Well done, but you already know that. I gave it stars. Tru.

Hi Jessica well done on getting to the Editors desk. You are onto a winner here, i showed the book to my partner yesterday and she loved it. I am sure your review will be superb. Cheers, John Stearn Author of Derilium.

Hi Jessica - have just made it through the first chapter, but wanted to say what a phenomenal idea this is, and how well you've executed it - well done! There are aspects to the Library that remind me of the book warehouse in Shadow of the Wind.... while different scenarios, they both present books as more than human creations, but pieces/gateways/smidgens of human (or other) lives. Your have a good balance between writing poetically and cutting to the chase - this chapter is pacey, without skimping on some nice descriptions and character sketching. Ben and Anna seem very alive (err, even when when they're not.....!). There were a couple of points where I thought you could provide little insights as to his thoughts on rapidly changing circumstances - for example, what triggers Ben into thinking/realising that he's dead? The awareness strikes him suddenly, but I'd love to know how that realisation dawns - it would be an incredibly weird thing to suddenly think. Was he primarily nervous, happy, etc. etc? Also, when he first entered the building, he becomes aware that he'd been there "before he was born" - that, too, is an unusual conviction to have (though we all feel deja vu!) - how do you think he'd feel to come upon such a bizarre certainty? Hope those little thoughts make some sense - really compelled what what you've done, and will definitely keep reading! (and backing) Cheers, Liam - "A Eurasian Diary: From Hong Kong to London by Train, Bus & Lada"

Hi Jessica Congratulations on getting this great book to the editors desk. Can't wait for Harper Collins to publish it, which they will. I will be first in the queue to by it for my daughter. Cheers, John Stearn Author of Derilium.

Well, normally I hate fantasy...However, I love this. In the same way that I love 'Always' the Hollie Hunter/Richard Freyfuss film, or 'It's a wonderful life'....I love the simplicity of it all. For me, this story, be it fiction, is totally feasible....Why not? 5 stars and backed happily. I've only read 3 chapters so far, but sometimes that's all it takes. Dave

Had this book on my WL for a couple weeks, as the premise sounded intriguing, so I'm glad I'm finally getting the chance to read a couple chapters of it. Loved Chapter 1. The letters between Anna and Ben got me feeling sad - indeed the whole first chapter is told in a way that made me hover somewhere close to being sad. It is the presence of Mrs Vine that dramatically lightens the reality of Ben's death. I loved her question "How was that life for you?" It made me smile to think of this nice old lady who's seen it all, yet who is still soft-hearted enough to shed tears when she hears another sad story. In Chapter 2 I liked the way she takes the time to sit and talk to Ben, and we have the chance to hear about how he grew up in a divided family and how meeting Anna changed his life. Perhaps the fact that my mother was a children's librarian makes this scene extra good for me - I can see her sitting with one of her students, listening to them in this sort of observant and encouraging way. Good luck with your story, Edward

Hi Jessica I have only read the first four chapters so far, but what I see I like a lot. You have a fantastic idea, and you carry it well. I like the very matter-of-fact way Ben dies, and realises he's dead. Your idea to open the book with letters to set the tone is brilliant, and I like the (unusual) device of breaking chapters with subheads denoting the scene. Not sure a publisher will like it, but they should! The library concept is also a strong one, and I will read on to see how he emerges... The only thing I'm not wholly convinced about is the shift in perspective at Chapter 4. In Ch2 you have the backstory narrated by Ben, but later it comes through your authorial voice. Both work, but maybe not in the same book... so close together. I'll need to read further to make final judgment. (At least I still want to read further!) There are a few grammatical issues, which I'm sure have been pointed out before (things like punctuation after direct speech fragments, and the need to begin each paragraph of direct speech with quote marks), so I won't rehash them all here. Suffice to say, you are very near ED so it might be worth sorting these things out before you get your big chance! And I hope you do get that chance. You have a unique voice, a unique perspective on a novel idea, and you deserve to be read. I don't read much of this kind of book, but having wasted time on the dreadful 'Lovely Bones', I wish you had been published first. Your handling of the issue of the limbo of afterlife is vastly more convincing and entertaining. Alan

This is a very unusual and imaginative book. I read it a long time ago and I had to read it again. I love the idea of the library being the place that we choose the life we have next. You have written this beautifully and have captured the emotions and created almost a heavenly scene amongst the library, with the books and the woman. Good luck. junetee Four Corners + Pillars of Sand

Library of Living Jessica, Oh, what a lovely idea - thirty days to choose your next life- I like it. This book should be very will received. Well written and thought through. Read up to 4. Mrs Vine is lovely - I was intrigued to see Ben had been in the library before- the sense that life goes on. A very comforting idea. High starred already and no wonder. Good luck with the ED. High stars from me. Sheena The Popish Plot

Jessica. I will read it chapter by chapter and comment that way. "You didn't want a replacement dad..." I don't think you need this sentence. It lost momentum for me when i came across...You blocked me out as a reader. You said it perfectly, then you said it openly. (If that makes sense.) You are setting up a hero/mentor relationship. (archetypes) between Ben/ Anna I like the different shades of vulnerablity between the two: Ben and Anna. I like that they have few regrets. The moment everything changed.... It is strong in its simplicity. Innocent and fresh. The previous dialog of letters sets up this scene perfectly. The exuberant eyes. It manages the tone of voice. The covered eyes and tickle. It is really nice. Black Taxi. Like how the bike is tied to Ben and his fathers unresolved issues, and that feels connected to this crisis. I like the use of public spaces. I can summons up images with your simplistic contrasts. I can see sunsets in puddles next to the the old museum. Mine is a library but at the drop of a hat. I have turned it into a museum. I think the secret is in your consistent tempo and unhindered style. The narration is so clear. It is feminine and dependable. For my mind it works well. In a society where there is so much noise and distraction this works and doesn't demand too much or overwork my attention span. It allows me to look around to what else is in the room with Mrs Vine. Nice. Teb

I have read a few chapters - very creative & beautifully written. Best of luck!

Hi, this is my second attempt at leaving you with my opinion of the book, the first is lost somwhere in the ether. This type of book is not something I would go out of my way to read, if I hadn't read it I would be the poorer for it. Superb colouring brings out an imaginative plot, I am a faithless person, and yet you somehow managed to lift my spirit with your words.The target audience for this work will be inspired, but any human soul that reads it will be touched. Brilliant! Artistic, in touch with nature,and full of promise, the story takes you through an adolescent love story, family relationships and death, the book is sensitive and compelling. Good Luck with it and future endevours. PS. Authonomy rating system is not something I personally use, so don't bother reading my work on here. Regards Nicholas David Evans

This is beautifully written. I found myself immediately sympathising with Anna and Ben. Of course, I already know that libraries are special places in this life, so it didn't surprise me to find one taking central place in the next. There are a number of places where you would benefit from judicious punctuation editing. For instance: 'you didn't want a replacement Dad: you wanted your own Dad.' (Added colon). 'don't be afraid to talk to people. Your speech is perfectly coherent.' (Split 1 sentence into 2). I would suggest that you stand and read your work to yourself, out loud. Your voice will fall into natural pauses, and these are the places where you should add or amend punctuation. it doesn't matter so much whether you use commas, semi-colons or full stops, so long as you're confident you've identified the natural pattern of short or long pauses. Of course, you may use eccentric punctuation or speech patterns to indicate the personality or age of your characters, and that's perfectly fine. But general narration needs to flow in the reader's mind, and this happens best when punctuation is fairly standardised. This book thoroughly deserves its current high status, and I hope you are able to find a publisher. I'll be watching out for it in future. Best wishes, Yvonne.

A truly remarkable and inspiring read, the plot is coloured to perfection with obvious artistic talent. Not a genre I would have picked to read, but if I hadn't, I would have been the poorer for it. The intended audience for this work will be enthralled, I am a person without faith whose spirit was lifted by the plot, to be able to be so emotive with the written word is a talent to be proud of. I would definitely reccomend this work. PS let me know when your next book is about to come out.

I have just backed your book If you've got time, please have a look at mine, Penrose - Princess of Penrith. Best wishes, John.

Hi Jessica, The Library of Living is a great read. I love the beautiful relationship between Ben and Anna; it reminds me of my childhood friendships. Best of luck! Thanuj Dilshan.

The story of how Ben and Anna met really is sweet. I love how they play together, and their curiosity. Where Ben remembers what being a new spirit was like is really cool. What’s interesting is that I think people do sometimes have dreams of what other lives may have been like, and sometimes they feel oddly familiar. The spirits’ wonder at what the Earth and their new universe is like

Jessica, I have been meaning to read this book for weeks and I'm so pleased that I did. I could connect easily with the story as I am a big fan of children's fiction and also have a teenage son. The bond between Ben and Anna was outstanding and acheived with so few words. I am sure this will be a precious addition to many real bookshelves in the very near future, but for now I am backing it on my virtual Michelle - 43 Primrose Avenue

Hi Jessica, I'm putting you back on my bookshelf to give you a final boost! I loved this book and hope it's published. My kind regards, good luck! Pamela Crabtree. 'The Severed Cord'.

You have a great story here and I love how you've handled the subject matter. Very well written, I hope it finds a wider audience since this is something that both adults and children would love. Chris The Fantastic World of Sean Cleary

Hi there, What a delicious read, Jessica. I love the way you set the scene with the letters between Ben and Anna, Ben's realisation that he is dead (including the bus and the library) is skillfully drawn and I adore Mrs Vine and the whole reincarnation thang. Brilliant. ‘..why family tickets and hot cross buns always come in fours’ is a delightful observation. I do have a few nits, but I am only elaborating on them because you may well be on the ED at the end of April, and you will want your ms to be in the best shape possible. ‘The man seemed conceited’ – doesn’t sound quite right. Maybe something like: 'There was something conceited about the man. Perhaps it was the way he ran his fingers though his hair and checked his reflection, twice'. ‘...man who looked like a brown toad’ – tell the reader how he looks like a brown toad. It just sits there as a statement with no back up. ‘He always late’ typo (can't recall exactly where, soz - ch2 or 3?) ‘..clutching dads clammy hand’ typo – apostrophe required for dad’s ‘much like the invisible wall she had built to protect herself’ – superfluous, more powerful without it - maybe just emphasise the wall a bit more, perhaps that it was ‘really high’ or something. Playmobil and my Little Pony - I always think references like this (of which I am COMPLETELY guilty of making) are a bit too culture bound. if My Little Pony hadn't ever been a big thing in the reader's country, they wouldn't know what you were talking about. Perhaps you have only referenced things that you know were a global sensation - I just think it's safer to keep these kind of things a bit more bland. Anyway, none of this detracts from the story, and I have awarded you very high stars. You are on my w/l - I am intending to read about 10 books and to then decide who to pop on my current 2 shelf spaces. Lots of luck with this, Jessica. Roo

Jessica, I like your writing style, compact and almost terse. I haven't read enough to say if I like the book itself, but I have bookmarked it and will get back to it. Good luck, you should make the Editor's list this month. Matt

I read the first two chapters and was engrossed with the story. Poor Ben poor Anna. All he longed for was his dad's affection, so very sad. The dialogue works prefectly and your characters are real. I really like Mrs. Vine whom you describe so well. She wants for Ben to find Anna again. Well done and high stars! MC Exposed

Hi Jessica, I guess I've been buried beneath a rock because I just discovered your book. And since you're at number 8 it's clear you don't really need my help or comments, but I do have a space on my WL, so if that would give you a bit of a cushion while you're on the ED next month (let's be positive here!), I'm happy to do that. I was looking around the top rated books to see what might be interesting to read and scrolled through until your book caught my eye. I agree with an earlier comment that although this is written for YA audience, grownups can thoroughly enjoy it too. Being the mom of two teenagers, I was so saddened by Ben's death...silly aren't I? But I cared about him immediately. I've read the first three chapters and hope to come back to read more. From what I can tell you thoroughly deserve the high ranking and I wish you all the best. I'll star you and put you on the WL for now. Best of luck, dear. All the best, Sheri Emery / Crazy Quilt

Library of Living – Review Nice start with a letter to the dead… and a return, but we know the plot, so do I just stop now? Only kidding… makes me want to know where you are going, so well done. And the ending makes you want to turn the page so excellent opening. A few minor quibbles, take in or ignore what you like, it’s your stuff and I can only suggest. Chapter One: (Her descriptions of Ben – eyes etc were lovely, but would someone actually write that. I know you used the letter to show us Ben, but it was a little too authorish… it felt like you writing and not the character.) “… that Pete bought you(,) but I could…” – () indicates missing punctuation or word Check instances of the word BUT – in most cases there should be a comma before and in most cases you don’t have one. Found this all the way through. Love the inclusion of song lyric, I do that a lot, you might want to footnote that though Not sure he would be in the shape of a star, I imagined him being quite crumpled and flung about. But ignore me. Red inky pool – lovely piece of writing. Sun setting was also nicely done Library description also nice. Chapter Two: Love the fact that this is not linear “He (WAS) always late…” Mum as superhero line was nice and subtle! Like the childlike memories when he first meets Anna “I didn’t like what he heard..” – I think the HE should be an I Sweet ending to this chapter and nice story of the children, but I think you must have more up your sleeve… Chapter Three: “… book spines were stacked so highly…” – ‘so HIGH’ is sufficient here. “… petals to home it in…” – I think, ‘petals to house it in…’ Nice back story here, especially of all the planets etc. I wonder how many religious people you might have upset with your theory, but I think it’s nice… almost an Aboriginal or (I Think) Hindu afterlife, but fantasy… very nice and very easy to read. The style is passive, but it adds to the sombre nature, so I think you have found the right approach. Chapter Four: Its novel how you swap between chapters of reflection and chapters of afterlife. Not sure I like the POV here. In chapter 2 the boy was telling his own story and now we are hearing from the writer’s POV… hmmm. It is a good story here, but less personal than it had been. Still undecided if I like the change… still reading… His mum’s a bit of a clean freak – no wonder his folks split up! The description of his dad’s flat was vivid. “If there was an alien stood on…” – should this be standing, or is this a colloquial thing? Wendy house – love that term, only heard it just recently. Know what it is, but still not sure why it is called that. Oh, pop tarts – we don’t get those anymore…!  “… at the hospital she worked at…” – at the hospital where she worked… I think this is a cleaner way of saying this. Still not sure about the change of perspective, but the story was well drawn to this point… I need some reflection time and then I will be back. Feel free t ignore any of this or all, if it helps I’m glad… love the premise though and still wondering where you will take me which is the thing, isn’t it! :DJ

What a great idea for a story! I've always prescribed to the idea that we may come back as something else but it's a clever twist to allow the person to chose. The story was written so well and it seems so polished. Well done! Ken Spears

I'm backing this because I believe you have tackled an amazing subject for a children's book, and have achieved something great. Well done!

You create an interesting setting for your characters and so a different angle to tackle the themes of love, yearning, grief, growing up. It's an enchanting way of showing how young people relate to each other. BACKED

Hi Jessica I've started to read your novel so it's early days with it .The concept is unique so far as I can tell in children's literature and maybe fiction in general. The celestial library of possible lives is a strange enough idea to stick in the readers' memories. Very few works of fiction spend time in a realised afterlife. Offhand there is "The Lovely Bones" but that's about it. You've taken a bit of a risk separating the two sweethearts from the beginning but the reader will be following the story to find out if, and in what form, their relationship will ever be resumed. So, your story has a gripping start and I will be interested to see where the narrative goes after the set up of the first chapters. There area couple of points you may want to look at; Ben sees portraits from the Tudor era; it might be handy for the reader to know how he identified them. The second is when Ben tells us "Diane laughed uncomfortably." The observation sounds more like an adult's than a teenager's. Minor points, I know. I look forward to exploring more of the Library. Regards Firebrat

Backed til you get the prize. Good Luck! CW

Jessica This story is beautiful. I was in tears reading about Bens mum and his funeral, it made me think of my 14 year old son dying. It makes much more sense to me, I am much more a believer of life after death and I would like to think you are pretty close with this. I Loved it best of luck and high stars. Allie (Loved and Lost)

This is absolutely lovely - beautifully and gracefully written. Ben's emotions are described with such delicate sensitivity that it brought tears to my eyes even in Chapter 1. I have backed this at once and given it six stars. I shall defintely come back to it. CJ Bowness The Accidental Adventurers

Coming back to read what I had started reading 8 months ago. I love library and I am secretly (though not anymore now) fanatic about after/before lives so I would never pass this book if I saw it in a book store, or a library. I wish there was a library like this one in real life near my town. Maybe there is, but people are hiding it from me…. I won't make any comment about writing or anything. I don't feel qualified for it, and I think it is a very easy read. I hope it'd be published quickly. R

Jessica. I have read the first few chapters of your story. It's an intriguing concept that permits the reader to access options in an afterlife dream world. I have a few questions. The most important part of the story is the relationship between Ben and Anna. It seems to me that that is where you put most of your energy. You have Ben's point of view, and sometimes Anna's point of view. While there are interesting things about both Ben and Anna that bring them together, there is something undeveloped in your exploration of each. You provide details for each, but there is a generic feeling about their characters. For instance, Anna is introverted, and builds walls that Ben seems instantly to understand represents the wall she has put around herself. The reader expects some intriguing things to develop that might explain Anna's character, and all that comes is an act of rudeness regarding her lisp, which I doubt would explain - I hope it alone doesn't explain - a girl who might have layers in her character that the reader will discover through the story, just as we are being taken physically from one part of the library to another, discovering its layers. The same goes for Ben. He has a broken family, but I'd like to think that his character, his attraction to Anna, and their deep feelings at a young age, have a more curious, complex origin than a simple marriage breakup. His death so early is important and has a real impact. One wants that impact deepened. That can be achieved only if he grows in the reader's mind, becomes a more profound, unique, interesting character, as any character must be if he is central to a gripping story. It's not as clear as it might be what drives Ben except for generalized feelings of disappointment, shame, curiosity. You've created a triangle of sorts: Ben within himself (and his environment), Anna within herself, and Ben and Anna together. I like what you are doing, but the story won't be as successful as it certainly can be if it hangs mostly on feelings - Ben's, Anna's, and the ones the reader is supposed to have. A second question is regarding proofing. You will want your story to succeed on the ED, so it should be a bit cleaner. There are issues with punctuation - commas missing, or present where they shouldn't be, mixed success with semi-colons - as well as occasional redundancies within sentences. (I wish Authonomy had an in-line editing feature). There are places where your use of quotation marks should be looked at. Times when you open with a quotation mark, but don't close. Or you switch between quoted conversation and internal thinking, though they sound much the same, and it's not entirely clear to the reader that it isn't just a mistake with quotation marks. A third question is regarding the physical setting. The street, classroom, library with its maze and stonework, the farm. These are all very good ideas. I think you should take more time - not necessarily more words - honing your artistic vision of them, how they look, sound, feel. I apologize if my comments seem unnecessarily critical. I believe you have a very interesting story. You have a vision. You have an affecting writing style. You have received very nice comments from many others along that line. I want to be constructive. If you have any questions, please contact me. If there is anything in particular you'd like me to look for in your writing, just ask. David Hedlin Moon's Wallow

What a nice and imaginative yarn about learning and growing. Well placed and vivid portrayal takes the reader right there, as though we were in the room along with them. Nice work, Peter B. "The Bible I Thought I Knew"

I have started reading this – I have added it on my WL to continue to work my way through all the books I have been recommended. Keep up the great work!

