Away Place

The Away Place by author Ruth Tiger is the poignant story of a special bond between a man with Down Syndrome and an idealistic doctoral student. Sarah Richardson becomes an activist for protecting the rights of mentally challenged adults in the turbulent 1970s. A deathbed confession from her mother spurs Sarah to found an experimental group home and five institutionalized adults move into her start-up facility. She finds herself drawn to one especially sensitive and gentle man, John, who grew up in an institution never knowing his family. When tragedy strikes one of the members of the group it ultimately leads Sarah to discover secrets about her mother's past. What happened to her mother that will bring Sarah's past, present, and future to full circle? Tiger writes with amazing clarity, shifting perspectives throughout her narration-the reader sees the experience through Sarah's eyes and through John's eyes. Tiger's brilliant novel is rich with emotion, complex characters, and a dramatic ending that will stay with you long after you've finished the book. Author Bio: Ruth Tiger is a Special Education Supervisor and has published articles in academic and professional publications. She has a master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology and has been an advocate in promoting the needs and rights of individuals with disabilities since the mid 1970s. Ms. Tiger has a son, daughter and grandson and lives with her best friend and husband of 35 years in Tacoma, Washington. The Away Place is her first book.