BY FIRE on Independent Book Review’s 2022 list of
“The Best Books We Read This Year.”
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By Fire
by Rhonda Harris Slota
Set in rural, southern Indiana in the 50’s-70’s, these poems tell the story of a complex family dynamic. This debut collection blends Bible images, authentic dialogue and powerful natural forces to relay the effects of family trauma and mental illness.
The daughter often questions her own sanity as she watches her fundamentalist father struggle with internal demons and the illusion that he is the prophet, Elijah. In this patriarchal world, the women hold together the seams of life’s tapestry through perseverance, inner wisdom and love.
As time passes and the father plunges deep into his fears and delusions, his young daughter learns to forge her own pathway through the maze of duality: dark and light, fear and joy. This finally leads her to reconciliation and acceptance through spiritual surrender.
By Fire
by Rhonda Harris Slota
Set in rural, southern Indiana in the 50’s-70’s, these poems tell the story of a complex family dynamic. This debut collection blends Bible images, authentic dialogue and powerful natural forces to relay the effects of family trauma and mental illness.
The daughter often questions her own sanity as she watches her fundamentalist father struggle with internal demons and the illusion that he is the prophet, Elijah. In this patriarchal world, the women hold together the seams of life’s tapestry through perseverance, inner wisdom and love.
As time passes and the father plunges deep into his fears and delusions, his young daughter learns to forge her own pathway through the maze of duality: dark and light, fear and joy. This finally leads her to reconciliation and acceptance through spiritual surrender.
“Beautifully written and emotionally resonant.”About Rhonda
Rhonda Harris Slota grew up in Bloomington, Indiana and received her BA in English from Indiana University. She moved to northern California in 1982. She was awarded the ‘Jessamyn West Creative Writing Poetry Award’ from Napa Valley College in both 1983 and 1984 and received the Grand Prize from the American Poetry Association in 1983. She completed her MA in English/Creative Writing at San Francisco State University in 1991. Her career pathway led to teaching and administration in secondary, community college and adult education. She retired in 2016 as Napa Valley Adult Education Principal after 30 + years in public education. She lives in Vallejo, California with her son, continues to write poetry, teaches Yoga and consults as a Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner, Ayurvedic Yoga Therapist, Kali Ki Reiki Master and Teacher.
Visit Rhonda at www.thejourneytowellness.com.
About Rhonda
Rhonda Harris Slota grew up in Bloomington, Indiana and received her BA in English from Indiana University. She moved to northern California in 1982. She was awarded the ‘Jessamyn West Creative Writing Poetry Award’ from Napa Valley College in both 1983 and 1984 and received the Grand Prize from the American Poetry Association in 1983. She completed her MA in English/Creative Writing at San Francisco State University in 1991. Her career pathway led to teaching and administration in secondary, community college and adult education. She retired in 2016 as Napa Valley Adult Education Principal after 30 + years in public education. She lives in Vallejo, California with her son, continues to write poetry, teaches Yoga and consults as a Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner, Ayurvedic Yoga Therapist, Kali Ki Reiki Master and Teacher.
Visit Rhonda at www.thejourneytowellness.com.
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