The Opening Chapters of “PUG SHERIDAN”
by Sandra Cline
Dance of the Spirit is pleased to make the first six chapters of my novel "Pug Sheridan"
available to DOTS readers, free of charge.
Editorial reviews for this book have been kind. Here are a few excerpts:
Madison, Wisconsin Capital Times : "... The book's believability kept me reading late into the night. The human element rings true, as does the mystical ... The literary world [has been] graced with a timeless new heroine ... Whether Pug is someday enshrined with the likes of Louisa May Alcott's Jo March remains to be seen."
MyShelf.com : " ... The characters are compelling, believable, and sympathetic. It's a story that you can't put out of your mind. The well thought out plot takes many surprising twists in a very emotional story ... the first one in a very long time that had me laughing and weeping by turns ... Sandra Cline is a first class storyteller, and she has certainly found her niche in this wonderful story."
booxreview.com: "A completely engrossing, deftly written, character-centric coming-of-age novel ... this is a story about growing up, yes, but more than that, herein readers are treated to hefty themes of friendship, racism, and loss — and love as well. Most of all, though, this is a tale about courage. Cline keeps the pace brisk, and the pages turning, drawing readers in with a strong female lead who never fails to engage ... Pug Sheridan is a signpost and lighted beacon both, burning ever more brightly than the nighttime sky's most dominant star."
When I decided to write a story about the indestructible soul of female friendship, I found that my formative years (growing up in Alabama) had forged an undeniable truth, one I found lodged within my heart ... that EVERYONE, without exception, is tied to the land and to each other, across the world and beyond.
I feel blessed and honored to be able to share this material with you,
a piece of my heart to yours. I hope you enjoy what you find here!
Namaste, SC (Executive Editor for DOTS)
Chapter 6
Monday, March 29th, 2010
Most of the animals that lived on The Hill were named, but we didn’t name our hogs. Occasionally, I’d reach down into the muddy pig pen, petting them in response to their grunted greetings, but I never let myself forget that the doomed swine were just killing time ’til “Killin’ Time.”
Early on, the smell of raw blood made a permanent imprint on my memory. The reddish leaves of autumn and the annual rite of hog ... Read More...
Chapter 5
Monday, March 29th, 2010
Seven Sisters’ first few years together were a time of slaphappy simplicity. Within Horseshoe’s protective womb, there were birthday celebrations, tea parties, and endless games. As individual parts of a whole, we took equal portions of everything life offered—handmade toys, books, even chicken pox.
Shielded by ghostly shadows, childhood confidences were entrusted that are still guarded today. Orally shared stories, both real and imagined, cemented our commonality. Egypt was fond of small trickster fables, especially those ... Read More...
Chapter 4
Sunday, March 28th, 2010
Blue trotted onward through tall, wet grasses. The enchanting music of nearby Katydids, hidden in lush meadows, filled my ears. My young mind’s eye conjured fantasy picnics under moonlit skies—images of amour. Our cross-country path led to an ancient Indian trail, given the colorful name Bear Meat Cabin Road. The name “Bear Meat” belonged to an old Cherokee chief who’d lived in the area, long before the first white man had ever passed foot. The ... Read More...
Chapter 3
Sunday, March 28th, 2010
I whistled as I skipped toward the washroom. Essie called out behind me, “A whistlin’ girl and a crowin’ hen always come to some bad end!” When I whistled louder, I heard her boisterous laugh echo down the hall.
Daddy built our unique bathing room with Mama in mind. It had a window in the roof where sunlight filtered through in a giant beam of heavenly heat. The other windows were high up, offering the bather ... Read More...