Laura’s Comments (group member since Jan 19, 2012)

Laura’s comments from the The Masks We Hide Behind group.

Vote now, vote often and PLEASE let us know why this book appeals to you and the masked characters hiding within. Mid-February I'll introduce the results and introduce it to the world! Only members who have joined the group may participate, all others will have their votes removed. So vote soon! Looking forward to seeing everyone's favorites!

Here's the link to the list:

http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/16...

Happy Reading!
Laura

Welcome, Kathleen,
Thanks for joining and sharing an awesome intro. (LOVED THE POEM!) Your book sounds very interesting... especially since so many of us would love to have such abilities (or at least that's what we assume!) From your interest in the masks we wear, I bet things turn out pretty interesting... :) Let us know once it's published!

Again, welcome!
Laura

PS - I'll be sure to check out and subscribe to your blog!

I agree on all points, Kathleen. I, too, am a huge fan of the Broadway interpretation of Phantom. I also love the Anne Rice series (and Cruise/Pitt aren't bad for the screen adaptation either!)

Spoiler alerts & text book links, please.

Additionally, as this group is open to readers of all ages, please disclose those reviews or recommendations which might not be appropriate for younger age groups.

AUTHORS: Please read the "Posting Etiquette" post in the discussion folders.

EVERYONE: Mark threads as SPOILER when it is an open discussion. Use the spoiler tag (check the "some html is okay" link) inside other discussions.

Last, a suggestion to help fellow members; please format book titles as links; using the add book/author option. The book cover option is great too, when used in addition to the link option, not alone. (covers are hard to read)

Please stop by and introduce yourself.

Most importantly, please be respectful of others opinions.

Welcome to the group!

My name is Laura. I am the widowed mother of a wonderful 19 year old, currently residing in Dallas, TX. I created this group after recently reading several books in which made me think about the masks that the book's characters wear and (hopefully) the author's ability to bring us closure and show us the true nature of the character we may identify with, long to be, or despise. (Although, may I throw an imaginary deep-breath through teeth-gritted to Karen Marie Moning and an all out 'FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS....PLEASE TELL US WHO BARRONS REALLY IS!!!) Sorry. Guess I was holding on to that for a while....

I also found it fascinating that personally I used many masks for various reasons, which was only kicked into high gear by the passing of my spouse in 2008, after 19 years of marriage. Yet. one solace I find through reading is that one thing seems universal and so simple... yet alludes many of us. The ability to shed these masks, accept who we are, the sum of what we are through those past experiences that currently define us or hold us back and the ability to move forward - without fear or the need to hide behind something we will never truly be.

So, obviously... I do not have all the answers but it might be enlightening and fun to explore this spectacular ability we have as humans (or maybe elephants - have you seen the National Geo Special where elephants go up and knock on the front door of villagers they are angry with? TRUE! I PROMISE!) Yet, I digress... Until another species threatens to challenge us with this ability, I'll continue finding comfort in those gifted writers whose characters invite us into another world where anything is possible (and eventually, we'll find out who gets the girl (or guy), what happens to the bad guys (or girls) and how their human vulnerability hinders, yet ultimately releases them to be who they are meant to be!

One of my personal favorites is....

Edmund Dantes
The Count of Monte Cristo

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/71...

And, why is my fave? Simply because there's nothing more classic than the wrongfully imprisoned who escapes and sets out to exact his revenge on those who wronged him. Doesn't hurt that while in captivity he became well educated in many things, escapes and happens upon treasure that allow him to re-emerge as a wealthy count. Chock full of plot twists and turns!

BTW - It's FREE, so there is NO reason not to read it!