shannonmauldin

[shannonmauldin]

Life Sliding - Review 5 Stars

One of the most predominate themes in this novel is that love has no boundaries or appearances. High school romances are often flirty and based on who is who and what social class you fall into. While this novel starts out following those trends and is easily relatable to readers, it soon twists and becomes so much more. The story of Caleb, the boy with leukemia, that latches onto a resentful Gavin is a catalyst for the change in Gavin. His memory is a constant reminder of how fragile life is and that you can’t live your life trying to live up to everyone else’s standards. I was really touched by Caleb and how his short time impacted so many lives. It is a reminder that it doesn’t matter how long we are here on earth, but what we do with the time we are given. Caleb melted the heart of Gavin and reminded him there is more to life than his little social circle. Gavin and Jacob’s relationship is touching and so fluid you just can’t help but want to see how life goes for them both. Everyone should have a friendship like that in life, someone that loves you unconditionally and is there for you no questions ask. Life Sliding by S.L. Mauldin is a touching novel, thought provoking and full of compassion and hope.

High school, a time for learning who you are, what your values are, and what matters in life. Gavin is the popular, most liked guy in his school. He is the trend setter and his hand-picked friends are at the top of the social pecking order. When they start planning their last summer bash before becoming seniors; he is quickly ripped out of his comfort zone when his dad decides he needs to spend his last vacation giving back to the community. Gavin is going to spend his summer working as a volunteer for camp Lift Me Up, it is a camp for kids with life threatening illnesses, a chance for them to feel normal. Here Gavin reconnects with an old friend Jacob, and they befriend Marissa, a girl with a lot of emotional baggage. Together the three of them bond and look to make their senior year one to remember not just for them, but for the whole school.

Gavin is your typical self-absorbed teenager, he’s on the football team, one of the popular kids, and comes from a family of money. Everyone knew that kid in high school, if you were not part of that crowd chances are you despised him, if you were in the crowd you looked up to him, or at least followed so not to lose your standing. When Jacob stopped following the cool crowd Gavin abandoned him. He never looked into why his best friend suddenly changed over the course of a summer. Gavin soon learned with his service at Lift Me Up what brought about the change in Jacob. Following the back and forth between Gavin and Jacob is exciting, you are never quite sure what their feelings for each other really are. Seeing Gavin grow is emotional, he learns that there is a lot more to the world than his little bubble, and he learns to really care for other people. This awakening is uplifting, it gives you hope that society is not doomed.

One of the most predominate themes in this novel is that love has no boundaries or appearances. High school romances are often flirty and based on who is who and what social class you fall into. While this novel starts out following those trends and is easily relatable to readers, it soon twists and becomes so much more. The story of Caleb, the boy with leukemia, that latches onto a resentful Gavin is a catalyst for the change in Gavin. His memory is a constant reminder of how fragile life is and that you can’t live your life trying to live up to everyone else’s standards. I was really touched by Caleb and how his short time impacted so many lives. It is a reminder that it doesn’t matter how long we are here on earth, but what we do with the time we are given. Caleb melted the heart of Gavin and reminded him there is more to life than his little social circle. Gavin and Jacob’s relationship is touching and so fluid you just can’t help but want to see how life goes for them both. Everyone should have a friendship like that in life, someone that loves you unconditionally and is there for you no questions ask. Life Sliding by S.L. Mauldin is a touching novel, thought provoking and full of compassion and hope. https://literarytitan.com/2018/02/23/life-sliding/

[shannonmauldin]

The words on the paper really had me twisted. That's when I truly understood those kids were sick.

https://www.amazon.com/Life-Sliding-S-L-Mauldin/dp/0692629726

[shannonmauldin]

Two pieces of evidence lay in the pool of blood. A cell phone and a wallet.

https://www.amazon.com/Life-Sliding-S-L-Mauldin/dp/0692629726

[shannonmauldin]

I hadn't spoken to Jacob in two years and now he was right in front of me.

https://www.amazon.com/Life-Sliding-S-L-Mauldin/dp/0692629726

[shannonmauldin]

What I realized is life could alter in an instant. One grain of sand weighing to one side or the other.   https://www.amazon.com/Life-Sliding-S-L-Mauldin/dp/0692629726

[shannonmauldin]

Life Sliding, a Young Adult Novel

Following a summer camp experience in which he witnesses a young mentee’s death by cancer, a teen, a former best friend, and a newcomer unite to challenge their school’s prejudices and social strata, running up against bullies and violence before finding peace. 

http://a.co/6lB5XKo

[shannonmauldin]

Short Film Base on the Young Adult Novel, Always Here.

