Charisma

In the aftermath of a violent incident and near death experience, Sarah Lange is plagued by heavenly voices and dogged by a desire to return "home." Frightened by her desire to terminate her existence on earth, she checks into a trauma center in Malibu, California and meets Dr. David Sutton, an intellectual, a scientist, a reductionist and someone who believes in nothing beyond his immediate experience. David's world is as divorced from mystery and magic as Sarah's is alive and animated by it. Their sessions open up a dialogue about the separation of worlds--one easily defined and explained and one unknowable and waiting on the other side of human experience. Even as his faith in his profession fades, David struggles to bring his disturbed patient back to the real world. In a desperate effort to define herself, Sarah "escapes" and David must decide how far he is willing to go to save a patient and ultimately himself.

About the Author :
Barbara Hall is an award-winning novelist, screenwriter and television producer. She is the creator and producer of the Emmy nominated series Joan of Arcadia. Her television writing and producing credits include Northern Exposure, Chicago Hope and Judging Amy. She is the author of four young adult novels including" Skeeball and the Secret of the Universe, Dixie Storms, Fool's Hill" and the mystery "House Across the Cove." Her previous novels include" A Better Place, Close to Home, A Summons To New Orleans" and "The Music Teacher."

Review :
""Barbara Hall's writing is exquisite in this riveting glimpse into the world of spirituality and mental illness, near death experience and the real life search for authentic existence. With captivating characters, pitch perfect dialogue, and a seemingly innate understanding of the Divine, Charisma is an existential, theological and literary tour de force."" - Rev. Andrea Raynor, Author of "The Voice That Calls You Home" "Barbara Hall's writing is exquisite in this riveting glimpse into the world of spirituality and mental illness, near death experience and the real life search for authentic existence. With captivating characters, pitch perfect dialogue, and a seemingly innate understanding of the Divine, Charisma is an existential, theological and literary tour de force." - Rev. Andrea Raynor, Author of "The Voice That Calls You Home" Praise for The Music Teacher: It's High Fidelity for the orchestra set in this slim, assured drama. Hall, who wrote for television shows Judging Amy and Joan of Arcadia, doesn't shy away from the sour notes of lost dreams, failed careers and misguided intentions, and her novel...rings true because of it. (Publisher's Weekly) Praise for The Music Teacher: It's High Fidelity for the orchestra set in this slim, assured drama. Hall, who wrote for television shows Judging Amy and Joan of Arcadia, doesn't shy away from the sour notes of lost dreams, failed careers and misguided intentions, and her novel...rings true because of it. (Publisher's Weekly)