Just The Facts: A Novel by Ellen Sherman. CA: She Writes Press, 2015. 180 pages. Reading Group Guide available at ellensherman.com. ***
Nora Anne Plowright (thankfully, her father changed
their name from Plutz to Plowright) possesses all of the self-confidence of a
recent English major graduate looking for a first time job. When asked why she
wants to work at a newspaper, Nora responds "Well, I've always loved to
write, and I think I'm pretty good at it. One day, I'd like to be a novelist,
but I'm twenty-two--and I need some experience." Initially assigned the
Police Blotter and Obits, Nora is constantly chided by Big Bill to bring in
some "real" news. Comfortable in her role as a news reporter, Nora
makes her share of mistakes and is naive in believing what people tell her.
Nora attends a routine Highway Meeting and is accosted in the parking lot by a
stranger who claims that a decision has already been made as to where the
highway will be built and that the meeting was a sham and the people need to
know the truth. Delving deeper into the highway story unearths more questions
than answers.
If you are a news junkie and wonder about life in
the newsroom, you will enjoy this humorous glimpse into 1978. While
entertaining, the story just didn't "grab" me and hold my attention.
Nora is a likable character, but there was something disjointed about the
story. I really wanted to give it more stars, but just couldn't do it, maybe I
just couldn't relate to her experiences.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book
from BookSparks to review.
Ellen Sherman received her MFA from the University of Iowa's Writers' Workshop and has worked as a journalist, editor, and teacher.
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