Book Jacket

 

rank 556
word count 28628
date submitted 16.12.2011
date updated 08.05.2012
genres: Harper True Life
classification: moderate
incomplete

Lightning in my Wires

Caitlin Avery

One woman's search for self and love in the city of lost souls

 

Avery lives in La La Land with a boyfriend who’s totally loaded. Their bond is made strong by a passion for escapism. He pops pills and inhales cocaine, teetering between manic and despondent. She numbs her pain with Mary Jane and exorcisms that combine vodka and razor blades. When her deviance becomes more than her man can handle, he boots her out of his mansion and revokes her ticket to ride out life in oblivion.

So she bungees a box of Fed Ex’d memories from her mom to her motorbike, stuffs her cats in a knapsack, and turns her back on the days of dizzy living.

With the pain of the lush life lodged in her veins, and ruminations from the box, Avery sets out on a path to calm the “lightning” in her wires – a journey that’s about learning from her mistakes, and learning how to accept herself entirely – one that will ultimately change her life forever.

Lightning in my Wires, explores a young woman’s effort to change her perception, on a trek that doesn’t take a trip around the world.

* manuscript is complete at approx. 75,000 words

 
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tags

autobiography, coming of age, inner peace, inspirational, love, memoir, self acceptance, self help, spiritual development

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49 comments

 

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faith rose wrote 118 days ago

Dear Caitlin,
After reading your first chapter, it is quite clear why this powerfully written memoir is quickly climbing up the ranks. You write with a rare blend of tenderness and confidence, authenticating each new phrase. I love the reference to a larger scope of affairs in government, especially the witty mention of "state of the union" and "balancing the budget." You have even managed to weave this analogy all the way through to the end of the chapter. This is excellent writing. Giving you many stars today and hoping to read more soon.
All the very best,
Faith Rose
Now To Him

Wussyboy wrote 157 days ago

I'm with Tammy. There is nothing wrong with this book, and everything right. 'Lightning in my Wires' is the best (and most polished) memoir I have read on this site.

Six stars from me, and while I don't have a shelf space free at the mo, I know who does. She's going to say "Ten years ago, you were Max."

Joe Kovacs
Rupee Millionaires

kiwigirl2011 wrote 159 days ago

What can I say? Fantastic. This has gone straight on my shelf, only the second book in 6 months to do so! I can't offer any critque sorry because I didn't find anything to be critical about.
Six stars
Tammy Robinson

danielle.marie wrote 45 days ago

Caitlin,
Wow..absolutely fantastic!. It is wonderfully written and I can't wait to continue the read! It flows very nicely even though there are some very sensitive topics being described.
Chemical warfare on the brain has been known to kill the creativity in artists and geniuses alike...this was one of my favorite lines so far.
Danielle
A Collection of Chaos

Narcissus wrote 81 days ago

Lightening in my wires
By: Caitlin Avery
One comment suggested this was a true story. I didn't see that anywhere...maybe I missed it, but it does feel a bit like I'm reading someone's diary. I read five chapters with ease. flows nicely even though there are a couple disturbing things going on...mainly, disfunctionality! Makes me wonder about this woman...she comes across as so together in her thinking when she also feels the need to cut herself, drink to much, and get high? It's no wonder this book is doing so well in such a short period of time! I will look forward to exploring more of "Avery's" journey in the near future.
Chapter one is almost flawless! Stark reality "feeling" as this woman goes through a difficult day. I only found one thing that I think is obvious, otherwise, very tight, flows well, weaving in a little background as the present is unraveled. Well done!
- Max is happy to discuss the plot to kill....Times a wasting—and you're no spring chicken....(I think it should be: Time's a wasting...?)
- An hour later I'm nestled on the couch, salting my second margarita with a bunch of tears....(love that!)
Chapter two:
- I'm having another bad day....In the end, I was not able (to?) defend myself.
Same paragraph: Guess I'll have to bitch to you instead. ("to bitch to", feels slightly awkward but I suppose it works. I wonder if it might be better as: Guess I'll have to bitch at you instead. ?)
Chapter four:
- I'm restless after a futile hour with my shrink this afternoon. Dr(.) Brown acted like.... (Dr should be Dr.)
- When the service ends, I clutch my love note....(Two little things here. First, the prior paragraph begins with, "When the song ends", and this one, "When the service ends", not sure if this is a concern to you... Second, "I feel much better then I did when I arrived." THEN should be THAN.)
Chapter five:
- Fuck, no such luck....Aside from their munching (,) the apartment is saturated in silence. (comma?)

