South Dakota Women's Prison inmates talk about the impact of WHALE SONG

As I mentioned yesterday, the South Dakota Women's Prison read WHALE SONG for their latest book club read. The coordinator, Vonnie, sent me an email with messages from the ladies. She's given me permission to share them with you.

Hi Cheryl, 

We had a lively discussion about your wonderful book!! Here are some comments from the women at the SD Women's Prison Book Club:

Thank you for your book! To us here, at SDWP, it's always a great escape to delve into the reading world! I also truly "Thank You" for your letter with your words of encouragement and hope for us. It means A LOT!! The book means to me exactly like you state in your letter- the life lessons we learn and live with and without do boil down to "forgiveness sets your free" (Why let others have space in your head that they aren't paying for!!?!) and you DO need to quit being a victim and let yourself dream and live big and LAUGH and have fun! Thank you! I do believe in reincarnation.
*Sherry

I loved WHALE SONG. It is sad and it had me in tears. I can relate to many of the things that happened to Sarah. I learned lessons from the legends. Great book.
Thanks you.
*Lorna

The one thing that sticks out the most to me in the book is the bullying. I myself was bullied, not for long. I made my stand and continue to stand up for people who can't or won't stand up for themselves. That is very important to me to do something when you see it happening. Don't wait. It can and will make a big difference to someone? Thank you for this book and your letter. This was a gift for all of us that read it! Thank you and God bless. Forgiveness is a beautiful thing.
*Jamee

I really enjoyed your book. It did hit home for me because I lost my dad to cancer, and not a day goes by that I don't miss him. We always thought he would beat it--but he didn't.
*Nicole

Thank you so much for your letter to our book club--and YES--the most important message to come away with is to forgive. You are a gifted writer and I look forward to reading more of your stories. Very entertaining.
God bless,
*Teresa

I knew as soon as I read the first two paragraphs of this book that it was going to be a great read and also very close to my heart. I believe every mother/daughter should read WHALE SONG. I have two daughters (21 &14) who are reading it right now. It is very touching and emotional. I think we all need to practice forgiveness. It truly makes us better people and even enables us to help and guide those around us. Thank you so very much for sharing a part of yourself through your letter. I appreciate it very much.
*Nicole T.

I really loved the part where Sarah visits her old home that was turned into Island Arts. It was a beautiful way to remember her mother and her mother's talent. The book was beautifully written and hit straight to the heart as did your letter to us. Thank you so much for both.
*Candi

This book was extremely touching emotionally but even more so the message about forgives is strong is something needed to be reminded of, especially at this moment. Thank you for the letter. We are not all that different and I think we should try to remember that more often. Thanks again for such an enjoyable story of encouragement.
*Jennie

Your book helped me to find forgiveness and let things go. Is there going to be a book two to WHALE SONG? Thank you for the encouragement. It is beautiful.
*Miranda

You book was a huge hit as well as your letter. Again, I thank you for caring about women that need another chance in life.
Vonnie

If you know someone who could benefit from the messages in WHALE SONG, please pick up a copy of WHALE SONG and gift it to them. You may change a life. You may even save one.