Title: Raindrops Fall
Author: Joann Klusmeyer
Publisher: PageTurner, Press and Media
ISBN: 978-1649084156
Pages: 212
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Reviewed by: Tony Espinoza

Read Book Review

Two of the more sought-after human rights that have been fought for has to be freedom and independence. Whether it is the independence of a large group of people, or perhaps the individual freedom which comes with growing up and becoming an adult, freedom comes in many forms. Perhaps one of the more dire needs for independence comes with those who find themselves in a toxic relationship, whether that is from a spouse or parental figure or something else entirely. As a professor of linguistics, Deborah Tannen, once said, “Communication is a continual balancing act, juggling the conflicting needs for intimacy and independence. To survive in the world, we have to act in concert with others, but to survive as ourselves, rather than simply as cogs in a wheel, we have to act alone.”

In author Joann Klusmeyer’s Raindrops Fall, a young family is torn asunder after an abusive and alcoholic father commits a violent act within the home, shattering the lives of the children within. Forced to flee from his wrath, young Trish Morgan must find a means of surviving on her own in a cold world, all the while avoiding her father as he searches for her and her siblings. A story of survival, faith and the fight to be free of toxicity, Trish finds herself on a mission she never expected.

This is yet another powerful read from author Joann Klusmeyer. The narrative does an excellent job of drawing the reader in slowly while keeping an even pace. The character development within this story is powerful, taking readers to an older period of time while still touching upon some of today’s more important struggles. Exploring themes of the struggles of the immigrants who come to our nation, to toxic relationships and the need to protect those most at risk, and how belief can be a powerful thing in the face of adversity, this novel perfectly captures the raw emotion and heart of the protagonist and her struggles, as well as a great cast of characters including her brother Cliff.

This is the perfect read for those who love deeply personal genre fiction style storytelling within the literature & fiction genre. As a fan of this style of narrative, it was truly remarkable to see the character progression and growth of these survivors. The inclusion of some religious and mythological style story elements, such as the angels and minus-angels, made the story feel fresh and kept the story from slowing down too much in between some of the more personal and thoughtful chapters.

A must-read novel, author Joann Klusmeyer’s Raindrops Fall is a story of survival, facing our fears and holding onto hope in the face of adversity. It is a story of the human condition and the powerful struggle between those who practice goodwill towards others and those who contribute violent behavior to society. Raindrops Fall is thought-provoking and heartfelt read, one surly not to miss out on.