An Update from France

A bit of news from France and some in the states, too. The new PS edition of Come Back was just released and is in stores now, on the endcap/aisle at B&N and on the Buy 1, Get 1 tables up front at Borders; if you happen to be in a bookstore and it's not there, please send me a note! In the new section at the back, we talk about our writing process, there's also an interview with us, as well as copies of some of our letters to each other while she was away. We included her first letter home from Morava, quite a missive... if I'm not out of here by summer I'm gonna burn the fucking place down! She wasn't and she didn't.

You can click on this link if you'd like to read some of the new PS section, click here.

We're still in Avignon working on our new book, stealing away when we can to have fun. Here we are at our friends' vineyard in St. Cecile les Vignes. Jean-Marc's grapes are "biologique," their term for organic. When he first planted them last year, he even made "tisanes" for them, herbal teas, to strengthen them, as one would our own immune system. We tasted his first red, "Dentelles," which is rich and, pardon my lack of wine vocab, "thick" and silky, a little chocolate and cherry. After only half a glass, I also realized that it has a higher alcohol content, 14%, than our wines, quite a kick. Here we are by the vines.

As promised below, here are photos of us in a jumble of lavender and one in the right direction (instant purple catapillars.) You'll have to click on the links to see two of the photos.

Comments

[Rikki]

I just finished Comeback and words can not express how I feel. My first initial reaction was that I would miss both of you! I'm happy to know you have a blog; it is a great way to stay connected and to witness such an amazing journey.
I'm a mother of 3 children 9 yrs and younger and this book has given priceless awareness of how I "mother". Reading through Mia's portions of the book took me back to a place that I have (till today) felt I successfully buried. I now know I will have to face those demons not only for myself but for my children. I could relate to the ruthless, stubborn teenager Mia once was and the reasons behind her actions; and as a mother I feel so proud to know she's overcome and grown into a productive, brilliant young lady.
Claire you are one special woman. Your perseverance and commitment is an example to us all. One of my favorite lines was "Then I will become the biggest f'ing brick wall you have ever seen my little bunny." Only a mother could understand the determination and truth behind such a metaphorical statement.
Thank you to you both for sharing your experience. I wish you true happiness.
Rikki

[Sarah Elise Stauffer]

Thank you for this and all of your wonderful posts. Your book continues to inspire me!

[The Lil Bee]

I just wanted to tell you both that I finished Come Back last night and am eternally grateful to you for sharing your story. It taught me so much about myself and the people that I love, and yet I don't think I've fully processed how much it resonated with me. All I know is that I can't stop thinking about it. I really wish that I could've gone to a place like Morava, seeing how transformed you both were from the experience. Your relationship with each other is incredible and I can't wait to read this next book of yours. All the best, and thank you so much.

[joanne]

I just got done reading your book. I cryed through the last chapter. It touched my heart. I to have gone through a teenager who lost her way from 17 till she was about 22. I did alot of praying and tough love. Put her in a local out patient rehab center that she wanted but never really was ready for.I did alot of praying and crying out to God and he got me through it, he got both of us through it. I learned alot about my self and her in reading your book. She is now 25 and clean for over almost 3 years. Our relationship is awesome. We love and respect eachother and have a special bond. I have shared different parts of your book with her and will be passing it along to her to read. Thank you for sharing your story. It took me a long time to read it, I guess I didn't want it to end, it was so very inspiring. God Bless you on your continued journey. Life is what you make it!