Overview
Willie, despite a rough start, has become immersed in the culture she should have been born into. As she grows in her own knowledge of her ancestral roots, she also grows in who she is as a person. All things are now within her reach, and all she must do is put forth a little effort. With all of this in mind, Willie has decided to dedicate herself towards her own 'Personal Growth.'
"Our heritage might be bloody, but that's no reason not to be proud!"
-Spike
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'Personal Growth' is the second installment in the fairly popular indie series, Growing Roots. It is the sequel to 'Less Than Humble Beginnings.' Here is what people have said about the series:
"The characters are believable and realistic."
"Chelsea used concise descriptions of her characters which made it very easy to imagine their interactions."
"Chelsea Falin is a great story-teller. With her clear descriptions of the characters, settings and dialogue, it was not difficult for me to imagine the characters and to picture every scene. With her excellent weaving of words, the world of Willie came alive as if I'm watching a movie."
"Being a teenager is never easy, and Willie's internal struggles were easy to relate to."
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Excerpt From 'Personal Growth':
“Aunt Janie?” I asked, finding her at the kitchen table. She was looking over some papers, which I assumed by the calculator were finances. “Are you busy?”
Aunt Janie looked up. “No, no. I could use a break from this anyways. What is it, sweetie?”
“I was just thinking about a lot of things today.” I wasn't really sure how to broach the subject of heritage or my father with her.
“Like what?”
“Well, for starters… if you’re three quarters Choctaw, was momma that much to?” Aunt Janie nodded her head to say that it did. “So what does that make me?”
“Three-eighths, I think, from our side.” Aunt Janie answered.
Nodding my head to show I understood, I said “Well… I was wondering something else.” I paused momentarily, pondering how best to ask this question. I finally decided the best way to do it was to just be out with it. “Do you know who my father was?”
Aunt Janie’s face took on a slightly pained expression as though my words caused her a small physical blow. “Your mom never told you who your father was?” I shook my head to answer no but remained silent. “Well, yes, I know who your father is.”
