in the Southern Review of Books, September 8, 2023, says the book reads “like a love letter to teachers.” Most of you would agree that teachers need lots of love right now!
Zurenda taught literature for over 30 years before beginning to write fiction. Her debut novel, Bells for Eli, published during the pandemic, won the South Carolina Fiction Prize. In her newest book, the author draws on her own experiences as a high school teacher in Spartanburg, SC. Her characters are made up of students she knew and found challenging and talented. She tackles the topic of book banning and parents’ lack of trust in books that professional educators think students should read. While Zurenda tells a simple story, she also tackles issues that are complex and timely.
*The book would be a good one to read along with a teenager in your own family.
Just FYI—it’s available through Libby and at our libraries. My oldest son—a teacher—did his practice teaching at the school where she was a teacher. He loved this book. I’m reading now!
Thank you for mentioning, Frances.