Dear Friends and Readers,

This weekend I had my second vaccination, and it has been accompanied by not only relief, but a huge sense of renewal and possibility and hope. Maybe things really can change for the better? I’m already imagining a summer filled with long overdue social gatherings. The feeling was underscored by the fact that the drive-through operation was a stellar model of organization, efficient and employing dozens of friendly volunteers, and it made me think maybe all is not lost in this country, maybe competence can finally prevail, at least in some corners. The phoenix may be rising!

In this time of regeneration—buds are appearing all over our bushes and trees—I’m pleased to share the cover of my forthcoming novel, Sinking Islands, out on 9/14/21.

The novel is a standalone sequel to Weather Woman, addressing some of the questions I felt were unresolved at the end of Bronwyn’s journey in Weather Woman, where we last saw her in Tiksi, Russia. This new book brings together characters from the South Pacific, Sao Paulo, the plains of Kansas, and Greenland, while also featuring the mentor/mentee relationship between Diane and Bronwyn. I never thought I was a sequel writer, but I took great pleasure in revisiting characters I knew so well (as well as introducing new ones), not to mention thinking more deeply about the various ways the Earth is imperiled and how we can address that peril.

In more sobering news: I was diagnosed with ALS in early February, after a year of difficulty with my voice. While it is not the diagnosis I was hoping for (!), I am not undone by it. Speaking has become challenging, but my limbs have so far not been affected and I am moving about normally.

Knowing life is finite—or more imminently finite!—makes everything in front of me so much sweeter, even downright joyful (and this is true, not a Pollyanna statement). Confabs with friends. The meals Paul cooks. Our nightly candlelit hot tubs. Life continues—and it is good. I look forward to getting another couple of books out before I die (I’ve just been putting the final touches on my next novel), and I’m aiming to perfect the bhangra dancing steps we learned to celebrate Paul’s birthday.

A few exciting upcoming events:

–On April 29 at 2:00 pm EST I will be interviewed on A MIGHTY BLAZE by novelist and neuroscientist Lisa Genova, the author of the many books including the best-selling Still Alice.

— Sinking Islands has been chosen as The Rumpus Book Club selection for July. That too, will include an interview—check my website for specifics as the date approaches.

You can preorder Sinking Islands now, if you’re interested. (Consider going to Indiebound, which supports independent bookstores.)

Meanwhile, I hate to state the obvious, but in the pell-mell rush of life it’s so easy to forget: Laugh, dance, sing, and celebrate the things you can! Vaccinations! The arrival of spring! A satisfying book!

With hope and gratitude,

Cai