New Book Aims to Bring Faith to Millennials

Growing up in Queens with The Chronicles of Narnia and The Screwtape letters, Desiree Granby developed a strong Christian faith. The works were an inspiration to her, along with authors like Toni Morrison and Virginia Woolf. But when she reached college, she began to notice a lack of literature that told Christian stories. Worse she saw many people her age abandoning their faith over scandals, or for political reasons. She was greatly dismayed by this, and decided to use her talent for writing to make a change.

Drawing from her influences and life experiences she began piecing together a novel. Granby said she wanted characters, settings, and situations that spoke directly to millennials. She tackled subjects ranging from abandonment and prostitution to drug abuse and the role of religion. The result of her work was A Duplicate Moon, due to be released later this year.

The novel has already premiered to small audiences of Christian readers in three cities. Their responses have been highly positive. Some have been deeply moving.

"My mother passed a few years ago," said Angela Perkins, 32. "Desiree's writing really spoke to my loss. Her characters felt genuine, especially Cherry. I appreciate how she never gave up."

Granby plans to showcase her tale to wider audiences in coming months. It tells the story of Dorlen Black, the son of a mother who gave birth to him at fifteen. Her death in a car accident forces him to grow up in foster care, constantly revisiting the tragedy in his dreams. Now, as a young man, he is tormented, antisocial,. and completely opposed to God and faith. The only person in his world is Cherry, a new convert to the Christian faith. The two must work together to overcome their pain and learn to appreciate life once more.

"I hope I can turn the tide back toward Christ," Granby remarked at the Washington DC premiere. A Duplicate Moon is expected to hit shelves in the fall.

The Pocket Revolution Publishing Company focuses on literature that challenges communities. Since 2001 it has published works aimed at engaging readers, increasing political participation, and improving American neighborhoods. With Granby's novel, the fourteen year old company takes its first steps toward working with people of faith. The company hopes this will lead to future partnerships that encourage community participation via religious organizations.