A teenager dreams of musical theater stardom, but is beaten out by the popular girl in school, who is hiding the abuse in a seemingly perfect high school romance. Rushing to save a girl from violence, a life is lost and it takes a spirit to return and expose the truth about what happened late one night on a two-lane road. Film adapted from the young adult novel.

Always Here - The Novel

MIRANDA IS AN AWKWARD teen, who dreams of musical theater stardom and following some encouragement from her eccentric best friend Christian, she decides to audition for their school’s upcoming performance. It comes as no surprise when she is beat out by the most popular girl in school. 

All is not lost however since Miranda is selected to understudy the girl whom everyone views as perfect. Perfect looks, perfect money, and the perfect boyfriend. Even her younger brother’s goofy best friend falls prey to allure of Pam who Miranda jokingly speculates might be a vampire. 

Soon after the leap of faith, Miranda and Christian uncover that someone in a seemingly perfect high school romance is hiding something. The bruises and the public displays that aren’t so affectionate initiate the discovery. The secrets are well hidden behind the walls of popularity and gated communities where proper fork placement takes priority over the frivolous dreams of a teenager. 

Rushing to save someone dramatically alters to the lives of six young adults when late one night on a two lane road a flickering brake light leads to the revealing of truths and the fulfillment of promises. One of those promises Miranda and Christian made in the third grade. With an auditorium fully seated on opening night, it becomes necessary for Christian to remind Miranda of a pact they made at a very young age. It came with two words “Always Here.”

Review by Jack Magnus Readers’ Favorite

“S.L. Mauldin’s coming of age novel for young and new adults, Always Here, is a beautifully written and compelling story about love, friendship and expectations. Miranda and Christian’s friendship is one of the most moving and profound relationships I’ve encountered in a fictional work, but theirs is not the only relationship worth exploring in this perceptive and intelligent work on growing up. There are family issues, from the marvelous pranks played by Miranda, her brother, Greer, and grandmother, Nana, to the darker and deadly abuse issues faced by Trent and Pam. Trent, especially, is both victim and abuser, perpetuating the tragic chain of abuse in his treatment of his girlfriend. I had already read the author’s previous work, Life Sliding, and wondered how Mauldin could top that stunning coming of age tale, but Always Here ranks right up there with Life Sliding. They both have important stories to tell, and the plots and characters will stay with readers long after they’ve turned the last page. Always Here is a must-read, and it’s most highly recommended.”

[shannonmauldin]

“Reminds us of the tender, bold & dangerous years of youth.“

Reviews - Life Sliding

“A great coming of age story that tackles issues of prejudice, death, societal expectations and discovering one’s true self. The challenges faced by the characters in the story are prevalent  in today’s society more than ever. A thought provoking read not only for young adults, but everyone.”

“S.L. Mauldin’s young adult coming of age novel, Life Sliding, is a grand and glorious read about the pressures to conform that shackle children and young adults in school…”

“Life Sliding” is a compelling read from beginning to end and clearly demonstrates author S. L. Mauldin’s original and exceptionally gifted storytelling talents. While very highly recommended for school and community library YA Fiction collections..“  Midwest Book Review

S.L. Mauldin’s young adult coming of age novel, Life Sliding, is a grand and glorious read about the pressures to conform that shackle children and young adults in school, and one popular kid’s realization that there was much more to life than being the most looked up to. Following Gavin’s metamorphosis from an arrogant and entitled kid to a compassionate and independently minded young adult is a mesmerizing and moving experience. Life Sliding is one of those all-too-rare books that get it. Mauldin seems to have the inside scoop on the angst, self-doubt and insecurity of the young whose issues are often dismissed with condescending platitudes such as “youth is wasted on the young.” His plot is original and compelling, and Camp Lift Me Up is marvelous. I have to admit that I’ve always harbored a wistful envy of those fortunate kids who got sent to camp and became counselors when they were teens. So I automatically looked forward to vicariously experiencing Gavin’s camping summer, even if he didn’t, but, like Gavin, I found it far surpassed my anticipation. Mauldin’s characters are authentic and intriguing, especially Gavin’s lifelong friend, Jacob, and their friendship is a big part of what makes this book work as well as it does. I had a grand time reading Life Sliding; it’s easily one of the best books I’ve read this year. Life Sliding is most highly recommended.“ A Coming of Age Young Adult Book.

