Melissa & Kasho

Literary fiction, Young Adult Fantasy, Paranormal

1958- 59 Florence Italy

Melissa, a shy parentally abused teenage girl, feels lost in a transnational high society world that drives her to the depths of despair.

But her attraction to the very human Kasho, who has snippets of philosophy to impart, eventually enables her to develop her own strengths.

But Kasho doesn't dwell physically on Earth.

Melissa's realistic story traverses class, gender, and power dynamics. She is expected to walk or is bullied into walking, a certain path required of her class, including marrying a certain man.

It's only when she connects with Kasho, a native man whose values are in-line with hers, that she finds a kindred spirit who truly sees her.

In an age of bullying and teen suicide, the resonating lesson throughout the story is "There is always a way of making your life better."

But how will she and her best friend, Daisy, find it?