Hi, Just checked out your book and I think it's great. Got to say though, I'm not used to crying so early on a Monday morning! This is a beautifully written book with well written characters. The relationship between Ben and Anna is touching, as is Ben's longing for his father's love. So far I've read the first three chapters but I think this is so good that I want to finish it all. High stars from me! Nik.

This is lovely, sad, poignant, uplifting and written with such feeling. Ben and Anna are strong characters and you really get to know them. The plot is very original, 6 stars!!

Hi Jessica, I have finally got round to reading your book. What an intriguing take on reincarnation! I enjoyed the opening use of letters to introduce the story. This indicates the strong relationship between Anna and Ben which is then underlined throughout the book as reminiscences are made. What I was most interested in was the library, so, I must confess, I raced through intervening paragraphs to get back to it! There is a lot of narrative. I don't know whether you'd agree, but I think this could well benefit from being broken up more by dialogue between the characters. I think this is a book that would be enjoyed by older children and adults alike. Good luck with it! Helen Glass Dreams

I enjoyed this book very much and have backed it. Good luck!! From Nancy

I read part of this book 11 months ago. I started reading from where I left it,now. The surprising thing is I still remember what I read. That's what a good writer do on your memory!!! one silly comment though: ] A LIBRARY] reminds me a traditional wife and husband.LOL I got this feeling that, with this kind of writing abilities, Jessica has a bright future as an author. venkatarama Ozoneraser

Jessica. Harry Cunningham below sums it up for me. It was a fantastic start to this book that grabbed me and wouldnt let go, however I have to agree with his comments about ' the moment that changed everything' Do you know what though???? I think if you jack this book up on the ramps and give it a dam good service, you would be sitting on a winner here. The best piece of advice I was given was 'Write the book as a reader and not as a writer'. I kept going back over what I had written with this in mind. I wish you all the luck in the world with this. Sean Connolly. British Army on the Rampage. (B.A.O.R) Please consider me for a read or watch list wont you? Happy New Year. Sean

I like the idea of the story opening with two letters. This often grates with me even in published books but you seemed to pull it off well. However, I think having 'The moment that changed everything' as a sub-heading is far too hyperbolic and doesn't work. I think the letters work well as an opening on their own and so I would suggest moving everything else into a new chapter. I also felt that the section 'The library' is far too descriptive: there is paragraph upon paragraph without any speech. I found this a little annoying given that we had just been heavily involved in a sequence with Anna, Naomi and Ben. I liked the section where we got to see Ben and Anna interact in chapter one that is. I thought you were good at speech.

enjoyable read venkatarama Ozoneraser

CHRIG Oh, Jessica... I loved this book. I am sure it will be published and a best seller to boot. I love that Ben was in her life even when she was so certain she'd lost him. I love even more, the ending. Simply perfect. Six stars and leaving your book with a smile in my heart... Linda Daniel Simmons Journey and Children Walking with Jesus

Hi there, I'm not sure how I came across this book, but it's really enjoyable and I'm glad I read on! I like the innocent love between Anna and Ben, and I look forward to seeing how Ben figures out how to be with Anna again... I like the letter writing, and I hope to see more of this too... but the library of books in the 'after-life' is a fun and unique outlook. Great Story, highly starred! Jaclyn x It Never Happened (would love a return read if you're interested!)

Hi, I am the Executive Editor of ROMAN Books www.roman-books.co.uk . We are interested to consider your novel for publication. If you are interested, please contact us by e-mail at response@roman-books.co.uk. Thanks! Kindest regards, SUMAN CHAKRABORTY.

Hi Jessica, I hope everything is well with you. I hope you come back soon. I just want you to know that I have recently started reading your book. It is so compelling and I am just in Chapter One. I love the storyline, excellent and promising. I can visualize the story from the begining and it is a great story. I can't wait to read some more. Good job. Love it. Catherine If Only You Could Tell.

Hi Jessica, I have backed your book numerous times in the past and still love it. I really believe this will get picked up and as you're so close to the shelf I hope my support will get you there sooner. Best wishes and good luck, Laura

CHIRG Review Hi Jessica, I loved this story, although I've only read the first few chapters I'm going to stick it on my watch list to catch up with later. I believe in all the stuff you write about and always have (I'm a Buddhist). You write extremely well and have also edited the tale really well. The story hooks the reader straight away and I love the way you open with the letters to your two main characters. Wouldn't everyone in this life want to believe in the library and the lovely old woman? Fantastic, keep it up! Good luck. Regards Steve 'Merlin's Cave'

Hi Jessica, I've just come across your book. The title really stood out in the list, which was a good start! It sounds as though you're definitely onto something... and your description is well written, however there were a few bits I didn't enjoy. I found the letters at the beginning failed to grab my attention. Anna's letter felt a little like a brain dump and her description of Ben's "turquoise eyes and darkening blond hair" felt awkward and unnecessary. My attention was however grabbed by the start of the story. I'd suggest you remove the letters and just start with the beginning :) I also struggled with your dialog. You don't need "shrugged" or "smiled" or adverbs like "casually" after each exchange. Just stick to "said", putting it as early as possible in the sentence and only adding it when you feel the reader might lose track of who is talking. Have a read of some other books to see what I mean. (e.g. Harry Potter or The Hunger Games). In reference to my last comment, it might also be worth reading Cormac McCarthy's The Road, which doesn't use a single "he said" or "she said" and still manages to convey exactly who is talking! I hope these comments help!

Wow! Congratulations Jessica! You're almost there! You deserve it! All the best, D Leo & Rover: The Purple Marble Adventures

An excellent and original premise with great characterisation - especially loved Mrs Vine. I have read only the opening chapters, but was quickly caught up in the story and wanted to know more. I see others have suggested dropping or moving the letters at the beginning - my thoughts exactly. Also, I wondered in a few places if the vocabulary used is not a little too adult for your target audience? None of this distracts from a very good read - good luck with it! Anne.

As per many other comments, lots of emotion as to be expected. Well written and highly starred. Thanks Frank

Jessica, I've just read the first two chapters of "The Library of Living". I liked the way you immediately introduced the two main characters in their own words, and the situation. I was particularly impressed with both your description of Ben's experience of the accident and his death, his being, at the same time, both in his body and seeing himself from above, outside of himself, and, equally, if not more, important, that you did not impose or construct religious images or interpretations of the experience, which is the habit of most writers. This was refreshing. You have described something as it was and you have nothing to sell (or so it seems from the first few chapters). Ben's experience of being both inside and outside his body is one that, at one time or another, many people have experienced in their lives, including myself — obviously I didn't die, at least as far as I know — experiences that often occur in times of trauma, loss, near death accidents or illnesses, life circumstances, meditating or other mindful practices. As for reincarnation, it is as valid as any other device to tell a story. Why not? Your story, and the sincerity of your writing, seems to have struck a note in your readers. I wish you great success with your book. Harris http://authonomy.com/books/46331/irina-s-eye/

Jessica - You've done a superb job in creating a highly detailed, intensely descriptive storyline. From the beginning you establish strong characterizations. The introit begins as a love letter, forcefully compelling the reader to believe in your world, due chiefly to several literary devices. Especially strong elements are found in the themes of longing, offerings of mutal comfort, juxtaposed between Ben and Anna. You immediately set a few antogonists, such as his father. Stronger still, Anna says, "You made me alive..." and also, "I could have saved you." Were you by chance, Anna, in an earlier life? I wonder how you documented such visual experiences, turning them into such delicious details. I can take each chapter and let it steep like warm tea, sipping through the loss, the pain, the tragedy and the triumph one page at a time! High stars. I will continue to read your very intricate magnum opus as time permits! Jaye Beauties of the Tarland.

I love your concept of the library and choosing another life. To me, it’s original and inventive. I’ve read the chapters, up to where Ben and Anna are sharing sweets, with Ben’s father’s assistance. I’ve enjoyed your story so far, and I liked the big beginning even though it was a sad event. I think you have taken a very difficult subject and handled it well. What I like the most so far is how you are building your story and the friendship between your main characters. Thank you for sharing this with me. Serina Hartwell Author of ‘Hidden’ & ‘Trapped’ (coming soon)

This is a very , very good book, which fully deserves the ranking it has achieved so far. Tremendous imagination and superb writing. John Philip

The book reminds me of Heaven Can Wait. Needing a body to retun to Earth in. Itis interesting but I think that it should have been more of a tear jerker. Also, I think that you could do so much more with the story if there was more dialogue. I think the writing did hold my attention but it was due to curiosity. Do more showing then telling. Good start. Abby

Dear Jessica, I enjoyed and commented on your lovely novel five days ago. Have you had time to rate and comment on mine yet? I would greatly value your comments. Kind Regards, Pamela Crabtree. 'The Severed Cord.'

Dear Jessica, To describe how I feel about your book I say I am thrilled by it. Action from the first page. And I love your character, Ben is so cute I like his way of thinking. I´ll give you all the stars creative soul and thank you for sharing.

I read the first five chapters of this touching story. Many deep emotions were felt here, as we witness what Ben went through with his parents. Good character descriptions, and the flash backs aided in bringing the story up to par with the first chapter. The Library was very well described and I felt transported to another world, a fantastic world, where Ben can choose his next life. Reincarnation is covered in this book. One question - how did Ben know that the book he chose had not been used before? Suggestions: Ben's death came very quickly and you didn't cover how his family would have felt (through human eyes), so it felt somewhat detached. The flash backs were good, but a little too much at times. Could some of them be put in the beginning as story before Ben's death? That would also help solidify his relationship a little more with Anna and incur more emotional investment in the reader. Just a thought. Overall, a very interesting read. Highly rated! Best, Patty Apostolides "The Greek Maiden and the English Lord"

don't often look at children's fiction - too many vampires etc - but this is really attractive so far. An extremely confident and mature style and although it has a 'fantasy' element, you have a serious take on it. I look forward to reading more when I've got some time! Watch-list for now. (Nit-pick: the dog in the library is a German shepherd, not 'Sheppard')

Dear Jessica, I've just read your heartwarming novel, I enjoyed it so much. Your beautifully observed tragic opening was perfect. I loved your descriptive writing skills, as here: 'She had decided to welcome me into her world.' I was enchanted by the magic of Ben's childhood with dad and Anna. The effects of divorce on a child were sensitively drawn; that he should die because of his father's bike was so right for the story. The concept of the library of living was great, so hopeful and fitting that he meets his grandfather again rather than his father. What a lovely ending, together again, we knew they had to be. This novel left me with a warm glow and hope of an afterlife. Life-affirming and wonderful, it's six stars and shelf from me. I'd love to know what you think of mine, I think you'll like it but you do need to read it all. Can't wait to hear your comments. Kind regards, Pamela Crabtree. 'The Severed Cord.'

This is such a touching story, and it reminds me (and probably everyone) of that one friend that they couldn't do without. Beautifully and simply written, with poignancy and strength in your characters. I would love to read this to my boys when they are a bit older...I have a Ben myself...and will be recommending it to all of the teachers at the preschool where I work to come on and support.

Jessica, neat premise, sympathetic approach and fine writing. Love the rhythm and tone, love the love and your representation of difficult and profound emotions. I wish I had had this book to read when I was young. Backing it. Lynne Heffner Ferrante An Untenable Fragrance of Violets

The Library of Living by Jessica Jade Burton. "Saying goodbye to someone you love when you've only just said hello." Your emotions are so skillfully portrayed and your character's descriptions so vivid, i find myself watching from the sidelines, as this wonderful story unfolds. A beautiful tale of love, with interesting insights into the after-life. Six stars and placed in line for the shelf. Maria The Path to Survival

The Library of the Living. By Jessica Jade Burton. I’ve read this book a while back, and can highly recommend it. It’s a lovely children’s book that you have written here, Jessica. It should be in the book shops, giving children the sort of book that they would treasure. You have a great writing ability, able to draw a child into your book with exceptional scenes. The first thing that impresses me is your talent for description… vivid, picturesque writing that illuminates the story. It really is very good. This is most important in any children’s book…to keep them involved... to use their imagination. I think the storyline itself is very good, I’ve not seen children’s books in the same theme. You have some very nice characters, including Mrs. Vine, who lights the book up. The dialogue reaches out to the young age group—excellent stuff! I like the book cover; bright on the eye, bound to catch the attention of kiddies in a bookshop. I would have loved a book like this when I was young; it catches the imagination from the very start. That’s why I've given it full stars and will shelve again as soon as I can. Well done, Jessica!! Kindest regards, Neville. The Secrets of the Forest - The Time Zone.

I will hopefully comment more later. Very good so far.

This is mesmerising. Well, written, compelling and gentle. I really wish I had time to read every word. Definitely one to watch! T x

The story is excellent and as I read I feel I am in it myself. I love the way Ben feels like he's in a dream at first but then finds out he is actually dead. It is very imaginative, exciting, and keeps the reader in suspense so you want to keep reading. Nicely detailed, well done. High stars! Bookshelf asap. David The Life Inside Maggie Pincus

Hi Jessica, I read chapter 6. I really enjoyed reading this passage, it seemed to flow very smoothly and I was particulary interested in the exploration of the possibility that the pen thrfts were rooted in jealousy after Ben's Dad's access was reduced. People lead such messed up lives these days, and none of us understand what goes on in the human mind. Good luck with the book, I can see it is already flying. Kindest Regards and Best Wishes Lenny Banks - Tide and Time: At The Rock. I would appreciate a return read and comment, if you are able to find the time.

Jessica, Just another message here, mostly on technical matters. Typos and things you might catch anyway when revising. I appreciate it when folks do it for me. --watch your punctuation carefully. I've seen several comma splices (only commas between things that could be sentences), and a few run-ons (no punctuation between things that could be sentences) in the first three chapters. Example: shouldn't it be "Anna was right; there was no tread"? A semi-colon (or full stop or even a colon) instead of just a comma? Also in chapter 1, many comma splices like this in the first paragraph after your [A Library] heading. --Sometimes you don't put commas where a pause seems needed. Like before "especially" when that word introduces a new phrase or clause after your main clause. Also before "but" when it is a conjunction joining independent clauses ("..., but I know you can do it.") Also quite often when someone is addressing another person sing that other person's name ("...hope you have a full and long life, Anna Lawson"). This last one is not an exact quote, but you get the idea. --was it necessary to explicitly compare the taxi to the grim reaper? It may take more attention away from the scene itself and put it more on the narrator's comment on the scene, which you may not want. Of course the taxi is like the grim reaper, but readers will see that without an explicit comparison. --When Ben is narrating to Mrs. Vine the time when he first met Anna in the day-care, I thought at times that his narration seemed too much like 3rd person narration. If YOU the 3rd person narrator were describing the event, this would be OK, but some things he says in telling the story seem too much like 3rd person narration from a book, rather than how he'd naturally say it in conversation with Mrs. Vine. His memory at some points (to me) seems too precise and too artful for natural first person narration of something that happened when he was four. Example: Ben says she took the Legos down from her Lego house "much like the invisible wall she had built to protect herself". This seems too artificially reflective for how someone would naturally remember something out loud. It seems too much like you, the 3rd person narrator, describing to the reader what you think the reader needs to understand about Anna's emotional boundaries, and how they came falling down at that point. This may be true, but does someone naturally talk of things like this to others, out loud, when simply answering a question about how you first met someone? And besides, the reader may see your symbol anyway, without you and Ben explicitly saying what the taking down of Legos bricks means for her. At the very least, perhaps he could say "I thought later (or "I think now") that her taking down those bricks was the beginning of her opening herself up to the outside world." But this still seems too unnatural to me, like he's writing an essay about it. The same is true, I think, when he remembers himself "trapped in a lonely trail of thought". This is how you would poetically describe him as a 3rd person narrator, but doesn't it seem an unnatural way for him to talk about himself? He might remember how he was feeling lonely that day, but wouldn't he more naturally say he was "feeling lonely" than that he was "trapped in a lonely trail of thought"? --"strange, sick feeling" (comma missing betwixt coordinate adjectives) --grandparents' (not grandparent's, if you mean they both own something) --after Ben lights the fire in the reading room, you say that "feelings" help cause the feelings of nostalgia and peace. Here you have vague "feelings" causing two particular feelings. Seems redundant. Certain elements of that atmosphere (the aroma, etc.) cause the feelings. Feelings don't cause the feelings. --on the rules of reincarnation that Ben is reminded of in the library: I know your aim here may not be utter realism, so no big worries. I'm just thinking out loud for fun (and some young readers think these things through more than we might think). But why is Ben's spirit "stuck" in a particular solar system? When he is in the library, is his spirit elsewhere? The library is obviously not confined to Earth or Earth's solar system. So where is Ben? In the library or stuck where his spirit is, in Earth's solar system? Are Ben in the library and Ben the spirit two different things in two different places? More importantly, your story seems to want him to come back as an animal, or animals, and you give some technical explanation as to why he can't come back as a person. One is that someone's mother can't have any more children, but why go to the trouble of explaining that if, as he later says, he will lose his memory of himself anyway, especially if he goes back as a human. Seems like this last explanation about loss of memory of one's former self would be the only one necessary. If we can believe that animals remember their former selves better than humans can, then this might add to the romance of your tale. He'd rather go back as less than a human to get close to Anna than to come back as fully human and forget about it all. But perhaps you cover more of this kind of thing in later chapters. It's just interesting to think about. --dad's clammy hand (watch missing apostrophes) --always capitalize Dad when using it like a name --no caps for springer spaniel

