--Amazon Reader
Told with an impressive candor, "A Penny A Kiss is the personal life story of Judy McConnell and her struggle to create her own identity within the cultural context of gender and class traditions. An inherently fascinating read from beginning to end, "A Penny A Kiss" is very highly recommended for personal reading lists, as well as community and academic library American Biography collections. --Midwest Book Review, February, 2015
Judy McConnell has crafted a gripping account of the trials and triumphs of growing up in an upwardly mobile family during the crucial period of change surrounding World War II. With unflinching honesty, she presents a bright but impulsive girl who clashes continually with family expectations. With vivid descriptions and psychological insight, McConnell has created a broad cast of distinctive characters, portrayal that enliven a sensitive and entertaining memoir.
--Mary Stewart Swanson, Ph.D., wirter,editor, and educator
--Nancy Raeburn, author of Mykonos: A Memoir
--Mary Stewart Swansonon, Ph.D.
--Abby M.
I've read your book and really enjoyed it. You did a great job! I was impressed with how honest you were about yourself and the things that happened to you. I liked...the introspective style of the book.
Pat T.
I couldn’t put down Dreamhouse!! After watching it stare at me since purchase and telling myself I needed to finish other things (like library books and book club book coming due) I started it. I couldn't put it down! The chapter organization is great - you’ve mastered the gentle cliff hanger. I wanted to hurry through for plot, but slow down to savor the story. It’s full of spot-on characterizations. We know from chapter one enough about Larry so that in other views of him we can say, yes, that’s Larry! I heard myself talking back to Radley, especially in the dinner party scene - haven’t we all been her? I was holding my breath saying hurry up! I could hear those timers going off. I SO wanted to give her the wisdom of my experience. I send congratulations and kudos!
--Jody Good, book club member
--Mary Swanson, Ph.D., writer, editor, educator