Blue Yarn - by Carrie Classon (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

In the space of a few days, Carrie loses her marriage, her career, and her home--all while working in Lagos, Nigeria. She is blindsided by the losses and realizes the story she painstakingly knit together over the past two decades--the story explaining her life and who she is--has unraveled.

With no plan for the future and only her deaf cat, Lucy, for company, Carrie decides to remain in Africa until she figures out what has just happened.

What happens next is an awkward, amusing, and ultimately inspiring journey as Carrie slowly lets go of who she thought she was and starts from scratch at middle-age: making unlikely friends, acquiring dump trucks, tumbling into an improbable love affair, and eventually learning to listen to the elusive and sometimes annoying voice helping her discover who she is, find the neglected artist inside, and piece together her unexpected new life.

Review Quotes

"Classon lays herself bare in a way most of us only dream of doing in personal journals we hope are never read. Blue Yarn is a reminder that we all are adventurers and must follow our paths to wherever they might lead... a joy to read." -The Paris News

"Starting with a newly single American woman alone, unemployed, homeless and without even her phone, Blue Yarn takes you through the struggles and little victories of a woman seeking answers and peace. Through the mountains of Africa, the beaches in Nigeria and many places in between, Classon finds the answers she is seeking, even if she doesn't like them. Seamlessly written, this story of despair, loneliness, shock and, finally, peace is one you will remember." -The Alvin Sun

"It's rare when a book can make you cry, laugh and teach you about finding courage, resilience and hope-all at the same time. Blue Yarn is magnificent." -The Inter-County Leader

"[Classon's] journey delights and surprises with its courage, humor, and honesty. This memoir both entertains and enlightens in equal measure." -Michelle Brooks, author of Make Yourself Small and Dead Girl, Live Boy

"This is a book that in its epic emotional sweep tells us gently not to despair, not to lose faith, but once free of props to be more truly ourselves." -Daniel Mueller, author of How Animals Mate and Nights I Dreamed of Hubert Humphrey

"Classon's storytelling is honest and insightful." -The Mountain Mail