Jessica, I've read the first three chapters of this and am enjoying it very much. The whole idea of it is irresistible (a lost sweetheart, and choosing how to come back to her, after death, in a library full of options), and the story so far hasn't disappointed. I like how you started off with the letters to each other: a creative, concise way to draw the reader into their personalities and the recent tragedy and separation. You give life to Ben and Anna from the beginning, so that the reader knows them and feels the separation. The memories of their first meeting at the daycare, Ben's troubled family life: all of this makes us care, and see how important they are to each other. I enjoy it when writers do this: combine an element of fantasy (the reincarnation library) with personal stories that seem very real to life. Your descriptions of Ben's early memories, regarding the effects of his parents' divorce, particularly his father's lack of caring--this is all very poignant. He and Anna providing comfort and companionship to each other amidst personal difficulties. You give us characters we can care about, and so we're very much with Ben, emotionally, when he searches for a way to get back to her. I think this is very well done. This gets very high ratings from me. now a few comments on particulars: I thought your description of Ben's death transition was good. Feeling quite light after feeling his insides flutter and his body doing something that feels like it's turning itself inside out. This, combined with the usual looking down at one's self and a disassociation from the senses that connect him to a particular place--it all somehow seems realistic, though of course none of us still living know. Your imagination has done a good job here of creating something that seems real. I also liked your description of the bus driver. Very minor character, but without dwelling on him too long, you continue to furnish your story with things that make something unfamiliar (the aftermath of death) seem a bit more real. I like the striking, out-of-the-blue suddenness of this pithy sentence, when Ben arrives at the library: "He had been there before he was even born." sad but very effective sentence that helps us empathize with Ben: "Ben realized that he had wanted to be with his dad a lot more than his dad wanted to be with him." Sadly, very true to life. We all know people in real life like Ben or his father. Makes us care more about Ben. So even though your tale is fantastic, this gives it a very realistic and relevant tone. Lost sweethearts, death of a loved one, family problems. So many readers will be able to relate to Ben and Anna. I was also interested in the mechanics of reincarnation that went through Ben's mind as he was deciding how to come back to Anna, as he was thinking how best to come back to somehow make himself known to her. I must admit that the overwhelming thought in my head was how sad it would be to come back as anything less than human, especially a plant or an insect. I mean, after having been a human, it would seem so confining, especially if my goal were to make myself known to another human being that I used to know. Not that any of us has been things other than human, or remember what it's like, but that it seems so confining to our imaginations. Do you think Ben would have such reservations about becoming something less than human? I mean, if he had no better choice, as you explain in the book, that would be one thing. And I don't know how realistic, psychologically, you want to be in this fantasy. But you have been psychologically realistic in many ways already, so perhaps something could be made of the apparent sacrifice he feels like he's making, if he decides to come back as something less than human. In other words, he'd rather come back to be a cricket in Anna's garden than a human being anywhere else, if being a cricket could add to her joy in some way, even if Anna never recognized the cricket as being Ben (which would be quite poignant, perhaps unbearably so). Anyhow, don't know exactly what you've got planned, though I have taken a peek forwards and have some idea about his choice. But it's interesting to think about, in itself, the mechanics of this library reincarnation, and how he can best get back to Anna. Interesting at many levels. Anyhow, I think this will be fascinating and emotionally compelling for many readers. You've put a lot of imagination, heart and good description into this. Best of luck with it. I've enjoyed it very much. Jeff McInnis--Betwixt the Trees

Jessica, I found The library of the living a lovely and poignant story. You definitely have a talent for writing stories that pull at the heartstrings. The eternal ties of connection and love between Ben and Anna are very sweet and I enjoyed reading this very much. It deserves to do well. Backed. G

Hey Jess Really nicely written, flows into Ben being dead but still present very smoothly. Have a similarly improbable events in my book too and I know it can be tricky figuring exactly how to place them. Nice writing style and good for you going for a teen topic that isn't tedious vampires or child spies. Nothing constructive I can add to your writing style... it's very good. Good luck with it, I see you're climbing. P.Frank Lyn

YARG Jessica, this is a wonderful book, highly readable, and full of emotion. The concept of the library is original and well thought out. The characters are real and likeable. What's not to like about Ben and Anna's relationships: young love taken away. I agree about the letters. Go straight into the accident, the changing point, and add letters later or remove (just a point). This is the sort of book I would read whether regardless of its classification. I read it all, with a lump in my throat at the end. I highly recommend this book. You have my backing.

I've been reading your book and gave you a good rating, as your storyline is interesting and I see you've such a unique story, with so many creative aspects to it. The character's feeling really came through and I was touched by them. It's not the type book I would pick up off the shelf, but I'm open to reading all kinds of books and am glad I looked at this one. Kara A Gate Called Beautiful

Definitely drop the letters at the start as you can put emotions about each other as the story progresses. Start with the accident.

Love your pitch, Jessica. Looking forward to reading it. Ais

This is an intriguing concept, well drawn. If I were to be hyper-critical, I'd say I'm not quite sure the letters at the beginning work. It seems a slightly static place to start. Otherwise this is pretty much flawless - what I read of it. I wish you all the best with it. Lindsay A Priest's Tale

Hi Jessica, from your profile you obviously enjoy writing and I admire your determination...a trait any writer needs to have in order to succeed! The premise for your story is great, as is the title. Your characters are believable and your style of writing is very natural. I wasn't sure if the letters were necessary at the start as I felt it gave away too much too soon and would rather see the situation unfold organically, plus as someone else commented, I think you need to decide your target audience as it seems to fall somewhere in between adult/children's novel (although maybe intentionally?) The structure and grammar could also do with some tightening up, but that is a minor point and overall I think you have a great idea and that you will do very well. On my watch list and will back you when I have space. Please read Elastic girl when you have time...another tragic story. All the best, Olivia

This book is full of charm and clever twists and turns. I've been rotating it on my shelf for nearly a year and am thrilled to see it doing so well. Phil (Deshay of the Woods)

This is gorgeous. What a brilliant idea. The two opening letters made me well up. They are very honestly written, deceptively simple. Like all really good children's literature this book is for any age. To be able to communicate huge philosophical ideas in a simple and effective way is a testament to how good your writing is. Hard to believe you're still in your twenties. I usually only read three chapters before commenting on work but I will come back and read more of this, hopefully all of it. Good luck darling, you deserve to do really well.

Good luck with this well written story. Rated it. http://www.authonomy.com/books/44865/said-the-spider/

Jessica, I've read the first three chapters of The Library of Living. You have set up a charming and unusual idea for a kids' book, with the main character dying and getting to choose his reincarnation. I think young people who have lost someone close to them would take comfort from this idea, and anyone could enjoy imagining what it might be like to come back as someone or something else. I also like the portrayal of Ben and Anna's relationship. Because they've known each other so long, they love each other as whole people rather than as "a girlfriend" or "a boyfriend." They might be that, too, but they wouldn't have to be. Their love is both deeper and more innocent than that. The letters at the beginning were an interesting choice to start with. Anna's letter lays out quite a bit about their friendship and what has happened, and it's believable that she might write a letter like that (or more than one). It was a surprise to have Ben writing to her from the other side, so that was a nice touch. It's a way to sneak in exposition early without it feeling like an info dump. The pace is pretty languid, with a nostalgic tone as Ben remembers various episodes in his life. Readers might find this comforting, or they might lose patience. I'm not sure who your target audience is, but young readers generally appreciate humor and action to break up passages of description or characters thinking about things. Perhaps you could play up the suspense of whether he has of chance of getting back to Anna. Some general suggestions: Some sentences run on, with conjunctions and commas linking multiple complete thoughts. Reading some aloud should help reveal where the natural breaks fall. In dialogue, make sure your dialogue tags (when used) are actually verbs of speech. Think twice about using grinned or smiled. These are actions that occur apart from the speech. When you do use something like "she said" be sure to end the line of dialogue with a comma, and don't capitalize the pronoun. When characters address each other by name, set the name off with a comma. When using mum or dad as a name, capitalize it: On Tuesdays, Dad took me to playschool. Specific corrections or suggestions: Ch 1 Anna was right there was no tread. Insert a semicolon, dash, or comma after "right" . . . as Ben landed himself on the corridor: He shuddered. Replace the colon with a comma and don't capitalize he. The phrasing sounds awkward to me, but that may be simply because it is not idiomatic to American English. Ben froze as he took in what had happened he scratched his head and asked . . . This needs additional punctuation to make clear what you mean. This could be read in a couple of ways: Ben froze. As he took in what had happened, he scratched his head and asked . . . Or: Ben froze as he took in what had happened. He scratched his head and asked . . . Ch 2 The whole section where Ben is telling Mrs. Vines about how he met Anna rings false, not in terms of what he says but in how he says it. He's supposed to be a teenager telling about something that happened when he was 4, but he sounds like an erudite adult writing about the experience. Example: "At the time dad made an effort to spend quality time with me and we would go swimming, spend the day at the zoo, or enjoy outdoor activities where little expense was involved." Who talks like that, especially a kid? You could get around it by using a little ploy of saying that he told her, but then narrating it without trying to set it out as dialogue. Otherwise, what he says doesn't sound any different from what he remembers. If you decide to stick with setting it at dialogue, remember to use single quotes for dialogue within the dialogue. She said liked . . . should be She said she liked . . . "We'll get you back to her Ben, if the bond is that strong . . ." Insert a comma after her, and replace the comma after Ben with a period or semicolon. Good luck with this project! Karen Eisenbrey CRANE'S WAY ENDURANCE TIME SQUARED

Awwwww, what a heartbreaking story. I found it really interesting and the way you write pulled me in :) I can't wait to read more, highly starred :)

Even from only reading your pitches, I was fascinated by this book and have been looking forward to finding time to sit down and read some of it. And I wasn't at all disappointed! What a fascinating, unique, fresh and brilliant idea this is! And yet, at the same time, its so accessible, as though it something we've all thought about i.e. coming back in another form. Its fantastically imaginative and, if I read this pitch on the back of a book in my local Waterstones I think I would buy it, if not for myself then for my Mum or my sister. I love the second letter in the opening- the first is powerful and punches hard, and then you throw in a curve-ball straight away that just made me smile because it was so clever. And then that letter packed a punch just as hard and I was hooked. Your writing style flows so clearly and is so pleasant to read. There were a couple of small things that stuck out, though they may have been pointed out before. 'You didn't want a replacement dad you wanted your dad' could possibly use a comma in there, or some punctuation to break it up. The same with 'Anne was right there was no tread'. The only other thing that seemed to jar a bit was the line 'As he stood waiting, Ben guessed he was in the middle of a dream, he went along with this idea', which seems to have one too many sub-clauses. Maybe put a full-stop in after 'dream', or a semi-colon. The fact that I'm clutching at subjective punctuation errors pretty much tells you how good the opening stages are though. Punctuation is always a thing of personal preference. I'm going to read on, so maybe I will have some more helpful critique in the near future. And I think I will back this as well :) All the best with it, Jordan.

I really like The Library of Living Anna. Full of imagination but at the same time very real. Interesting accessible ideas too. Am glad to have read it (first few chapters with a place on my watch list to return to) as an adult but it would have been a stunningly unusual read had I found it as a child / young person. Best wishes, Il Postino (Kate) - Invisible Graffiti.

Hey Jessica, I'm really digging the Library of Living. The premise is original and draws you in right away. Your writing is nice and pretty tight. The prose flows nicely. Here are a few typos/suggestions on offer for the first chapter. I'll try to get back to it again with more comments later: 1) Guitar should be "slung" not "swung" around his neck. 2) Let you get on sentence has extra punctuation at the end. 3) Where Ben dies, I'd do a full stop after "it all stopped so suddenly." I don't think you need anything after that. 4) red haloed it--don't need the word "around" 5) guessed he was in the middle of a dream..." You don't need the rest of the sentence. 6) Ticket in his hand. It had--two sentences instead of one. 9) ....eerie breeze, and as Ben arrived on the landing he shuddered. 10) You don't need the "out" after cats sprawled.... 11) Wax droplets marked the floor. --don't need the word "had" 12) You say "Oddly he didn't miss his dad much..." However that doesn't make much sense. First off, why should he miss anyone since he hadn't been dead long--and given that he didn't have much to do with his dad, it would have been odd if he did miss him. Also, I found it strange that he first person he thought about beside Anna was his dad. I'd think he'd reminsce about his mom first given the larger role she played in his life.

Hello Jessica This is a truely beautiful story. The emotion in it is fabulous and it reads so easily. Six stars. Best of luck. Chrissie "Amy"

What an original idea. I have looked at the first three chapters. You have been able to build a picture of your characters through the memories Ben shares. The description of the accident was vivid without being macarbre. I can imagine teenagers loving this. Good luck - I hope it does well.

I have read the first two chapters of your book although i don't normally read fiction i find your book very compelling and i will read it all and back it when i have room on my bookshelf. Phil.

Hi. I just started reading this, but I believe it will prove to be the kind of book I really enjoy. I hope to write more after I get further along in the story, but I do like the way your novel begins -- very interesting and imaginative idea, those letters. In the meantime, I hope you might enjoy a look at my book, "World Enough and Time" for my take on life and after-life. Or you could read the story, "Somebody Died" in my book "Blasphemies and Bloviation". Although I hadn't intended it -- it just sort of happened -- the chapter (23) "Molly Herkimer's Husband Gets Lost . . . and Onie returns a favor" in "In This Crisis" also involves life after death.

Hi. I just started reading this, but I believe it will prove to be the kind of book I really enjoy. I hope to write more after I get further along in the story, but I do like the way your novel begins -- very interesting and imaginative idea, those letters. In the meantime, I hope you might enjoy a look at my book, "World Enough and Time" for my take on life and after-life. Or you could read the story, "Somebody Died" in my book "Blasphemies and Bloviation". Although I hadn't intended it -- it just sort of happened -- the chapter (23) "Molly Herkimer's Husband Gets Lost . . . and Onie returns a favor" in "In This Crisis" also involves life after death.

Chapter 2 I'm not sure about the 'Part 2' bit at the beginning. It seems a little early in the book to have a part 2, but perhaps if I was holding the pages in a book it would make more sense. Another lovely and well written piece. Is Ben now talking as the teenager he was before death, or is he now a kind of more mature version of himself? It just struck me that teenagers don't usually sound quite that poetic as they talk! Of course it makes sense if Ben is different in the afterlife, but maybe it would be beneficial just to add in a little sentence somewhere like... Ben felt the words pouring out of him as he never had before.... or something - you get the idea. That's just my opinion though, it's still a nice chapter. I'll read more later. Sarah (The Blemished)

Hi Jessica, I've just read the first chapter and thoroughly enjoyed it. I can see this published, to be honest. I'm surprised it hasn't already been snapped up. Will provide more comments as I read on. Sarah http://www.authonomy.com/books/44547/the-blemished/

"The Library of the Living" has an exciting and different premise that grabbed my attention and made me want to dive into the story. Jessica Jade Burton tells a love story that transcends life and death, and I believe this story could do well and find a large audience. Some of my favorite parts so far (I'm afraid I've only read the first chapter) are the letters at the beginning, the bike crash, and the descriptions of the supporting characters, most notably the crinkly paper bag skin of the bus driver. I do find myself wishing for some more, clearer emotion in this first chapter. The letters between Ben and Anna are a great opener and show us they care about each other deeply, but when we meet Ben and Anna and see them talk to each other, it's hard to see their feelings. They seem like just friends, and not even great friends, when she says goodbye to him and goes to talk to Naomi, and tells him he should get his bike fixed. This little scene, while well-written, seems to undermine the love of the relationship, where it could be a chance to show it in action. Maybe they could hold hands. Maybe she could feel sorry about having to leave him to go and talk to Naomi. Maybe she could get a promise out of him to get the bike fixed. There's a lot that could be done here that could "show" their care for each other. (I noticed another reader mentioned doing more showing than telling, and here is a wonderful opportunity.) Another place where the story could be slowed down just a bit in order to give more shown detail and emotion is the scene of the bike crash. Quite frankly, this scene really hit me in the gut because I'm sorry for Ben and I know what's going to happen as it's going on (I actually had a wonky bike like Ben's when I was a kid and got into an accident because of it, but nothing like this.) The hope that he can make it through traffic is especially harrowing since the reader knows that this is unlikely. However, as good as this scene is, you might be able to add in more detail, and some of Ben's fear, to make it even more exciting. All in all, this is an interesting, well-written opening and I would like to read on. I have a feeling, especially after reading a couple other comments, that the love between Anna and Ben will be explained and shown throughout the book, which is great, but I do wish it was front and center here in the beginning as well. Daniel Rider "Indian Summer"

"The Library of Living" review I must admit that this is not what I would normally read and that I am torn about this novel. On one hand, it is an extremely original and intriguing premise, yet on the other, there are some elements that did not work for this reader. This is a very mature idea for an unclear readership. The first element would be the pacing, as at times it seemed too fast, then at others too slow. This may partly be because it felt unclear to whom this book was written for; children or adults. The language of the piece seems to flip flop back and forth. At one moment the prose is simple and concise then turning on a dime, it is thoughtful and deep. That being said, this reader feels the author has done an exceptional job building relationships, especially between Ben and Anna. There is a real connection there that this reader felt between the two. But then the element of clichés pulled this reader out of the important moments, again considering that maybe this story is meant to be read for a younger audience. One such example was Ben's out of body experience as he watched himself lay dead in the road. Any clichés such as this just felt misplaced in a concept that is so fresh and exciting. Note these are only the opinions of this reader, and I wish you all the best for your novel. Michael Hebler - "Night of the Chupacabra"

Hi I loved the idea of this story and I think you tell it in a captivating way. The idea of the library is wonderful and as I have only read the first few chapters I am desperate to know whether Ben manages to find Anna and communicate with her. You have a wonderful imagination. The only thing I would like to see is a bit more action and dialogue to move the story on and hold the readers interest. You could add interest to Ben's reflections on his past life by actually re- enacting them for the reader, showing the dialogue between Ann and Ben for example, rather than just telling it to us. Also Ben's voice at times sounds a little too mature. For example when he tells Mrs Vine that 'Anna was a very receptive child and picked up on the troubled gaze in my eyes.' Overall though I think this has amazing potential. I'm sure I'll be buying it from my local book shop some time in the future. Good luck with it Kirstie

Hi Jessica I have now had time to read some of The Library of Living and have moved it from WL to shelf. An intriguing story for adults as well the younger reader. I like the relationship you have built between Ben and Anna and your use of flashbacks is very good. Mrs Vine reminds me of Joseph in my book, 'Who, me? Dead?' so who knows there may be something or somebody out there. Very well written and I see you are on the verge of the top ten. Good luck. Michael

Added to watchlist for a read :) When I have done, I will rate and review. Great idea for a story by the way, reminds me a bit of 'The Lovely Bones'. Sarah Song of the Siren

A very pleasant read. Backed!

Backed!

