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Running Secrets
In RUNNING SECRETS, flight attendant Chris Stevens is bent on self-destruction until she meets Gemi Kemmal, an Ethiopian home healthcare provider. Gemi and Jake, a paramedic, help Chris heal from and confront her difficult past, and regain a passion for living. In the process, Chris and Gemi forge an unusual friendship that bridges cultural, racial and age differences. Their friendship gives both women the support each needs. Gemi comes to question restrictive traditions dictating her immigrant life, such as the headscarf she’s worn since entering puberty and the celibacy she’s practiced since the brutal death of her husband and infant in the violence that destroyed her homeland and family. Chris uncovers family secrets that challenge everything she's ever known to be true. Together the women learn that racial identity is a choice, self expression is a right, and family is a personal construct.
312 pages, Paperback
First published December 29, 2013
4 people are currently reading
272 people want to read
About the author
Arleen Williams
24 books45 followersArleen Williams is a Seattle novelist, memoirist, and co-author of a dozen short books in easy English for adults. She teaches English as a Second Language at South Seattle College and has worked with immigrants and refugees for over three decades. To learn more, please visit www.arleenwilliams.com and www.notalkingdogspress.com.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 19, 2015
This is one of those cases where I was pleasantly surprised. I was drawn to this book because it was written by a Seattle author and is set in Seattle (and we'll just say that Seattle is "local" to Portland, okay?) and I hadn't read anything local in quite a while. The plot, however, sounded a but heavy and potentially melodramatic.
And, to be fair, the plot was heavy, but I didn't find it melodramatic in the least. The main character of Chris has a tough life--her parents, while providing every material thing she could want, failed to ever show her affection or honor her. I will say that I found her parents to be a bit in the mold of the "wicked stepmothers" in fairy tales, but whatever. That was a small thing in my book. The real relationship is the one between Chris and Gemi.
Gemi is a joy. Chris initially describes her as a "Mary Poppins" which is not far off (with the cinematic Mary Poppins...not so much with the literary Mary Poppins). Gemi swoops into Chris's life when she needs her the most and helps her through her dark period. Williams could have easily left that there, but she chose to expand on Gemi's character and give her a life of her own, which endeared her even more to me.
And, back to the local thing, Williams is skilled in creating place. It's one thing to read about a place you've never been and feel like you're there. It's quite a different thing to read about place familiar to you and realize that the author has it just right.
All in all, this was a great read. As I said, it is a bit heavy so I'm not sure I would recommend it to just anyone, but for someone who is in the right head space, this is definitely one to check out.
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review. I received no other compensation for this post.
And, to be fair, the plot was heavy, but I didn't find it melodramatic in the least. The main character of Chris has a tough life--her parents, while providing every material thing she could want, failed to ever show her affection or honor her. I will say that I found her parents to be a bit in the mold of the "wicked stepmothers" in fairy tales, but whatever. That was a small thing in my book. The real relationship is the one between Chris and Gemi.
Gemi is a joy. Chris initially describes her as a "Mary Poppins" which is not far off (with the cinematic Mary Poppins...not so much with the literary Mary Poppins). Gemi swoops into Chris's life when she needs her the most and helps her through her dark period. Williams could have easily left that there, but she chose to expand on Gemi's character and give her a life of her own, which endeared her even more to me.
And, back to the local thing, Williams is skilled in creating place. It's one thing to read about a place you've never been and feel like you're there. It's quite a different thing to read about place familiar to you and realize that the author has it just right.
All in all, this was a great read. As I said, it is a bit heavy so I'm not sure I would recommend it to just anyone, but for someone who is in the right head space, this is definitely one to check out.
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review. I received no other compensation for this post.
June 7, 2014
I won this book from a contest on Goodreads.
Christine Steven's childhood is riddled with memories of a mother and father who had little, if any, time at all for their youngest daughter. Chris knew from an early age that her parents did not want her when she overheard them speaking of her. Chris was all alone in the world with no nurturing at all from her parents. Her only salvation was her older sister, Beth, who gave her all the love and attention necessary for a young growing child. On Chris' birthday, Beth went out in her car to get her sister's birthday gift, but she never returned. She was killed by a drunk driver. Her mother blamed her since it was Chris' gift she'd gone out to get and from that day forward, Chris was in a severe depression with no one to talk to or get comfort from. When Chris was in a serious car accident, she did not have her parents to help her through it, but instead a home healthcare worker, Gemila Kemmal. Gemi would be instrumental in helping Chris to understand her horrible past and finally learn of a family secret that may uncover why she had been shunned by the very people that brought her into this world. Along with Gemi was Jake Bowmer, the paramedic who pulled Chris from her car wreck. Along with his help, Chris began to feel some self worth. But could she ever get over the loss of her sister and forgive her parents.
A wonderful story. Poignant, but at the same time, uplifting. Anyone and everyone would enjoy Author, Arleen Williams' book, 'Running Secrets'.
Christine Steven's childhood is riddled with memories of a mother and father who had little, if any, time at all for their youngest daughter. Chris knew from an early age that her parents did not want her when she overheard them speaking of her. Chris was all alone in the world with no nurturing at all from her parents. Her only salvation was her older sister, Beth, who gave her all the love and attention necessary for a young growing child. On Chris' birthday, Beth went out in her car to get her sister's birthday gift, but she never returned. She was killed by a drunk driver. Her mother blamed her since it was Chris' gift she'd gone out to get and from that day forward, Chris was in a severe depression with no one to talk to or get comfort from. When Chris was in a serious car accident, she did not have her parents to help her through it, but instead a home healthcare worker, Gemila Kemmal. Gemi would be instrumental in helping Chris to understand her horrible past and finally learn of a family secret that may uncover why she had been shunned by the very people that brought her into this world. Along with Gemi was Jake Bowmer, the paramedic who pulled Chris from her car wreck. Along with his help, Chris began to feel some self worth. But could she ever get over the loss of her sister and forgive her parents.
