|
|
|
It's Not About Me (2008)
|
What they're saying about It's Not About Me!
Endorsements
"I couldn't turn the pages fast enough! Gritty and about as real life (unfortunately!) as Christian fiction can get!"
Barb Huff, author of the ON TOUR series and co-author of the upcoming Girlfriend Codes series with Terry K. Squires
"Instead of dealing with timely issues like alcoholism, premarital sex and pornography in a preachy, oh-so-tired fashion, Michelle Sutton's It's Not About Me gets to the heart of the matter with a shocking dose of realism and poignant storytelling. From the first paragraph, Sutton weaves together a thoroughly entertaining story that'll keep readers intrigued for the long haul as they get to know Annie, Dan, Tony and Susie—young adults that probably don't look and sound all that different from themselves. Now that's a seriously refreshing turn for Christian fiction."
Christa Ann Banister, author of Around the World in 80 Dates, NavPress 2007
"It's Not About Me is a wonderfully entertaining and deliciously suspenseful read that will keep you turning the pages. Sutton doesn't back away from the drama and with all of the twists and turns, It's Not About Me is hard to put down. I cannot wait for the sequel! Bravo!"
Victoria Christopher Murray, Essence best-selling author of multiple titles including The Ex Files and the upcoming YA series The Divine Divas
"Reading Michelle Sutton's work is almost like an out-of-body experience. From the very first page, I was swept into the world of her heroine, destined for an emotional tidal wave over the plight of a character who was so natural, so real that I felt as if she were flesh and blood. Characterization this finely crafted truly transports a reader out of their world into another, where a heart-wrenching plot laced with spiritual truths grabs you by the throat and refuses to let go."
Julie Lessman, author of A Passion Most Pure, from Revell 2008
"Michelle Sutton's gritty writing style will very likely go straight to the hearts of teens, addressing what they deal with every day in what is all too often grim reality for our youth. Sutton is no doubt a refreshing and much needed voice in today's YA fiction."
Tina Ann Forkner, Author of Ruby Among Us
Waterbrook Press/Random House
"It's Not About Me is a must read for every young adult in today's world, boy or girl. Not only does it explore in depth the intense sexual pressures placed upon today's youth, but also the serious effects of alcoholism and rape. More importantly, it addresses issues of true Faith and Christianity which cut at the core of our beliefs: issues such as what does it really mean to follow Jesus? Does going to church or even being a pastor's son make you a Christian? As you follow the lives and the ardurous love triangle of three young adults, Annie, Tony, and Dan, you'll not only fall in love with them, you'll cry with them, yearn along side them and weep for their heartaches and struggles. Kudos to Michelle Sutton for addressing such timely topics with such finesse."
MaryLu Tyndall
Christy Award Finalist / 2nd place Inspirational Readers Choice Award
The Redemption, The Reliance, The Restitution
"Michelle Sutton’s It’s Not About Me tackles many issues: temptation, deception, forgiveness, and trust, to name a few. The story is most strong when its players are weak. Readers will identify with Annie, Dan, Tony, and maybe even Susie, because these characters struggle—as we all do—with very human failings. You can’t read Annie’s story without renewing your appreciation for our powerful and loving God."
Trish Perry, author of Beach Dreams (Harvest House, July 2008) Too Good to Be True (Harvest House, 2007) and The Guy I'm Not Dating, (Harvest House, 2006)
"Michelle Sutton's touching debut novel is truly a page-turner. It's Not About Me is filled with raw emotion and is a story that demonstrates pure love within its pages. It's a must-read for teens who are already saved, but moreso for young adults who are "on the fence" regarding their faith, or who don't know God at all."
Sherri L. Lewis, Author of My Soul Cries Out and Dance Into Destiny
"Annie captured my heart on the first page and kept me enthralled to the very end. This edgy, yet surprisingly poignant story travels the inroads of intimate relationships – man to woman, brother to brother, parent to child, friend to friend. But especially satisfying is the author’s delicate handling of the relationship between a searching soul and the loving Savior who alone possesses the power to work all things out for the good. A terrific debut for Michelle Sutton. I can’t wait to read more from this talented author!"
Virginia Smith, author of Just As I Am and Sincerely, Mayla
"Michelle Sutton’s It’s Not About Me offers readers a wonderful combination of gifts: compelling storytelling, believable and engaging dialog, and perhaps most importantly, a reverent-with-edge examination of the human condition. This is a book mercifully free of easy answers and tidy resolutions. Sutton paints with broad, bright strokes, introducing the reader to characters who are far from perfect, thereby allowing us to connect with them in very human ways. Her flawed heroes and heroines are, like most of us, prone to doubts, selfishness, lusts, and behaviors that range from noble and selfless to petty and idolatrous. And because we can relate so strongly to their day-by-day battles between flesh and spirit, we can rejoice and ache with them, laugh and cry, and ultimately learn that perhaps it’s when life is most messy that God’s grace shines brightest. By allowing her characters to be fully human, Sutton delivers a story that glows with authentic holiness."
James E. Robinson, author of The Flower of Grass
Michelle Sutton’s It’s Not About Me is the bittersweet tale of Annie Myers, a young woman torn between the love of two brothers—and devastated by an assault that leaves her emotionally and physically scarred. Readers will weep with Annie as she struggles to come to a place where she can love herself again . . . and attempts to understand how God could let the attack happen. A heart-wrenching and inspiring read.