Great beginning! High stars and a shelf space when a space opens up!
Best of luck, Caitlin and let's keep in touch!
~J. H. F. White - Isles End: A Spiritual Thriller




HarryP wrote 85 days ago

Hey --So I read the first six chapters this morning - two ends of the spectrum me and you! Very 'American' with analysts and therapy--and LA --the young lady in your book comes across as priveldged and indulged and self-precocupied--I'm hoping I get to like her more as the book unfolds!!
You certainly feel for her melencholy angst that she languishes in. Sounds a bit harsh doesnt it? Just my take on the character you have painted so far....

CarolinaAl wrote 91 days ago

I read your second and fifth chapters three weeks ago. I read your first chapter today.

General comments: A touching start. Avery is a fascinating central character with a self-destructive problem. By the end of the first chapter, I want to see how things work out for her. Vivid imagery. Superb tension. Quick pacing.

Specific comments on the first chapter:
1) "Times a wasting" should be "Time's a wasting.'
2) "Don't wait up" he insists. Comma after 'up.'
3) 'I have my own row to hoe' is cliche. Consider writing the same idea, but in a fresher way.
4) 'Time stops, despite the clocks incessant ticking.' Clocks (plural) should be clock's (possessive).
5) Excellent end of chapter hook.

I hope these comments help you further polish your all important first chapter. These are just my opinions. Use what works for you and discard the rest.

Have a marvelous day.

Al

AudreyB wrote 92 days ago

Hi, Caitlin–this is an unforgivably late review from AudreyB. I recently audited my comments and discovered I owed TWENTY TWO reciprocal reviews. I am filled with shame. On the other hand, my English teacher alter-ego, The Grammar Hag, never feels shame. If I say anything you don’t like, it was probably her idea.

To me—not a reader of chick lit—the compelling part of your pitches is that the story is true. But I doubt I represent the majority of the market.

I really like the opening. I think it’s been long enough that we can use 9/11 in our writing, and the dissonance we all felt 6 months later helps me understand your MC’s feelings. It’s especially effective when you close with the Homeland Security comment.

You’ve got an instance of shear exhaustion that should be sheer exhaustion. Avery sneaks a second peak at someone. Daisy’s should be daisies.

Your chapters all read as separate essays. I like that effect.

Well, I’ve just finished five chapters and am still engaged and interested. I like the power of your writing; it’s crisp and edgy and alive. Your ranking should be much, much higher.

Wishing you all the best with your ms, and I apologize again for taking so long to return your read.
~AudreyB
Forgiveness Fits

Mia DiDio wrote 100 days ago

Ohh Caitlin, I am lovin' this story! I should be working & writing & analyzing by Angel recordings today but nooo, I got sidetracked by Avery in her Goin-to-Jesus peace meetings.

I've added you to my watchlist to keep reading. I really adore the very witty and smart sarcasm your MC is. Will rate soon.

Angels Abound . . .
~ Mia
"Thy Kingdom Come"

Kim Padgett-Clarke wrote 100 days ago

What a fantastic book. Superbly written. Max and Avery are complex characters each with their own destructive flaws. I work in mental health so manic depression and self-harming are a daily reality. The scene in the bathroom where Avery cuts herself is beautifully written. You touch the very heart of the problem in a matter of fact no nonsense way. It's a lesson for everyone to learn, that sometimes what appears to be the perfect life, when looked at more closely, is anything but. Sometimes the cracks aren't always visible. My husband bought me a Kindle for Christmas and I will be downloading Lightning In My Wires on to it. All the best for the future. Six well deserved stars.

Kim (Pain)

L_MC wrote 105 days ago

Excellent title and cover that really drew my attention. I've read seven chapters so far and understanding the concept of the title now. This is the second memoir I've read today and like the other I've found this open and honest. It feels real, well written and I became completely engrossed in your story.

You draw some very effective analogies, the quotes set the tone and so much is poignant. That scene in the bath when Avery used the razor will stay with me, so much torment. Agape seems like it provided a gateway to the journey and I'm interested to see where it goes. I want to keep reading and find out how Avery calms the lightening. Thank you for sharing this.