Review - Always Here

"S.L. Mauldin’s coming of age novel for young and new adults, Always Here, is a beautifully written and compelling story about love, friendship and expectations. Miranda and Christian’s friendship is one of the most moving and profound relationships I’ve encountered in a fictional work, but theirs is not the only relationship worth exploring in this perceptive and intelligent work on growing up. There are family issues, from the marvelous pranks played by Miranda, her brother, Greer, and grandmother, Nana, to the darker and deadly abuse issues faced by Trent and Pam. Trent, especially, is both victim and abuser, perpetuating the tragic chain of abuse in his treatment of his girlfriend. I had already read the author’s previous work, Life Sliding, and wondered how Mauldin could top that stunning coming of age tale, but Always Here ranks right up there with Life Sliding. They both have important stories to tell, and the plots and characters will stay with readers long after they’ve turned the last page. Always Here is a must-read, and it’s most highly recommended.”

More Info: https://lifesliding.com/life-sliding

Always Here - The Short Film  https://lifesliding.com/always-here-1

[shannonmauldin]

See the 20 min Short Film Based on the Young Adult Novel, "Always Here."

See the film Here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvKi5WxP9Z8&t=7s …  Happy New Years Day.

[shannonmauldin]

“Reminds us of the tender, bold & dangerous years of youth.“

Reviews - Life Sliding

“A great coming of age story that tackles issues of prejudice, death, societal expectations and discovering one’s true self. The challenges faced by the characters in the story are prevalent  in today’s society more than ever. A thought provoking read not only for young adults, but everyone.”

“S.L. Mauldin’s young adult coming of age novel, Life Sliding, is a grand and glorious read about the pressures to conform that shackle children and young adults in school…”

“Life Sliding” is a compelling read from beginning to end and clearly demonstrates author S. L. Mauldin’s original and exceptionally gifted storytelling talents. While very highly recommended for school and community library YA Fiction collections..“  Midwest Book Review

S.L. Mauldin’s young adult coming of age novel, Life Sliding, is a grand and glorious read about the pressures to conform that shackle children and young adults in school, and one popular kid’s realization that there was much more to life than being the most looked up to. Following Gavin’s metamorphosis from an arrogant and entitled kid to a compassionate and independently minded young adult is a mesmerizing and moving experience. Life Sliding is one of those all-too-rare books that get it. Mauldin seems to have the inside scoop on the angst, self-doubt and insecurity of the young whose issues are often dismissed with condescending platitudes such as "youth is wasted on the young.” His plot is original and compelling, and Camp Lift Me Up is marvelous. I have to admit that I’ve always harbored a wistful envy of those fortunate kids who got sent to camp and became counselors when they were teens. So I automatically looked forward to vicariously experiencing Gavin’s camping summer, even if he didn’t, but, like Gavin, I found it far surpassed my anticipation. Mauldin’s characters are authentic and intriguing, especially Gavin’s lifelong friend, Jacob, and their friendship is a big part of what makes this book work as well as it does. I had a grand time reading Life Sliding; it’s easily one of the best books I’ve read this year. Life Sliding is most highly recommended.“ A Coming of Age Young Adult Book.

Review - Always Here

"S.L. Mauldin’s coming of age novel for young and new adults, Always Here, is a beautifully written and compelling story about love, friendship and expectations. Miranda and Christian’s friendship is one of the most moving and profound relationships I’ve encountered in a fictional work, but theirs is not the only relationship worth exploring in this perceptive and intelligent work on growing up. There are family issues, from the marvelous pranks played by Miranda, her brother, Greer, and grandmother, Nana, to the darker and deadly abuse issues faced by Trent and Pam. Trent, especially, is both victim and abuser, perpetuating the tragic chain of abuse in his treatment of his girlfriend. I had already read the author’s previous work, Life Sliding, and wondered how Mauldin could top that stunning coming of age tale, but Always Here ranks right up there with Life Sliding. They both have important stories to tell, and the plots and characters will stay with readers long after they’ve turned the last page. Always Here is a must-read, and it’s most highly recommended.”

