Author Barbara Smith Has New Book Released

Terra Alta—Headline Books announces that new release, Through the Glass, by Barbara Smith, is being well-received as evidenced by the turnout at her recent book signing at Mountain Treasures in Philippi, WV

Smith, well-known West Virginia author, took a short break from the literary scene after the release of two previous titles, Chick Flicks, a collection of short stories, and On Golf and Various Other Sports and Non-sports, a book of poetry, in 2009. She is now on the road and will be signing copies of her newest book at local and chain book stores this summer.

Through the Glass is an upbeat, poignant story about a stained glass artist whose studio faces a cul-de-sac in the outskirts of Logan, West Virginia. Through her front window, Patricia Tazewell keeps close track of her neighbors, whose business she insists upon knowing. The story has several serious subplots, including one involving Patricia’s 39-year-old daughter, Celia, who is suffering from Bipolar Disorder and still lives with her mother. Patricia, a widow, develops interest in two men, one is married and the other deserts her. Like the biblical Job but with a far better sense of humor, Patricia remains faithful and optimistic. In spite of loose ends still dangling, Pat eventually takes control of her life.

Phyllis Wilson Moore who researches the literary history of West Virginia said, “Barbara Smith’s latest novel offers a view of life in current day West Virginia. There are no granny women. Instead there is an off-beat protagonist, dysfunctional families, grief, teen gangs, more than one romance, and a goodly portion of humor, resiliency and hope.”

Smith will attend the West Virginia Writers Conference on Saturday at Cedar Lakes in Ripley and will be signing books there. “Barbara has been active with WV Writers for years and is a mentor to many budding authors,” said Headline Books president Cathy Teets. “We are very happy to have her in the Headline Books family!”

Active with the Barbour County Writers’ Workshop, which meets on second and fourth Mondays in Burbick Hall on the Alderson-Broaddus campus in Philippi, Smith said that a lot of books go through the Workshop and she is always happy to meet with writers.

Smith is a free-lance writer/editor, and medical ethicist, Emerita Professor of Literature and Writing and former Chair of the Division of the Humanities, Alderson-Broaddus College, Philippi, which just granted her an honorary doctor of letters. She lives in Philippi with her family.

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