Don’t just read Wake the Bones…Experience it!
Okay, I admit Wake the Bones by Elizabeth Kilcoyne was one of those books that I checked out multiple times. Each time I told myself I was going to really start reading it this time. Finally I did. At which point I scolded myself for putting it off for so long.
Here we go: All Laurel wants to do is forget her one year of college ever happened and settle in for the long haul on her family’s plot of land in rural Ohio. But unfortunately an otherworldly force has ulterior sinister plans. So Laurel, with the help of her long time friends and a local witch, must figure out how to protect what is rightfully hers (her land AND life). The only question is what—or who—is she willing to sacrifice in the process?
Elizabeth’s voice made this book what it is. Her vivid descriptions and eloquent way of writing about nature engrossed me as a reader. When I’m writing, I tend to start with dialogue to build a scene. It’s the part that comes naturally to me. Adding description of the environment is something I have to go back and really think about and often rework to make sound natural. I have a feeling this isn’t a struggle for Elizabeth. If it is, the end result is so good no one would ever know.
Reading her book made me want to immerse myself in nature. So, I took my family to Powder Valley, a Missouri Department of Conservation Nature Center. I’ll admit, doing this on a ninety plus degree day was not my most calculated choice, but luckily the trials are shady from the forest surrounding them. We even spotted a baby deer.
The inside section provided a break from the heat as well as animals and activities to entertain and educate. I was able to see snakes and snapping turtles, make rubbings of leaves, feel animal pelts, and look at animal bones. This last part was particularly fascinating after reading Wake the Bones, but I don’t want to say too much and reveal why.
One part that stood out was an interactive display where you could smell the various scents of nature. Just like Kilcoyne, the display’s creators didn’t try to paint a prettier than realistic picture. Including odors like Beaver and Musty Earth made me reluctant to expose myself to more scents, but for you readers, I sucked it up…quite literally. Word of advice: Although ‘Hawthorne Blooms’ seem like a safe bet, you know, since they’re flowers and all, I wouldn’t be filling my house with them.
There you have it. Do yourself a favor and read Wake the Bones. As you read Laurel’s story, consider finding a conservation department to visit or maybe a trail to walk. I’d love to hear about any gems you find in the comments sections below.
If you haven’t already read Wake the Bones, what are you waiting for? If you already have, why not pick it up again? Either way, take my advice when you do—don’t just read it, experience it!
Want information about purchasing this book from Neighborhood Reads, a local Washington, MO book store? Click the book cover above!
Anna LaForest Writes 
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