She describes the pitfalls she encountered on her path to becoming a published author and discusses where ideas come from using examples from her books. Shelley offers school and library presentations on the value of perseverance. She decided to try writing her own books, and is now the award-winning author of nine novels for teens, all published by Orca Book Publishers. Shelley Hrdlitschka discovered her love for children's literature while teaching school. Torn from the headlines and inspired by current events, Sister Wife is a compelling portrait of a community where the laws of the outside world are ignored and where individuality is punished. How will Celeste find her way out of Unity? She wants something more for herself, yet feels powerless to change her destiny because rebelling would bring shame upon her family.Ĭeleste watches as Taviana leaves Unity, followed by Jon, and finally Craig, the boy who has taught her to think 'outside the box.' Although she is assigned to a caring man, his sixth wife, she is desperately unhappy.

At fifteen she is repulsed at the thought of being assigned to an older man and becoming a sister wife, and she knows for certain she is not cut out to raise children. Whatever it is, she struggles to accept her ordained life. Perhaps it's because of Taviana, the girl who has come to live with them and entertains Celeste with forbidden stories, or Jon, the young man she has clandestine meetings with, or maybe it's the influence of Craig, the outsider she meets on the beach.

Polygamy is the norm, strict obedience is expected and it is customary for young girls to be assigned to much older husbands.Ĭeleste was born and raised in Unity, yet she struggles to fit in. Torn from the headlines and inspired by current events, Sister Wife is a compelling portrait of a community where the laws of the outside world are ignored and where individuality is punished.In the isolated rural community of Unity, the people of The Movement live a simple life guided by a set of religious principles and laws that are unique to them. She wants something more for herself but feels powerless to change her destiny because rebelling would bring shame upon her family. At fifteen she is repulsed at the thought of being assigned to an older man and becoming a sister wife. Polygamy is the norm, strict obedience is expected, and it is customary for young girls to be assigned to much older husbands.Ĭeleste was born and raised in Unity, yet she struggles to fit in and to accept her ordained life. In the isolated rural community of Unity, the people of The Movement live a simple life guided by a set of religious principles and laws that are unique to them.

Sister wife by shelley hrdlitschka