This is an excellent book. I have to admit that reading this has been one of my secret pleasures. I can offer any critic of it simple because I became so absorbed in it I missed any spelling or grammar errors. I have taken the liberty of plugging it along with some other on a blog on the forum called Spring and Autumn reads. I rate this book highly and wish you all the luck in the world with it. Owen Dorr

Hey, I'm really enjoying this, for a few reasons! The letters at the beginning are lovely, and set out the kind of close friendship and share memories Ben and Anna have from childhood through to the tragedy. Your afterlife is grounded in reality, so your reader can picture it really well, but has little touches that set it apart. I particularly like the idea of books stacked so high there is mist at the top! Mrs Vine is a great device for having Ben talk about the past. And her comment about getting Ben back if the bond is strong enough sets up a great hook at the end of chapter 2. Highly starred, staying on the watchlist!

I just read more of your book Jessica and it's amazing. No wonder you're ranked at #12. 6 stars from me. Sarah

i LOVE this! you're very talented, keep up the great work and goodluck

What a great imagination and a great story to go with it. I love stories that deal with what it is like after death and the honor Ben has for Anna makes this a wonderful read...Strared very high.

This book is AMAZING!!! Fantastic writing. Strong characters. Vivid dialogue. I love it so far and I've only read 3 chapters. Sarah

Hi there, There's some really nice touches in this. You use the two characters sentiments very well and the idea of the waiting room / after life was very interesting. I would have liked the two letters at the beginning to have been even more heart wrenching though. Here are my small comments on the first few chapters: the moment I’m in my own little world and in that world I keep seeing us on that last day we were together, running through conversations in my head and trying to pinpoint a moment where things might have been changed. – this sentence is important but is a little long and clumsy darkening blond – how can hair be darkening? It isn’t in a state of change boomerang – distracted me a little because of the cultural connotations. If it isn’t set in Australia perhaps better to say Frisbee I’m so happy that I spent SO MUCH of my life with you. – sounds better – less technical The Busted lyric – didn’t really seem like something teachers would be particularly shocked by. Most people wouldn’t even notice a single line in a song. Unless it was Cradle of Filth or Eminem or something like that. to do those things without YOU THERE Anna. = again less technical Show and tell – again this is typically an American cultural reference. I’ve never heard of this name being used in British schools –it’s not a big problem it’s just a little distracting for the reader. I’M SURE you can do it. You’ll do well in life Anna Lawson. – avoids repeating know Perforated junction – what does that mean? Like the grim reaper, a black taxi came careening along – perhaps you could up with a more poetic simile – a crow/ raven/ swooping black bird maybe. his new HAIRstyle and held his head at - sounds more natural longingly at the photographs of HOUSES. She – homes are conceptual houses are the buildings Ben had no pennies, but it didn’t seem as though – any reason you say no pennies? Do you mean to say BEN DIDN’T HAVE A PENNY, or just he had no money? Why is Mrs Vine only “into her hundreds” if she is some sort of immortal might she not be older? Maybe this is explained later on! Ben froze as he took in what had happened. He scratched his head and asked (full stop in middle) Children’s TV – should have a small c “It was.” Ben replied, running his finger along her DESK’S dusty surface in a zigzag. – apostrophe She worked, as well as being a single parent, better - She worked, as well as TAKING CARE OF ME, She didn’t approve of such behaviour and worried that it would make me sick, - This is pretty acceptable behaviour for a parent – would she really object to it? Leslie THE WOMAN, who ran the playgroup, led me inside. – to avoid the brackets She used to talk to anyone who spoke to her, but she had suddenly become very shy. – It wasn’t very clear when you were talking about in this sentence – before Ben met Anna? fluttering sense of guilt – this is a bit of a cliché Congratulations on your ranking and best of luck getting to the Editor's Desk. Benedict The Princess and The Peach

I'm new here and this is the first book I have read but I like it allot! well done.

LIBRARY OF LIVING This is a book built on an interesting concept; not only is reincarnation real but one gets to choose who one will be in the next life. I like the way you begin this with the two letters: a good way to introduce both Ben and Anna. Overall, your writing style is clear and very easy to follow. Makes this a good read. If I have a problem it’s with the overall sad tone to this; you mention it’s for a children’s audience (Ben is 14) so I’m also wondering if young teens are ready to look at death this way (I know vampires they like to read about kill all the time, but they also know that’s make-believe). Either way, this is well done Highly starred and added to my shelf. Wanttobeawriter: Who Killed the President?

It's not my genre but your voice is too good to ignore.

This is a brilliantly done work. Tragic, but insightful. Makes you wonder whether life is as mechanistic as we assume. Modern day scientists might do well to read this book. Perhaps, it would make the rethink some of the assumptions and theories that underpin their work.

{The Library of Living} -- Chapter 1 Dear Jessica, Wow, what a captivating opening. I am truly almost in a state of... shock. The letters from Anna and Ben at the beginning tugged at the heart; I was right there with them in their pain. The scene unfolds with such beauty despite tragedy -- I am left wondering if you have experienced loss, in order to write this. I could feel your words scratching at scabbed wounds inside me. Simply a captivating and magnificent read so far. The letters at the beginning also begin to establish your characters and their relationship; but in such a subtle, skilful way, that the reader doesn't even really notice it. It's just like we're there. We don't feel as if the author is lecturing us, and filling us in with all sorts of background details. No. We just feel like we are there; and like we are privileged to be invited into this story. I must say too - what a beautiful idea!! When I read your pitch I was intrigued by this 'library'. I think it is a beautiful concept, maybe even symbolic too? I wonder. I am definitely looking forward to reading more. Six stars from me, and all the best :) Cara The Awakening: Dawn of Destruction

Very well written and thought provoking this isn't my usual type of book to go for but I can still appreciate the quality of what you have produced. I can imagine an audience for this and from the first couple of chapters I think it would be a great book to be read at school due to the type of discussion and debate it could stimulate. Highly starred and I hope you reach the Editors desk in the not too distant future. James

I've just started reading this Jessica, and I have to say I'm impressed. It's a beautifully written piece, very sad but kind of heartwarming at the same time. I feel for poor Anna, mourning for Ben. And I love the idea of the Library. Will def be reading more. Eve (The Blog of Masiy Malone)

A very sweet, endearing read. This reads as well as anything I've found in a shop and I can see this being snapped up for publication. Great cover too by the way, very eye catching.

I think this is a lovely elegaic book. It's a bit out of my age range ( a big bit) but I think young adults would feel that your characters were as real as their own friends. I hope you are right about reincarnation. It seems a well organised way of choosing ones afterlife. I love the concept. I have added the book to my watchlist. ~Good luck!

Jessica, you asked me to take a look at The Library of Living. I have read through chapter six. This is a very interesting concept. You have created some very real relationships between Ben and Anna, Ben and his mom, and Ben and his dad. However, there is so much telling as opposed to showing that no one has really come to life in my mind. I can be told everything about a character and his life, but until I see more of him in action, hear his dialogue, see how he interacts with others, feel his emotions, I do not really know or connect to him at all. At this point, everything I know about Ben is second-hand knowledge, not something I've discovered on my own, but something I've been told and expected to believe. I can say the same thing about his parents too, and Anna. There is a lot of POV shifting that goes on. We get snippets of Ben's mom, Anna, Anna's mom, thrown in with mostly Ben's POV. The oscillation can be confusing, and if we are experiencing Ben's life through his own memories, then shouldn't it stick to his POV? If this is intended for a middle grade audience, I think it will have a hard time keeping their attention. I hope I am not being too harsh, this is only my opinion. Hopefully you can find something helpful here. Best of luck.

Its so sad to start with, but i love it, backed for sure. Alison

Hello Jessica, Thank you for giving me the oportunity to look at your work, it had a gentle warmth that I enjoyed. I have to say it was not the sort of book I would normaly read however I think that is the beauty of this site. to try some thing new and I am happy that I did. Childhood relationships always seem so simple from an adult perspective and I think you captured that honesty and simplicity very nicely. Thank you Mick

This is really beautiful book. It is like The Little Prince combined with one of those love stories from antiquity where death separates the lovers, all in this very sweet sci if wrapping. 6 stars and backed. More thorough comments to come. Best, Maeve

What an interesting idea Jessica - it works well too. I hope it works out for you and I will be interested to see what you come up with next. As others have mentioned, it is quite thought provoking - just what a good book should do. Well done. Kind regards, Uncas

High Stars for this fabulous book with a brilliant premise. I love that you're dealing with one of the oldest and most profound of beliefs and integrating it into a story that's charming, readable, and exciting. I could read this all day. Congratulations - you'll be on the desk in no time and I think you'll get a great review. Lizzi God of Wine

Read the first couple of chapters and loved it. I do not generally read children's lit but this one about re-incarnation caught my eye. I love the scenes with Mrs. Vine., how he met Anna. As well the part where his dad would twirl him when his mother was out of sight. It's the small things kids remember and you've catured this with your writing Well done. Highly starred. Regards, Red Illusions of Comfort

I absolutely love this! I didn't expect to love it so much, but each time I get to the end of a chapter, I'm urged to read on. i think the letters at the beginning really sets the story and I really like that you see what happened prior the death (how Anna and Ben became friends and so on). Can't wait to keep reading! I gave it a great rating and backed it already :)

Strong writing, good story so far, and believable dialogue. I'll continue to read on but I'll place it on my watchlist. In kind, I'd be honored if you read and reviewed my work, "The Devil Of Black Bayou". Don't let the title throw you off. It's sociological examination of my beloved bayou's and New Orleans pre and post Katrina and the Horizon Disaster. I am using popular gendre's of course to also drive home a romantic horror novel for the average reader to sink their teeth in.

5-Star rating. Very interesting approach.

I've only read the first chapter, but I'm really intrigued. I'd like to see in Ben comes back and meets Anna again. You described death really well. You're writing is clear and descriptive.

Very nice subject matter and very well written.

This is a very unique and imaginative concept. It handles heavy subjects subjectys such as death and divorced parents well. As a reader I felt that I could get stuck into this easily, without being forced down unnecessary tangents. Good luck with it! Erika

Hi, I read part five. This is pretty unique and interesting. I've never read anything similar to spirits that I pictured to be fairies that don't look like fairies, and the choice of being anything they want, gaining wisdom, dying so they can do it all over again until they've learned enough to move on to the next galaxy. You keep the reader hanging, wondering what will become of Ben and what is at the bottom of that staircase. Just a couple of things I noticed: -blue sea was the sea? might want to consider rephrasing. Maybe saying all the blue on the globe was the sea or something to that effect. -Ben and the other spirit NO COMMA (neither of which had made a decision yet)...corridor maze NO COMMA.... As I said, this is unique and it takes the imagination on a nice little ride. Thumbs up! -Aliah Her Demise

Hi Jessica First let me just congratulate you on an amazing book. I planned on reading a few chapters today and have just now hours later finished it. I rank it up there with any of the afterlife fiction books out there. You have added your own origianl touch to it with the idea of the Library. Brilliant touch. I loved the part with the animals that are extinct and the idea that when you have learnt enough you move on to another solar system. A heart warming read which shows that love will always find a way. I think it deserves to be in the top five. Good luck.

Hi there Jessica, I have read the first 4 chapters and am loving your book. It really deserves its place in the rankings. I have backed it and will rate it when I finish it.

Dear Jessica your book is a very interesting read and takes one deeply into it or you can say that it has the ability to involve one into it. A very heart touching fantastic story. I have been into it since last 3 days and found it a good noteworthy work. Its on my watch list and highly rated. I will give it a place in my book shelf soon.

THE LIBRARY OF LIVING This was a fantastic read! I’m sorry I didn’t discover it sooner. I like how you open with a letter format between the two characters, Anna and Ben, before going into the story. The prose is great for your target audience. I thought the scene describing Ben’s accident and everything he was feeling emotionally and physically was particularly well done, and I enjoyed that the most in the first chapter. I’m putting this on my watch list for now, but I will definitely have to continue reading. You’re a strong writer. Good luck on your way to the desk! Sarah E.S. Destiny of Species

Cant find the other comment - perhaps didnt load but as follows: Though the letters as an opener very clever but not too convinced with the voice. Writing flows easily and the premise is clever, read but one chapter, and seems to be building well. But I would really give the 'voice' aspect of the letters a lot of time, because that sets everything up, ergo, very important to come across as authentic. Best of luck. Will try read more if there is time.

Cant find the other comment - perhaps didnt load but as follows: Though the letters as an opener very clever but not too convinced with the voice. Writing flows easily and the premise is clever, read but one chapter, and seems to be building well. But I would really give the 'voice' aspect of the letters a lot of time, because that sets everything up, ergo, very important to come across as authentic. Best of luck. Will try read more if there is time.

Cant find the other comment - perhaps didnt load but as follows: Though the letters as an opener very clever but not too convinced with the voice. Writing flows easily and the premise is clever, read but one chapter, and seems to be building well. But I would really give the 'voice' aspect of the letters a lot of time, because that sets everything up, ergo, very important to come across as authentic. Best of luck. Will try read more if there is time.

Hi Jessica, sorry I cutrrently have so little time to devote myself to anything other than working working working...just read the two initial letters in chapter one. the very idea of people writing letters is a winner with me. I'll back it at once and hope to get back to it properly asap

This is poignant and just edgy enough. The humour is subtle and lovely. Mid teens will love this I am sure. It will be a consolation I think for those who may have lost someone or fear it. The writing is very good with a perfect vocabulary for the age group. I liked the London setting, nicely described. The writer has a wonderful imagination and it is easy to follow Ben into his other world. Lovely work. Candy.

HI Friend, You look like your doing really well ranked at number 10. Fingers crossed you get to the editor's desk soon. Michelle

Hi Jessica, I think you asked me to read your book many moons ago, so I decided to take a look. I saw you are at number 10 and I said, wow. That is awesome. Then I read your first chapter and I knew why. You are an amazing writer--what an imagination and so creative. The letters in the beginning made me cry and I new you had a hit. Congrats on your way to the desk--you should be there by next month. If for any reason you fall short, send me a note and I will back you til you make it. Great job--6 stars. Lacy

It's fabulous, lovely and just the kind of story I would want to have read as a child, actually my inner child adores it now! It is a well written piece that makes re incarnation not only feasible but inescapable. There is a comfort in knowing that there is a place we can go to after death to choose where we go next. I know where and to whom I am going. :) Well it is Valentine's day. Anyway, starred highly and on its way to my shelf, I can not resist its charm. Emily Cameron Crown of Thorns

Original and very different. Close to the desk now at No. 9, and one that well deserves it. To be backed. Marj.

Hi Jessica The first two letters actually gave me goosebumps. Three chapters in and i know that next time I reshuffle my bookshelf this is going on it. You're at number nine now, let's see if we can push you up to the editors desk! Tom

This is such a cute idea and a very well written piece of work. Nice job.

Dear Jessica, sorry it has taken me so long to for me to add you to 'my friends' but I have been offline for over a month. I have just read the first three chapters of your book and am enthralled by it and cannot wait to read more. I have always been fascinated by the subjects of muliple lives and regression indeed one of the books I have written ( I have now completed 8 novels although only submitted one to authonomy at present ) deals with this very subject - so you had me hooked from the first few paragraphs. I have given you stars and added your novel to my bookshelf and wish you the best of luck with it. Would you look at my book 'Sanctuary' some time please. I would welcome your comments and support x Tina Cox 'Sanctuary'

Jessica I’ve just got round to starting your book and I am so glad I did! It’s not really the kind of thing I’d usually read normally but your bio and pitch really made me want to read it. Your opening is probably one of the most moving things I’ve ever read. I love the fact you have started with the letters and that instantly makes you connect with and get to know the characters. Your writing style is beautiful and unique and your plot is really original. I have given you a 6 star rating and will definitely read more. Rob (Masters of the Sacred Fire)

Hey i just read the first chapter of your book and wanted say that it was very descriptive and you have a god giving talent in writing!

Hi Jessica, I've just finished reading your book and really enjoyed it. It reminded me of the writing of Carlos Ruiz. I loved the take on the library and even better for me it was complete, so I didn't have to keep wondering about what happened to Ben and Hannah and the rest of the spirits in the library.I especially loved Barney! Rated it highly, well done. Lainie :)

Hey Jessica, I really really really loved the opening. The two letters. Brilliant. Can't stress that enough. I've read Chapter One, I know not much, but it is strangely gripping. Also, lovely bio section. I look and write rather simple compared to you, which gives me a nice target. Well anyway thanks for the random friend request, glad you did, found this. Michael

Hey Jessica, I really really really loved the opening. The two letters. Brilliant. Can't stress that enough. I've read Chapter One, I know not much, but it is strangely gripping. Also, lovely bio section. I look and write rather simple compared to you, which gives me a nice target. Well anyway thanks for the random friend request, glad you did, found this. Michael

Thanks for the invite to read this. I really like the ideas behind this and the way it is set out. Due to eye trouble I do not read as much as I would like, I listen to books mostly. However I got to chapter 5 and liked it a lot. I like the ideas of their love being able to continue in different forms and reminds me of a few stories I like. My personal prefrence isn't for romance stories, I like romance in a story, but struggle to read/listen to a whole book on romance for some reason. The perfect story for me is one that has a lot of different factors all weaved together, but that's me, and the audience this is aimed at should love and adore this story. Despite my expectations for a story I do like this. I really like the characters and the lay out. It's something I'd listen to if it was an audiobook so will rate it well as it is a lovely story so far, and if you get published it will hopefully be made into an audiobook. Nice work and amazing idea, and creativity. If you do have some time it would be awesome if you took a look at my work. I think you would enjoy it for its creativity, as you come across as a creative person like me. I hope you get published, and I love the screen name too, it's beautiful.

Every once in a while I venture into the world of genres I normally wouldn't read. Most of the time I don't feel anything...but once in a blue moon I come across a gem...and that's what this is, an absolute gem and I'm only two chapters in! The premise is fascinating as is the delivery. Well done, I'll be back for more. Nick (Ghost Estate)

Thanks for the invitation to read Jessica. I'll always be eternally entertained by any subject matter that attempts to dip a toe into what the afterlife and/or limbo may be like, that is, until I have to face it myself. :) (Albert Brooks' "Defending Your Life" does this well for adults, in a comic way). I'm sure the young people that read this story will hopefully walk away with a bit more courage to face some of the loss we all experience in life, and have faith they are perhaps better equipped now, having read your book. I think you strike a nice, careful balance in your pages between entertaining the reader, and slyly imbuing within it key lessons I hope your young audience remembers for a lifetime. Thanks again.

