...in great appreciation for a wonderful book. The broiling minds and pure intensity of the characters were, in my opinion, equal in complexity and raw emotionality to the characters of D.H. Lawrence, Ayn Rand - and that is what I seek out most in anything I read.

Strange Birds in the Tree of Heaven is a remarkable book that examines the most universal of human emotions and the struggles we all experience in an attempt to maintain control of our own lives. While the reader's attention can wander at times, McElmurray never fails to draw the reader back in with her beautiful use of language and clearly depicted scenes. The images she creates stay with you long after you've read the last page.

This complex and many-layered book was was 1 of 6 books nominated for the Appalachian Book of the Year Award. It should have won. Once Karen is discovered by the reading public, her books will win many awards. Buy this book. It will be with you long after you have read the last page.