A wonderful story. Poignant, but at the same time, uplifting. Anyone and everyone would enjoy Author, Arleen Williams' book, 'Running Secrets'.
May 10, 2015
Chris Stevens is haunted by her past. So much so that she feels compelled to take her own life. Rescued by Jake, a paramedic, Chris wishes she were left there to die, until Gemi Kemmel enters her life.
Gemi is an Ethiopian lady, with a past full of sorrows of her own, but she doesn't let that keep her down. She gets signed up by Chris's mother to take care of Chris after the accident, until she is independent again. Chris and Gemi strike up an unusual but strong friendship that keeps them both going, in different ways. Chris has the demons of her past to confront, to demand answers of, to fact up to facts that had been unknown to her all her life. Gemi has the shackles of tradition to fight, traditions that she followed because that was what she was brought up to do.
Both women have a lot of barriers to cross, and how they do it, is a beautiful, soul-stirring story. A desolate read at times, but beautifully hopeful as it progresses. You find yourself cheering the protagonist, hoping for the best for them. The story progresses steadily to reveal layers and long suppressed truths for Chris, while for Gemi, it is a journey towards freedom of another kind.
A beautiful book, a 4/5 read for me.
Gemi is an Ethiopian lady, with a past full of sorrows of her own, but she doesn't let that keep her down. She gets signed up by Chris's mother to take care of Chris after the accident, until she is independent again. Chris and Gemi strike up an unusual but strong friendship that keeps them both going, in different ways. Chris has the demons of her past to confront, to demand answers of, to fact up to facts that had been unknown to her all her life. Gemi has the shackles of tradition to fight, traditions that she followed because that was what she was brought up to do.
Both women have a lot of barriers to cross, and how they do it, is a beautiful, soul-stirring story. A desolate read at times, but beautifully hopeful as it progresses. You find yourself cheering the protagonist, hoping for the best for them. The story progresses steadily to reveal layers and long suppressed truths for Chris, while for Gemi, it is a journey towards freedom of another kind.
A beautiful book, a 4/5 read for me.
April 25, 2016
Running Secrets tells the story of Chris and Gemi and how they form a friendship that heals both of them. Chris is suffering from depression and tries to end her life. Gemi is hired to take care of Chris as she heals. I was pleasantly surprised with how well-written this book was. I loved learning about both Chris and Gemi, while very different each women was characterized wonderfully. Though I thought the book was primarily going to be about Chris and her healing from her past, I was glad to learn more about Gemi as well. I felt connected to both women and loved their characters. This book was about acceptance and more specifically self-acceptance.
The subject matter was heavy and dealt with a lot; I was nervous it would be too much for one book. However, the story was so well-written that it all flowed together and didn’t seem like too much was in the plot. Overall, it was an intriguing read that will stay with me for a while. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the trilogy!
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley.
The subject matter was heavy and dealt with a lot; I was nervous it would be too much for one book. However, the story was so well-written that it all flowed together and didn’t seem like too much was in the plot. Overall, it was an intriguing read that will stay with me for a while. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the trilogy!
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley.
April 28, 2015
Thank you to Net Galley & Booktrope for this book in exchange for a review. A book of secrets- a book that is hard to put down. Chris who is so unhappy & full of grief, that she tries to kill herself. She is rescued by Jake from the emergency services. Chris has a long battle to recovery which is helped by her carer - who is aiddle aged African woman named Gemini. The book reveals secrets along the way - Chris's heritage, the secret her father hid & why her parents couldn't love her. A Strong relationship forms between Chris & Gemi & slowly between Chris & Jake. Chris slowly rebuilds her life - learns to trust & love. A great read.
January 4, 2014
I wrote it and I love it! I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
February 16, 2014
Very captivating! Running Secrets was given to me as a gift in exchange for an honest review I could’t put this book down. Chris’ story pulls you in right away. Her death wish and all of her visions, I mean you just get so caught up. It is so interesting. You will get caught up in a book full of secrets! There’s a mix of romance, friendship and life savers for Chris.
You’ll really enjoy this inspiring story of surprises, secrets and touch relationships.
You’ll really enjoy this inspiring story of surprises, secrets and touch relationships.
September 4, 2014
Smart. Not a wasted word. Great visuals. Has a very sensual feel to the prose. Great 1st book with characters I adore. I live in the PacNW and related to many things in this book. But even if you have never visited Seattle area, this is a poignant, beautifully written story about how we see each other-- that will touch your heart. Well done!
July 27, 2014
Good book. I used to enjoy running, when I was younger, so I can
identify with how good it feels to run. She made me want to get out there and run. I also enjoyed the story about learning where you come from.
identify with how good it feels to run. She made me want to get out there and run. I also enjoyed the story about learning where you come from.
October 5, 2016
A gripping story of renewal, friendship, and trust, with a pace that keeps you engaged and wanting to run alongside these characters, learning about their fears and dreams along the way. Excellent place references to West Seattle throughout.
August 12, 2020
Pleasantly surprised. Really enjoyed this story.
December 3, 2019
Williams tells a compelling story. I love the Seattle setting and how adroitly Williams places her characters in it. The title is a clever play on the facts of Chris's life. This is an American story, through and through. Much of the plot hinges on the role of the Immigrant Citizen, Gemi. I love the whole Alki Trilogy. Be sure to pick up Biking Uphill and Walking Home.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews