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Another thread and more reviews

11/10/2024

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Add Threads to my social media feast. I needed a written component to Instagram. I received two additional reviews last week. Both were kind, and I'm grateful for the exposure for my book. 

Meanwhile, I am inundated with offers from review sites that want to help me build my audience for a fee. Nearly every one of these sites asks for my location. I can't keep up with my inbox. I am located in Marin County in Northern California. Perhaps the question is a means to get me to respond to their sales pitch.

​I'm moving forward slowly. My book launch at Book Passage in Corte Madera, CA happens on Saturday, November 23rd at 4:00pm. If you see this and live nearby, I hope to see you there. 
Love,
Colleen 
FROM THE BOOK ADDICT 

​Book: The Ghost Ship Fire
Author: Colleen Dolan

Review:
December 2, 2016, became a date forever etched in Colleen’s memory. Her 33-year-old daughter Chelsea was among the many who lost their lives in the Ghost Ship warehouse fire in Oakland, California. Chelsea’s boyfriend, David, was the one who informed Colleen about the fire, sparking days of anxious uncertainty as they waited for confirmation of her fate.

Chelsea’s parked car outside the warehouse pointed to the heartbreaking likelihood she had been inside. Later, the description of her brightly colored outfit confirmed her passing, marking the start of Colleen’s difficult journey through grief. Left with haunting questions—how had the fire started, why couldn’t anyone escape, and why hadn’t firefighters been able to intervene—Colleen searched tirelessly for answers.

Coming to terms with such a loss took years. Although nothing could compensate for the lives lost, Colleen found meaning in sharing her story to let other grieving parents know they aren’t alone. Chelsea’s vibrant life serves as a reminder to embrace authenticity, pursue dreams, and live fully. The cover art is touching, and the title fitting. I found this story gripping, feeling every ounce of the author’s sorrow and courage through her deeply personal words.

Rating: 5/5
FROM BOOKISH WORLD 4 

The Ghost Ship Fire
By
Colleen Dolan

Review:
Discovering purpose amid profound loss is a challenging journey. The Ghost Ship Fire tells the heartbreaking story of Colleen Dolan, whose daughter Chelsea perished in a tragic warehouse fire. Chelsea, a gifted electronic musician, had joined Joel, known as Golden Domma, and other artists to support a performance that fateful night. However, when a fire broke out, it became so hazardous that firefighters were unable to enter, trapping Chelsea and 35 others inside.

As parents grappled with the devastating reality of their children’s fate, many found themselves bewildered by the circumstances surrounding the fire. For Colleen, the need to understand what happened led her to investigate, seeking any detail that could explain the tragic events of December 2, 2016.

Losing a child is a pain beyond words, and finding solace in such loss is a daunting task. This book was written for grieving parents seeking answers, who want to know not just the “how,” but also the “why.” Through the vibrant, if brief, lives of these 36 young individuals, we’re reminded of the importance of cherishing every moment. Deeply moving and poignant, this memoir offers solidarity to those who feel isolated in their grief. I was captivated from start to finish, as the storytelling flows smoothly, making it a compelling and accessible read.

Rating: 5/5
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