Susan Lohrer, Write Words Editing www.inspirationaleditor.com
"Dealing with hormones and peer pressure about sex causes stress for all teenagers--even Christians. Throw in a horrifying assault and the low esteem that follows, and you'll have to fight to keep your faith as well as your principals. Michelle Sutton doesn’t mince words about the sensual, edginess of reality. Join her heroine, Annie, as passion tempts her, a man wounds her, and God saves her."
M. C. Pearson, Director of the Fiction in Rather Short Takes blog alliances
***********************************************************************************************
Book reviews
***********************************************************************************************
Finally! In an amoral society that pushes young people to the edge, we have an “edgy” novel that pushes right back! Kudos to Michelle Sutton for her debut novel, It’s Not About Me, which confronts real problems encountered by real youth—sexual pressure, drinking, pornography—and counters them with a message of hope and faith that is so vital for today’s young adults.
This compelling story gives a rare and honest glimpse into the “perfect” life of Annie Meyers, a young woman on the threshold of college and marriage. When her fiancé Tony begins to pressure her sexually, Annie’s faith and confidence begin to teeter, but when tragedy strikes, both crash headlong into a black hole of self-doubt and confusion. Unable to cope with Annie’s disaster, Tony seeks comfort in alcohol, leaving his older brother Dan to provide Annie with the spiritual and emotional support she so desperately needs. Out of the ashes of Annie’s misfortune, rises a love triangle that will have readers turning the pages long into the night. Michelle Sutton has crafted a story of passion, betrayal, hope and redemption that is right on target for the Young Adult market and beyond. Can’t wait for the next one!
Julie Lessman“Passion with a Purpose”
Daughters of Boston Series
A Passion Most Pure – January 2008
A Passion Redeemed – September 2008
A Passion Denied – February 2009
***********************************************************************************************
As a youth minister and novelist I have long admired the way our Lord used parables to illustrate truth with life-changing results. It’s Not About Me (Sheaf House), by Michelle Sutton, is far more than just a highly entertaining story it is also a modern day parable, illustrating the unwavering faithfulness of Christ-centered, sacrificial love.
Today’s youth are bombarded with images of lust, instant gratification, and a false notion that love is nothing more than a feeling we fall in and out of. I am ecstatic to find a book that I can give to the youth of my church and feel confidant that they will enjoy an unforgettable page-turner while they benefit from the hard lessons learned by the characters. There is also an excellent list of discussion questions at the end of the book that should prove helpful to parents or youth leaders in discussing the important issues that confront the characters in the book.
As a reader, I cannot say enough. The author did a superb job of managing my expectations and then surprising me with the outcome. Every chapter ending left me hanging and kept me reading. I couldn’t put it down. I definitely look forward to seeing more life-changing titles from Michelle Sutton in the future.
David Meigs, Youth Minister/Novelist
***********************************************************************************************
Annie Meyers is worried. Her gorgeous boyfriend of four years, Tony Lane, is pushing their commitment to wait for marriage. Her faith is weak and their self control is under increasing pressure. She is driven by her fear of disappointing him and losing his love.
When real fear plunges unexpectedly into her life through tragedy, Tony is unable to deal with the fallout and becomes increasingly erratic. His older brother, Dan, is more than willing to step in to provide comfort and support to the girl he has longed to be with since he left for college years before.
Bitter rivalry plunges the three friends and their families into heartache and confusion. Will they enable God to halt their downward plunge into an abyss of emotional grief and anger?
Michelle Sutton lives up to her tagline of "Edgy Inspirational Author", tackling issues of desire, premarital sex, alcoholism and volatile sibling relationships in her debut novel, It's Not About Me. Once hooked by Michelle's characters, the race is on to get to the last page and discover where Annie, Tony and Dan's choices lead them. Michelle is not shy about detailing the main characters' feelings of desire and their battle against acting on their attraction, making this book more suited to those in their late teens and older. Annie's vacillation between Tony and Dan and their penchant for putting themselves in potentially compromising situations was frustrating but a testament to Michelle's dedication to write authentically. This may make some lovers of traditional Christian romance uncomfortable while generating a devoted audience in others who have been waiting for such "real life" fiction. Adding significance to her tale, Michelle unashamedly deals with Annie's ignorance of her lack of faith, confronting the all to common belief that church attendance and "good" life choices are sufficient for a relationship with God. It's Not About Me sends a strong message about commitment, faithfulness and the true source of beauty and love. Michelle is sure to make a splash with It's Not About Me, releasing in September, 2008 from Sheaf House.
written by Rel of Relz Reviewz http://relzreviewz.blogspot.com
***********************************************************************************************
It's Not About Me is a great book. I couldn't hardly stop reading it till it was finished.
Annie thought she had everything going for her, she went to church, she had a loving family, and a boyfriend who loved her. Then something happens and everything changes. Annie starts to learn that it is not always all about me, but that it is really about him.(God)
The characters in this book are great, and the story feels very real. It is hard for me to say a whole lot with out giving to much away, but it is really about Annie struggling with her life after a bad thing happens. It is when you really find out who loves you and who don't, who are your friends and who aren't, and does she really love Christ like she thought she did. It is about how your life can change for the better even after a horrible situation happens as long as you believe in God and let him take over your life.
I loved all the main characters and really hate the bad girl, but even in the end I really felt sorry for her because, she was just a real messed up teenager.
Michelle Sutton did a great job with putting together a story about forgiveness and love.
written by reviewer Stormi Johnson of http://writesthoughts.blogspot.com