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Making Manna
Libby Thompson is just fourteen years old when she flees her abusive home with her newborn son, Angel. Now they must build a life for themselves on hard work and low wages, dealing with police who are sometimes helpful—but not always—and a drug dealer who is full of surprises. As Angel gets older, he begins asking questions about his family, and Libby’s tenuous peace threatens to crumble. Can a son without a father and a young woman without a past make something beautiful out of a lifetime of secrets? Making Manna explores the depths of betrayal, and the human capacity to love, flourish, and forgive in the face of heartbreaking odds.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 20, 2014
1 person is currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
Eric Lotke
8 books8 followersEric Lotke has cooked in five-star restaurants and flushed every toilet in the Washington DC jail. He has filed headline public interest lawsuits and published headline research on crime, race and prisons. His most recent novel, Union Made, explores what union organizing means for the workplace, the economy and maybe even the organizer’s love life.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 27, 2015
Making Manna is one of those rare books that draws you in and doesn't let you go. From the very start, you're immersed into a story that is jarring and unnerving, yet honest, raw, and authentic. It challenges everything you know and takes you on a journey of life below the poverty line.
Living for a year or so in Arlington, VA and walking past the service workers on my way to the metro as they packed their supplies into vans filled with other workers, the setting makes the story. Through the characters and plot lines, it exposes the real socioeconomic contradictions of a place like northern VA, where multi-million dollar homes sit nestled next to low-income communities. When most people hear about northern VA, their minds turn quickly to expensive homes and affluence, yet as someone who helped prepare taxes for low-income individuals in Arlington County, I related to the book's mission to uncover the story of the everyday struggles of the working-class.
I cannot speak highly enough of this book; if you're looking for a heart-wrenching story that challenges notions and forces you to take a look at your own life from a different perspective, go and read this book.
Living for a year or so in Arlington, VA and walking past the service workers on my way to the metro as they packed their supplies into vans filled with other workers, the setting makes the story. Through the characters and plot lines, it exposes the real socioeconomic contradictions of a place like northern VA, where multi-million dollar homes sit nestled next to low-income communities. When most people hear about northern VA, their minds turn quickly to expensive homes and affluence, yet as someone who helped prepare taxes for low-income individuals in Arlington County, I related to the book's mission to uncover the story of the everyday struggles of the working-class.
I cannot speak highly enough of this book; if you're looking for a heart-wrenching story that challenges notions and forces you to take a look at your own life from a different perspective, go and read this book.
March 28, 2016
To be honest, I really could not remember why I wanted to read this book after I got it. In fact, I put it aside with lackluster interest. Yet, when I picked it up I again had my mind made up instantly that I was not going to like this book at all. Wow, you really can not judge a book by its cover.
From the beginning I was drawn into the story and Libby. She is a fighter. She proves it over and over again. There was never a moment where she sat in sorrow and had people going "poor Libby". In fact, people were coming to her for advice and strength. The band of friends that Libby formed in Sheila, Monet, and Zeb was nice. Each one on their own was alright but together they were stronger. You could feel the love between them all. Then there is Libby's son, Angel. A perfect name. It was great to see him grow from a little baby to a mature young man. The ending was a good one. This is a book worth checking out.
From the beginning I was drawn into the story and Libby. She is a fighter. She proves it over and over again. There was never a moment where she sat in sorrow and had people going "poor Libby". In fact, people were coming to her for advice and strength. The band of friends that Libby formed in Sheila, Monet, and Zeb was nice. Each one on their own was alright but together they were stronger. You could feel the love between them all. Then there is Libby's son, Angel. A perfect name. It was great to see him grow from a little baby to a mature young man. The ending was a good one. This is a book worth checking out.
August 12, 2015
Beautiful book. I loved the characters. I want a sequel.
April 19, 2016
Survival is intrinsic to human nature
This is a story, although about very simple people in dire circumstances, that drew me in until I couldn’t release the book until I finished it. There are only a few people in this world with the strength to fight to survive like Libby Thompson who is just fourteen years old when she bears an illegitimate son at home. Her mother is the midwife and keeps asking Libby who the father is and Libby won’t answer her, but after the baby boy is born, and her father comes in the house to see what the baby looks like, which is him, Libby grabs a kettle of hot oil and pours it over her father’s hands. Then she grabs the baby and takes off running down the road. Prior to her conceiving, she had hinted to her mother that her father was sexually molesting her, but her mother preferred to not see it and did nothing.
