Tales Along the Way Home celebrates America and Americana by way of a cross-country journey that brings together five fragmented colleagues. Fiercely competitive colleagues—Kristen, Elena, Frank, Bier, and Don—have worked together for 15 years, yet they hardly know each other and probably trust each other less. Together for a conference in Los Angeles, they aren’t prepared for the disastrous event of 9/11 that is about to shake their self-reliance to the core. For the first time, they must depend on each other as they set out on a long and tiring drive home to their families nearly 3,000 miles away, in Virginia. Along the way, they wrestle with old demons and new ones as, little by little, they grow in ways they never imagined they ever could or would and develop a newfound respect for each other. The loner, curmudgeon, and reformed alcoholic - Frank - needs to remarry and make a new life for himself, but the pain of losing his first wife and child is getting in the way. Even as he struggles to free himself from the past, he learns that he will be his parents' caregiver as soon as he can get back East to meet their train. The feminist - Kristen - is routed from the security of her tenured professorship and thrust into an unexpected and unwanted leadership role when her brothers abdicate their responsibility to the family business to pursue their own interests. The Vietnamese refugee - Diana, who joins the trip in Albuquerque - fears that she has lost her husband in the Twin Towers and will have to start her life all over - yet again. The young assistant professor - Elena - must find the time to marry the man she loves, even as she works to make her niche in a department that hasn't taken on a new member in twelve years. The old guard - Bier and Don - have their challenges, as well; both are desperately needed at home - now! This novel, at once both historical and literary, embraces the people, culture, history, and scenic beauty that are America. Learn about Route 66, how the railroads furthered the westward expansion, and even how an old theater pulled a community together. With each passing mile, the travelers discover America, which at every point and in its own way, is both breathtaking and awe-inspiring. You will find tidbits of Americana that don’t make their way into history books – but should. Like literary fiction, Tales Along the Way Home features very strong characters, who have been developed so well that readers have asked whether they are real people. Like historical fiction, the story takes place at a momentous time in history, interweaving fact and fiction almost imperceptibly.

You will find Tales Along the Way Home in the following libraries: - Hancock County (Mississippi) Public Libraries - Baldwin County (Alabama) Public Library - Virginia Beach (Virginia) Public Libraries - Campbell County (Virginia) Public Library - Wilson (North Carolina) Public Library Check back to see which libraries are picking up Tales. It's too good to pass up.

The Wordsmith's Page
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Virginia Tolles, Author
I keep this site to highlight not only my novel, Tales Along the Way Home, but also short pieces I have written. Some have been posted to blogsites; others are new to this page. Stop by and check them out.