When I First Knew
by Joan Alden
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Pub Date Jan 12 2016 | Archive Date Mar 04 2016
Description
A Note From the Publisher
Author is available for interviews, blog tours, autographed book giveaways, contests, and book club discussions.
Advance Praise
---Kirkus Reviews
Marketing Plan
Joan Alden, living in Sarasota, Florida, is a graduate of The Ohio State University and the Stella Adler Conservatory of Acting in New York. Recognized for her universal themes that normalize lesbianism, Alden didn’t begin writing until she was 34 years old, working backstage at the Curran Theatre in San Francisco. Two years later, she published her first novel, Mrs. Cooper’s Boardinghouse with McGraw-Hill and The San Francisco Book Company. In 1989 Firebrand Books published Alden’s second novel, Letting in the Night, which was nominated for a Lambda Literary Award for Fiction. Three years later, Alyson Publications commissioned Alden and her partner, photographer Catherine Hopkins, to write A Boy's Best Friend about a boy with two mommies. It was selected for The Rainbow Curriculum of New York State that year—1992. The following year, 1993, Firebrand published Alden’s third novel, Before Our Eyes. When I First Knew is her fourth novel. Alden has also completed a second memoir, Her Widow, which will be published next year, and is currently working on a play.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9781457542497 |
| PRICE | $12.95 (USD) |
Links
Featured Reviews
Elyse W, Reviewer
"When I First Knew", by Joan Alden, has stollen my heart!!!!!!!!!
I was so moved after reading this story - and with the author who wrote it, I wanted to know more. Was this a true story? Has Joan written other books?
I also didn't didn't want to say good-bye Abby Harper. I miss her already!!!
I didn't find much, about Joan Alden, but I did find this:
"In 2010, Alden set out to write her autobiography. "When I First Knew" tells the story of her early years from 1951 to 1957 when she began to express herself as a young lesbian, long before the words gay and lesbian were adopted by the community. Strictly speaking, the book is a creative memoir because the sub-plot is fiction.
"When I First Knew" is Abby Harper's journey of self discovery in the 1950s with all the challenges of being different in an era of conformity, identity confusion, bullying, and the heartache of shame and rejection, which exist today in spite of new understanding and acceptance of the LGBT community. Abby's story, both brutally honest and heartwarming, is told in Joan Alden's voice as a young girl, writing letters to and imaginary friend, *Tweed*. The story rings true today as it did yesterday and will tomorrow, for the conflicts that arise from being different play out in the lives of young and old, gay and straight still. The title of the book echoes the first question gays, lesbians, and transgender's are asked, 'When did you first know'".
About the storytelling itself:
It's terrific!!!!!! This small book is packed filled with 'stories' - characters' - seasons - as we learn 'highlights' from 1951 to 1957 . BABY BOOMERS will get a treat reading this gem the way Joan crafted this book.There is something in here for all ages and all HUMAN IDENTITY!
I had one of those 'Whoaaaa Poney' moments...when the author ( within the storytelling), turned my thinking upside down - inside & out. Abby's mother isn't a likable character - for much of the book. She has a hard time accepting Abby as she is. She wants her to wear skirts & dresses instead of jeans. She wants her to bake cookies --develop her domestic skills --not play sports....etc.
Abby becomes friends with a girl at school ... whose mother was loving and accepting of her. Sounds great doesn't it? Did to me to...
Then something happens....
The WAY in which our little heroine, Abby, justifies & understands her friends hurtful behavior toward her is mature beyond years. She realizes her own mother ( funny how things backfire), actually prepared for the challenges of facing rejection for being different. Her friends mother ...on the other hand was 'soft'... so, at the first sign of teasing.. ( kids being insensitive... Borderline Bullying), towards her...was just too hard for her to deal with on any truthful level. Abby's friend Martha wasn't strong enough to continue her friendship with her.
*Grandma Baldwin, Daniel, ( older friend of Abby's) Kate & Ted, ( siblings), teachers in the school, secrets, other hidden shame, and 'mom'.. .. all add to this unforgettable WONDERFUL BOOK.
MOTHERS might want to read this book ( another reason to unite...rather than compete). What we 'think' is best for our children ( over loving?)...does not always prepare them for the world. On the other hand.. no kid likes to grow up being criticize for being who they are.
How do we find an honest balance of raising responsible prepared kids for the challenges they will face in the world.
A few fun tidbits:
1951: "Catcher in the Rye", by J.D. Salinger was first published "The United Nations General Assembly declares China an aggressor in the Korean War 1952: "The Honeymooners debuts on TV "The Detroit Lions are the National Football League Champions, beating the Cleveland Browns 17-7.
1953: "Joseph Stalin dies"
"The Korean War Ends"
"Ann Davison becomes the first woman to sail solo across the Atlantic"
1954: "The first mass vaccination of children against polio is administered" "TV Dinners are introduced 1955: "The Vietnam War begins"
"Albert Einstein dies".
"Disneyland opens"
"The Detroit Red Wings win the Stanley Cup "A gallon of gas cost 23 cents".
1956: "Dwight D Eisenhower is reelected". "The Cuban revolution begins"
"Elvis Presley appears on 'The Ed Sullivan' show" 1957: "The Soviet Union launches Sputnik I, the first satellite to orbit the earth"
"Leave it to Beaver", debuts on TV "The Mackinac Bridge, the worlds longest suspension bridge at the time, opens"
"Dr. Seuss's Cat in the Hat is published
Empowering...and Hopeful!!!
Thank You Dog Ear Publishing LLC, Netgalley, and Joan Alden
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