More Info: https://lifesliding.com/life-sliding

Always Here - The Short Film  https://lifesliding.com/always-here-1

[shannonmauldin]

Short Film Base on the Young Adult Novel, Always Here.

A teenager dreams of musical theater stardom, but is beaten out by the popular girl in school, who is hiding the abuse in a seemingly perfect high school romance. Rushing to save a girl from violence, a life is lost and it takes a spirit to return and expose the truth about what happened late one night on a two-lane road. Film adapted from the young adult novel.

Always Here - The Novel

MIRANDA IS AN AWKWARD teen, who dreams of musical theater stardom and following some encouragement from her eccentric best friend Christian, she decides to audition for their school’s upcoming performance. It comes as no surprise when she is beat out by the most popular girl in school. 

All is not lost however since Miranda is selected to understudy the girl whom everyone views as perfect. Perfect looks, perfect money, and the perfect boyfriend. Even her younger brother’s goofy best friend falls prey to allure of Pam who Miranda jokingly speculates might be a vampire. 

Soon after the leap of faith, Miranda and Christian uncover that someone in a seemingly perfect high school romance is hiding something. The bruises and the public displays that aren’t so affectionate initiate the discovery. The secrets are well hidden behind the walls of popularity and gated communities where proper fork placement takes priority over the frivolous dreams of a teenager. 

Rushing to save someone dramatically alters to the lives of six young adults when late one night on a two lane road a flickering brake light leads to the revealing of truths and the fulfillment of promises. One of those promises Miranda and Christian made in the third grade. With an auditorium fully seated on opening night, it becomes necessary for Christian to remind Miranda of a pact they made at a very young age. It came with two words “Always Here.”

Review by Jack Magnus Readers’ Favorite

“S.L. Mauldin’s coming of age novel for young and new adults, Always Here, is a beautifully written and compelling story about love, friendship and expectations. Miranda and Christian’s friendship is one of the most moving and profound relationships I’ve encountered in a fictional work, but theirs is not the only relationship worth exploring in this perceptive and intelligent work on growing up. There are family issues, from the marvelous pranks played by Miranda, her brother, Greer, and grandmother, Nana, to the darker and deadly abuse issues faced by Trent and Pam. Trent, especially, is both victim and abuser, perpetuating the tragic chain of abuse in his treatment of his girlfriend. I had already read the author’s previous work, Life Sliding, and wondered how Mauldin could top that stunning coming of age tale, but Always Here ranks right up there with Life Sliding. They both have important stories to tell, and the plots and characters will stay with readers long after they’ve turned the last page. Always Here is a must-read, and it’s most highly recommended.”

[shannonmauldin]

Life Sliding, a Young Adult Novel

Following a summer camp experience in which he witnesses a young mentee’s death by cancer, a teen, a former best friend, and a newcomer unite to challenge their school’s prejudices and social strata, running up against bullies and violence before finding peace. 

http://a.co/6lB5XKo

[shannonmauldin]

Latest Amazon Review - Life Sliding

”A real tear jerker.

I am totally overwhelmed. I just finished this book, and promptly recommended it to someone! Gavin starts as a typical jock. His world is shallow, his relationships superficial, and he relies on his followers to take care of his business. His world is snobbish and his friends are the trend setters. His father sends him to a camp for special needs kids. He remains highly judgemental, until he suddenly is faced with reality. He comes to realize that he has created an environment in his school that he has the power to fix. His friend from years before has already made this realization, in the same camp, with the same kind of incident. They decide, with the help of a mutual friend, that they will make a difference. Jacob, the friend, turns heads. People notice him, even the jocks. He decides to create an honest, true version of himself; this inspires a massive change in his life, Gavin's, and all those around him. All this change is courtesy of a little boy that won't ever grow up.”

