A beautiful novel by Karla Self.
Available from your favorite bookseller.
The Spaces That Hold You
SILVER AWARD WINNER — Northern California Publishers & Authors Awards"I was crying by the end of the prologue.""Riveted throughout.""This book gives you all the feels."Left alone in the shadows of his mother's past, one boy must face the blinding light of the truth.Levi Strong learned how to keep a secret well before he knew how to tie his shoes. He knows when to speak, when to stay silent, and how to make himself small enough that no one asks the wrong questions. When your mother’s life is built on a shifting founda-tion, silence feels like a means to survival.In a forgotten corner of 1960s California, Levi protects his mother while guarding a desperate, unspoken dream: that somewhere, he might have a father. That somewhere, there is a name he is supposed to carry, and a place where he truly belongs.But when his mother vanishes overnight, the fragile wall of silence shatters. She leaves behind a trail of buried deceptions that drag Levi into a darkness deeper than he ever imagined. To survive, he can no longer stay hidden. He must face the wreckage of her missing past, uncovering truths that will alter everything he thought he knew about himself.This heartbreaking and gripping novel explores the devastating weight of family se-crets, the painful light of truth, and the profound connection of those who choose to stand with us when all hope seems lost.
AUTHOR ~ KARLA SELF
~ a living, breathing human being
This novel, though fiction, was inspired by Karla's rewarding career in social services, where she was dedicated to the well-being of our most vulnerable children, specializing in family finding. She wanted to convey the devastation that many young people face when things go wrong in their lives and the hope that can be found in spite of it. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, Randy, and has three adult children and eight grandchildren. Karla has proven to be an accomplished writer with the ability to craft a story that touches the heart and soul. The Spaces That Hold You has received critical acclaim for its depth, authenticity, and emotional resonance. With a passion for storytelling, Karla continues to explore the human experience through her writing, leaving a lasting impact on readers worldwide. She has the ability to captivate, resonate, and allow readers to immerse themselves in the spaces of their own hearts as they join Levi on his unforgettable journey.
Accolades
The Spaces That Hold You - Review from Judge, 32nd Annual Writer’s Digest… Book Awards.This book is exemplary in production quality and cover design.This book is exemplary in its choice of topic or theme of the story. It is unique but still has strong appeal for most readers in its intended genre. The book is well plotted.This book is exemplary in its voice and writing style. It has a unique voice, and the writing style is consistent throughout. The style and tone are also consistent with or will appeal to readers of the intended genre.This book is a poignant and humanizing portrait of the kind of small town and its inhabitants that have an air of desolation and desperation that comes with isolation and poverty, but it wasn't over the top. Levi and Katherine were believable characters with cogent and understandable motives. The secrets of Katharine's past were also an effective hook to keep the reader wanting to learn more.
Review by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Spaces That Hold You is a work of fiction in the interpersonal drama, coming-of-age, and slice-of-life subgenres. It was penned by author Karla Self with narration provided for the audiobook version by Josh Self. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience. This deeply poignant narrative is set in 1960s Kelsey, a town marked by the Dust Bowl migration in California. Levi Strong, the protagonist, navigates life's challenges in a place where history, racism, and indifference shape the landscape. The story delves into Levi's search for identity and the complexities of his mother Katharine's secrets, all against the backdrop of a town divided by prejudice.Author Karla Self has crafted a heartfelt and emotional journey that gives so much detail, atmosphere, and life to a small town that you feel instantly as though you’re right there with her characters. The slow Southern drawl of the dialogue encapsulates the atmosphere, immersing readers in Levi's world and showcasing the attitudes and humor of the people of Kelsey with vivid language. The narrative has a tender and respectful way of exploring themes of racism and identity, capturing the pulse of history and the endurance of hope amid hardship without ever stepping into anything gimmicky. The characters are vividly penned and rise wonderfully to meet the struggles and triumphs that make them so relatable and memorable.In terms of its audiobook presentation, this enchanting story is only further enriched by narrator Josh Self’s emotional depth, vividly painting a picture of a time and place with a warm and wistful voice. The editing was crisp and clear, and everything was delivered at a superb pace to really get readers into the story. Overall, The Spaces That Hold You is a beautiful, sometimes tragic, but always heartwarming exploration of the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity, and I would certainly recommend it to fans of accomplished Southern drama everywhere.
BY SUZIE HOUZLEY, FOR
MIDWEST BOOK REVIEWS
Synopsis: Step into the captivating world of The Spaces That Hold You, where the poignant journey of Levi Strong unfolds against the backdrop of 1960s Kelsey.In a town haunted by the shadows of racism and indifference, Levi's search for his identity and belonging tugs at readers' heartstrings. As the son of an orphan mother, Katharine, Levi grapples with the absence of a father figure, weaving a tale of secrets and revelations that will leave you spellbound.Join this emotional rollercoaster as Levi navigates through life's challenges, resonating with the echoes of history and resilience.Critique: The Space That Holds You is a gripping tale of Levi Strong set in the tumultuous year of 1960 that takes readers on a poignant journey of struggle, resilience, and hope as this powerful narrative will leave you captivated till the very last page.Karla Self's exceptional storytelling transports readers to a bygone era of harsh realities and introduces them to characters whose resilience and strength resonate deeply. Each page captivates and inspires and reveals a tale of courage and determination.Karla Self's work is a testament to the enduring impact of literature on confronting societal issues and shaping our collective world.