Milwaukee author Dasha Kelly’s second novel Almost Crimson is a true work of art. It is a multi-layered story of hope and perseverance in the face of huge obstacles. Crimson (CeCe) is raised surrounded by inner-city single-parent poverty with a severely depressed mother. Forced to grow up too early, CeCe comes of age paying the family bills, caring for her mother and navigating life on her own. As she struggles with her own changing self of self, this brave protagonist shows a grim determination toward a better future.
Almost Crimson follows CeCe from childhood through her mid-20s as she constantly tries to break free from the shadow of her mother’s mental illness. In alternating chapters, readers come to understand the complex stories of both CeCe and her mother. Their intersecting narratives tell a bittersweet account of love, redemption and sacrifice. Almost Crimson is a deep examination of the depths of family bonds. It is a truly enchanting tale filled with insightful, vivid language, poignant and heartrending storylines, and emotionally charged characters.
Kelly is an author and spoken word artist. She has published three books of poetry as well as one previous novel and was honored as one of the Top Ten Up-and-Coming Writers of the Midwest by Written Word Magazine. She is also the founder of the Still Waters Collective, a community-outreach initiative that delivers after-school programming to schools and fosters the spread of language art. Kelly will appear at Boswell Book Co. at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12.
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Book Happening:
National Children’s Book Week
6:30 p.m., May 7
Boswell Book Co.
2559 N. Downer Ave.
Established in 1919, National Children’s Book Week remains the largest national literacy initiative in the country. To celebrate this event, Boswell Book Co. will welcome a panel of three Wisconsin authors to the store. Middle grade writers Julie Mata, author of Bridge of Slugman, Emily Demuth, author of Hattie’s War and Sandy Brehl, author of Odin’s Promise, will share the stories behind their tween novels and participate in an interactive Q&A session with audience members.
