Existence

by Carolyn Twede Frank

What if a book really could take you into another world?

A strange girl …
A creepy teacher …
A cool invention …
And the hardest question anyone has ever been asked.

Josh Sawyer’s big mouth usually gets him in trouble, but when his high school debate coach challenges him to prove the existence of God, Josh uses the things he learns at the feet of such amazing people as Joan of Arc, William Tyndale, and George Washington to prove his point . . . and ultimately to solve a murder.

“A fun teen book full of fascinating historical information, unlikely heroes, and nauseating villains. All of it is woven together in a way that will engage and entertain readers.” Tamara Hart Heiner, author of the Perilous series

This is a new edition of the book previously published as Literary Loom: The Big Debate.

312 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 24, 2013

About the author

About my writing: I don't like to write candy for the brain. But I do like to try to make my books not only fulfilling, but entertaining. Candy is nice, but a meal of meat, potatoes, and veges can leave you more satisfied. My books give the reader a good taste of history and/or science along with a dash of mystery folded into the story.

About me: I've always loved writing, but haven't gotten serious until the past seven years. When I'm not writing, I like to garden, sew, fix up old houses, or anything else creative. My favorite movies are ones about history.

Reviews

[Anna del C. Dye]

Existence by Carolyn Frank is a YA book with likable characters and real life problems. Josh is a new student at his high school and first day he get stack with Ester the weird girl in his class. There is mystery about her and possible murder in her family.
For his part Josh come from a trouble home. They had to move in a hurry and his mother had to go back to work because of it. His father is a grumpy man that wants to live his dreams through Josh without any care of what kind of life his son is living because of it. Pretty much a micromanager and a negative man that seam to have a problem being alive and letting his family have a life of their own.
Josh and Ester has to make a book report and they haven’t read the book. Ester uncle is an inventor a he has a machine that will help them with the book report. Both embark in an adventure with Joan of Arc through her life and the battles she fought and letter Josh take a trip with William Tyndaleand other personages from the past.
I love this story for it help youth to see their potential and the hope for better futures when they open their mind to the possibilities. I would recommend it to all youth and adults who enjoy history, debate and high school drama.

[Linda F]

I read this originally as Literary Loom: The Big Debate, and recently picked this updated copy to re-read. I enjoyed it as much the second time. It does an excellent job of showing how difficult it is to fit in to a new high school, and how much can be learned by getting into a good book (literally!). I also really enjoyed how the author showed that God's hand was in the lives of Joan of Arc and William Tynsdale, and their actions had a profound influence on George Washington and the opportunities we have to live here in a country where freedom of religion is cherished.

[Debra Erfert]

I’ve always had a fantasy of being in a book. I mean, actually being inside a story. I love reading. I guess finishing thousands of books over my lifetime, I’ve been lost in many good stories, just not like Josh in Carolyn Twede Frank’s novel, Existence. Frank’s inventive idea of having a machine, or “literary loom”, insert her main characters into a book, letting them live through the story they’re supposed to read as a school assignment is brilliant.

After reading any book, we each can learn about the characters and their predicaments, and in the process, we sympathize, even empathize with them without actually being in their shoes. This is a good thing when “traveling” back to dangerous times, like riding alongside Joan of Arc, or freezing with his soldiers as George Washington. This story contains a pertinent debate between Josh and an obnoxious, if not dangerous, English teacher about if God is real. I particularly loved the debate.

Carolyn Twede Frank’s writing is crisp and engaging. I don’t usual favor books where history is a major player, but Existence is a wonderful exception.

[Julie]

I loved this book. I would love to have a 'Loom' to experience books...you will have to read the book to learn about the Loom. I loved the history of Joan of Arc, William Tyndale, George Washington and others that was referenced. The whole concept of the book was really interesting. The characters came alive for me throughout the book. I would HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone, but especially those interested in history, debate, religion or just a great story. I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.