Life Sliding, a Young Adult Novel

Following a summer camp experience in which he witnesses a young mentee’s death by cancer, a teen, a former best friend, and a newcomer unite to challenge their school’s prejudices and social strata, running up against bullies and violence before finding peace. 

http://a.co/6lB5XKo

[shannonmauldin]

Short Film Base on the Young Adult Novel, Always Here.

A teenager dreams of musical theater stardom, but is beaten out by the popular girl in school, who is hiding the abuse in a seemingly perfect high school romance. Rushing to save a girl from violence, a life is lost and it takes a spirit to return and expose the truth about what happened late one night on a two-lane road. Film adapted from the young adult novel.

Always Here - The Novel

MIRANDA IS AN AWKWARD teen, who dreams of musical theater stardom and following some encouragement from her eccentric best friend Christian, she decides to audition for their school’s upcoming performance. It comes as no surprise when she is beat out by the most popular girl in school. 

All is not lost however since Miranda is selected to understudy the girl whom everyone views as perfect. Perfect looks, perfect money, and the perfect boyfriend. Even her younger brother’s goofy best friend falls prey to allure of Pam who Miranda jokingly speculates might be a vampire. 

Soon after the leap of faith, Miranda and Christian uncover that someone in a seemingly perfect high school romance is hiding something. The bruises and the public displays that aren’t so affectionate initiate the discovery. The secrets are well hidden behind the walls of popularity and gated communities where proper fork placement takes priority over the frivolous dreams of a teenager. 

Rushing to save someone dramatically alters to the lives of six young adults when late one night on a two lane road a flickering brake light leads to the revealing of truths and the fulfillment of promises. One of those promises Miranda and Christian made in the third grade. With an auditorium fully seated on opening night, it becomes necessary for Christian to remind Miranda of a pact they made at a very young age. It came with two words “Always Here.”

Review by Jack Magnus Readers’ Favorite

“S.L. Mauldin’s coming of age novel for young and new adults, Always Here, is a beautifully written and compelling story about love, friendship and expectations. Miranda and Christian’s friendship is one of the most moving and profound relationships I’ve encountered in a fictional work, but theirs is not the only relationship worth exploring in this perceptive and intelligent work on growing up. There are family issues, from the marvelous pranks played by Miranda, her brother, Greer, and grandmother, Nana, to the darker and deadly abuse issues faced by Trent and Pam. Trent, especially, is both victim and abuser, perpetuating the tragic chain of abuse in his treatment of his girlfriend. I had already read the author’s previous work, Life Sliding, and wondered how Mauldin could top that stunning coming of age tale, but Always Here ranks right up there with Life Sliding. They both have important stories to tell, and the plots and characters will stay with readers long after they’ve turned the last page. Always Here is a must-read, and it’s most highly recommended.”

[shannonmauldin]

Life Sliding, a Young Adult Novel

Following a summer camp experience in which he witnesses a young mentee’s death by cancer, a teen, a former best friend, and a newcomer unite to challenge their school’s prejudices and social strata, running up against bullies and violence before finding peace. 

http://a.co/6lB5XKo

[shannonmauldin]

Short Film Base on the Young Adult Novel, Always Here.

A teenager dreams of musical theater stardom, but is beaten out by the popular girl in school, who is hiding the abuse in a seemingly perfect high school romance. Rushing to save a girl from violence, a life is lost and it takes a spirit to return and expose the truth about what happened late one night on a two-lane road. Film adapted from the young adult novel.

Always Here - The Novel

MIRANDA IS AN AWKWARD teen, who dreams of musical theater stardom and following some encouragement from her eccentric best friend Christian, she decides to audition for their school's upcoming performance. It comes as no surprise when she is beat out by the most popular girl in school. 

All is not lost however since Miranda is selected to understudy the girl whom everyone views as perfect. Perfect looks, perfect money, and the perfect boyfriend. Even her younger brother's goofy best friend falls prey to allure of Pam who Miranda jokingly speculates might be a vampire. 

Soon after the leap of faith, Miranda and Christian uncover that someone in a seemingly perfect high school romance is hiding something. The bruises and the public displays that aren't so affectionate initiate the discovery. The secrets are well hidden behind the walls of popularity and gated communities where proper fork placement takes priority over the frivolous dreams of a teenager. 

