Author's Memoir Shows 'Signs of Life'

If you haven’t read English teacher Natalie Taylor’s moving memoir Signs of Life, it’s certainly not too late. With high praise from critics and positive reader response pouring in, it appears Signs of Life is just beginning to bloom.   

It’s hard to get published these days, but Taylor has become an inadvertent champ at clearing obstacles. Taylor’s debut is based on the untimely death of her husband Josh, who died in a carveboarding accident when Taylor was just five months pregnant with their son Kai.

Though tragic, Taylor’s journal-based memoir brings mirth to misery as she grieves the loss of her husband and stoically attempts to keep things on the sunny side for the sake of their son. It’s Taylor’s resolute spirit and candid humor that seem to be resonating with her audience and creating a warm reception from her readers. 

“That has been the best part,” the Royal Oak resident shared recently over a cup of coffee. “I’ve gotten so many positive messages from so many different people.” Through email and social media outlets such as Twitter and Facebook, Taylor can correspond with her readers, which she says has added a profound richness to the experience. 

Though Taylor doesn’t closely monitor the sales of Signs of Life, she definitely saw a big jump after her recent appearance on the Dr. Phil Show. After an acquaintance suggested Signs of Life to the TV host, Taylor found herself on a last-minute flight to Los Angeles for the show’s taping.

“It was really fun” said Taylor, who added she’s “totally committed” to the book regardless of sales or press. 

Pressure is mounting for another book but Taylor is taking it in stride.

“My goal is to have a book proposal by the end of summer,” she said.

Taylor has made a number of area book club appearances and has promoted Signs of Life at several Borders and Barnes & Noble locations. For now, book tour travel isn’t in the plan and Taylor is sticking close to home to enjoy summer with family and her now three-year-old son.

“If I’m the biggest hit or the biggest flop, he doesn’t care," Taylor said. "It’s wonderful.”

Signs of Life, which launched in the United States as an ebook and hardcover on April 12, will continue on its upbeat journey in the United Kingdom, where it was set to be released July 7 in paperback edition.

Visit Natalie Taylor’s author site for related links and publisher reviews.