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Laura Gaisie lives on the Central Coast in California. She is married and has two children. Laura Gaisie was inspired to write Twelve Mondays over twenty years ago after observing the problems facing young adults. However, the completed book took approximately 9 months to revise and publish. Laura enjoys reading, hiking, and painting.
Reviewed by Sandy Masia for Readers' Favorite
Twelve Mondays by Laura Gaisie follows Emma-Lynn St. Roman as she deals with neglect, abuse, addiction, bullying, shame, guilt, and more. The story begins from her childhood, exploring the circumstances and experiences that shape Emma-Lynn until she is a young adult. It is a journey filled with ups and downs, extremes, heart, and strength.
Although the story revolves around one character, the scope of her experiences and her eclectic social circles create insight into a wide range of worldviews and viewpoints that makes us appreciate Emma-Lynn's experiences from many perspectives. It is very much like life, and it is this realism that gives Twelve Mondays power. The story is rich with depth and meaning. Emma-Lynn's story has significance. Readers will be interested in how it ends for her because Emma-Lynn deals with pain, loss, and brokenness on such a scale that her healing journey is important to readers. Readers hope to find answers to their misery in her story because if she can find answers, maybe they can too. And maybe Emma-Lynn's answers will work for them too.
The writing was clear and well-balanced. Laura Gaisie does a brilliant job of dealing with issues through a faith-based perspective that nonbelievers will find fascinating. It is an achievement. I imagine it is difficult to write something faith-based that manages to serve believers and also appeals to others. It is a testament to the author's poise, understanding, and open-mindedness. She has made Twelve Mondays a human story above else, and perhaps that is the best way to introduce faith to those who don't have it. Laura Gaisie's Twelve Mondays is a gripping read that is deep, smart, and insightful. I highly recommend it.