Rushing to save someone dramatically alters to the lives of six young adults when late one night on a two lane road a flickering brake light leads to the revealing of truths and the fulfillment of promises. One of those promises Miranda and Christian made in the third grade. With an auditorium fully seated on opening night, it becomes necessary for Christian to remind Miranda of a pact they made at a very young age. It came with two words "Always Here."

Review by Jack Magnus Readers' Favorite

"S.L. Mauldin's coming of age novel for young and new adults, Always Here, is a beautifully written and compelling story about love, friendship and expectations. Miranda and Christian's friendship is one of the most moving and profound relationships I've encountered in a fictional work, but theirs is not the only relationship worth exploring in this perceptive and intelligent work on growing up. There are family issues, from the marvelous pranks played by Miranda, her brother, Greer, and grandmother, Nana, to the darker and deadly abuse issues faced by Trent and Pam. Trent, especially, is both victim and abuser, perpetuating the tragic chain of abuse in his treatment of his girlfriend. I had already read the author's previous work, Life Sliding, and wondered how Mauldin could top that stunning coming of age tale, but Always Here ranks right up there with Life Sliding. They both have important stories to tell, and the plots and characters will stay with readers long after they've turned the last page. Always Here is a must-read, and it's most highly recommended."

[shannonmauldin]

“Reminds us of the tender, bold & dangerous years of youth.“

Reviews - Life Sliding

"A great coming of age story that tackles issues of prejudice, death, societal expectations and discovering one's true self. The challenges faced by the characters in the story are prevalent  in today's society more than ever. A thought provoking read not only for young adults, but everyone."

"S.L. Mauldin's young adult coming of age novel, Life Sliding, is a grand and glorious read about the pressures to conform that shackle children and young adults in school..."

"Life Sliding" is a compelling read from beginning to end and clearly demonstrates author S. L. Mauldin's original and exceptionally gifted storytelling talents. While very highly recommended for school and community library YA Fiction collections.."  Midwest Book Review

S.L. Mauldin's young adult coming of age novel, Life Sliding, is a grand and glorious read about the pressures to conform that shackle children and young adults in school, and one popular kid's realization that there was much more to life than being the most looked up to. Following Gavin's metamorphosis from an arrogant and entitled kid to a compassionate and independently minded young adult is a mesmerizing and moving experience. Life Sliding is one of those all-too-rare books that get it. Mauldin seems to have the inside scoop on the angst, self-doubt and insecurity of the young whose issues are often dismissed with condescending platitudes such as "youth is wasted on the young." His plot is original and compelling, and Camp Lift Me Up is marvelous. I have to admit that I've always harbored a wistful envy of those fortunate kids who got sent to camp and became counselors when they were teens. So I automatically looked forward to vicariously experiencing Gavin's camping summer, even if he didn't, but, like Gavin, I found it far surpassed my anticipation. Mauldin's characters are authentic and intriguing, especially Gavin's lifelong friend, Jacob, and their friendship is a big part of what makes this book work as well as it does. I had a grand time reading Life Sliding; it's easily one of the best books I've read this year. Life Sliding is most highly recommended." A Coming of Age Young Adult Book.

Review - Always Here

"S.L. Mauldin's coming of age novel for young and new adults, Always Here, is a beautifully written and compelling story about love, friendship and expectations. Miranda and Christian's friendship is one of the most moving and profound relationships I've encountered in a fictional work, but theirs is not the only relationship worth exploring in this perceptive and intelligent work on growing up. There are family issues, from the marvelous pranks played by Miranda, her brother, Greer, and grandmother, Nana, to the darker and deadly abuse issues faced by Trent and Pam. Trent, especially, is both victim and abuser, perpetuating the tragic chain of abuse in his treatment of his girlfriend. I had already read the author's previous work, Life Sliding, and wondered how Mauldin could top that stunning coming of age tale, but Always Here ranks right up there with Life Sliding. They both have important stories to tell, and the plots and characters will stay with readers long after they've turned the last page. Always Here is a must-read, and it's most highly recommended."

More Info: https://lifesliding.com/life-sliding

Always Here - The Short Film  https://lifesliding.com/always-here-1