Joyce Sweeney Knihy

To escape their abusive father, five brothers take to the road Shawn and his brothers sit around the kitchen table, eating dinner and kidding around. They’re just like any other teenagers having a good time—until a groan comes from the living room, and the boys go dead silent. Their father is waking up, and he is angry. When Dad finds out that one of Shawn’s brothers scratched the car, he flies into a rage, slapping his son around until the boy has no tears left. It’s a horrifying scene—and one they’ve watched a thousand times before.   That night, Shawn makes a decision. He’s running away, and he’s taking his brothers with him. They set out on the open road with only as much as they can carry, hoping to find a better life. But as the journey becomes more and more arduous, Shawn realizes that he and his brothers will have to rely on one another if they’re going to survive.

The collection of poems reflects Joyce Sweeney's emotional journey as she and her husband attempted to help Irene, a depressed, drug-addicted woman, over three tumultuous years. Following Irene's tragic suicide in 2011, Sweeney channels her grief and experiences into poetry, aiming to honor Irene's memory and raise awareness about mental health. With a background in writing young adult novels and poetry, Sweeney hopes her work will resonate with others facing similar struggles, while also supporting organizations that assist those affected by suicide.

Neil fühlt sich unwohl und hat panische Angst, seit er die Höhle im Ocala Nationalpark betreten hat. Die vier Jungen verlieren den Rückweg und aus einem harmlosen Ausflug wird ein gefährlicher Irrweg in der Dunkelheit.

Sophie, an ambitious honors student with dreams of becoming a poet, faces a life-altering challenge when an unexpected pregnancy disrupts her plans. Amidst her struggle, she begins receiving ominous notes that threaten her stability. As her due date nears, buried secrets emerge, leading to a tumultuous journey of self-discovery. The narrative explores themes of resilience and identity, questioning whether Sophie is succumbing to madness or uncovering her true self.