She must know something about birth and nursing a baby since she is raised on a farm, but she has no money, few clothes, nothing for the baby but the rag he is wrapped in. She goes to the police station for help, who are very cold to her, but eventually take her to a temporary place where homeless women and children can be housed. There she meets a compassionate woman, Sheila, who is raising a little girl Monet, and who has kicked her boyfriend out because he has been selling drugs and she doesn’t want to be arrested as she feels he will be. Sheila cleans businesses and various place for low wages, but she does manage to get a job for Libby. In the beginning, Libby ties the baby to her chest with a small cloth and cleans that way. She manages to nurse her son, whom she has named Angel, while working. Sheila and Libby put their wages in a pot and manage to pay for this slum apartment and Sheila and her child had been eating at MacDonald’s, but then Libby was cleaning for a restaurant and she took food they were throwing away and cooked them meals.
Life gets harder and harder for Libby and then Sheila and her boyfriend get falsely arrested for peddling heroin and Libby promises Sheila she’ll take care of her daughter Monet. Throughout the story there is one hurdle after another for Libby to cross, but Angel is precocious and when he gets to school, his mind is always figuring out answers, which also has to do with his fight for survival.
That is the basis of this story, but the author has brought each of his characters to light in his ability to present in words that which he wants us to see and know. For me, this was one of the better books of a new author and I couldn’t put it down. Even with all of the crosses his characters had to bear and their perpetual struggles, you could see their growth and how they improved as life laid barriers before them. The writing reminded me a little of Steinbeck’s characters for it had that fluidity and character analysis.
I enjoyed this book thoroughly and am happy that it was given to me for a review.
This is a story, although about very simple people in dire circumstances, that drew me in until I couldn’t release the book until I finished it. There are only a few people in this world with the strength to fight to survive like Libby Thompson who is just fourteen years old when she bears an illegitimate son at home. Her mother is the midwife and keeps asking Libby who the father is and Libby won’t answer her, but after the baby boy is born, and her father comes in the house to see what the baby looks like, which is him, Libby grabs a kettle of hot oil and pours it over her father’s hands. Then she grabs the baby and takes off running down the road. Prior to her conceiving, she had hinted to her mother that her father was sexually molesting her, but her mother preferred to not see it and did nothing.
She must know something about birth and nursing a baby since she is raised on a farm, but she has no money, few clothes, nothing for the baby but the rag he is wrapped in. She goes to the police station for help, who are very cold to her, but eventually take her to a temporary place where homeless women and children can be housed. There she meets a compassionate woman, Sheila, who is raising a little girl Monet, and who has kicked her boyfriend out because he has been selling drugs and she doesn’t want to be arrested as she feels he will be. Sheila cleans businesses and various place for low wages, but she does manage to get a job for Libby. In the beginning, Libby ties the baby to her chest with a small cloth and cleans that way. She manages to nurse her son, whom she has named Angel, while working. Sheila and Libby put their wages in a pot and manage to pay for this slum apartment and Sheila and her child had been eating at MacDonald’s, but then Libby was cleaning for a restaurant and she took food they were throwing away and cooked them meals.
Life gets harder and harder for Libby and then Sheila and her boyfriend get falsely arrested for peddling heroin and Libby promises Sheila she’ll take care of her daughter Monet. Throughout the story there is one hurdle after another for Libby to cross, but Angel is precocious and when he gets to school, his mind is always figuring out answers, which also has to do with his fight for survival.
That is the basis of this story, but the author has brought each of his characters to light in his ability to present in words that which he wants us to see and know. For me, this was one of the better books of a new author and I couldn’t put it down. Even with all of the crosses his characters had to bear and their perpetual struggles, you could see their growth and how they improved as life laid barriers before them. The writing reminded me a little of Steinbeck’s characters for it had that fluidity and character analysis.
I enjoyed this book thoroughly and am happy that it was given to me for a review.
January 27, 2015
A solid, well written, interesting story about what it's really like to grow up poor in America.
I liked it! What's great about this book is that it's not about the rich and famous, nor is it about the average American. This book helps us to see some of the cruel hypocracies of our justice system and to understand how good people can find themselves in very bad situations. The grit is very real. These protagonists are not people one would normally sympathize with - a drug dealer? It's a beautuful story with the requisite, satisfying, happy ending.
I liked it! What's great about this book is that it's not about the rich and famous, nor is it about the average American. This book helps us to see some of the cruel hypocracies of our justice system and to understand how good people can find themselves in very bad situations. The grit is very real. These protagonists are not people one would normally sympathize with - a drug dealer? It's a beautuful story with the requisite, satisfying, happy ending.
May 11, 2016
Just finished, Making Manna Eric Lotke. One of the best books I've read this year! This book schooled me in regards to life lived in poverty. What an excellent educational tool. This should be on the required reading list of every middle/high school in America.
January 22, 2015
Making Manna had me at "hello". It is a fantastic story from the opening line. Mr. Lotke does a fantastic job of character development, and story telling. I'd highly recommend this book!
