A beautiful coming-of-age novel by Karla Self.
Available from your favorite bookseller.
The Spaces That Hold You
SILVER AWARD WINNER of the 2023 Northern California Publishers & Authors book awards for general fiction!Set in 1960s Kelsey, in California’s Central Valley. Poverty sits heavy on those who stayed long after the dustbowl migration that built this once bustling town.The Spaces That Hold You is the story of a boy living within a world created by his mother, who is unwell. Whether it was mental illness first or the drugs is just a guess, as are all of the unknowns she harbors. Shared in his own voice, Levi braves the perils of secrecy, uncertainty, loneliness, and prejudice, as he faces his mother’s demons. When she disappears without a trace, there is no truth for young Levi to stand on. Left alone, maybe he has a dad somewhere. That is a dream he has carried for all of his young life, but any hope of a name has disappeared along with his mother.The Spaces That Hold You is a heartbreaking and triumphant coming-of-age story about truth, resilience, and those who chose to stand with us when all hope seems lost.
AUTHOR ~ KARLA SELF
~ a living, breathing human being
This novel, though fiction, was inspired by Karla's rewarding career in social services, where she was dedicated to the well-being of our most vulnerable children, specializing in family finding. She wanted to convey the devastation that many young people face when things go wrong in their lives and the hope that can be found in spite of it. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, Randy, and has three adult children and eight grandchildren. Karla has proven to be an accomplished writer with the ability to craft a story that touches the heart and soul. The Spaces That Hold You has received critical acclaim for its depth, authenticity, and emotional resonance. With a passion for storytelling, Karla continues to explore the human experience through her writing, leaving a lasting impact on readers worldwide. She has the ability to captivate, resonate, and allow readers to immerse themselves in the spaces of their own hearts as they join Levi on his unforgettable journey.
Accolades
The Spaces That Hold You - Review from Judge, 32nd Annual Writer’s Digest… Book Awards.This book is exemplary in production quality and cover design.This book is exemplary in its choice of topic or theme of the story. It is unique but still has strong appeal for most readers in its intended genre. The book is well plotted.This book is exemplary in its voice and writing style. It has a unique voice, and the writing style is consistent throughout. The style and tone are also consistent with or will appeal to readers of the intended genre.This book is a poignant and humanizing portrait of the kind of small town and its inhabitants that have an air of desolation and desperation that comes with isolation and poverty, but it wasn't over the top. Levi and Katherine were believable characters with cogent and understandable motives. The secrets of Katharine's past were also an effective hook to keep the reader wanting to learn more.
Review by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Spaces That Hold You is a work of fiction in the interpersonal drama, coming-of-age, and slice-of-life subgenres. It was penned by author Karla Self with narration provided for the audiobook version by Josh Self. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience. This deeply poignant narrative is set in 1960s Kelsey, a town marked by the Dust Bowl migration in California. Levi Strong, the protagonist, navigates life's challenges in a place where history, racism, and indifference shape the landscape. The story delves into Levi's search for identity and the complexities of his mother Katharine's secrets, all against the backdrop of a town divided by prejudice.Author Karla Self has crafted a heartfelt and emotional journey that gives so much detail, atmosphere, and life to a small town that you feel instantly as though you’re right there with her characters. The slow Southern drawl of the dialogue encapsulates the atmosphere, immersing readers in Levi's world and showcasing the attitudes and humor of the people of Kelsey with vivid language. The narrative has a tender and respectful way of exploring themes of racism and identity, capturing the pulse of history and the endurance of hope amid hardship without ever stepping into anything gimmicky. The characters are vividly penned and rise wonderfully to meet the struggles and triumphs that make them so relatable and memorable.In terms of its audiobook presentation, this enchanting story is only further enriched by narrator Josh Self’s emotional depth, vividly painting a picture of a time and place with a warm and wistful voice. The editing was crisp and clear, and everything was delivered at a superb pace to really get readers into the story. Overall, The Spaces That Hold You is a beautiful, sometimes tragic, but always heartwarming exploration of the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity, and I would certainly recommend it to fans of accomplished Southern drama everywhere.