More Excerpts and Praise for Marci Stillerman's Books
“When did you last have relations?” the doctor asked. “Relations?” “Sex.” The doctor sighed. “Do you have a boyfriend?” Maizy blushed. “I don’t have sex,” she said. “I have a boyfriend. We did it once. It was my first time.” “Well,” the young doctor said, “you’re pregnant, miss. I’d say about 3 months. On your way out, get instructions from the receptionist. You should lose some weight. It’ll be better for the baby. Eat fresh vegetables and fruit. Get some exercise. Drinks lots of water. Make an appointment to see me in a month. “You can get dressed now,” the nurse said. “Hurry. There are patients waiting.” Maizy was stunned. She had a baby inside her, Zane’s baby. A rush of love rolled over her like a warm ocean wave. She and Zane were going to have a baby. Their own baby to love forever. She dressed as if in a dream. Zane’s baby was growing inside her. By the time Maizy left the clinic, the euphoria she felt had turned into panic. How could she and Zane take care of a baby? Would Zane quit school and get a job? Or would he even want the baby? What would his pa say? What would her own pa say? He would throw her out for screwing around. That’s what he’d say. Then who would take care of Joey? All the joy she’d felt in the doctor’s office about carrying a beginning baby, Zane’s and hers, melted into a pool of fear and doubt. She walked home. In her room, she pulled the shade against the daylight and lay on her bed. She cradled her abdomen with her hands. My baby, my little baby, she thought. She could see him. He had Zane’s thick sandy hair, his sharp blue eyes. She loved him already. |
| I slide the straps of my slip
down my arms, unclasp my bra and it drops to the sand. A wonderful
coldness falls over me, the coldness of sin. In one motion, I
slide my tights and panties over my hips and pull them off my
legs, kicking off my shoes. And the forbidden air covers my body.
I walk naked into the sea... |
| The poignant... book is unbelievable
and absolutely true: "Women in a Nazi concentration camp risk
their lives when they beg, borrow and steal spoons to twist into
a menorah for the holiday of lights." US News and World Report Top Picks for December 6, 1999 "As the last night of Chanukah draws to a close, Oma once again tells the story of the..." Children’s Menorah,” miraculously created out of self-sacrifice by the women in a Nazi concentration camp. The respectful and dramatic narrative conveys the bonds of faith and community that rose from despair to forge a sign of hope.” The Horn Book, Inc. " Nine Spoons is more than a Chanukah story. It can be cherished throughout the year for its sensitive portrayal of recent history, and for its moral lesson that self-sacrifice... is a timeless quality of the Jewish people." Today’s Parent -- Canada’s Parenting Magazine " An award winning story...of risk and fear but in the end a story of hope and wonder. Children reading this book will come away with a different understanding of what it means to light Chanukah candles..." The Jewish Press " Should be read not only by children but by adults, no matter what age, race, or religion." Moshe Loen, Holocaust survivor of the death camp Sutthof |
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