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November 5, 2019Another book club choice
I really enjoyed this book. So many challenges. yet they persevered. Family reconciliation, Manna from heaven, Libby going to college, so many good things.
I really enjoyed this book. So many challenges. yet they persevered. Family reconciliation, Manna from heaven, Libby going to college, so many good things.
February 26, 2016
I was immediately drawn to the absolutely glittering prose in the first few lines of MAKING MANNA. And how I ached for the young girl giving birth in those opening pages. Something was decidedly "not right."
Within mere *pages,* we learn so much (I don't want to give it away here), but the pace is impeccable, covering a wide range of events and time.
Utlimately, MAKING MANNA is a story of courage, of the cruel hypocrisies of the justice system, about good people in harsh circumstances all against the backdrop of searing prose.
However, I grew slightly irritated with some inconsistencies...for example, Libby is a young mom (very young), yet she presents herself as much older through her mannerisms and words. Perhaps she's a bit of an "old soul," but if the author was trying to make her "hard" and jaded in her behavior, it comes across as more matronly than anything. Rarely do we see her truly struggle with infant care or exhaustion (though there is *some*), and never do we see her wish she were doing things her peers were/are doing...she takes it all in stride, and while that's to be amendable, it did't come across as realistic, at least to me.
And then there's the case of the child himself...who goes to public school seemingly without a birth certificate. I questioned it, but let it slide. Perhaps this particular school district has different parameters? Or maybe I missed the explanation within the narrative, which is entirely possible.
There were a few coincidences that made me question the authenticity of the message, but at the heart, I feel as though the author wanted us to see just how inappropriate and devastating the world can be, no matter if one is poor or rich.
Still, the character development was complex and well-crafted, an amazing conglomeration of poor America and individuals working hard at maintaining a small semblance of hope.
MAKING MANNA will appeal to readers of Caroline Leavitt's INTO THIN AIR (1993) and also GIRLS IN TROUBLE (2005). Overall, I'd give this book 3.5 stars and 4 for the fabulous prose.
For all of my reviews, including author interviews, please see: www.leslielindsay.com
Within mere *pages,* we learn so much (I don't want to give it away here), but the pace is impeccable, covering a wide range of events and time.
Utlimately, MAKING MANNA is a story of courage, of the cruel hypocrisies of the justice system, about good people in harsh circumstances all against the backdrop of searing prose.
However, I grew slightly irritated with some inconsistencies...for example, Libby is a young mom (very young), yet she presents herself as much older through her mannerisms and words. Perhaps she's a bit of an "old soul," but if the author was trying to make her "hard" and jaded in her behavior, it comes across as more matronly than anything. Rarely do we see her truly struggle with infant care or exhaustion (though there is *some*), and never do we see her wish she were doing things her peers were/are doing...she takes it all in stride, and while that's to be amendable, it did't come across as realistic, at least to me.
And then there's the case of the child himself...who goes to public school seemingly without a birth certificate. I questioned it, but let it slide. Perhaps this particular school district has different parameters? Or maybe I missed the explanation within the narrative, which is entirely possible.
There were a few coincidences that made me question the authenticity of the message, but at the heart, I feel as though the author wanted us to see just how inappropriate and devastating the world can be, no matter if one is poor or rich.
Still, the character development was complex and well-crafted, an amazing conglomeration of poor America and individuals working hard at maintaining a small semblance of hope.
MAKING MANNA will appeal to readers of Caroline Leavitt's INTO THIN AIR (1993) and also GIRLS IN TROUBLE (2005). Overall, I'd give this book 3.5 stars and 4 for the fabulous prose.
For all of my reviews, including author interviews, please see: www.leslielindsay.com
January 28, 2017
I thought I would read a chapter of Making Manna before sleeping but thirteen chapters later I was reluctant to close the book. It was only my aching eyes that made me stop. Eric Lotke is a master writer of character and situation. Not only do you care for these people, but you cringe and curse and cheer as they struggle through overwhelming events. This book is based on Lotke’s own experiences with the justice system and people struggling to survive in a cold, unfair, and prejudiced environment.
Making Manna opens with the story of Libby, a 14-year-old victim of sexual abuse by her father. It begins with the birth of her incestuously conceived baby. This is not the first time in the novel you will feel angry and frustrated at contemptuous behavior. But, equally throughout the book, you will be amazed and gladdened at the extreme kindness of strangers and mere acquaintances. Libby is but a child when she is forced out into the world with a newborn in her hands. We may not make the same choices as this fresh from the farm teenager but we cannot help but be in awe of her motherly love and determination. The story of her son, Angel, is bittersweet as well.