Lesa

David Price wrote 107 days ago

Caitlin,

I have found the first 3 chapters quite rivetting and moving. The most affecting thing that comes across about your work is your fearlessness, your apparent aim to reveal the darkest aspects of your soul. This is a challenging work, but you write so well and so honestly about the world you inhabit that we can't help feel for you. Highly starred.

David

mcgroarty7 wrote 109 days ago

This is all marvellous. All of it. Intelligent, artistic, I won't bore you with more words like that. I'm on Chapter Three as of now and I blasted through the first two. The words just mould into each other and create a gorgeous sculpture. Here's my criticism. I now harbour envy. Maybe I could plaguerise some of it. Let me know if I can. Thanks Caitlin, supreme read so far.

stubeam wrote 110 days ago

A great read! I was surprised how much this book slowly pulled me in and made me want to read more and more. I like your writing style as its frank and easy to relate to. I would definitely reccomend this!

Red2u wrote 110 days ago

What a wonderful memoire. I can relate very well as I too have had a realtionship such as yours. It's so hard to let go, when it's good it's great but when it's down it's hell! Congrats on getting down on paper. I have given this book high ratings.
Red

strachan gordon wrote 112 days ago

Hello Caitlin , a poetic name I think , I was absorbed in your first chapter and you gave me a clear sense of the two main characters , though I think perhaps the male characters bi-polar disorder might have been useful in creating very dramatic situations - but I know from experience that these kind of observations are irritating, as it would involve substantial rewriting. I shall certainly be reading on. Watchlisted and starred. I wonder if it is at all possible if you would be able to look at the first chapter of my novel 'A Buccaneer' , which is set amongst Pirates in the 17th century and includes lost love, Cambridge University ,Sir Henry Morgan , the attack on Panama 1671, beautiful Spanish ladies and much more , with best wishes from Strachan Gordon

LifestyleLynn wrote 113 days ago

I can relate to so many parts of this chapter, we give up our friends for relationships, we never think we are good enough, we beat ourselves up and I have also sought to find solace in the house of God, I think everyone does this at some time in their lives. Its so easy to read, a rollercoaster of thoughts, emotions and experiences, I'm right there with you, searching and using other means i.e. alcohol, pot to block out what's really happening. A materialistic world is so hard to replace when you are faced with reality, I've been there. Caitlin, I cannot wait to read more.

Zerin Mewa wrote 114 days ago

I've read the first few chapters and only stopped because my little one woke up! I was hooked from chapter one, your writing is smooth and the storyline is easy to follow, some parts also made me chuckle a little! I wish I had space on my shelf! In the mean time straight on my watchlist and highly rated! :-)

Diwrite wrote 115 days ago

Not my usual genre, but an interesting read. It's engaging and has a good flow to it.

I'm starring it and will give it a spin on my shelf.

Good luck!
Diana
Pascual's Birthday

CarolinaAl wrote 115 days ago

I read your first two Authonomy chapters.

General comments: An engaging start. A witty, wise central character. Excellent use of deep point of view. Thought-provoking narrative. Effective descriptions. Good sense of place. Appropriate tension. Smooth pacing.

Specific comments on the first Authonomy chapter (it's titled chapter 2):
1) ' ... and I didn't have the energy to duke it out with dad.' Capitalize 'dad.' When a kinship term is used as a name, it becomes a proper noun and is capitalized.
2) 'My mom is 56.' Spell out numbers 1-99. There is another case where you should spell out the number.
3) "Consider your self forewarned.' 'Your self' is one word.

Specific comments on the second Authonomy chapter (it's titled chapter 5):
1) Hyphenate 'fish flavored.'
2) ' ... so I accept my position as great vantage point to check out the crowd.' Insert 'a' after 'as.'
3) ' ... and thank god for the strong Cape Cod that's about to cap off this crappy day.' Capitalize 'god.'
4) Hyphenate 'shit faced.'

I hope these comments help you further polish your all important opening pages. These are just my opinions. Use what works for you and discard the rest.

Would you please take a look at "Savannah Oak" and let me know what you think?

Have a marvelous day.

