Author comes to Yuma for One Book Arizona

  Author Nancy Turner's book "These Is My Words" is bringing Arizona communities together through literature and reading.

  The Tucson-based author's book was selected for this year's One Book Arizona, a program hosted by libraries across the state that encourages communities to read the same book and participate in discussions.

  Readers will have the opportunity to meet Turner from 1 to 2:30 on Monday in a community discussion at Arizona Western College's Little Theatre.

  After that, she will be at Barnes and Noble, 819 W. 32nd St., at 6:30 p.m.

  "I've always thought the program was an exciting one. I'm really thrilled that they chose me this year," said Turner in a phone interview with The Sun.

  "These Is My Words" is a fictional story based on the life of Turner's great-grandmother, backed up by oral history of the author's family as well as actual Arizona history, Turner said.

  Turner heavily researched Arizona history at the Arizona Historical Society and libraries where she found old-time newspapers, she said.

  "So a lot of the things that happen in it (the book) actually happened in that time in history."

  While Turner's great-grandmother wasn't an Arizona pioneer, she lived in Arizona Territory in the late 1800s.

  The book introduces readers to the story of the life Sarah Prine, a woman who survives and prevails during the era. According to a news release, the character of Sarah Prine rides Indian-style and shoots with a deadly aim, devours a treasure trove of leatherbound books, downs fire, flood, Comanche raids and other mortal perils with the unique courage that forged the character of the American West.

  It's a story of "just trying to imagine her life because we don't have a lot of actual written facts," Turner said.

  The book is filled with adventure, suspense and romance, making it a book that appeals to all readers, Tuner said.

  The community forum provides a place where the readers can meet the author and ask questions about the book.

  "I think there are always questions that people have in their minds. I think it puts a very personal face on the cover of the book … if you actually meet their author."

  Turner will talk about her family and show pictures of her great-grandmother. She will also take the time to hear what readers liked about the book.

  "It makes it so much more real to them and it puts a very deeper understanding in people's minds when they read it," Turner said. "There is something more to it than just a story."

  For more questions, call the Yuma County Library District at 782-1871 or visit www.onebookaz.org.

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Juana Gyek can be reached at jgyek@yumasun.com or 539-6872.