Review Opportunity: Jo Joe by Sally Wiener Grotta

Title: Jo Joe
Series: Black Bear, Pennsylvania #2
Author: Sally Wiener Grotta
Age Range: Adult
Genre: Contemporary
Publisher: Pixel Hall Press
Release Date: May 26, 2013
Goodreads Link: http://tinyurl.com/m9d8rwt

Jo Joe is a mystery of the heart about Judith Ormand who learned hate and bigotry early in life. As a child, she was the only Black — and the only Jew — in a small insular Pennsylvania mountain village where she was raised by her white Christian grandparents. Now, she must reluctantly break her vow to never return to the town she learned to hate. During her one week visit, she buries and mourns her beloved grandmother, is forced to deal with the white boy who cruelly broke her heart, and is menaced by an old enemy. But with her traumatic discovery of a long buried secret, Judith finds more questions than answers about the prejudice that scarred her childhood.

Let me tell you a story. It’s about the life I lead and would lead if I were someone, somewhere or somewhen else. And that’s why I’m a storyteller, because I always wonder what’s around the corner, over the next mountain, or just in front of me but hidden. I use words and my camera to explore what I want to understand and what I need to communicate. As for exploring, I’ve been on assignment as a writer and photographer for many major publications to all seven continents. I’ve interviewed and photographed hundreds of fascinating or famous (or both) people. And, I’ve been honored that my work has received numerous awards, grants and accolades. But in the end, for me it’s all about making a connection with other people.

Links: Website + Goodreads + Twitter

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