Al

Rebel Guru wrote 117 days ago

You are 'you' in the book, simply apparent to the reader, a skill every author aspires to reflect, I can only thank you for sharing your life, it makes me understand my own....
Wonderful read, and the energy!
in theater this energy is called skill.
The narration makes me know you in person, I only knew a women's mind from her reactions, what she 'feels' I know better now,
keep sharing and writing, you know the art to express truly, your mind just needs to recollect what your heart felt, and books will follow.
Lights may get shut, but stay awake and write, your work will inspire many to understand what to expect from life and avoid the unnecessary void we call loneliness.

cheers, stay warm and joyous always,

Arun

faith rose wrote 118 days ago

Dear Caitlin,
After reading your first chapter, it is quite clear why this powerfully written memoir is quickly climbing up the ranks. You write with a rare blend of tenderness and confidence, authenticating each new phrase. I love the reference to a larger scope of affairs in government, especially the witty mention of "state of the union" and "balancing the budget." You have even managed to weave this analogy all the way through to the end of the chapter. This is excellent writing. Giving you many stars today and hoping to read more soon.
All the very best,
Faith Rose
Now To Him

Sandy Simmonds wrote 118 days ago

This book is very well written. It makes the reader climb right inside the mind of the main character. She is disturbed, confused and suffers from a lack of closeness with her parents, which is probably to blame for her psychological disorders. The fact that she hooked up with another person who suffers from such disorders was a recipe for disaster. I can't wait to read more; it will be interesting to see what becomes of Avery. Enjoyable and rated 6 :)

ScottTrimas wrote 119 days ago

Not really my type of genre but from what I read in the plot it sounds like a really good book. Highly starred!
Thanks,
Scott

Toxic Beauty wrote 119 days ago

"I felt isolated by them because of my sexuality...lipstick lesbian sensitibilities...testosterone in the air...I flirted with half a dozen guys...atmosphere...full of dirt and greasy guys...noticed a young stud staring at me from behind the counter of the Hot Sausage tent..."

What a memoir! I choke down page upon page of smokey, raw, psychological, double-entendre first person interpretations of you(?) or rather, "Her" world...and you pull if off with such flowing iambic mastery..albiet at a manic pace! My character Cynbad in Toxic Beauty (Cynbad) would love to meet your character someday! They would probably overwhelm each other at first, but unleash a storm of melodrama fit for an author who could do justice to their self-imposed dillemmas!

6 Stars, and best of luck with the final outcome.
Jaye
Toxic Beauty

JKass wrote 120 days ago

Great opening. Its awesome to see another strong, brutally honest Non-Fiction writer on Authonomy. A very rare thing.

LifestyleLynn wrote 120 days ago

I'm sucked in, it's so easy to read its 2am I want to read more. I think having spent time in the States helps me understand it more, I'm from the UK. I would like my teenagers to read this, in this materialistic world it just goes to show how everyone thinks having money makes u happy. I am going to read all of this, its true from the heart! Well done, the best therapy of all I think, writing !!

Lou Hemmingway

ericardoz wrote 122 days ago

I only read to chapter five but I can tell this is a deeply personal story of the main characters journey to find peace. The story opened several months after Sept. 11..which by itself was a time of rebuilding for the U.S..ties into the story perfectly for the main character needs to rebuild her life. The tension between the main character and her boyfriend keeps the flow of story moving toward a climax.

SonofDagda wrote 123 days ago

Well written, very brutally sweet and honest in the best sense of those words. I love the weaving of political terms like "homeland security" as a metaphor for your personal struggles.

Emma.L.H. wrote 123 days ago

Very well written. I'd definitely like to read more of this when I find time. All the best with it.

swhittaker79 wrote 123 days ago

Strong, clean writing.

I like the wryness quite a bit. I can see why it's doing well.

Also, the contextualization with the just post-9/11 and the use of 9/11 language to describe personal events is a really interesting and good use of the language.

Well done.

Mademoiselle Nobel wrote 125 days ago

~Lightning in my Wires~

I love your writing style, Caitlin! I've read 6 chapters so far and just cannot stop reading!

It's dark and gritty in tone and topic, but lighthearted too! It takes a great amount of skill for any writer to be able to do make dark matter (depression, drugs, homelessness, etc) lighthearted and you've aced it!

I also love the inspirational quotes at the beginning of each chapter!