It took three life times it seemed to get to the thirteenth chapter and discover what Ben ultimately decided to return as. It was well worth the wait as my eyes watered slightly at their reunion. You have built up a wonderful concept and executed it excellently. I'm not qualified to give you any advice as to the technical side of writing but the story was very well written in my eyes and revealed a world where anything can happen, yet Ben's undying love determined his destiny with great clarity and emotion. The characters seemed real and the dialogue was believable. Each scene was vivid in my imagination. An excellent book for a younger audience. I recommend it highly. I do hope you get a chance to look at the first couple chapters of, In Search of a Memory, and let me know your thoughts. Thanks for the great read and several hours of living in a place filled with love and hope. The best of the best to you, Roy

Just finished reading chapter three. I love this story. It is so original. You write beautifully and you have great rhythm. Your story is easy to read and captivated me right off the bat. I thought a few of the descriptions lingered a bit, but it was only because I was eager to see him get to the library. I can’t wait to see what sort of choices he will have. Thanks for the read! C.G. Harris - The Revealing

This is fantastic! What an imagination you have! I was enraptured from the first few lines; a great opening by the way. I wish you all the best with this, well done.

Im seriously going to read this! Really enjoy incarnation stories... Excellent premises! Jt

I've only gotten to read the first chapter so far but that first chapter was so touching, it truly almost brought me to tears. I hope to have time to read more of it soon. Well done!

Hi Jessica, Your story has a very solid and interesting premise and gets off to a cracking start. I like the way you have avoided clumsy exposition by having the conversation with Mrs Vine allow Ben to fill in his back story. The feel of this reminds me of 'The Book Thief' or to a slightly lesser extent 'The boy in the striped pyjamas'. The only thing I'm slightly unsure about is the maturity and insight that Ben shows at the moments when he takes over as narrator. His mature insights seem slightly at odds with his age. I can certainly imagine young adults enjoying this tale and it has enough depth and insight to inspire discussion. Have you primarily aimed this at a female audience? The themes of love will appeal to them but having a male lead might also entice a few boys to read too. Good luck with it Douglas Cairns Leverage

Hi Jessica, I've just read chapter three. I still love the story, but feel you could do much better based on your chapter one. This chapter feels like a lot of 'telling' again. When you did 'show', for instance when Mrs Vine takes him down the corridor, you slip into telling without finishing that scene. So, I'm left wondering what happened to Mrs Vine. That's the sort of thing that pulls me out of the story and you lose your flow. I think the reflections on Anna would work better, if he was prompted by a book title. For instance, if he saw a book titled Cats, that would be a good cue to remember Anna and her cat, as he pulled the book from the shelf. I'd like to see his thoughts mingled with his selecting books, rather than just having a heap of back story and then jump to 'so he set about collecting books that contained characters of this nature.; Good luck with this. It would be a great book for teens onwards. Juli (Trusting Claude)

Hi Jessica ... This is a delightful tale and one I am sure will go far. It has all the ingredients to make a first class childrens novel with good strong characters and interesting dialogue The book has an unusual aspect into death and almost takes the fear away. There are a few mistakes, but only minor and nothing that a good proof read will not sort out. One that did take my attention, what the hell is a 'parkour' ( in Anna's letter at the beginning), I cannot find it in any of my dictionaries. The only thing I could think of was a 'Parka', a hooded waterproof jacket usually trimmed with imitation fur, if not I apologise. Second: German Sheppard should be German Shepherd. Apart from those, the book is well written with a strong unusual plot. Wishing you the best of luck with this. Regards ... Duncan.

A beautiful, imaginative tale for young people. There is an age when children begin to ask questions about death, sometimes prompted by the death of a pet or a relative. Reading this could lead to a gentle exploration of these issues which are so difficult for adults to face. And children who are coping with serious illness would I am sure find this book consoling, even though we know it to be fiction. Some people might say that Ben and Anna are unrealistically nice - but we need more niceness in this world. I found their friendship touching. And the Grandfather and Librarian, being closer to my age, found a special place in my heart. I hope soon to be able to put this on my shelf, which at present is full, but the will is there and for now, 6 stars will have to do! Yours, Pan.

Hello, Jesserella/Jessica. I've just finished reading your manuscript, which I enjoyed. Here are my comments. I found the characterisation quite convincing. Steven's and Sandra's personalities were very satisfactorily filled out and accounted for. The development of Ben and Anna's relationship is also fully and convincingly explained. Ben's strained feelings for his father and stepfather are very well presented. We don't see much of the causes of Tanya's behaviour or of Anna's parents, but they are certainly credible. I think this effective characterisation makes the book attractive to adults. Ben dies at fourteen and I'd guess that the book addresses an audience of around that age and a little younger. Probably it will appeal more to girls because the romantic interest is central and because of the detailed emphasis on relationships. I'm sure that the subject of the story, eternally enduring love, will appeal strongly to that audience, as will Ben's protectiveness of and devotion to Anna, especially as he has a vulnerable side himself. The presence of mellow grandparental characters could also be an attraction, while the execrable Tanya gives us a villain. You've written the story mainly as a narrative of feelings and events, with only a little direct speech. There are those who object to such an approach, but I'm open to anything and everything and the book works very well as it is. I can see no reason to make major changes. Reincarnation is an idea which is now widely current in the west, as a result of interest in asian religions. In any case, I'm always glad to see a challenge to traditional beliefs. I think reincarnation is a great concept with which to underpin the story. The idea of a library is very surprising andf attractive. You even have a time limit, comparable with the limited borrowing period in a lending library. Nice. You're probably aware that there are some minor errors in the text. For example, there is a tendency to use apostrophies unnecessarily with plural endings. It's aimed at children, so the values implicit in the story are relevant. I think they're fine. You can't fault loyalty, enduring love, compassion and, even, being responsible about which bike to ride. I see you've already had quite a lot of success with The LIbrary of Living and it's well deserved. I'll rate it and put it on my watch list with a view to giving it some backing in the near future. I'm sure you've been very busy "marketing", but if you could find the time to have a look at Just Making Sure (Felix Bradninch), I'd be very grateful. Best of luck. Michael.

Hi again Been reading on in your beautiful story - still enjoying it, but one thing that has struck me is the dense appearance of each page. For more kid appeal, the page needs to be broken up at times with more dialogue. this may also lead to a slightly more active read. e.g. Let Mrs Vine or the spirits actually speak in their own voices here. This will give the spirits a bit of their own character, so they becomes more interesting too. At the moment there's more tell than show. The story has a special something and it would be wonderful if it could reach kids, but it needs to LIVE in order for this to happen.

Hi, Jessica, Just read first chapter of Library of Living. Reads very well. Original. Nicely flowing, unclogged, and evocative prose. And the reader is drawn in immediately, wanting to know how the conumdrum of the two young people in love will be resolved when one of them can't return to earth, at least not in the same body. I'm intrigued and shall read on. I've backed the book. Good luck. Michael.

Both letter do give a very emotional start to this tale but I'm not sure if you need both. I think there is already enough emotion in this story that you could easily drop one of them. I think that I will place this on my shelf for a bit. Best of luck with it.

A very intriguing opening with plenty to encourage the reader to read on. i don't normally like this sort of book but you manage to portray Ben and Anna's love without over the top sentimentality but in a way that seems very real. The first chapter really grabs the attention and I will certainly read on.

Hi Jessica, I've just read chapter two and I was confused because it felt like a different book. I checked back to Ch. 1 and was shocked to see you had altered the beginning. I liked the letters better. The new Ch.1 felt like I was being told a story, and Ch.2 had a similar feel. I want to feel as if I am in the character's head, experiencing what they are experiencing. If Ben is telling his story to Mrs Vine, the interaction is missing. And action to break up the dialogue. What's he seeing, hearing and so forth while he relates such a detailed first meeting. I still like the idea, and based on your first chapter, I'm sure you can improve this with more showing and perhaps we don't need so much detail all at once. I will keep reading. Juli (Trusting Claude)

I just finished reading your pitch and your first chapter and I love it. Very well written, draws the reader straight into the story. Now I'll have to read more.

Jessica, if what you have managed with old Chippewa is the measure of a great book, fell proud. I found so many things you touch on that reminded me of my dad, so much so that I found myself wiping away tears. I am sure many of your other readers have that connection as well. One particular scene early on when Anna mentions Ben's old bicycle and the fact that he kept riding it as the only real connection he had with his dad. My long deceased father, an incredibly powerful man, found peace in constructing miniature chairs in delicate detail, actually models of famous styles of chairs. When I returned from Alaska, I queried my brother about the last remaining chair. It was gone...lost in the shuffle on moving. Tears again. Chippewa

I've only read the first chapter, but I am well and truly hooked. This chapter is faultless in my mind, and from reading other comments, I get the feeling that your brilliant writing will continue. I can't wait to move on and read more. A definite six stars if I knew how to do that (newbie here). Thank you and well done!

'The Library of Living' is a beautiful book, Jessica - one of which you should feel justly proud. The idea that 'if two people love each other enough then anything can be possible' - even find each other from lifetime to lifetime, is one that chimes perfectly with my (after)life philosophy. Not just as a Buddhist either, I've always felt that to be true. I saw none of the editorial issues raised in previous comments, and only one typo (shouldn't that dog be a German 'Shepherd'?), so very nicely done! This is a splendid read for the older children I'm guessing you're aiming at (14-18?), and if reincarnation is a challenging issue to them, well, let them be challenged - half of humankind believes in it! Six stars for now, reserving a place on my shelf. Joe Kovacs Rupee Millionaires (my otherwise tolerant belief was suspended at only one point - where Ben registered 'echoing in his (non-existent) ears' from the clinking drains after death. Since he has no ears, I would suggest substitute 'mind'?)

Hi Jessica You have a real talent for writing. I was hooked right from the beginning and read the whole fourteen chapters in one sitting. The idea of a library where you go to pick a new life after you die is a fascinating concept; straight out of Doctor Who (Stephen Moffatt would be proud of you). Very descriptive and colourful. A really enjoyable read. I look forward to reading your next story. Graham (The Secret in the Cellar)

Hi Jessica You have a real talent for writing. I was hooked right from the beginning and read the whole fourteen chapters in one sitting. The idea of a library where you go to pick a new life after you die is a fascinating concept; straight out of Doctor Who (Stephen Moffatt would be proud of you). Very descriptive and colourful. A really enjoyable read. I look forward to reading your next story. Graham (The Secret in the Cellar)

Hi Jessica I've been in your Library and enjoying Ben 'n Anna's tale Very nicely told I thought. I was hoping Anna might cop on that some pet, or preferably the seal, was actually Ben! All the best with it....... mikegilli The Free

Jessica, This is quite an accomplishment. You’ve put your writing skills into each page, creating vivid scenes and descriptions which pull the reader into each segment of your story. The opening scene of Ben getting killed is an attention-grabber and sets the tone for the excellent writing that follows. The first thing I noticed was its length, a hefty 400 pages or so. This is neither a negative or positive criticism, just an observation. But I wonder if your future publisher may want you to cut it down somewhat. My biggest disappointment (my only disappointment) was the disappearance of Anna. After being introduced to this teary eyed girl in the opening sentences, I had expected to meet up with her again (from her point of view, not Ben’s), or at least read another letter from her. Maybe you did bring her back later in the book (I only read six chapters), but even so, at least this reader wanted to hear from her early on. Here’s something else. “I hope you weren’t alone,” Anna said in her letter. But why wouldn’t she learn every detail of the tragic accident? She would know people were all around after the taxi killed Ben, wouldn’t she? This is nitpicking, but “life” appears twice in the opening sentences, a word which you use with two different meanings. This sometimes trips up a reader, and you don’t want to do that, especially at the very beginning of your story. Perhaps you’d want to substitute something like, “you’ve always been there for me,” to eliminate the first “life.” A few more observations: “It was quick,” Ben had written to Anna. But later, in an excellent drawn-out death scene, the reader finds it was not quick. “An indescribably pain welled up inside him.” As writers we should not say something is indescribable. We should describe! Finally, I was somewhat perplexed that Ben did not know where he was, when he said, “Although the memories were coming back to him, Ben wasn’t sure where he was.” After all, Ben did know that the woman’s name was Mrs. Vine, and “she had been there in between every life he had lived.” Ben also knew she was well into her hundreds. Ending on a positive note (and I could write many pages on the positive things you did here) I want to say that I loved your description of Ben’s becoming sensitive to his surroundings at the bus stop. I identified completely. At one point in my life, when I found out I wasn’t going to die, all my surroundings became extremely vivid and intense. I suddenly could hear every individual word of songs I’ve heard thousands of times before, etc. When you wrote about Ben’s being aware of the clinking drain, the man admiring his reflection, the woman gazing at photographs, I was there with Ben. Good luck, Jessica. I’m putting The Library of Living on my bookshelf and giving it six well-deserved stars.

i really like the premise of this and think it would do v well. i'm not sure i would start with those two letters though, have you considered just starting with the narrative chapter which follows?? it sets off at a ripping pace. good luck with it freddie ("honour")

Jessica- I just added Library of Living to my watch list and expect to crack the cover soon. Thanks, my friend. -Dan

Jessica, this is just beautiful! I honestly don't know if I've read it. I was sure I had until I was going through the books on my watch list and decided to read some more of this one. I began at he first chapter to refresh my memory and had to read all of it. You write with such emotion. Your imagery is vivid and brings the atmosphere and characters to life. I haven't got time right now, but I'll read the second chapter when I can. I've given you a high rating and when I swap my shelf out, this book has got a place on it. Please do remind of that later this month. I noticed a couple punctuation typos, but I forgot to make note of them, anyway it was nothing big. I really like where this story is going. I'm a sucker for love and romance. This got me all teary eyed :) Anyways, best of luck with this and I'll be commenting more soon. God bless, Trista

Hey Jessica, I'm adding your book to my watch list. Look forward to checking it out!

It's only the first chapter and I feel like I'm already hooked. This is an amazing start to the book. The letters at the beginning, though short, are heartbreaking and I get a strong sense of how Ben and Anna's relationship is. I already want root for them to see each other again but I've got a feeling it won't be too easy. I have to find time to read this whole thing because if I really get into it now, I won't be able to move until I'm done. Again, amazing start. Can't wait to read the rest

Jessica, this is a beautiful, gentle story. My daughter Rosie, whose father died when she was three, would have loved it - she always liked stories about kind people, and indeed from the age of four to fifteen she had a best friend, Andrew, and their relationship as children was very harmonious, like Ben and Anna's. I think this book would be helpful and healing to a child experiencing bereavement or even a separation from a parent. I wonder what age your target reader would be? Although Ben is 14, it reads like a book for younger children - but then, they would need to have an adult read it to them. You create your imagined world beautifully. It is a consoling story and I hope it gets to the top five. I'm backing it. Blessings, Fan K.

I've really enjoyed reading your text (up to chapter 5). You have a lovely way of telling a story and describing things well without much effort. I particularly like how you described the accident leading to Ben's death. It was done beautifully but evaded the same old cliches. All of the different situations you have described build a wonderful personality for Ben and a very special relationship between himself and Anna. Good luck with this book! Mike (Rudolf Goes Bananas)

Hi Jessica, Just had a read of the first couple of chapters, and it is definitely thought provoking (although not reflecting my own beliefs re our lives here on earth). It took me a while to work out what was going on in terms of the underlying premise of the plot, particularly the letters at the start, but they did become clearer once I had read further. You have an easy to read writing style, as evidenced in the novel's high ranking (and many positive comments below!) Peter Falscastra - Journey to the King

I was intrigued by your pitch. I read the first chapter and absolutely loved it. Good Luck, Kelly (The Rise of The New Bloods)

I was intrigued by your pitch. I read the first chapter and absolutely loved it. Good Luk, Kelly (The Rise of The New Bloods)

You friended me when I first came on the site, and of course it caught my attention. I don't normally read young adult fiction, but I thought the time had come to take a look. This is a beautiful and moving story, told with great sensitivity and melancholy. BTW, it's the highest rated book I've ever seen since coming on the site. I also rated it very highly. I see you are doing very well in the ratings. Good. You deserve it. Best, Mark

Hi Jessica, I watched the film based on Mitch Albom's Tuesday's with Morrie - it was very thought-provoking. Cecelia Ahern writes very evocatively about grief and loss and her stories always contain an element of magic. I'd like to say how much I enjoyed reading your book particularly since I felt you put a little of yourself into the telling. I particularly liked the memory box. Good luck, Adam

I've already read your first four chapters. . .in one sitting. It's interesting to see the concepts you've created in this work; I find them almost a test to the belief between the lines of life and death. I like the fact that in just delving into the onset of this book, I find myself examining me and my finite stance as opposed to the here after. I believe that whenever an author can produce that which makes a reader think, SUCCESS. . .I look forward to more of this book. . .

I read part of The Library of Living nearly a year ago, up to where Ben came back as a squirrel - the last time I was active on Authonomy. I am happy to see you have the story finished and I think it could go far. There is definitely a market for this well written story and I wish you luck. It is certainly a different take on the afterlife from mine but there again mine is tongue in cheek and not for kids/YA. I have browsed here occasionally and as there is a book I had to sign in for in order to read I have used the occasion to wish you well and hope you get it published so I can buy it for my two younger grandchildren - they will love it. Best of luck, Jim.

I think you do too much explanation at the beginning. Why not have the boy waking up in the library in the first place and then work your way back towards the explanation, or along with it? Like throw him, and the reader in at the deep end and then try to find their way together out of the library. With the background explanation coming out naturally as the boy makes efforts to escape or come to terms with his death. Perhaps, try stop writing a book and just tell the story as it goes along??

Library of the Living - by Jessica Jade Burton This is one of the most creative YA story concepts I can remember. I was intrigued after reading your description of the book, and then discovering your unique beginning by offering a letter from both Ben and Anna. Your character development and descriptions are very thorough, maybe a little too much in some places (Chapter 2) but good for young minds. One of the previous reviews talked about "telling scenes" and "showing scenes", and I concur. I am not an editor nor a great reviewer, but I can see some grammar and punctuation issues that need cleaning, and I would suggest a re-evaluation of some of the long descriptions (especially in Chapter 2). Something I have fallen victim to in the past was use of "passive voice" versus "active voice". The active voice is more direct and allows you to "show" your reader. For example: Ben had felt sad as he walked to the car... Maybe try: Ben was feeling sad as he walked to the car. To me, this story deserves to be available to young and old. And with a little house cleaning it will do well. I am going to back Library of the Living for its wonderful potential. Good luck with this. P Alan Davis The Red Poppy Raindancer

Jessica, What a lovely book and great premise. sort of like HERE COMES MISTER JORDAN and the remake with WARREN BEATTY, anyway... enjoyed all 14 and think it has a place most definitely in the market you are aiming for. heartwarming and vivid in the descriptions and dialogue. think it would make a film or stage play too! lots of luck with it. Will star it for now and when i get a spot up on my shelf you go.... happy holidays to you and your family and all the best for 2012! :) diane

This is really unique. I like the cover, but to be honest, it doesn't match the feel of the story for me. but I like the story allot or at least what I read. Good job!

