The Library of Living

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)

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

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.

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.

"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"

teenage paranormal is a whole big section in B&N

"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.

The Library of the Living.
By Jessica Jade Burton.

Read some of this a while back, have now read further and can recommend it.
A lovely children’s book that you have written here, Jessica.
What I noticed about it most is the description… vivid, picturesque writing.
It really is very good.
This is most important in any children’s book…it keeps them involved.
I think the storyline 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.
I like the book cover; it's bound to catch the kids eye 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 many stars!!
Well done!

Kind regards,

Neville. The Secrets of the Forest - The Time Zone.

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