Amy Hill Hearth is a New York Times and Washington Post bestselling author, best known for discovering the Delany Sisters and writing the bestseller HAVING OUR SAY, which was adapted for Broadway and film. She specializes in books about women, particularly forgotten stories and elder wisdom. Her work, encompassing both novels and non-fiction, often unearths hidden historical narratives and gives voice to the previously silenced, bringing readers poignant and inspiring stories of strong women and their experiences. Through her distinctive narrative style, she illuminates significant, often overlooked, lives and legacies.
The narrative centers on Marion "Strong Medicine" Gould, a Native American matriarch whose life embodies the enduring traditions and values of her culture. Through her inspiring true story, the book highlights the importance of preserving the Indian way of life, offering insights into her experiences and wisdom that reflect a rich heritage. The author weaves a compelling account that serves as both a tribute to Gould's legacy and a reminder of the cultural narratives that must be honored and remembered.
In their 200+ combined years, Sadie and Bessie Delany have seen it all. They saw their father, who was born into slavery, become America's first black Episcopal bishop. They saw their mother--a woman of mixed racial parentage who was born free--give birth to ten children, all of whom would become college-educated, successful professionals in a time when blacks could scarcely expect to receive a high school diploma. They saw the post-Reconstruction South, the Jim Crow laws, Harlem's Golden Age, and the Civil Rights movement--and, in their own feisty, wise, inimitable way, they've got a lot to say about it.More than a firsthand account of black American history, "Having Our Say" teaches us about surviving, thriving, and embracing life, no matter what obstacles are in our way.
"A mere five words into this gripping story I could hear the thrum of the Jaws music inside my head. Based on real-life events, Amy Hill Hearth captures two weeks of terror in an age of innocence. A riveting tale. Be bold — make it your beach read."—Marshall Karp, #1 New York Times bestselling author"This is not just a story about the horrific attacks that took the lives of four people in the twelve days that the shark roamed the shores; it is a story of courage, hope, grief, and resilience in the face of adversity. The characters are all beautifully written and have a tremendous depth that adds so much emotion to the story." Five stars-the_britishbookworm, Dorset, UK"A deeply compelling novel rich with historical detail and surprising parallels to our modern world."—Hester Young, author of The Gates of Evangeline and The Burning Island"Wherever Amy Hill Hearth turns her attention, history comes alive. In this novel, we discover the sun-splashed beauty of the Jersey Shore in the summer of 1916, when the threat of war, a polio epidemic, and a dangerous great white shark threaten the residents and tourists, and the fear of these threats hang above the ocean like storm clouds. Silent Came the Monster is a thrilling, unforgettable journey into the past."—Peter Golden, author of Nothing Is Forgotten"This book does not come out until May but I gobbled it up"..."awesome"..."does not disappoint."-Skylark Bookstore, Columbia, Missouri, the first bookstore to review the book.Publisher's Synopsis:"Sharks are as timid as rabbits." So says a superintendent of the Coast Guard, dismissing the possibility that a shark could be the culprit in an unprecedented fatal attack on a swimmer at the Jersey Shore.It's July 1916, a time when little is known about ocean creatures, and swimming in the sea is a relatively new pastime. Americans up and down the East Coast are shocked and mystified by the swimmer's death. Little do they know that this is only the beginning.A prominent surgeon at the shore, Dr. Halsey, after examining the wounds of the first victim, is the only person who believes that the creature is a shark and that it will strike again. But the public as well as the authorities--and even those who witnessed the attacks--don't believe him. Dr. Halsey finds himself fighting widespread confusion, conspiracy theories, defiance, and outright denial of the shark.Seeking the input of commercial fishermen, Dr. Halsey learns that they have long been concerned about a creature they call the beast. The local Native Americans, the Lenape, have their own beliefs as well.The shark attacks occur in an already fraught time. A brutal war rages in Europe, and Americans are divided about becoming involved. Meanwhile, an unprecedented outbreak of "infantile paralysis" (polio) creates widespread panic. Into this scenario, the sea monster arrives. But what is it? Theories range from a huge mackerel to a giant sea turtle, or even a German submarine.The story of the 1916 Jersey Shore shark, believed to be a great white, changed the way Americans think of the seashore, reminding us once again that nature plays by its own rules.
Exploring the lives of the Delany sisters, this book delves into their remarkable experiences over a century, highlighting their resilience and wisdom. The sisters share their personal stories, reflecting on significant historical events, family dynamics, and the challenges they faced as African American women. Their unique perspectives offer valuable insights into race, gender, and the passage of time, making it an inspiring narrative of strength and perseverance.
