Touching the Trees

Touching the Trees

With wit and sensitivity, Jennifer McBride has captured the gamut of emotions that accompany a rebirth of identity. From a traumatic, life-altering decision as a young woman through a long-term marriage that ultimately ended in divorce, she seeks out the truth of her life -- who she was then and who she wants to be now. Praised for her ability to take an ordinary situation and learn indelible life lessons, Jennifer McBride touches people who are in transition -- from married to single, from single to committed, from mired to free, and from fearful to joyous. Each chapter is beautifully crafted to allow the reader to pull what he or she needs from the experience. Taken as a whole, though, the book offers a story that is unerringly honest and powerful. It resonates with hope. "Jennifer McBride's writing is insightful, thought-provoking and comforting all at the same time. 'Plastic Bags' seems to be written especially for me and about my relationship. Thank you for giving a voice to the thoughts in my head." -- Shannon Stewart Heer, House Springs, Missouri youtube.com/watch?v=fA9XFTTldyU A video review from Garnet Mierau of Helping Children Through Divorce. When Jennifer McBride found herself unemployed and anxious after her divorce, she fell back on the only skill she had: writing. "I'd been out of the workforce for so long, I had no marketable skills. Being able to herd children and make quick, toaster oven meals wasn't exactly in high demand," she says. "Almost everyone already had someone filling that role in their home...and they were working for free." So she started writing. She wrote about her divorce. She wrote about her changed vision of herself. She wrote about everything she saw, felt, experienced, and thought. The results were two books: Touching the Trees and Cape of Leaves. "I loved finding my voice. And, I loved that my kids saw me pursuing my passion. They are as engaged in the creative and marketing processes as I am...even though they have no interest in actually reading anything I write, thank goodness, for now." Ms. McBride sees her books as stepping stones for many things. She's offered to meet with parenting, divorce support, church and social groups and donate a portion of the book proceeds to charities of their choice. "These books aren't just for me. They are to do good things for the people and world around me. I'm always floored when I get an email or a hug from someone who says I've captured their thoughts and feelings. It's amazing to have that connection to people." Ms. McBride lives with her family and the occasional long-term houseguest in Minnesota. When she's not taking advantage of the perfect northern summers by attending her kids' games, walking, and taking photographs, she's hunkered down in her office writing more and more. "This is what I love to do. It's what I hope to do for the rest of my life: raise my kids and write books. Who could ask for more?" More information about Jennifer McBride can be found at www.jmcbridedesigns.com. Used Book in Good Condition