“Circle of Friends is a fantastic series! I meet with a lot of teens and speak to a lot of youth groups. I see the things they go through in N.J.’s novels. The authenticity of Glen’s (main character) journey is impressive. I kept thinking how is she going to be able to top this book, but she did, each book got better and better.” Herbie Kuhn, In-house Voice of the Toronto Raptors
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Seventeen-year-old Glen Sauten is a small-town boy who has led a low-key life until the day Charlie Thornton moves in across the street. Charlie takes everyone in the small town by storm, except for two people—Glen’s former best friend, Phil Trent, and the local pastor’s daughter, Nicole Grant. As Glen gets caught in the middle of Phil and Charlie’s rivalry and Charlie’s obsession to date Nicole, he opens himself up to major problems—some life-threatening, some life-changing. Read for Life pick |
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Glen thought being Charlie Thornton’s friend was difficult. Now he discovers how it feels to be Charlie’s enemy. As for the people in his life—especially Phil, Nicole, and Marta—Glen sometimes wonders if he really has a friend in the world. Things are changing at home, too. His parents assume he will be going to college next year and are preparing for life without him. As everything goes topsy-turvy again, Glen has to work hard to understand his friends, his parents, and most of all himself. But in the process, he grows in self-awareness and learns that a real friend is someone who sticks around and helps out even when it hurts. Read for Life pick |
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Glen has found his life getting increasingly difficult. Now it spins out of control. While trying to complete his senior year at school, he also has to figure out how to treat his ex-girlfriend, who is now dating a former friend; encourage his best friend, who has become paralyzed from the waist down; find a way to avoid an annoying girl who just won’t go away; survive an unexpected relationship with his ex-girlfriend’s best friend; and protect himself from a series of disturbing events, including a form of hate-mail. In the midst of this tangle of relationships and frustrations, Glen learns that a hero is just an ordinary person who does what has to be done to help a friend in need. Read for Life pick |
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Glen finds himself juggling various relationships: he does his best to help Phil cope with his new way of life; encourages Marta to deal with her past; struggles to maintain a viable relationship with Charlie; and takes the next steps in his friendship with Nicole. As Glen clings to God and his cell group for help, he finds himself taking a bold public stand in defense of his beliefs. He also discovers, to his surprise, that he knows what he wants to do in the future. Winner of The Word Guild 2005 Awards for Best Young Adult Novel and Best Independently Published Fiction. Read for Life pick
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Eighteen-year-old Shane Donahue can’t relate to his twin brother or his parents, doesn’t trust the guys he hangs out with or his girlfriend, and is failing his classes at school. The whole situation makes Shane feel so helpless he’s considering life on the streets or suicide. He decides he has nothing to lose by asking God to help him try to get his life back on track, but his difficulties only increase. His father becomes angry when Shane goes to church, his friends attack him because they think he’s turned on them, and his brother dates his ex-girlfriend! But that’s nothing compared to Shane’s being arrested for robbery and assault. However, in the midst of his troubles, Shane finds out who he is and discovers hope for the future. "Deeds Speak" certificate from the York Region Police Read for Life pick |
In March, 2006, N. J. was the keynote speaker at the Read For Life event with the Toronto Raptors at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto. N. J. was featured along with Chris Bosh, Mike James, and other. In Time of Trouble was chosen as the first book to be featured by Read for Life, and close to one thousand copies of In Time of Trouble, were given out.
During the event, N. J. was given a plaque and a certificate from "Deeds Speak" presented by the York Regional Police Chief Armand P. La Barge for her "contribution to facilitating positive change within the community" and "assisting youth in dealing with issues like anger, fear, and peer pressure" through her book, In Time of Trouble.
Where can you get these books?
Any bookstore in your city or town can get them in for you.
Or you can order them online from the online companies.
Or you can order autographed copies right here. Either one book, or the complete set of all 5 books for $40 US or Cdn, with free shipping.
Yes, we do give discounts for bulk orders.
Information re buying books coming soon. For now, you can send an email (see Contact).