This is a YARG review Hi Jessica, Well written, no glaring grammatical errors or typos in the first 3 chapters - you've really polished well. A good story for those who might believe in past life regressions or that you could possibly come back as a rat. (Horror of horrors!) I'm one of those who believes you die and go to heaven. I want to enjoy those brilliant colors those who have died and come back tell about - you know - the extra colors we don't have down here on earth and I want my new body that is light as a feather. :) I love your character description. You did a great job showing Anna's character by having her tear down her wall so Ben could finish his building project- true love for another. And the way she saved something for him to eat in her sock - beautifully written! My only concern is that the flashback was really long in Chapter 2. I'd like to see you move the beginning of Chapter 3 up to have the pacing of the story move a little quicker. Perhaps you could weave the back story or flashback in after that. However, the writing itself is wonderful. Good luck to you with this project. Giving you a high star. And I hope when you get a chance you can take a look at Shakespeare's Pink Cadillac ~ Kady Colter

A unique premise, I must admit. It had me enthralled for the first 4 chapters. The writing was, at times, beautiful, and other times almost childlike, as if it reflected the childlike nature of the character. Thought provoking too. I think this would keep children (and adults!) very entertained. Can't wait to see what happens next.

Jessica Good to read your book - I will post a full review when I finish it. Meanwhile, if you have time to take a look at my "Freddie, Bill and Irving" I would appreciate it. Thanks Paul

A simple, but powerful opening. I liked the letter, the response and the accident which provided both back story and a hook for reading on. I was less sold on the narrative when Ben was outside the Bethnal Green library – a bit too wordy and I wasn’t sure if a young boy would think those thoughts in quite that way. I wasn’t totally convinced by his lack of response to discovering he was dead or to the library of reincarnation, either. It felt a bit too rushed, as if it was just a thing to move through to get on to the next plot development. Chapter two gets back into the zone, but I would have preferred a bit less back story at the start of the chapter (perhaps leave it until after they have met) and a bit more show and less tell, but that may be just me. Chapter Three has a nice combination of the reincarnation library and memories of Anna. Smoothly written. This is a distinctive story, with some very polished writing helping it along its way. A bit more polishing here and there would, in my opinion, bring it all up to the same excellent level. It seems age appropriate, with the language pitched at the right level. The realtionship between Ben and Anna was sweet and believable. The story had me reading on and wanting to find out what happened next. You might want to do a bit of a punctuation edit. It seemed a bit sparse in places. Good luck with this. J.S.Watts Witchlight

Jessica, I've just finished reading the first two chapters and find them delightful. You have a way with words, bringing your characters to life and helping us care a lot about them. I will be rearranging my bookshelf and backing it and giving it a bunch of stars. Barbara Jurgensen The Lillegaugen Sting

Hi Jessica Sorry it's take so long to get round to reading The Library of Living. I was an avid reader in childhood and my teens and I would have loved to read a book like this. The theme of the story is great with the elements of love and the after-life running through it and the confirmation that even death can't break the strong bond between people we love. Pain has that theme too so I know where you are coming from! You portray the feelings between Ben and Anna beautifully and really capture their heartbreak at losing each other superbly. I am sure we will see your novel in the ED in the very near future. Six well deserved stars. P.S. reading your bio your own upbringing would make a fascinating novel in itself! Kim (Pain)

Hi Jessica Sorry it's take so long to get round to reading The Library of Living. I was an avid reader in childhood and my teens and I would have loved to read a book like this. The theme of the story is great with the elements of love and the after-life running through it and the confirmation that even death can't break the strong bond between people we love. Pain has that theme too so I know where you are coming from! You portray the feelings between Ben and Anna beautifully and really capture their heartbreak at losing each other superbly. I am sure we will see your novel in the ED in the very near future. Six well deserved stars. P.S. reading your bio your own upbringing would make a fascinating novel in itself! Kim (Pain)

What an interesting concept! I'm backing it.

Jessica, what a poignant and thought-provoking start to a story. You establish a strong and believable relationship between Anna and Ben from the very first chapter; their memories of each other add a uniqueness to their characters that as a reader I can picture. I find myself thinking about death and how unpredictable life is; from one minute to the next life can change forever. Even after I stopped reading, I continued to think about the story - so well done. You describe the various stages to Ben's death with such detail and imagination, particularly by using all of Ben's senses to maximise impact. I look forward to reading more.

How do the mechanics of the afterlife work? Jessica Jade Barton's book "The Library of Living" gives her vision of what that final frontier looks like. The book begins with an exchange of letters between Anna and Ben, two teens who are--or I should say "were"--deeply in love. Ben has died tragically and finds himself in the Library, missing his Anna, wanting to reassure her that he is fine. The Library is a place where souls come to find their next lives on the world. Ben has 30 days to find that next life, and he wants desperately to find something that will bring him close to Anna. One caveat though: He will not have any prior knowledge of his past life. The story moves to a series of flashbacks showing the growing friendship and emergent love between the two children. I don't want to give too much away (to those, like me, who like to read comments and reviews before reading the narrative), but these flashbacks serve the story well, providing important characterization for both protagonists. Though the pace, at times, slows a bit, I did not get impatient. I wanted to get to know Ben and Anna. The most interesting character, I believe, is Mrs. Vine, the librarian. Part grandmother, part teacher, she is a Mentor to Ben's Telemachus. I immediately saw Helen Mirren in this role. Mrs. Vine is a complex woman. I really liked her. It has been suggested that this story is a teenage "Ghost." Perhaps...but to me it seems more like "What Dreams May Come"--an afterlife of familiarity and the option to go back and start over.Though Burton's story ends somewhat sadly, I cannot help but to think it ends rightly. With a good revision to rewrite "telling" scenes into "showing" scenes, and to clean and clear up some of the language, "The Library of Living" will definitely grace the shelves of bookstores in the future. I highly recommend this book.

How do the mechanics of the afterlife work? Jessica Jade Barton's book "The Library of Living" gives her vision of what that final frontier looks like. The book begins with an exchange of letters between Anna and Ben, two teens who are--or I should say "were"--deeply in love. Ben has died tragically and finds himself in the Library, missing his Anna, wanting to reassure her that he is fine. The Library is a place where souls come to find their next lives on the world. Ben has 30 days to find that next life, and he wants desperately to find something that will bring him close to Anna. One caveat though: He will not have any prior knowledge of his past life. The story moves to a series of flashbacks showing the growing friendship and emergent love between the two children. I don't want to give too much away (to those, like me, who like to read comments and reviews before reading the narrative), but these flashbacks serve the story well, providing important characterization for both protagonists. Though the pace, at times, slows a bit, I did not get impatient. I wanted to get to know Ben and Anna. The most interesting character, I believe, is Mrs. Vine, the librarian. Part grandmother, part teacher, she is a Mentor to Ben's Telemachus. I immediately saw Helen Mirren in this role. Mrs. Vine is a complex woman. I really liked her. It has been suggested that this story is a teenage "Ghost." Perhaps...but to me it seems more like "What Dreams May Come"--an afterlife of familiarity and the option to go back and start over.Though Burton's story ends somewhat sadly, I cannot help but to think it ends rightly. With a good revision to rewrite "telling" scenes into "showing" scenes, and to clean and clear up some of the language, "The Library of Living" will definitely grace the shelves of bookstores in the future. I highly recommend this book.

Hi Jessica, this is an amazing book you have written. I thought I'd check it out. The pitch is intriguing, and the title brilliant, along with the collection of ideas that make up 'the library of Living'. The first chapter grabbed my attention immediately. I know this is a book meant for Yound adults, but I found myself carried away in the story. Great characters, described with warmth and accuracy. Top marks for your imagination, you share it with the reader with your beautiful descriptive writing throughout the first three chapters I read. Maybe minor editing required, but it was still it was a pleasure to read. I give it 6 stars and I hope it will reach the editors desk very soon. (I will back it in the next few days when I rearrange my book shelf.) Junetee(Four Corners.

Hi Jessica, this is an amazing book you have written. I thought I'd check it out. The pitch is intriguing, and the title brilliant, along with the collection of ideas that make up 'the library of Living'. The first chapter grabbed my attention immediately. I know this is a book meant for Yound adults, but I found myself carried away in the story. Great characters, described with warmth and accuracy. Top marks for your imagination, you share it with the reader with your beautiful descriptive writing throughout the first three chapters I read. Maybe minor editing required, but it was still it was a pleasure to read. I give it 6 stars and I hope it will reach the editors desk very soon. (I will back it in the next few days when I rearrange my book shelf.) Junetee(Four Corners.

Jessica. This is adorable. It is good quality writing too!:-) I love that the sweetness that I sense in you in your bio is seeping through to your text: I feel - yes, really - blessed while reading it. i think you must have a great Muse, jessica! I also thought about a book that i dearly love at Authonomy - by Andrea levin: this is a book about toys. They are just like us - only more :-) Maybe you would love that too. http://www.authonomy.com/books/14459/last-days-of-the-transitional-objects-institute/ I have watchlisted you and starred you. Leelah saachi "When fear comes back to love"

Hi Jessica, I love the start of your book. It is enchanting from the beginning. I am sure it will be on the editor's desk in no time at all and definitely deserves to be. Your writing style brings out the pictures and details vividly. Just a very small point. 'A few metres away from the man was an estate agent'. I think that this should read 'an estate agent's office ?? It sounds like their is a person there and not a building. Lots of stars. and a place on my bookshelf-Carole

the prose style reminds me of Richard Brautigan - if I didn't have such a hangover I would read more, but I guess I can save it for another rainy night. Enjoyed the first chapter immensely. David J Baron - The List

I'm not usually one for children's books but the main concept grabbed my attention immediately so I wanted to take a look. I think you have found something unique here and after reading the first couple of chapters I easily found myself wanting to continue on with it. The story flows so naturally and the opening letters from Ben and Anna truely captured the innocence of childhood for me. All the best in the future and I have no doubt you are on to a winner with this one.

In one of my poems, "My Genesis" in chapter 2 of my book "The Traveler's Soliloquies" a line states: "I delight watching things from their outset," and I'm true to that statement. I'm always soothed to see the genesis of things and when I read a book, I am inclined to read something on this genre. I could compare this book to some of my favorites with this theme: "Broken Wings" by Khalil Gibran and the love-story side of "The alchemist" by Paulo Coelho to name the two that first came into my mind - the parallelism I wanted to point out between your story in the Libruary of the Living and these books is the young-love, the purest of love: so fragile, so sweet, and unforgetable. Oftentimes, this love doesn't always last forever some so brief and fleeting but the memories last a lifetime and if you believe in reincarantion you would still long for this love in the next. Everyone who experienced this kind of love would surely enjoy reading your book - young and old - going through this kind of love story of been there. What's special about this book that's unique is the setting where you put your story - the libruary, brilliant! For where could we get floods of information, and waves of nostalgia, and heavy rainfalls of memories ~ My first antholgy of poems: A Traveler's Soliloquies, chronicles my thoughts growing up and grown up, expressed in poetic self-talks. Some of the poems where written and drawn from my earliest thoughts of love parallel to the theme of your book. I hope you find time to read some of the poems and eavesdrop on my soliloquies. I wish you well. ~ Jeques

Jessica, The Library of the Living ..... Excellent ..... I really like it. Your own freestyle writing flows well and it is easy to read and thats all that really matters. Narrative style tells it like it is .... real storytelling. I just love your descriptive texts and your great use of "colours and light" .... those reds, turquoise eyes, pink and orange clouds, give it luminosity. I have been to the Bethnal Green Museum of Childhood ..... spot on well researched. I guess you probably have a collection of poetry somewhere because that is what your style throws over to me. Well done and its going on my bookshelf right away. Regards John-Paul (In Violet)

Hi Jessica I really enjoyed reading this - nice premis and really well written - even teased a little sadness from me for young Ben - and I'm a bloke - ha ha. Highly original concept and loved the idea of the library. Will def read more of this one. Top stars from me mrs. Derek

So far, I'm really enjoying this story. Well written and thoughtful. The letters feel quie genuine! Will post more as I continue forward. Very enjoyable! PT

What a sad story, poor Ben. This reminded me of Ghost so you're not getting ten out of ten for originality. However you do present the story well, very much like a teenager is narrating and I think this works well. In the earlier letters watch out for your overuse of the words 'things' and 'that.' I think you also need to see Ben and Anna in action maybe a quarrel over his bike, anything to show the love they have for each other. Furthermore I think you need to find out if tyres screech when the road is wet. I don't think they do. A few other parts as well where the language could be condensed. For example; 'At the moment I'm in my own tortured world running through the ifs and buts and what could have been on our last day together.' On a more postive note I like it a lot, I like it for its simplicity and how easy it is to read, the pace and flow is particularly well engineered. The best crit is yourself and the best way to identify your own errors is to read it out aloud. You really do need to do this because there are parts where commas are needed. Overall a good read for such a young person. Well done Jessica. Will you please have a look at The sTash for that too starts with a letter. Cheers kid.

This story has charm, imagination and emotion. (maybe it's too late at night to be objective) Your writing could do with trimming the adverbs perhaps, but the meaning of the wiriting is very lucid and clear and makes for a quick easy read. The narrative prose is swift and fluent and the descriptive prose is just right fo the context, and not overdone. I like this book. Backed.

Hello Jessica This is a nice idea, treating death from both sides of the grave especially for kids. Starting with their letters is original, though I think they could have been a bit shorter. An opening, we are always being told should be attention-grabbing. It struck me that Anna’s letter contains an awful lot of ‘that’s. It’s a terribly clunky word and you could probably prune out a lot of them. My impression of the first few chapters is whistful and pastel-shaded. I’m sure it’s intentional. I think I’d have been tempted to give him a few more red-blood emotions especially as Ben’s meant to be fourteen and to have just suffered a fatal accident. The section at the play school strikes me as rather long for a book aimed at teenagers. I’m not sure how long they would stay with a story about four year olds, no matter how keenly observed, maybe because it’s right at the beginning, and I think it would be better to get a bit of the action going first before slipping into flashback. Something else about the playschool scene that didn’t work for me (but that’s just me, it’s one of my bugbears) is the stereotype role play of the two children: Anna letting Ben take the lead, Ben being more adventurous and imaginative, Anna giving him her Lego blocks, Ben defending Anna when the parent laughs at her. Later, when he’s in the library Ben wants to choose to go back as something that can ‘protect’ Anna. They don’t really seem like equals. I might be right out of line here, forgive me if I am. Anna might turn out to be a really fiesty teenager! What age is it aimed at? I would have said a pretty young audience. The hoverfly anecdote, putting it in a Polly Pocket is very childish but maybe it was something Anna did when she was much younger. They both appear very young, more like primary school children than fourteen year olds who I would expect to be much more expressive and emotional. I’m probably being overly critical, having a pack of teenagers who are all bloodthirsty, lap up violence and bad language. I took my cue from their tastes when I wrote my books, but not all kids are like mine. Some, I believe are even quite nice! If you get a minute have a look at Wormholes. And be critical about it, it helps a lot! Jane

I've only just read the first chapter but so far it's fantastic and very gripping. I love the letters at the beginning portraying how close Ben and Anna are yet so distant at the same time. It's an extremely interesting concept and your imagery really draws the reader in. The first chapter always needs a good hook and I think you've done this well. I like the last paragraph "You can still find a way to connect with her.' It's a good follow on for the next set of chapters and sets up the storyline. Great work Jessica! Look forward to reading more :)

nicely catches the imagination :)

Really enjoyed reading Library of the Living, Jessica. Although it is written for children and is written about children it reads like an adult's book. It's thought provoking, it's heart-warming and emotional. Re-incarnation is a fascinating concept that fires the imagination. The library idea is brilliant with endless possibilities for Ben. I can see how Mitch Albom's book has inspired you and yet Library of the Living is a valid story of its own, just as powerful and every bit as touching. One small point, and you might have considered this already: As far as I'm aware publishers like to know what age group a children's novel is intended. This will have an effect, perhaps, on the themes within your story. Just a thought f you're intending to submit to publishers. I know. for sure that my daughter would have gladly read this as a twelve-year old. She'd probably read it now and she's twenty-three. best wishes, Robert

Really enjoyed reading Library of the Living, Jessica. Although it is written for children and is written about children it reads like an adult's book. It's thought provoking, it's heart-warming and emotional. Re-incarnation is a fascinating concept that fires the imagination. The library idea is brilliant with endless possibilities for Ben. I can see how Mitch Albom's book has inspired you and yet Library of the Living is a valid story of its own, just as powerful and every bit as touching. One small point, and you might have considered this already: As far as I'm aware publishers like to know what age group a children's novel is intended. This will have an effect, perhaps, on the themes within your story. Just a thought f you're intending to submit to publishers. I know. for sure that my daughter would have gladly read this as a twelve-year old. She'd probably read it now and she's twenty-three. best wishes, Robert

I love how your words flow, this is scarily easy to read. Not only that, it's intriguing, clever and you've caught my interest from these first two chapters. I love the premise and I want to know what happens next. I really hope I have the time to read more! Thank you for writing this!

Hello Jessica, I’ve read the first three chapters of “Library’ and will read more when I get a chance. Very interesting and I like your approach. To me, it’s a refreshingly different cast on life after death and I’m hooked enough to want to read more. I hope that you will rate and comment on one or more of my books – ‘Accident’ is the one I’m trying to push but comments/support on ‘Torpedoed’ are welcome too. Best wishes, Charles Dyer (Mach100)

Hello Jessica, I’ve read the first three chapters of “Library’ and will read more when I get a chance. Very interesting and I like your approach. To me, it’s a refreshingly different cast on life after death and I’m hooked enough to want to read more. I hope that you will rate and comment on one or more of my books – ‘Accident’ is the one I’m trying to push but comments/support on ‘Torpedoed’ are welcome too. Best wishes, Charles Dyer (Mach100)

I read 2 chapters and they are very moving. I intend to read the rest of it soon.

It had been picked it up from the tip and was a bit small for Ben now, (I can't for the life of me figure out what that is saying, maybe its my American english.) she gave me her first smile this morning. (Sounds just a little awkward, like she had never smiled before that morning. Was it her first smile that morning, or her first smile to him? Oh, it was her very first smile ever. Could still be worded a little better, to prevent head scratching from the onset.) British english is so awkward, 'smelt' means to fuse or melt (ore) in order to separate the metal contained, not smelled. I never knew about metre, but it makes sense. A meter is a devise for measuring, such as to find out how many metres. That's cool. This is very descriptive writing. Re-fleshing is not my thing, but you write it very well. You are a soul, you have a body. Cheers, and tally ho.

