I am obsessed with a new book: Frame 39 by Rick Shands

It's a long way from L.A. to London, or Malta, but lately I've been traveling the globe late at night, courtesy of a new book by architect and now fiction author Rick Shands. The book, Frame 39, hooked me with its parallel worlds and and ending that was so shocking I had to read it three times.

If you love literary novels, and are looking for the next big voice, I think my friend's publishing company (RebelBooksPress.com) just found it. Like she said to me, "I kind of tripped over this one - and when I fell, I ended up in one of the best books I've read in five years."

She told me to buy a copy, which I did.

I cracked it open a week ago, and instead of making me fall asleep it kept me up late -for three nights. It's a big book with even bigger ideas.

The story is about an architect from the past, who took 39 pictures (aka frames) that mysteriously washed up and discovered by a screenwriter. She is drawn to the photos, which are set in numerous countries in or near ruins, and can't stop thinking about the story behind them. The character, Jennifer, starts to hop on planes, and visit ruins and spots in Malta, Italy, and too many places for me to name at this point.

At the same time, the architect from years ago is in this book, in his own timeline. He is obviously talented but there's a strange obsession he has with twins - and more.

If you love big books, this one is for you. I won't share any spoilers here but a big part of the book is about the many religions that populate ruins, and how often times multiple religions exist side by side or, over the many years, on top of one another. The cultural experience in this book is fresh and took me by surprise.

My publisher friend told me the book is available in paperback everywhere (but you can order online, just not on Amazon unless you use the ISBN, something odd with them.) It's at Barnes & Noble, and any bookstore you like (go Indie!).

Frame 39 by Rick Shands

ISBN #9781087916125

The hardcover version is almost ready to be printed.

This is a new book - you will enjoy it.

Happy reading! Mabel L.