The Memory of Light

Dear Friend: 

I am writing to you because I thought you might be interested in my novel The Memory of Light (Arthur A. Levine/Scholastic), which is scheduled for publication on January 26, 2016.

            The Memory of Light is the story of Vicky Cruz, a sixteen-year-old girl struggling to find a reason to continue living after a failed suicide attempt. Although Vicky endures many of the stresses normal to adolescence, her life is in many ways safe, comfortable and even privileged. Vicky, however, suffers from an organic, chemical, depression that is not caused by any obvious trauma or other external circumstance.

The Memory of Light took a long time to write (four years) because I wanted the book to have the right tone, the proper balance of realism and hope. It was also at times difficult to write about an illness that has affected me most of my life. I needed to live in Vicky’s mind and still be able to climb out. What helped me through the writing process was the determination to write not about the effects of depression but about a young girl’s struggle to befriend life and her search for what makes life worth living. Vicky’s story is not about the downward spiral toward darkness, but about the much harder, much more suspenseful steps toward light.

            This letter is a small way of doing all I can to make sure the book finds its way into the hands of readers of all ages who will benefit from it. I thought that a good place to start would be to write to friends like you and ask for your help in spreading the word about the book. The book can be purchased in the usual places, but if you would like a copy with a personal dedication from me, you can order the book from https://store.wellesleybooks.com/. Please write the name for the dedication and any other message in the comments section as you check out.            

Below you will find links to some of the reviews that The Memory of Light has received so far. Thank you for all the support you have given me in the past and are giving me now.

Francisco X. Stork

Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review)

https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/francisco-x-stork/the-memory-of-light/ 

Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-545-47432-0 

Booklist (Starred Review)

https://www.booklistonline.com/The-Memory-of-Light-Francisco-X-Stork/pid=7750287

School Library Journal (Starred Review) February 2016 Issue.