No one is an island, and so Libby finds support and love with another single mother, Sheila, and her daughter, Monet. However, things become frightening when the police virtually destroy their apartment in search of drugs. Sometimes it is difficult to tell the good guys from the bad guys, just like in real life. The bonds these friends form are unbreakable and through this loyalty, hope survives.
Lotke writes in such a fashion that the reader loses herself in the story. She is no longer engaging with print on paper but living alongside real, admirable, and compelling characters. This is a page turner in a different sense. Yes there is enormous suspense as to how these people are going to survive in the face of such cruel and unwarranted adversity. But more than that, we want them to succeed. We want them to be happy. We want Angel to get the girl.
I cannot recommend this amazing story strongly enough.
Making Manna opens with the story of Libby, a 14-year-old victim of sexual abuse by her father. It begins with the birth of her incestuously conceived baby. This is not the first time in the novel you will feel angry and frustrated at contemptuous behavior. But, equally throughout the book, you will be amazed and gladdened at the extreme kindness of strangers and mere acquaintances. Libby is but a child when she is forced out into the world with a newborn in her hands. We may not make the same choices as this fresh from the farm teenager but we cannot help but be in awe of her motherly love and determination. The story of her son, Angel, is bittersweet as well.
No one is an island, and so Libby finds support and love with another single mother, Sheila, and her daughter, Monet. However, things become frightening when the police virtually destroy their apartment in search of drugs. Sometimes it is difficult to tell the good guys from the bad guys, just like in real life. The bonds these friends form are unbreakable and through this loyalty, hope survives.
Lotke writes in such a fashion that the reader loses herself in the story. She is no longer engaging with print on paper but living alongside real, admirable, and compelling characters. This is a page turner in a different sense. Yes there is enormous suspense as to how these people are going to survive in the face of such cruel and unwarranted adversity. But more than that, we want them to succeed. We want them to be happy. We want Angel to get the girl.
I cannot recommend this amazing story strongly enough.
September 8, 2016
In this beautifully written novel, a too-young mother called Libby needs a place to stay and a job –not easy without proof of citizenship and age. And next she needs food. Some fascinating lessons ensue on American poverty and the poverty of its legal system. But this is a novel that never stops too long to mourn, moving always forward with its characters ever determined, taking the positive road and living convincingly with pains of the past. It’s a fast-moving, absorbing tale, its voices, young, old and in between, rendered with perfect pitch, reality honestly colored and clear, and hope made convincingly real.
Making Manna follows the growing pains of both child and parent, making it a coming-of-age story for many ages. The wounds and abuses of breaking families, the loves and joys of human connection, and the hopes and fears of human aspirations are all here. The result is a pain-filled, hope-filled novel, and a wonderfully inspiring, un-put-down-able read. Don't miss it.
Disclosure: The author was a guest on my blog and I was given a free ecopy of his book , for which I offer my honest review.
Making Manna follows the growing pains of both child and parent, making it a coming-of-age story for many ages. The wounds and abuses of breaking families, the loves and joys of human connection, and the hopes and fears of human aspirations are all here. The result is a pain-filled, hope-filled novel, and a wonderfully inspiring, un-put-down-able read. Don't miss it.
Disclosure: The author was a guest on my blog and I was given a free ecopy of his book , for which I offer my honest review.
January 17, 2016
Being faith-based people, we often say that God writes straight with crooked lines. After reading Making Manna, we would add that author Eric Lotke also writes straight with crooked lines. The main characters start off with incredible odds against being successful in life.
But, with steadfastness and bonding with others more or less "in the same boat", they emerge as role models for those in similar circumstances.
This is why as co-founders of an international prison reform organization, we have mentioned the book in our newsletter and give it five stars.
But, with steadfastness and bonding with others more or less "in the same boat", they emerge as role models for those in similar circumstances.
This is why as co-founders of an international prison reform organization, we have mentioned the book in our newsletter and give it five stars.
January 20, 2016
This book was quick to read and superbly written. This book echoes so many thing from our every day lives, yet the characters are extraordinary. I was reminded of this book just the other day when visiting the Natural History Smithsonian museum. And then again when helping kids make a power point presentation. Lotke weaves these "i've been there!" scenes into something new and miraculous.
January 22, 2016
I read this book on a flight from east to west coast and the journey has never gone faster. The characters draw you in right from the start and you keep hoping that all will go well for them eventually. None of them are angels -- they are real people coping with real problems as best they can. The book also paints a vivid picture of our criminal justice system and all that is wrong with it but the message never overwhelms the characters or the story. A great read!
May 10, 2016
Interesting story -- covers the life of a sexually abused 14 year old for the next 18 years. The writing was not spectacular, but the plot was interesting enough to keep me engaged. There were several aspects that I found not quite believable, and some plot lines a little trite, but over all a decent read.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews