Shake the Middle Tree

by Janet Goddard

Ronnie thinks she knows her family. She tolerates her older brother, Thatcher, and avoids her mother, Vivian, but one Saturday morning changes everything. Enter Juanita: long lost sister and giant family secret number one. Standing over seven feet tall, Juanita brings the unavoidable truth to a family where secrets are as common as table salt.

344 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2011

About the author

Janet Goddard, Master of Fine Arts in fiction writing from the University of Missouri-St. Louis; Creative Writing Certificate and a Bachelor of Science in English, with an emphasis in writing, from Washington University. Shake the Middle Tree is Janet's first novel. Janet has been teaching English and writing courses in a variety of venues for the past 15 years. Presently, she teaches English and Creative Writing full time at Visitation Academy in St. Louis.

Janet lives in St. Louis with her husband Greg. They are empty-ing nesters of three beautiful children. Along with Janet's first novel, her other works include award winning short stories & essays, a bit of poetry, and a musical libretto, "The Mechanical Cat."

When she is not writing, Janet teaches in hopes of inspiring others to embrace the power, beauty, and mastery of the written word.

Reviews

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book! It was an easy summer read yet it had a lot of depth to the characters. Plus great insight on life, friends, and family. I will read this book again.

[Amy Bodkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently read a book besides Janets that I love called The Help. It was the authors first book and it took off and is now being made into a movie that comes out in August. This is what I hope happens to Janets book. She deserves it with the wonderful characters she's created. The book is fun to read and keeps you interrested throughout. She has amazing insight about people and feelings and puts it in ink so beautifully. I cried several times when reading it because of the feelings it stirred up in my own life. Love it and hope it will get the recognition it deserves.

[Gretchen]

This book was riviting. I could not put it down. This is a great summer read. I was caught up in all the characters and found Ms. Goddard's writing compelling. I shall be recommending this book to my family and friends.

[Jocelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great story...written by a local st Louis author so the sights and roads and such were familiar...pretty sad story, unexpected ending, but a good story about a family and growing up and dealing with life.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should read this book! Very heartfelt and a real page turner!

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great heart felt story! Anyone can relate to the characters! Quick and enjoyable read!