Diaries is a unique and inspiring collection of ten short stories. The stories are titled with the diarist's first name, and they fall into order by month, moving and changing like the seasons. Written in distinct voices, Diaries is a collection of life, love, laughter, death, innocence and triumph. The stories make up a richly layered tapestry, woven with tales of human strength and tales of human weakness. Each story is an honest portrait and look into the human condition. The diaries are a mixture of heartbreak and wit told through clear and honest voices. At times the stories are raw and visceral and at other times they are lighthearted with comic timing. The first story, "Ruthie" is the journal of a dying woman. Ruthie is a sixty-eight year old housewife, mother, grandmother, and gardener extraordinaire. Ruthie faces her mortality and records her final days with courage and comfort. Her diary gives the reader a spiritual insight gifted from a simple and humble woman. The razor sharp memoir of "Libby" is both tender and piercing and takes the reader to hidden places of darkness. "Angela" is a journal of monthly postings, a charming anecdote, delightfully amusing. The diary of "Brooke" is a letter from a teen mom to her premature, infant son, and it is written with the innocence and hope that only an eighteen year old mommy can muster. "Jasmine" is the journal of a biracial, twelve year old at the beginning of summer. Her journal gives to the reader a child's view on diversity, racism and intolerance. The readers of Diaries will cheer on "Sissy" as she survives her abandonment and heartbreak with three kids, a free spirit, and bare feet. "Eden" is a diary wrought with heartache. Her raw history of abuse and neglect is written in lyric beauty that will move the reader to tears. The diary of "Claire" will transport the reader to an autumn day that is October lush, bright orange and golden. "Jessie" is the journal of the imper