Maggie Campbell awoke late. It was the grey morning light that filtered through the worn, faded floral sheets strung from nails across the bedroom window which woke her. The alarm had not. She lay prone on the bed, eyes squeezed shut, awareness crawling upward through layers of unsettling sleep like a pearl diver submerged too long. She could hear the alarm's distorted static, a hissing wail growing louder as she drew closer to waking. For a moment, she simply lay on her back, unable to move, heavy arms and legs numb, tingling, as though at a distance. Remote from her. She knew she could attempt willing limbs to move, but they would defy her. No, better just to lie there. Allow the slow waking to stir her body.
Cold air pressed against her cheeks and seemed to whisper across her face as though on a breath of wind. Another reason to stay in bed. Though she wore both a flannel nightie and sweater and, on her feet, a pair of mismatched wool socks - one brown, the other a sickly olive green - Maggie did not want to pull back the blankets. She was warm beneath the covers. Besides, a faint migraine hovered behind her eyes. A sleep induced headache. Vaguely troubled by dreams she could not recall yet lingered within, her brows gathered in a soft frown. Her sleep may have been deep, but neither comforting nor restful. No, she reasoned, better to lie still. Perhaps even drift off again. Yet even as she tried to cling to the remnants of sleep, the static screech of the alarm and coldness of the room, which told her the wood stove downstairs had gone out sometime during the night, were compelling. Obligating. Irritating.
Maggie rolled onto her side, blinking blearily at the glowing green digital readout methodically flashing from the clock radio. At first, the significance of the blue-green glow of 7:45 did not register. Dull witted and uncomprehending, not yet a part of the day nor of the now, she stared at the numbers, but when the luminous five blinked to a six, realized with a jolt of electricity more startling than the glowing numbers she mindlessly stared into that she was late, the kids were late, and the school bus - 'Oh God! The school bus!' her mind shrieked - would arrive in less than half an hour.
Quotes:
After reading this story I realized that Maggie Campbell is an under dog in life, being slapped around by society, but we all are, just struggling to survive.
What a life Maggie lived in the span of a day. Any other person would never have survived an hour. I wanted to jump into the story and help this woman and shake some sense into the bureaucracy that governs society.

As I read this brilliant novel while living in a rural setting I could envision the characters, scenes and scenarios as I read. This novel takes you to places we tend to ignore however real they are.
It brings about things we need to discuss and think about as they exist. It brings out emotions and feelings to the forefront as the characters go about their lives facing the challenges and fears of living in poverty. Very thought provoking. My emotions ran high as I read page after page.
A book that you must read slowly in order to savour the very essence of it. A book that after you have finished you must read it again. Good Job!!!

I simply could not put it down. I loved it.
Former Social Services Worker and professional writer John Britt has a gift of bringing us into the world of un-sung heroes, hidden journeys and sub-cultures.