Fantastic lines like 'I'm about to delve into another diatribe when the doorbell rings,' '...salting my second margarita' and '...it was some comment along those lines that made her feel like I had one hand on her will and the other one on the lid of her casket.'

Thoroughly deserving of 6 stars! Great job! I can't wait to read the rest to find out what happens to Avery!

Iman xxx

http://www.authonomy.com/books/39355/miss-manners

femmefranglaise wrote 125 days ago

Hi Caitlin

I've read the first few chapters of you memoir and really, enjoyed it. It's tightly written, well paced, brutally honest but there's an underlying sense of humour that makes me think that Avery will be OK in the end. I could so sympathise with so much of Avery's feelings. I've backed it, watchlisted it and highly starred it. It'll be on my bookshelf when I have room.

Take care
Melanie
La Vie en Rosé

EMDelaney wrote 135 days ago

LIGHTNING IN MY WIRES / Caitlin Avery

This is a well-polished work with strong narrative. I get a feel for the MCs plight right away, though I have to say that the pitch being in third person didn't seem as strong as it could have been.

There is wit, attention to detail in craft and humor wound into this work. Avery 's early dilemma is explained well, though I failed to grasp why Max was such a bad sort. Again, from the pitch I get the idea that he is going to be a bad guy but the first chapters, where he is featured, fail to qualify that to me. He is rich, yes, he does end the relationship, yes again, but, I think if I was with someone who was so ficused on the material aspects of a relationship with me, I'd probably go a bit 'flat' also.

The MC has troubles that are depicted early and explained well. Her dilemma of bad habits, such as the cutting of herself, drugs and as mentioned, a material based existance, she's alienated her friends and in the year long relationship with Max has managed to suffer an identity crisis of sorts that causes her great strife when she is suddenly out on her own again.

This is where the story really gets interesting. Avery's decision making process is examined in great detail, again with wit and humor added in. There is no doubt that Caitlin Avery is a very good writer as this is a polished manucript. I only noticed one single mistake, be it a teeny tiny one but I thought you'd want to know about it:

In CH4 I did notice a missing word:
Muffled acoustic music seeps out of (either 'a' or 'the' is missing here) second set of doors..........

There are times when the FP-Present slips to past but that didn't bother me as backstory was interjected in small tid bits that actually accented the moment of the plot as far I am concerned. I get several impressions about the writer from her story. She is a philosopher for sure, opinionated and strong-willed. Her interest in things that matter in the world are noteworthy and that is why I believe she thinks her story is of interest. She may well be right, as my opinion on that is one has to delve into some of the things she did or you're just telling another story that we all go through.

(You should have left the bastard when he refused to buy you a real airplane - LOL)

Things that were particularly interesting to me in the early chapters were:

Being able to stay up late as long as you were reading. (Me too) It's funny the little things we experience that will impact our lives later.

I felt like the MC was fully aware of her bad decision making early on but struggling for both acceptance and exceptance, if that makes any sense. (Between me and you, I'd of threw you out too - Just saying)

The MCs general concern for the world continued to make an impression on me throughout this read. It is something that was depicted early, continued and was easy to tell was genuine. Even in the parts where confusion and bad decisions are being made, her reference to this subject shown through like a beacon.

The poem you wrote as a child emphasizes this point I just made as it explains the fear experienced, and a bit of the philosophy I talked about earlier, coming from a child who would one day take on much greater opinions about this subject.

As I examine the relationship of the MC with mom I get a sense that from the child's prospective we can learn so much about what guides us to become the people we are in later life. As a teen, you saw mom as a 'pushover', yet you say as much as it was strain on you that the two of you were not closer in so many words. I get the feeling that early in life you developed an inclination to evaluate people based on what they could do for you only. It carried on over to Max I think as like I mentioned, I failed to see how terrible he was. You mention 'he got the house, the boat, his wealth, etc,... / Excuse me, but he earned all of that and had it before you came along.

Please don't misinterpret what I'm saying here. I'm not faulting you but emphasizing what a good job you did with most important aspect of a true-life memoir. You've obviously been completely honest. This is something I assure you very few can aspire to do. I've written my own memoirs, 'The Take-Back Man' The True Life Story of the Repo Man and because of you I'm going to have go back and make many changes because I realize I haven't brought out all the little demons and showed them to my reader.