It had been picked it up from the tip and was a bit small for Ben now, (I can't for the life of me figure out what that is saying, maybe its my American english.) she gave me her first smile this morning. (Sounds just a little awkward, like she had never smiled before that morning. Was it her first smile that morning, or her first smile to him? Oh, it was her very first smile ever. Could still be worded a little better, to prevent head scratching from the onset.) British english is so awkward, 'smelt' means to fuse or melt (ore) in order to separate the metal contained, not smelled. I never knew about metre, but it makes sense. A meter is a devise for measuring, such as to find out how many metres. That's cool. This is very descriptive writing. Re-fleshing is not my thing, but you write it very well. You are a soul, you have a body. Cheers, and tally ho.

Jessica, you leave me almost speechless. Yes, it's a fantasy, yes, it's for children or YA, no, it's for everyone. The editing will, as I gather, will be taken care of. But your inventive depth, sensitivity, and the easy, natural flow of your style are there to be seen as marks of a real author, the envy of many a writer here, I feel sure. Backed and highly starred. David Grant "Pompey Chimes"

Very nice characterization and a gripping premise. I very much enjoyed the read. What I would suggest is attention to punctuation. Use of colons is inappropriate and semi colons can, in most cases be reduced to commas. A comma is something to be used when the other part of the sentence can stand as a separate sentence. Another usage to be avoided is the word felt. It is indicative of telling and not showing. These are all minor mechanical details that don't impact on the ability to tell a wonderful story. Any idoit wordsmith can put together a cobbled effort at a story, but it takes a real author to produce a book and you are one. The emotions are all there, as are the settings and the pacing. A small tidy and this would fly off the shelves with no problemo. I can see this as a wildly popular YA book that will be loved by generations once it is tidied. I do not say this lightly as I am an editor for an online magazine of some prominence. Were this a short story that arrived on my desk, I wouldn't be rejecting it. I would be asking for a rewrite to cover the issues I had found. Clean it up and you will have an outright winner. Fix it and you will get my backing.

The concept of this book is clever and enchanting leaving the reader wanting more! Needless to say I will be reading and commenting more in the future. Not backing this book would be a crime in my eyes!

I hav spent the morning reading your book and I loved every word of it. Simply wonderful. :) When it comes out, reserve a copy for me :)

This is really good. There's actually not much else to say; it's excellently written. I'm just going to get technical immediately, since there's only so many ways I can say it's really good. Third paragraph wants a full-stop somewhere to break up the string of concepts, and there are some minor formatting issues with the paragraph indents all through (either use 'em consistently or don't use 'em at all). The bracket preceding "An April Morning" is back-to front, but I noticed the same later on as well; I don't believe that's a typo. It could be a coding issue; try using regular curved brackets instead, at least on Autho.You'll lose readers otherwise; starting a story with what looks like a typo is a bad sign, and some people will just move on immediately that they see it. Since all mss always need re-writing no matter how many drafts they've been through (it's like a painting, there's always one more brush-stroke), I'd advise focussing on the punctuation. Not that it's bad, that's just where I'm noticing the (very few) weaknesses in the piece. A comma here, a full-stop there, and it'll be sublime.

Jessica, I read the first chapter so far only. I think that this is a good idea for a book, and a lovely premise for a love story. I have added it to my wish list to read further when I have a bit more time.  I only noticed two typos- "A few metres away from the man lay an estate agent, where a woman stood gazing at the photographs of homes." I think lay is a peculiar word for a shop- I would recommend the unassuming "was" "He probably had concussion". Missing "a" Best of luck with it.  Maeve  (Mrs. Maginnes is Dead)

Hi Jessica, I have revisited your book and believe that you have great promise as a writer, please keep it up! I always enjoy a nod towards determinism, a concept that I also use in my books. there are just a few points you need to watch out for : be careful of split infinitives as in 'The clinking sound of the drain... ' sentence. Not persuaded by 'shimmering like a king' - do kings shimmer? Have a rethink about using words like 'seemed' and 'felt' these are entirely subjective and always appear vague - as in the part where Ben was confused about his feelings as to which bike to use. You write very descriptively and those two words detract from your skill. Not convinced by 'His leathery hands gave Ben a ticket' - were the hands detached from the bus driver's body? - turn this one around Jessica - 'Ben 's eyes were drawn to the bus driver's leathery hands as he took his ticket' one last one: 'Once you've come here you can't go back to Earth!' are we talking about aliens here or heaven as something above us? Not sure but this may be explained later in the book. Lovely stuff though I will continue to read let me know if you do not want comments. By the way I live in the New Forest. regards Cyrus

I'm more into realism than fantasy but I like the romantic premise and thought this very well written and mature. I'm happy to back it. David

I'm four paragraphs in and I just wanted to stop and say this may very well be the best first page to a children's book I've ever read. The writing is polished and poetic, and Ben is instantly relatable. Kids are going to love this. By the time I reached the end of chapter one, there wasn't much that I would change. These were my thoughts as I read. The paragraph, "Whenever Ben rode the blue one it never felt right..." has "felt" three times. Can you reword some of this to avoid the repetition? Outstanding tension as you continue to remind your young reader that this was "the day that everything changed." Great job building anticipation. When you have any action unrelated to speaking, use a period. "Of course not." Ben shrugged. "I don't really want to hang..." Nice characterization when you reveal that Ben can't wait to be with his little sister because she was the first to smile for him. This makes him even more likeable. The accident feels a little too abrupt. I want to feel Ben's fear before it happens. We get a little bit with, "Oh God, my brakes!" he panicked, forcing the brake leaver as hard as he could. This isn't bad, but I want to feel his fear. I'd also like to feel the pain. "It was indescribable" is telling. As a reader, I want to experience the MC's feelings, even the ones that hurt. Love the symbolism behind: "Museum of Childhood." Your ability to paint a scene is impressive. Great descriptions. This is tightly written. At times, I'm a bit jealous with how well this reads and how publishable this is. Two more felts in close proximity in "Ben felt different." Often times felt can be omitted and you can just describe the feeling. I felt like he realized he was dead too soon. This may just be me, but I wanted him to discover a bit more about where he was before he made the connection. Maybe he can't remember the accident? Maybe there's more confusion? I think it would be more powerful if you waited to reveal this. If nothing else, I think a greater emotional reaction makes more sense. The first thing we read after he realizes he's dead is "look across the space in front of him." This doesn't seem realistic. If you realized you were dead, what's the first thing you would do? Feel? Think? Ultimately, my greatest suggestion in this opening is to make your reader feel. When it comes to emotional response, I'm having a hard time feeling with him. Should be: "Back so soon," she said softly. "How was that life for you?" By the end of the first chapter, I can say with honestly this is one of my new favorite novels on authonomy. I love this book. Let me know when this is published. Highly rated and recommended.

This is absolutely perfect and charming. The ending when Ben chooses his new form is delightful. I can't fault this. It certainly deserves to be published.

i felt like crying when i got to the end. this is such a sweet, simple love story and i absolutely loved to read about anna and bens childhood through to their teenage years. i enjoyed this very much and i feel like i can safely say this is a story all ages will love- not just children. ive added you to my 'favourite authonomy book list' that you can find on my profile. backing this when possible. just loved it.... oh! and 6 stars of course :)

I love the concept of the novel - what a brilliant idea. I don't know much about books written for kids, but I can imagine them really enjoying this. I would have. The writing is good and carries the story comfortably, and at a speedy pace. I'm sure this will do extremely well. Diana Pascual's Birthday

Just fell over this on someone else bookshelf and the title dragged me in to have a look. The first chapter is captivating. The first scene although tragic is action-packed enough to keep the attention of this over-read adult let alone a child! Loved the change of pace at the start of scene two... whe he woke up at the bus stop in Bethnal Green. Perfect.

What a great book. I try to put myself into the mind of a young teenager and I think this would be a favourite for any young person interested in 'other worldly' adventures. I read chapters 1-5 which were very well written, edited and with no typos. The characterization is excellent and the supporting characters are also vividly described. The relationship between Ben and Anna is touching, as are Ben's memories of his Saturday's spent with his dad. You keep the reader engrossed as you switch from Ben's life to the library scenes. I wish you all the best with this and hope to see it in print one day soon. 6* and shelved Karen 19 The Way Things Are

i really love this. ive reread chapter one and now that i have the time, i have gone to chapter three. this is very different and i absolutely love it. just going to throw this out there, but sometimes i feel like this could be YA. will be reading this more and more within the next couple of days.

Hi Jessica. I like this story, I started reading it a while ago. Imaginitive plot, touching, profound and written with a clear effective style. Keep up the good work. Backed as soon as I can, best of luck. Jack

I read the first part of the first chapter many times. I'm intrigued by the idea of this story, but I think that the opening chapter could be improved with some adjustments. Here are my suggestions: I was put off by the excessive foreshadowing. I would foreshadow the accident only once — in the first paragraph or even first sentence. Let that be the story hook, and don't mention anything like "fate" again until the accident happens. The reader will know it's coming. For example the book's first sentence could be: "Deciding which bike to take to school is not usually the most important decision in a person's life. But on one April morning for Ben Bailey, it turned out to be. The next paragraph can describe the pros and cons of each bike, according to Ben's thoughts. Then he makes his choice. In other words, begin the story where the story begins. Now the reader is already immersed. The descriptions of Ben and his surroundings can be relegated to later, when Ben is already on his bike, pedaling to school. The part about Anna was chronologically confusing. I had to read over and over carefully to be certain of where and when they were. (Why did he go to school only to go home when nothing worth mentioning actually happened at school?) I would suggest introducing Anna not in person but only through Ben's thoughts. He can daydream about her and think about how much he can't wait to see her. I think this is more interesting than introducing her in person. It makes the reader look forward to meeting her. It gives her more mystique, makes her less mundane. [Think of Laura Palmer of Twin Peaks, or the mom in Land of the Lost. We only see these characters in memories or visions, although in this case the living/dead roles would be reversed.] It would make more sense if the accident happened on the way to school. That would give a direct connection between the bike selection and the accident. Having the accident on the way home makes them somewhat disconnected. (Perhaps Ben's daydreaming about Anna could even be tied in with the accident before his impending crash snaps him out of it?) I would slow down the scene right before Ben gets hit. He could realize that he is going to fast, that his brakes aren't working, start to panic, see the cross traffic ahead. Describe the thoughts that go through his head — thoughts about trying to regain control of his bike; doubts about whether he made the wrong choice, perhaps. This would build suspense without giving everything away. Seconds before the collision, try describing everything in slow motion. It's an important event for the story, so it deserves a lot of attention. Once Ben has been hit, I think a blackout would be more readable and perhaps more interesting than trying to describe the pain, which you admitted can't be described anyway. When people are surrounding Ben, what does Ben see besides "people"? Give them some faces, some descriptions, some actions, or some words that perhaps they say to each other. That would help me "see" what Ben sees. "This might sound daft, but . . ." Might sound daft to whom? To the reader? The author? To Ben? To his peers? I would definitely take out this phrase. I hope you find something in here helpful. Best of luck, Owen

Interesting idea for a novel, I think it's the sort of thing that your target audience will appreciate. How old is Ben? I've gotten through the first chapter and am engaged and curious to find out what happens next. I'm going to WL and comment more once I get time to read a couple more chapters. If you have some time I'd really appreciate it if you checked out my YA novel, The Emblem of Eternity. It's inspired by the murder of Larry Fobes King, who was shot in the head after asking a boy in his class to be his Valentine. Take care, Raziel

The Library of Living I've read quite a bit of this now and feel able to comment. Reincarnation, friends separated by life and death, the intervention of chance, all powerful themes for a children's novel. You have a simple prose style which would work well for an audience somewhere between 8 - 11, engaging, sweet, no-nonsense. I only comment when I think I can add something with my suggestions so here goes. I think your tale is engaging but currently I fear your pitch almost gives too much away. It perhaps need to be a tad more enigmatic so we don't read everything about what's the come without reading the story. Because of the pitch the reader knew what was happening in Chapter 1 and there was little sense of tension, I wonder if you should start the story straight after the accident, disorientating the reader so they have to work out what exactly is going on. I am not sure if the flash-back chapters need to be there, I found I really wanted to find out what would happen next in the Library and for Ben and as far as I've read so far I cannot see the reason for the flashbacks to the past as they don't seem to add anything to the forward momentum of the story. Mrs Vine is a strong and different character and if you can bring her in earlier to the story you might want to consider it. There is a easy way you've brought to the page, they fly by in no-time and we are soon deeply immersed in the story. My comments are more about style than substance and you must dismiss them if they don't fit with the spirit and grain of your story. The very best of luck and best wishes Andrew W (Benevolence)

Dear Jessarella whilst reincarnation is not my belief I can appreciate your excellent writing style and great ability. regards David

This is an incredible book, Jessica, and I am really enjoying reading it. Not only is it full of mystery and excitement but is very well-written. Children are often afraid of Death, but your story gives a very plausible explalnation of what could happen after we die. One of the best books I've read for a while. Well Done. Backed with stars and on w/l. Kate Grimes LIZZIE -CUPPA TALES - TALES OF WILLOW GREEN -ANNIE.

The Library of Living is the most amazing book. Right away I was interested in knowing why his choosing the red bike changed everything. I'm glad you broke up the flashbacks of his life with chapters on his library visit - otherwise, it would have been too much backstory all at once. I admit, I am most drawn to the story of his afterlife journey. Your idea of the library is so original. I love reading about it. I can tell you put a lot of time into creating all the details and the "rules" of this world. I love the description of the new spirits, and the rule that no one can put books on "reserve" to hold them for another life. Backed! Rosalind Barden American Witch

Hi JESSARELLA RUARI HERE, SORRY IT'S TAKEN SO LONG TO GET BACK TOO YOU, BUT FINALLY MANAGED TO READ YOUR BOOK, FANTASTIC FICTION & IMAGINATION QUITE SCARY THOUGHT THAT YOU MIGHT HAVE ACTUALLY DISCOVERED WHAT HAPPENS AFTER DEATH. REGARDS RUARI

Hi there, Have now got around to reading your story - My comments are as per below; Short pitch - Really like it. Just the whole concept of someone being able to choose how they are reincarnated opens up a whole load of possibilities - really good Long pitch - Liked this as-well. Only aspect I would point out is there is some repetition between the short and long pitches, specifically the first two sentences. I just wondered if you could take these out and add in a few others aspects to your story? Style - really like the way you write. Very clear, concise, good grammar. You're use of the 'senses' in your writing is used to good effect. One particular part I liked was when you showed Ben's senses failing with him as death took over. Really well written. Also liked the sentence ' It suddenly occurred to him he was dead' Very immediate and obviously the realisation has dawned on Ben as to what has happened. Pace - No problems here. You cut straight to the chase with the car accident and Ben's journey to the afterlife. On that note I really liked the aspect of the blue bus taking Ben to the afterlife. Real nice touch. Another aspect I liked was how you make mention that the colour of the bike Ben chose had a bearing on the accident. I don't think you referenced as to why in Chapter 1 so assume this comes clear later on? 'The library of living' will remain on my watchlist for me to find our more! Overall a really good first chapter. I've been a little choosy since joining Authonomy as to what goes in my bookshelf but I've no hesitation in putting yours on there - good stuff. If you get a chance to pop 'Bin To Earth' on your watchlist to peruse at some point I'd be most grateful. All the best and good luck. Matt

Your pitch pulled me in right away. This is a really imaginative idea, with great depth. Main character battle-scarred Ben is likeable right away. The prose style is clear, breezy and likeable as well. The death scene is dramatic and perfectly believable. Then once we are in the afterlife, I feel perfectly content to hear about his adventures, whatever they turn out to be. So, a very good set-up, in the first chapter. Well done, and good luck with this, from Eileen Kardos The Noodle Trail

Well done Jessica! I spent two hours last night reading it. I wasn't in the best of reading moods but 'The library of Living' really tuned in me and I lasted it out, so that is superp work on your part. Later I'm going to add this to my watch list where it will remain for all duriation, until see I see it stocked at Waterstones. Keep writing, you have much to offer 6 stars! Rob Simm Slickswitch

I have backed your book, given it full stars and put it on my bookshelf, so may I just ask - is it perhaps a little long? Also, are there illustrations?

What a pleasure to read such a great writing style. You make your characters live while you evoke the sights and smells of their environments. What sensitivity you display! How effectively you are evoking the relationship between his mom and dad as well as the friendship with Anna. I confess that I wonder, as he does, how his parents ever got together, but it doesn't take much to understand why they are apart. I'll have to pick up on chapter 5 later 'cause I've got to go now. But this is definitely going on my watch list. In the meantime, I just can't help myself. I want to comment on a few typo things. It's a compliment to your writing which is so accurately right on that these things stand out. 1) Somewhere in an early chapter: "... an estate agents (should be agent.) 2) Referring to the cat, you say "likely to scratch." Did you mean "likely to be scratched?' 3) Under "School:" "In front of them was stood..." I think you don't want the "was." 3) "There were a few other children as little as them sat on the carpet ..." Two alternatives. (a) "There were a few other children as little as them sitting ... " or (b) "A few other children as little as them sat ..." 4) Museum of Childhood: Something invaded your typing. " ... felt as though he and his mum were0 classy ..." I'll be back. All that experience you've had certainly has contributed to your being really good at your craft.

Jessica, I just finished reading through chapter four of The Library of Living. What a creative concept. It made me ponder what I would like to be if I had another chance. I always thought I’d like to be a bird, but they keep flying into my picture window and dying… Maybe I’d be National Geographic photographer. Yeah, that’s it - travel the world, meet all kinds of people. Anyway, back to your book. It starts out catching my attention right away. I liked how you used the bikes to explain Ben’s relationships with his dad and step dad. It gives a quick picture of the dilemma and brokenness in Ben’s young life. Then you went into wonderful detail explaining that fateful bike ride. I could almost feel what Ben was experiencing as he lay there in the street dying. Good job. I really do like the library of living concept. That might be fun. But no one in their right mind would choose to be a starving war refugee… we have too many of those as it is. I like that your book makes me think and dream and wonder about what really happens when we die. No matter what we choose to believe, it all takes faith. I enjoyed all the collections of Ben’s memories that he had about Anna. The descriptions of toys and decorated bedrooms and ice cream treats and true friendship are what kids need to read. Once I was halfway through chapter four though, I was ready for the story to move ahead. But I am an adult and adults do not have the same capacity to relish the moment over and over like a child does. So, I think this is all very good. You write from the goodness and optimism that is in your heart and that definitely shines through. Highly starred! Dianna Lanser Nothing But The Blood

I'm not a critic, nor the son of a critic, nor anything apart from a lover of a good tale. Loving yours. Jim

A beautiful tapestry of life and love; of dealing with loss and understanding friendship; I found The Librry of Living a lovely story which enchants and interweaves human emotions with an underlying sense of hope. The characters are instantly relatable and there is a charm to your Library which draws the reader in. A lovely story I'd recomend to anyone who is seeking direction in their lives. I wish you all the best, Emmalena Louisa Ellis (Ginsterpigs)

I don't know why I haven't seen this before. I think it's great. There's a lot of YA about but you have managed to bring something different. You have a recognisable voice and the style you present it in is very appealing. You have brought that story teller talking directly to the reader into it for me, but rather than distancing me from the read as it could (being aware of that storyteller) it does the opposite. I've only read chapter one so far, but will be carrying on for sure. Great idea, good characters - I liked the girl and the boy right off. The idea is very original, and that's good to see. The tone is fairly 'light' - it could, I suppose have been heavy, but its matter of fact relating seems to wrk too. One small thing - and it may just be me - but he seemed younger than the age you made him. I had him at about 12 just by the way you describe him and the general tone. Rare high stars for this, and a shelf place next month at change over. Cariad.

