Beyond the Broken: Debut Novel by Chicago's Sharisse Kimbro Leaves No Stone Unturned

What happens when the life you planned isn't the life you get? New author Sharisse Kimbro uses fiction to explore how women reconcile the lives they wanted at 21 with the lives they end up with 20 years later in her debut novel Beyond the Broken, available today at http://www.sharissekimbro.com. Beyond the Broken is self-published in partnership with Open Books Editions.

Chicago-based Kimbro pulls from her varied life experiences and those of the women around her in writing the story of five well-educated, accomplished Black women who - on the surface appear to have it all. Chapter by chapter, woman by woman, Kimbro gently and methodically unmasks the pain and secret coping mechanisms that lie beneath when the college friends reunite under sudden, tragic circumstances. Kimbro breathes life into relatable, fictional characters by honing in on real-world themes such as motherhood, depression, serial singleness, suicide and betrayal. While Beyond the Broken is for any woman who dares to expose painful truths in exchange for healing and fullness, it also offers a unique, refreshing perspective for African-American women who aren't often heard on these topics.

"I was inspired by the seminal Langston Hughes poem, 'A Dream Deferred,'" said Kimbro after she experienced a mirror moment when she didn't recognize her own reflection in the life she found herself living. "While Beyond the Broken taps into dashed hopes and shattered expectations, it's also a story about the beauty and resilience of women finding the strength to rise above the brokenness," added Kimbro.

Steadily rising in popularity, Beyond the Broken has received iuniverse's Editor's Choice recognition and maintained a 5-star rating on Amazon.com's Customer Review panel. Kimbro Blogs on topical themes from her book on sharissekimbro.com and guest Blogs on http://www.ForHarriet.com. After attracting hundreds to her summer book tour, Kimbro kicks-off her fall tour in the Midwest including:

Upcoming Book Signings & Appearances

• Milwaukee, WI / Saturday, Sept. 21: Urban Book Review Fall Fiction Fest from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. CST
• Cleveland, OH / Saturday, Oct. 5: Zanzibar Soul Fusion Restaurant from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. EST
• Chicago, IL / Sunday, Oct. 20: Woodson Regional Library from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. CST.

Kimbro is available for media interviews and appearances. Media who wish to review Beyond the Broken may request a complimentary copy by contacting info(at)taylorcommunicationsgroup(dot)com. Beyond the Broken is also available at Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble. Visit http://www.sharissekimbro.com for more information, details on events and to join Kimbro on Facebook and Twitter.

About Sharisse Kimbro

Sharisse Kimbro earned a BA in English and an MA in Sociology from Stanford University in addition to a law degree from the University of Michigan. She has enjoyed a successful career in the public and private sectors but never lost her passion for putting life into words. She resides in Chicago with her family.

About Open Books Editions

Open Book Editions is a joint venture between Berrett-Koehler Publishers (BK) and Author Solutions (iuniverse.com), the market leader in self-publishing. Open Book Editions represents a new way to further the BK mission and expand its community. Open Book Editions helps authors challenge conventional thinking, introduce new ideas and foster positive change.

Beyond the Broken by Sharisse Kimbro
Publication Date: February 12, 2013
Paperback: $13.46; 239 pages, 978-1-4759-6276-5
Hard Cover: $20.66, 239 pages, 978-1-4759-6275-8
eBook: $3.03, 978-1-4759-6283-3
Note: Book prices are subject to change

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