You describe life in LA very well. I lived there too. As a runaway in the early 70's from Georgia, I ended up in Costa Mesa. I worked as a lifeguard there in LA before being caught and returned home. Two years later I was stationed in California in the Navy.

I especially felt the way the plight was being explained to me as a reader. Again, simple philosophy is everywhere. I loved the quote, 'there will be no more war when men refuse to fight'. Will it apply to moms and daughters(?) I think you ended that chapter with. I think that was the point where my evaluation of this work began to change a bit and I knew I was reading truly great work.

As the mid chapters continue to depict the struggle with self-worth, destructive behavior such as the cutting and self-imposed torture, involvement in new culture and with new people (such as Mitch), as a reader, I am still thinking to myself what a mixed-up sort our MC is. Everything down to eating habits seem to be something she has to attempt to alter in order to complete this search for self mission.

Reading through ten or twelve chapters in the middle I sort of got bored with storied about 'booty call', and so forth. Guess it just isn;t my cup of tea, allthough it did explain much of the mindset you were in at that time. Always well-written, I can't say I noticed a single mistake punctuality wise, but, the material just didn;t do it for me (the fifty-something male reader / not exactly your target market reader I'm sure) Even with that said, I found I couldn't stay 'un'interested for long as the writing is literally that damn good. (By the way, Mitch sounds like a dose of sominex, good thing you ditched that dude to move on or we might be reading a story entitled 'How I increased the bunny population of the world')

The constant cycle of dependance on one form of imitation stability or another, AA, the religious jazz, the boyfriends you would have preferred to adore you in a wreckless way, the shrink, all point to the struggle you've depicted so well in this writing. As the reader, it strikes me funny because the words and writing indicate a very intelligent, articulate individual who I'd guess wouldn;t require such stuff. Just goes to show one I guess.

Having just said what I did, I find myself cruising along through the end without so much as moving from my writing chair. 20 chapters, non-stop! Finished, I lean back and think I've read one more piece of a story about America. One little story, a true one, written honestly, professionally and with great tact. I like the happy ending with Steve. (I thought you'd end up with Rick)

All in all. Good read. VERY well written, very clean! 6 stars as this is publishable work. My very best to you and good luck with it.

E M Delaney



Melanie Conant wrote 139 days ago

I really enjoyed what I have read so far, you are a great writer. I was going to try to give you some advice but I am not sure that you need any. Great topic and will add to my bookshelf when I have room. Great Job and Good Luck

Mel
Lexie's Tattoo

FRAN MACILVEY wrote 140 days ago

Dear Caitlin

I have read the first three chapters of your story this evening. Your narrative moves along at a real pace, with lines of dark, sarcastic humour running through it. The chaos you reveal in your life is heartfelt and saddening, as are all your coping mechanisms to deal with life: exercise, drink, drugs, self abuse, mixed up into a toxic cocktail.

Yet you articulate your dislocation clearly, as if there are two of you, one doing the other observing and shaking her head: Not the way to go. With astonishing candour and straightforwardness you let us into your disturbing world. What a lot we can learn from you: from what you reveal and the way you write.

This is going to soar, so I will add my five to the pile.

All the best

Fran Macilvey, "Trapped" :-))

lizjrnm wrote 141 days ago

I have read the first few chapters and I am enamoured with your writing talent. Wow- this is so subtle and yet powerful all at once. Of course, I need to learn more about the narrator as she makes her way after the break-up. I felt as though I was reading a book from a book store - impecable grammar and smooth style made it effortless to breeze through those first few pages. I will return tonight to read more as i was so happy to see you had uploaded the entire book! I have no doubt about this seeing print sometime soon. Excellent and my sort of read. Thanks!

Liz
The Cheech Room

AuroraNemesis wrote 142 days ago

You choose a difficult subject and write about it eloquently.
Your introduction and pitch are strong and well paced.
You manage to weave in your story a strong plot on some not much commentated about subjects.
Your characters are strong and your vocabulary adds to the plot.
Your dialogue adds to the story, and the whole piece is well written.
You have definitely read up on the needs of your market.
I think people would pick up this book and read.
Well done.

SatiricScribbler wrote 143 days ago

Clean writing that clearly portrays the protagonist's struggles from the first sentence.