Absolutely wonderful! Your characters are warm and fleshy and huggable. I have no problems backing this.

Great subject . I'll read more later. Grey

Thanks for the friend request. Accepted. The Library of Living is a very metaphorical and effective idea. For me, it’s all about natural love with a hint of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, that What if there were no conventions in society question? What would happen if childhood crushes were allowed to take their natural course? Obviously, adults stop relationships developing at that age for obvious reasons, but what if. The fatal accident is about natural love being stopped. The shocked bystanders are saying how awful that two under age children can have a relationship. I didn’t see Ben as fourteen, I had him much younger because of the description “sniffing the air like a cat”, in his socks. He's so innocent. Teens don’t sniff the air and go round in socks. They sulk and wear strange shoes. Maybe younger would be better. At the heart of this is as story about a relationship, and a very original one at that. Well done. Good luck. I hope this is published. It ought to be.

Hi Jessica, firstly, thank you for the friend request. Secondly, you delighted my gray cells with your synopsis. Leads on easily and happily into your journey. Looking forward to reading more. On Watch List for now. I can relate to what you wrote in your (wonderfully interesting) profile "didn’t enjoy High School and took refuge in both creative writing". I didn't enjoy any school...was shy, always felt alone, and writing was my escape. Where I could disappear, and melt away into never never lands. Looking forward, Jim

I think this is an interesting, rewarding read. You write carefully and with a soothing accuracy that puts me at my ease and an eye for detail that feels genuine. Great stuff. Really. Six stars and on my WL Fran Macilvey, "Trapped"

Your title caught my eye - it's great. You have a really good premise here and I enjoyed reading it. I shall definitely return to read some more. I'll keep this on my watchlist for a while and will shelve it when I have space. Lilian.

I believe that within this there is a high order of talent. I don't want to comment more until I have read it all - but certainly a high standard of writing. One little thing - the cover makes it look like chick-lit, and it is so far from that! Robert

What a wonderful premise... I must return and read more; your going on my bookshelf!

Interesting, fresh and authentic. I warmed up to your reincarnation children's story right away. Patricia Agnes et Yves (Ma Vie en Bleu)

Good title and your pitches work well, although 'people and animals he can return to Earth as' appeared awkward to me. You write very well, excellent vocabulary well pitched at your target readership. The premise is fascinating and from the chapters I've read to date you clearly have the necessary imagination to take the story onwards. An impressive project and well worthy of backing. Good luck with this, I'm enjoying it. Jake

I love fast paced stories that get to action right away. Ben is a really down to earth character that any kid could relate to. Anna is awesome too and reminds me a lot of my little sister when you describe how she dresses. This is perfect writing! The dialogue, the descriptions, the characters are all there! An awesome read:)

A cute story. I started reading and it reminded me of the kind of book you tuck into on a cold day. Don't know how else to describe it. The writing is tight and well paced, very visual as well. Ben is a great character that younger readers will enjoy. You've got a great narrator's voice. It's the kind of writing I wish I could master. I'm starring this for now and will shelve for a few days when I come to it. I'm about a week behind right now. Good luck with this, I see a ton of potential here. It's marketable right now. Missy

i really like how fast paced this was. everything happening so quickly really kept my eyes glued to the screen. this was a fast read for me and i enjoyed it. i think youve got a great idea for a book and it really amazes me how unique this is. youve got a lot of description though, which seems to be your strong point, but i think this book would benefit if you had more dialogue. i love the way you end the first chapter- great hook. highly rated and will try to read more. hoping to hear your feedback on Gut Instincts, melissa :)

I really enjoyed this and will return to read more but will be backing it in the meantime regardless! I love your premise and pitch, very thought provoking, yet fun and modern. I love the burst of action straight away (why wait when the pitch discloses the event anyway!?!?) it grips the reader. To me this is more Young Adult but I could change my mind on reading more perhaps?! I will return and best of luck with it! Laura Bailey Beneath The Blossom Tree

Sigh. In a good way of course. It's raining; it's a Sunday, I'm drinking tea and feeling a tad reflective. Thought I'd sit down and read another chapter. Read four now so here's some comments. The title is great, the writing captivating but I'm wondering who your target audience is. This is quite a long book for a younger reader. Your style is one of story-telling, which older peeps might have a problem with, although the voice is consistent and it's obvious you care about your characters, which makes it easy for the reader to do so. Life, love and loss are universal subjects and you tackle these delicately without getting sentimental. The library idea works and the notion of Ben returning to Anna in some form is charming, although I was a little confused about whether he would in fact remember anything of his past life - and indeed Anna - once he was reborn. Perhaps I'll have to read on to find out... Enough of feeling squidgy, however. It's Sunday; got work tomorrow, so off to buy booze.

Hi Jessica, This is beautifully written. I enjoyed everything: the story, the characters, the pace, the flow, the voice, the descriptions, the dialogue, pathos and the wonderful, yet understated, use of language. The whole package is here. I'd love to offer crit, but having read this, I'm all out. Highly commended. This book has as much commercial potential as I've seen on this site. Good luck with this - if there is any natural justice on authon (errr, which there isn't) this should go all the way. Best wishes, Terry

Beautiful! Just beautifu!! As I've indicated in my profile, I read mostly a non-fiction but I'm now beginning to be open to fiction as well. After all, fiction, non-fiction, it's all just an illusion, right? A mind game to keep us believing this so-called life is real. Good luck on your book.

I just wanted to let you know that I have come back for another reading! I really think that this book is going to be great for kids who are going through death, or to introduce new ideas about the afterlife to kids. This is a tough subject to breach, and you've done it artistically and with style. I am on Chapter 3 now, and can't wait to see what will happen in Chapter 4! I try not to comment on grammar or writing mechanics, as I am not an expert on that myself. Keep up the good work! I realized I never starred you last time, so I hope the high stars I'm giving now will help boost your score a bit. Hope you get a chance to check out Maddy Hatfield and the Magic Locket. Best of luck to you with your book! Ashley

Hi Jessica, I finally got a chance to read more of this after commenting on the pitch a while ago. What a lovely surprise and a great read. Your writing is clean, which is very refreshing. Ben is a very likeable character and the description is very, very good. A few comments: Is it "Library of Living" or "The Library of Living?" Love the imagery of the first paragraph, especially the "daisy dotted grass". However, I think it should be "daisy-dotted grass" "This might sound daft" I would omit that part, as I'm not sure who's telling us this. Who's the narrator here? "a red inky pool haloing around it." Great imagery. I'm confused. Is "A Library" a new chapter? Is it a sign he's read? Might want to clarify this. Great stuff. I'll be sure to read more when I get the chance. On my shelf. I really enjoyed this. Great concept and good writing. If you get the chance, I'd invite you to check out my pitch and read more if interested. I'd love to know your thoughts. All the best! Phil - Deshay of the Woods

The concept of the library is excellent. I only just read the first chapter and already I need to know what happens at the end, which is surely the mark of a good tale.

This is quite charming Jessica and technically a very accomplished piece of prose. On my shelf until I have a bit more time to do it justice. Mick B Gibbous Moon.

Hi Jessica, I'm enjoying the images your colorful writing gives, the mottled banana skin legs, Miss Vine in the library, and the backtracking to the play group. Ben and Anna seem pretty young there so I'm anticipating what happens after Ben has passed on to the library. One phrase was interesting but perplexing - that he had seen Miss Vine like that between his other lives. That seems to presage more on the theme yet I'm not sure how he meant that in the early chapter. I also liked the handling of the bikes and the real father versus the step-father. Would like to read more! Shelved (when space opens up in the next few days) - Katherine (The House in Windward Leaves, The Wide Awake Loons, The Swan Bonnet)

Hi Jessica, Just had a quick chance to check out your pitch. I intend to read more later. Comments about the pitch: The title is fantastic. The alliteration works here. It's simple and tells enough without revealing too much. Good stuff. The short pitch is good, but you might shorten it a bit. Maybe, "When Ben Bailey dies, he awakens in a library; the contents of its books detailing his choices for reincarnation." I don't think you need to say he's a teenager. This is a pitch, after all. Just give them the hook. The long pitch...also good. I'm eager to read this book. Very interesting, and very unique. You might want to go with a more active voice here. For instance, rather than, "The Library of Living is about fourteen-year-old..." just start with "Fourteen-year-old Ben Bailey is tragically killed by a taxi. He awakens in an old library with each book detailing people and animals he can return to earth as." I would delete "The story takes the reader through the lives of Ben and Anna, how they met and became best friends." This tells us too much and doesn't draw the reader in. This is the meat of the story, not the hook. Tease the reader. Just some humble suggestions on the pitch. Really, really good stuff. Can't wait to read more. Phil

You have a great premise here, with lots or potential for a great story with twists and turns and philosophical questions. I lile the voice - "this might sound daft", I like that kind of aside, particularly in a children's book - and you weave in just the right amount of backstory, with the little sister and the bike colours and what they represent - straight away a more sensitive child can identify with Ben.  You have a lot of narration and description, and I wonder whether that would put off your intended audience. Could you add more dialogue, break up the paragraphs into smaller chunks? Also, there are a few punctuation errors with bracketing commas - his best friend, Anna, you need both commas, and with dialogue you need commas rather than full stops - "I know," he said, "and I'm sorry" (I made up that example!). But that's easily fixed. 

Loved the death scene. Just finished chapter one. Before I continue, did u know a boy that passed away at this young age and was this painful for you? The writing has energy and pace and has me wanting to read much more. How will Anna deal with this? Will Ben see and know her thoughts and how will this change her? I'm hoping you gradually give Anna more depth as you pour through her. Am also wondering if your heart is reflected here and how writing this changed you. Michael

Goodness me. What a splendid book. I need to read a lot more than I have read so far, but I am confident that this will make the grade. It does need an edit, but that is true of most first drafts. You have a remarkable talent. I will be very proud, in a year or two, to say I spotted that talent at such an early stage. Many congratulations. Charles

Intriguing theme and a fluid writing style, I find this a fascinating book. I have only read a couple of chapters so far, so prod me in a couple of days for a more detailed response. One of the tests I use is to read or offer a few chapters to my youngest son who is developing into a far more natural and forthright critic then I. I'm selective about the books we talk about and this is definitely one we shall be discussing. Good luck and if you get a moment maybe you could take a look at 'Arrows against Giants'. with regards Cyrus

Your opening chapter is charming despite Ben's death. You write with a gentle hand which is perfect for your target readers. I can see from the pitch, you have used your imagination to come out with an unusual theme for your book and I'm sure it will draw people's interest. I offer nothing in the way of advice and this is not a genre I read much of so I hope you will find younger readers perhaps for a more helpful review, but I know good writing when I see it and this is confident work. Happy to back this. Margaret.

Hello, I really love the concept; it is very thought provoking yet you deal with the heavy themes of the book in a way that is accessible for young readers. It reminds me of 'Ministry of Pandemonium', which also deals with death. One suggestion I have is that you look at the length of your sentences - sometimes they are quite lengthy and could easily be chopped up into two or even three smaller sentences. This would help with some of the pacing issues, especially in action sequences like when your protagonist has the accident. Good luck! Georgi

Hello Jess! You have a very charming style of writing, which is hard not to enjoy. The tone is very pleasant and although this isn't the kind of stuff I would usually read, it makes a refreshing change! Have only read the first chapter but I'm enjoying it so far. I feel very sorry for Ben! With regards to some brief constructive criticism, I think you could work on your speech tags. I won't go into huge amounts of detail because I don't want to drag on, but there are a lot of 'he said', 'she said', 'he replied'. These don't offer much to a sentence, and are better replaced with something descriptive/telling, to help the piece flow. For example: 'Of course not.' Ben replied, 'I don't really want to hang around after school anyway [...]' This could become: 'Of course not.' Ben shrugged. 'I don't really want to hang around after school anyway [...]' We know it's Ben talking, so the words could be better used to accompany the dialogue. Anyway, I hope that's been of some use to you! Thanks for the friend request, I will read on and let you know if there's anything else I can say to help. Really good stuff, highly rated, TJB

Dear Jessica, The Library of Living is a truly moving and wonderful story. The love Ben has for his dad and the pain he feels with his parents’ separation is all too human. I could see Ben on his bike, riding out of control and being hit by the car that caused his death. This is storytelling at its best, but I would like to encourage you to edit it again, and make it even better. I’m only going to mention a couple of examples and please take them with a grain of salt, as I am not an editor. :) An April Morning: “If he had chosen the blue bike, everything would be alright; but he didn’t and it wasn’t and you couldn’t turn back time.” If he had chosen the blue bike everything would be all right, but he hadn’t and you couldn’t turn back time. “So it was the red bike that he chose to take to school on that fateful Tuesday; the day that everything changed.” So it was the red bike that he chose to take to school that fateful Tuesday, the day everything changed. “For a fleeting moment Ben thought if he landed in the bush he would be alright. Ben wasn’t so lucky.” For a fleeting moment Ben thought if he landed in the bush he would be alright, but he wasn’t so lucky. These are just little things that would make the story a bit more flowing. Use or discard the suggestions, and best wishes for its success. Favourite sentence: “It was the uncomfortable feeling of saying goodbye to someone you love, when you’ve only just said hello.” Lovely. Maria Dark of the Moon

Thank you so much for the feedback. I really appreciate it! I have added your book to my watch list and will feed back to you when I've read it. Jessica :-)

interesting idea- written with skill- you describe it well, using effective narrative and dialogue... on my watchlist... read SEASONS...

Hi Jessica Your writing is very good, and the dialogue is natural. I like the sound of the story and can see you having some readers in tears! The short pitch reads a lot better I think, since you changed it. The long pitch is fine, but I think perhaps it could do without 'The author takes the reader...' - perhaps simple 'the book/story takes the reader...' The only things that stood out are small, simple things which can easily be rectified with an edit. For example things like needless words that can be cut out to make things a little more smooth and snappy: '[...] chatting like budgies' instead of 'chatting to each other like budgies'. 'A woman stood gazing at...' instead of 'a woman was standing, gazing...' 'pets and their owners' rather than 'pet owners and their pets' 'could not remember when or with whom' (referring to the library) As well, try not to use terms such as 'was' too much. That is one of my main faults when I'm writing. The woman and the estate agents, above, is one example; another is 'as he cycled down the hill' instead of 'as he was cycling'. One of the most important things is to show as much as possible, rather than telling. So for example, where he realises the brakes have failed, instead of sayinbg 'he realised the brakes had failed' show us his thoughts; 'Oh god! My brakes!' or some such thing. People implement thoughts in various ways, I tend to do it just wherever it feels right - be that within a paragraph, or on a paragraph on its own. I don't use quotes or italics. But it is up to you, really, how you do it. Lastly, don't use abbreviations such as it's, don't, didn't, wouldn't etc. Those only go within dialogue (or thoughts). Other than those little things, nothing stood out. It is well written, and the part where he thinks about Anna, and how they would always be soul mates is particularly beautiful - that paragraph needs no changing at all. Normally, that would be another example of when you should show rather than tell, but I think in this case it should stay as it is. As soon as I have a space on my shelf I will back this. Good luck; I think this will do very well. I'd appreciate it if you have the time to have a rad of, and comment on, my own book too. Thanks :)

My views of "AN APRIL MORNING" para 1- excellent. para 2- can it be rephrased... say- " At fourteen...all over the body. Bumps, bruises, scars, mottled lanky legs, grazed palms each had a tale to tell. para 3- "He opened... thumb. As Ben tugged it he sensed two bikes staring at him, their chracter...darkness. Ah, it might sound harsh but i think you need to read the bike part from here again and see if it can be reworked. Because i might end up subconsciously forcing my story on you. and with regard to the pitch... i will definitely help you once i am finished reading ur book. regards dr amit

Hi Jessica. I am adding your book to my watchlist so I can read and properly comment when I get a chance (I just happened across it by following one of your comments). I'd like to say for now though that the second line of the short pitch is a bit hard to read - I had to read it twice before I realised what it was saying. Perhaps 'The books detail his choices for reincarnation'? I like the idea of the book being set in, basically, the Akashic records. As I said, I will come back and do this properly soon - I only have a couple of books on my watchlist at the moment.

hi jessica i think u need to change the second line of the short pitch and work on the whole of long pitch. and this is wholly my personal view, please donot take it otherwise. i am putting u in my watchlist and will comment as and when i read ur book. regards happy writing dr amit and i will be very grateful if u can kindly read my book and give ur valuable comment and rate the book. will also request u to back the book, atleast add it to ur watchlist. thanks once again.

Hi Jessica Welcome to Authonomy! I have to say I really like the premise of this book - it is very original! I like the title as well (biut wondered if "The Library of Living" had a better ring to it?) I do have a couple of suggestions on your long pitch, which are based on what I have seen and learnt on this site myself. Take them or leave them of course! Its not usual to use the pitch to describe what the story is like, better to let people think it is vivid and imaginative by reading the pitch itself. I would start off perhaps by saying "Ben Bailey is just fourteen when he is tragically killed by..." that way you get the immediate pathos of someone dieing young. I think the word "certain" re Mrs Vine is a bit redundant. Rather than use main concern I would look for something a bit more dramatic like "all he cares about". You might also want to put the again at the end of the sentence and have "his childhood companion and sweetheart" as a clause. I'm not too convinced by the next section. I don't think the background detail about how they met, or Ben's homelife is too necessary at this stage - the part of the story that people will be gripped by is how he chooses what to come back as, what is happening to Anna, and will they get back together. There is plenty of time to explore the back story in the main text. The final sentence could read " Whilst Ben is getting to grips with the contents of the library and three spirits he meets there, Anna has to come to terms with her life now and a future without Ben"... I've only had time to read a couple of chapters, and perhaps more detailed review/comment will come later but I was impressed by what I saw. I am sure you will benefit from much better advice than mine as you try and make it even better. On my watchlist and 5 stars from me.