On the Outskirts of Normal: Forging a Family Against the Grain

Marc Notes: Includes Book club discussion questions and An interview with Debra Monroe, pages 210-218.; Originally published: Dallas: Southern Methodist University Press, c2010. Review Quotes: "Debra Monroe writes about the complications, and gifts, of transracial adoption."--Salon.comReview Quotes: "Infused with humor and compassion, by turns hilarious and heartbreaking. What shines throughout the book is Monroe's love for the little girl who transformed her life."--Chitra Divakaruni, "Houston Chronicle"Review Quotes: "Monroe is a loveable narrrator . . . [but] sweet, intelligent Marie positively steals the show."--"Kansas City Star"Review Quotes: "While Monroe may not unravel all the riddles of race by the end of this immaculately written memoir, what she does reveal is a far greater truth about the love of a good mother."--"Minneapolis Star-Tribune"Review Quotes: "A single woman's spunky memoir about the hazards and rewards of building a home and family outside a small Texas town, this tale of trials and triumph is an engaging, poignant read."--"Kirkus Reviews"Review Quotes: "Monroe and [her daughter] Marie may not have set out to teach the world something about love breaking barriers, but you can't read this book and not root for them, just as you won't be able to read this without hoping for the day when race will be a non-issue."--"Dallas Morning News"Biographical Note: Debra Monroe teaches in the MFA Program at Texas State University. She is the author of several books, including "The Source of Trouble" (winner of the Flannery O'Connor Award) and most recently "On the Outskirts of Normal."Review Quotes: "Monroe doesn't waste time justifying her family to others--her care and cleareyed focus on her daughter make their own argument. It's absolutely clear this is the life she chose."--Amy Benfer, "Barnes & Noble Review"Review Quotes: "REQUIRED READING: In a setting where working mothers are rare, novelist and single mom Debra Monroe's adoption of a black baby puts her "On the Outskirts of Normal.""--"Vanity Fair"Publisher Marketing: After moving to a humble cottage outside of a tiny Texas town, Debra Monroe rids herself of an abusive husband, battles sexist contractors and workers as she renovates her home, and finally, after several disheartening letdowns, is able to adopt her beautiful baby daughter, Marie. Though elated that her dream is coming true, Monroe faces trials that befall her not just as a single mother but as a white mother of a black child. In "On the Outskirts of Normal," two-time National Book Award nominee Monroe's heart creaks "like china with hairline cracks" each time a racist comment rolls their way or stares linger a little too long in their direction. Though she and her daughter face serious undiagnosed illnesses leading to innumerable, painful doctor visits, Monroe remains steadfast in her dedication to Marie and their small but tight family. Reading "On the Outskirts of Normal" at times feels like driving through an unwieldy thunderstorm at night on the unlit country roads that snake their way to Monroe's house in the woods; readers will feel her exhaustion but will be buoyed by her ever-present faith and fiery love. Pulitzer Prize winner Madeleine Blais writes that "On the Outskirts of Normal" is the "real deal: both a literary triumph and a triumph of the heart." Review Citations:

Kirkus Reviews 04/15/2010 (EAN 9780870745607, Hardcover)

People Weekly 07/12/2010 pg. 56 (EAN 9780870745607, Hardcover)

Foreword 06/16/2010 (EAN 9780870745607, Hardcover)

Contributor Bio:  Monroe, Debra Debra Monroe, the winner of the Flannery O'Connor Award for short fiction, is an associate professor in the MFA program at Southwest Texas State University and is the author of "The Source of Trouble" and "A Wild, Cold State." She lives in Wimberley, Texas.