Susan Ketchen launches her third book Grows That Way at Courtenay’s Muir Gallery this Friday from 7 to 9 p.m.
Join Susan and the Comox Valley Writers’ Society for a chance meet the author, and enjoy refreshments, a reading and book signings in a relaxed, fun environment.
Grows That Way is Ketchen’s stand-alone sequel following the successful Born That Way and Made That Way, all published by Oolichan Books.
The series follows the antics of 14-year-old Sylvia who is stuck in the body of an eight-year-old due to the genetic disorder Turner Syndrome. Worse yet, she is an incurable horse nut.
“I’ve been incredibly pleased with reader response to these books,” says Ketchen. “I was warned before the publication of Born That Way, that there was something of a backlash in literary circles against girl-and-pony stories. So I’m astonished in the happiest way to be hearing that the books have universal appeal.”
Jack Hodgins, Ketchen’s high school teacher, was thrilled to read her third book, “When I was about halfway through, I said to Dianne, ‘I can’t believe I’m reading a novel about a girl and a horse – but it’s very good!’ Then I kept on going.
“I suppose I meant that the book wasn’t written with the likes of me in mind but I was having a good time reading it and admiring it at the same time. Good story, good characters, good pacing, good
writing, real humour, and some wonderful insights into character.”
Ketchen’s launch is sponsored by Oolichan Books, Laughing Oyster Bookshop, and the Comox Valley Writers’ Society. Everyone is welcome to this community event.
If you miss the launch, the novels are available in bookstores. There will be an additional book-signing event at Blue Heron Books in Comox on May 12 from noon to 2.
For further information about Susan Ketchen, visit www.susanketchen.ca.
— Comox Valley Writers’ Society
