Author To Present Second Book At Edmonson County Library On Tuesday

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
Noel Barton, author of "Watch for the Whirlwinds," will be presenting her second book, "Meryl Jean-- Another Whirlwind" at the Edmonson County Library on Tuesday, July 9, at 3:00pm.  

Barton's daughter-in-law, Karen Treece, is an educator at Edmonson County Middle School.

"My books are not autobiographies, but are based on personal experiences I  had as a child," Barton said in a statement. "I would say they are about  60% fact and 40% fiction. The setting is in the Bootheel of Missouri in the '50s & '60s. My readers love the stories about Meryl Jean Strom growing up in the quiet little town of Muddy Ox.  Meryl brought some 'nevers' with her. She never wanted to be belt-whipped my an alcoholic father again, never wanted to be made fun of because she cast a larger shadow than her peers and never--ever have to wear boy shoes again because of her wide feet. After Grandma told her she could have all the money she made picking and chopping cotton to buy her clothes and put herself through school, she quickly calculated she'd never buy boy shoes again."

Author Noel Barton.

Barton also discussed that how Meryl crossed off that 'never' and the other 'nevers' on her list is the heart of the story, but there is much more. She said included in the book is a combination of a murder mystery, a love story, a coming of age, and many moral and spiritual messages as well. 

"It isn't a preachy book but no one can read this story and not know the power of prayer, the Grace of God or the plan of Salvation," she added.

​Barton said she hopes to see a large crowd at the event on Tuesday.
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