It’s always special to have an author on the blog whose book I loved. THE MURDERER’S DAUGHTERS was on my mental Best Of list for 2010–a sobering, thrilling read (and those aren’t adjectives you normally see paired). The other reason that I’m thrilled to have Randy share her Moment is this. When her novel launched, Randy gave all the proceeds from sales at her release party to an organization that helped victims of domestic violence. Through her inauguration as an author, talking to readers affected by this issue has been something where Randy’s commitment has shone. Her novel is not just a great read–it’s something that can change a life.

There are many moments which pinched me and said: “Yes, you really did publish a novel!” but the moment where I could barely breathe and left me saying, Thank you, God, was the moment I read the first reviews posted in the Amazon Vines Early Readers programs

These were strangers who’d been touched by my book. Not professional reviewers (which were wonderful and for whom I will be eternally grateful—but writing reviews is their job, right?) No one paid or forced these Amazon reviewers to write about The Murderer’s Daughters. None of them was my sister, best friend, husband, agent, daughter, writer’s group member, editor—all of whom has a vested interest in cheering me up and letting me know they love me.

Amazon Vine readers helped me believe that perhaps I’d done what I’d set out to do, what I believe writers should do when writing a book that uncovers a secret truth. I wrote a book that broke my own heart. It seemed that, at least for these reviewers, I’d also written a story that touched deep inside someone else.

That is my ‘made it moment.’

Books have been my lifelines since I first recognized what magic the ABC’s could make. Reading gets me through the best of times, the worst of time, the most boring of times, and everything in-between. I read widely and I read across genres. I read fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and biographies—anything and almost everything except manuals on fixing things, and marooned on an island, I’d read those.

I was raised by books, enhanced by books, taught by books, and rescued by books and the ones that meant probably dug deepest into the author’s nightmares, dreams, and exposed their raw places. That’s the gift that writers can offer: an “oh, me too, me too,” that might leave the reader feeling a little less crazy.

It’s a present I’ve been given by so many. My hope is that I will give a bit of that gift back.

Randy Susan Meyers is the author of The Murderer’s Daughters, released by St. Martin’s Press in January 2010. Her family drama is informed by her work with batterers and victims of domestic violence, as well her experience with youth impacted by street violence. The Los Angeles Times deemed the books, “A knock-out debut.” The Murderer’s Daughters was recently chosen the Target “Club Pick” for February/March and chosen as a Massachusetts Council for the Book as a “Must Read.” The Murderer’s Daughters was just named a finalist for the Massachusetts Book Award.