Dave Hill wrote 148 days ago

A potent and powerful read which immediately launches you into the main protagonist's life and situation. rated and onto my bookshelf - a great read

Sue50 wrote 149 days ago

Very nice writing! Happy to BACK your work. Hope you have a chance to take a look at Dark Side by CC Brown. Good Luck!
Sue50

Wilma1 wrote 154 days ago

This reads well but I found the whole self abuse thing disturbing. Perhaps I shouldnt be reading this at such a happy time of the year. I would like to now more about Max from the beginning at the moment he's a shadow in the background ... is he tall short, fat thin? tetotal as well as a junkie? I just dont know and I want to so that I can get involved with him on a deeper level. Best of luck with it
Sue
One Foot in the Jungle

DW Davis wrote 154 days ago

Loved the pitch. Reads very well. I felt like I was on her shoulder, going through it all with your MC.

DW (Dreams Change)

Eponymous Rox wrote 154 days ago

On holiday this moment--for real, LOL--so me message will be kinda brief: Stellar pitches and a winning writing style, Caitlin. On my shelf now and featured on my website this week as well. (Retweet the blog announcement if you're also on Twitter.)

CHEERS & best of luck; friend request pending,
E.R.

Wussyboy wrote 157 days ago

Just two tiny things. And in chap 45, not 47. Para 2 should (imho) read 'Hey, it's me.' he said. And 'Only if we do it face to face. I want to see you.' (full stop, not comma) Not sure if Valentine's Day has an apostrophe, but that's me being real pernickety!

Hey, do you really have two cats? So do we!

Wussyboy wrote 157 days ago

I'm with Tammy. There is nothing wrong with this book, and everything right. 'Lightning in my Wires' is the best (and most polished) memoir I have read on this site.

Six stars from me, and while I don't have a shelf space free at the mo, I know who does. She's going to say "Ten years ago, you were Max."

Joe Kovacs
Rupee Millionaires

K.R.Slifer wrote 158 days ago

Caitlin,

I've read up to chapter 7 and so far, I am totally captivated by the story. I can relate to Avery on many levels and find the prose so easy to get lost in. I found myself day dreaming about the story and thinking about her journey so far. It's a journey I took three years ago, though without the drug abuse and cutting. I had to learn what life would like without opulence and a boyfriend to take care of everything.

I think this is a book that any generation can get into and relate to. Love it. I look forward to reading the rest.

Kat
The Darkness of Gold

D. S. Hale wrote 158 days ago

Caitlin, chapter one is tightly woven. You write very good! And you have edited your work well, too. I didn't see any errors. I like the way you start the chapter with homeland security, and then end it with homeland security. It makes a nice, tight package!
Great job, I'm giving you high stars and putting you in my watchlist. Is this your first book?!

Sincerely,

D. S. Hale
Jessup and the Teleporter

Warrick Mayes wrote 158 days ago

Caitlin,

A wonderful beginning. Tow screwed up people screwing each-other up even more. An involving and troubling chapter that flows nicely, reads well and keeps the reader engaged from beginning to end.
No wonder the poor girl decided to cut loose.

Best regards
Warrick
Eggs-Cell Files.

Mr. Nom de Plume wrote 158 days ago

It's a winner.

kiwigirl2011 wrote 159 days ago

What can I say? Fantastic. This has gone straight on my shelf, only the second book in 6 months to do so! I can't offer any critque sorry because I didn't find anything to be critical about.
Six stars
Tammy Robinson

earthlover wrote 159 days ago

Read through chapter 5, then read chapter 11, then skipped to the end, the last chapter to see the evolvement of the main character.
I know this is a memoir, and I like reading about the life journey of others. I see progress and struggle and selfishness and forgiveness and self awareness and self discovery and acceptance and godislove. I loved the last line of the book.
You've taught me something about being a wired person who self medicates. something I needed to learn. I have a few "lightning in my wires" loved ones in my life right now, one in particular I often don't know how to respond to! Thanks for that.
I am anti medication. Like you, I find the side effects, numbness, lack of spark, aren't worth the rewards of leveling out emotional turmoil. I must be able to cry at movies, thank you very much. Yoga is so much better and healthier.
I think you would like my book, but that's up to you.
For now, I've highly starred your book, placed it on my watchlist and wish you luck and blessings!
Georgia
The Woman From E.A.R.L.

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