First Times

"First times” can be life-changing experiences. Marthe Jocelyn has selected fourteen unforgettable stories, written by several of the best authors in North America, which explore human nature and take the reader on a transforming journey. From innocent firsts, such as first blue jeans, first boyfriend, first job, first step into adulthood, to the more complex first disillusionment, first inappropriate love, first family breakup, first breach of trust, to the shocking first dead body and first night alone, the stories in First Times — in all their diversity — embrace and captivate with their power.
Contributors include Martha Slaughter, Curtis Parkinson, Susan Juby, Alan Cumyn, Susan Adach, Ted Staunton, Richard Scrimger, Gillian Chan, Bill Habeeb, Nancy Hartry, Bill Richardson, Tim Wynne-Jones, Marthe Jocelyn, and Sarah Ellis.

Marthe Jocelyn is the author-illustrator of three picture books and author of several novels, including the acclaimed EARTHLY ASTONISHMENTS as well as THE INVISIBLE DAY, THE INVISIBLE HARRY, and THE INVISIBLE ENEMY, all illustrated by Abby Carter. Of the inspiration for this book she says, "I found my grandmother’s journals, written more than 100 years ago. Hidden on the back pages were her terrible efforts at poetry. My grandmother was more like the pious sister, Viola, than my witty and undaunted heroine, but I am ever grateful for her need to record the particulars of collar-ironing and the selection of hair ribbons." Marthe Jocelyn lives with her husband and two teenage daughters.