In OUT OF THE BOX, Harrell calls on her own life experiences, her personal and triumphant emergence out of the box, to lead her character, Marla Harris Simmons, through a dramatic journey of fear, disappointment and self awakening. OUT OF THE BOX is a skillful chronicle of one outwardly ordinary woman's struggle to fly free from the grips of long-term marriage, seeking her destiny in the modern world.
Marla Harris Simmons is just one of a multitude of women caught in the imaginary, but formidable, box of marriage to a controlling husband. Although painfully aware of the limitations of her life in the box, Marla remained there during the 20 years of her marriage until faced with the fact that her husband, Joe, is having an affair and wants a divorce. At that point, she feels forced to leave the box's deceptive security and venture forth into the world.Although Marla views herself as a very average middle-aged wife and mother, in truth she is an insecure writer and poet whose talents, confidence and personality have been suppressed throughout her marriage. After the demise of her marriage, Marla timidly begins to explore the Internet, finding a new and exciting world that she had never before encountered, finding worldwide alliances and mentors who guide her through her professional and personal awakening. Marla ventures forth into the modern world, while simultaneously going back to her roots to rediscover the values and strengths she had known as a young woman. OUT OF THE BOX is a rich tapestry woven with threads of believable dialogue, intriguing narrative, moving poetry, illuminating flashbacks, Internet chat and a captivating story line. After reading this book, women and men of every lifestyle, income level and social standing will refer to getting past a bad marriage-or any other relationship which smothers their potential-as getting OUT OF THE BOX.
Excerpt
"Daughter, find your destiny!"
Professional Reviews
Charles Givings, Author/Screenwriter/Producer
Having read 'Out Of The Box' recently, I can say without reservation it is one of the finest books available. Not only has Ms. Harrell captured the essence of a woman fighting for mental and physical survival, she also illustrates the perfect example of a middle aged woman's rights of passage into a free life. 5 Stars for this one...I highly recommend it.
Charles E. Givings
Author/Screenwriter/Producer
Manny Diez, Author/Screenwriter
I was fortunate enough to have been present during the conception, gestation and birth of Out of the Box, so I know what an extremely personal story it is. A courageous woman's life is on those pages and Wanda Harrell tells a story that is both painful and triumphant. Truly an inspirational work that any woman who is trapped in a bad marriage will feel speaks to her directly, and might just give her the guts to do something about it.
Manny Diez
Member of the Writers Guild of America
Author/Screenwriter
Edward Honaker, Author
As an author myself, I've noticed that every so often a novel hits the bookstore shelves with 'Read Me, I'm Good' written all over the cover. OUT OF THE BOX is one of those novels. It's about a subject that is all too familiar...a bad marriage that is going nowhere. OUT OF THE BOX is about one woman's courage and intestinal fortitude to do something about it.
Marla Harris Simmons, a middle-aged house wife, endured 20 years of her husband's controlling ways. When he announces he's having an affair, Marla feels forced to escape out of the box of her marriage, and enter a world of uncertainty.
If you read but one book this year, do yourself a favor and read Wanda L. Harrell's OUT OF THE BOX. You'll be glad you did. I know I was.
Edward Honaker, Author
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Reviews for "Out of the Box"
Reviewed by Arthur O. Thompson
8/25/2002
Just recently, I read OUT OF THE BOX, written by internationally acclaimed poet laureate and author, Wanda L. Harrell. It is my conclusion that many authors have one aim, to showcase their so-called $10 words. More rare is the find of an author who has the ability to share her intelligence AND warmth of heart in a down to earth writing style. Get ready to experience one of those rarities when you read Wanda L. Harrell's OUT OF THE BOX.
Arthur O. Thompson
USCG, Retired/Artist/Poet
Reviewed by Edward Honaker
8/14/2002
As an author myself, I've noticed that every so often a novel hits the bookstore shelves with 'Read Me, I'm Good' written all over the cover. OUT OF THE BOX is one of those novels. It's about a subject that is all too familiar...a bad marriage that is going nowhere. OUT OF THE BOX is about one woman's courage and intestinal fortitude to do something about it.
Marla Harris Simmons, a middle-aged house wife, has endured 20 years of her husband's controlling ways. When he announces he's having an affair, Marla feels forced to escape out of the box of her marriage, and enter a world of uncertainty.
If you read but one book this year, do yourself a favor and read Wanda L. Harrell's OUT OF THE BOX. You'll be glad you did. I know I was.
Edward Honaker
Author of NIGHT WALKER & TERROR IN THE CEMETERY
I met Jerome on a busy city street in Baltimore, Maryland, when he was forty-five years old. On that particular day, I was out and about, enjoying a much-needed day off from work.
I wanted to purchase a sukiyaki sub. I parked my car in an area of
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