By Frank Lewis
Cathy Hillstead has spent most of her life blending into the background and has never really been noticed. She even describes herself as “wallpaper with hair.” But she has high hopes her freshman year of high school will be different; she longs to emerge from the shadows and be recognized.
If that sounds like the scenario to your life or the life of someone you know or knew, it does have a base in reality — or so says the author of the book, “The Misadventures of an Incredibly Awkward Freshman,” Katie McGlone.
“It does kind of mirror reality a little bit,” McGlone told the Daily Times. “Actually the second book in the series is published as well and from both books it has some glimpses of truth throughout it of things either I went through or my friends have gone through.”
McGlone said the book touches on topics such as self-acceptance, anti-bullying and other pertinent topics.
“But more than anything they’re just the funny, embarrassing, awkward moments we all go through in high school that we can all relate to,” McGlone said. “It’s just a feel good funny book.”
McGlone was born in Portsmouth, graduated from Minford High School, and in 2007 graduated from Shawnee State University with an associates degree in respiratory therapy.
“I’ve been writing all my life, mainly for fun. I always enjoyed it in school and that sort of thing,” McGlone said. “When I finished that first manuscript of the book, my dad kind of pushed me that I needed to send it in. I had no expectations. I’m a nobody from nowhere, they’re not going to take it, but I received a contract and it went from there.”
Nearly all books are aimed at a certain demographic and “The Misadventures of an Incredibly Awkward Freshman” is no exception.
“It’s mainly geared toward young adults – teens, tweens, young adults,” McGlone said. “I’ve had adult readers enjoy it as well, but it is kind of geared toward ages 10-20.”
McGlone said the book is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or through Tate Publishing’s website tatepublishin.com.
McGlone will hold a book signing Saturday, June 13 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., at Market Street Cafe, 212 Market Street in Portsmouth. Her book will also be on sale the day of the book signing.
Reach Frank Lewis at 740-353-3101, ext. 1928, or on Twitter @franklewis.
