Top 50 Fiction Books of 2008

Oct. 27, 2008 - PRLog -- Alretha Thomas, author of the new novel "Daughter Denied" www.Daughterdenied.com was glued to her computer as she perused literary websites, participated in book discussions and answered a deluge of email. However, it was an email from Cyrus A. Webb, an award-winning artist/author/poet and president of the nationally-recognized book club Conversations that gave her pause. The subject read: Just In: Conversation Reveals Its "Top 100 of 2008." The list was broken down into three categories; top 25 non-fiction titles, top 25 Musical Performers and top 50 fiction titles.
http://readingmylips.blogspot.com/2008/10/conversations-presents-its-top-50.html.                                                                            

"Initially I was afraid to look," Thomas said when she opened the email. However, to her surprise and delight, her debut novel "Daughter Denied" was listed among the top 50 fiction titles of 2008. "I count any recognition from the literary community as a blessing and an honor," Thomas said as she read the other titles and authors that were listed. "I'm in good company," Thomas added. Since its release in May 2008, "Daughter Denied" a family saga, inspired by Thomas' childhood, told through the eys of a precocious 7-year-old and her mother Earnestine who's caught in a cycle of drug dependency and a co-dependent relationship, has garnered the interest of readers and book clubs across the country.

"Alretha Thomas delivers a gripping tale with Daughter Denied." A Place of Our Own Book Club.

"It's so hard to tell an adult story through the eyes of a child, but Alretha Thomas is flawless in her execution. In a lot of ways the book reminds me of great 70's films like "Claudine." Alretha Thomas writes like a chef. She gives you just enough tragedy, just enough realness and just enough hope for a full plate of great literature." Award winning author Andre Coleman (California)

"Awesome!!! Definitely will have you up late at night and taking breaks at work to read. Emotional roller coaster. I definitely recommend others read, cause it is a page turner. Awesome job Alretha." Ararojax Literary Group Inc. (Florida)

"Daughter Denied is riveting and a superb drama with extraordinary characters and an intense original plot. Daughter Denied has the makings of a bestseller." Arc Book Club Inc. (New York)                                                                                                        

"Ms. Thomas created a compelling portrait of a dysfunctional family who in the end finds hope and redemption. I enjoyed watching the main character Tina, a young girl of seven come of age over the ten year span of the story. I cried at her struggles, admired her feistiness and cheered at her final triumph over her circumstances. I am sure many will find Ms. Thomas' book an interesting read." Ladies of Color Turning Pages (California).

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Diverse Arts Collective is a multifcated organization created to support burgeoning writers, artists and poets.