David LaBelle’s first novel Bridges and Angels: The Story of Ruth blurs the line between fiction and memoir as he rewrites the ending to his own childhood tragedy. Bridges and Angels explores what could have happened when the author’s mother disappeared in a California flood during his senior year in high school, in late January, 1969.

My Thoughts: Haunting and even tormenting at times, this story, which has at it core a real nightmare from the author’s past, also carries with it a redemptive beauty. The author’s gift of photography shows up in compelling similes, giving the reader the experiences right along with the characters. Unforgettable images and drama. The nursing home scenes are so tastefully wrought.

Dave LaBelle is a photojournalist and has worked for 20 newspapers and magazines in nine states. In 1989 while at Western Kentucky University, he published the first edition of The Great Picture Hunt. He’s the author of Lessons in Death and Life, about the ethics of photographing grief. In 1991, the NPPA honored LaBelle with the Robin F. Garland Award for photojournalism education.

In addition to Bridges and Angels: The Story of Ruth, I’ve also enjoyed Dave’s other books about photography. I’m not a photographer, but his writing is so compelling.

Dave tells the 16-minute backstory of his novel on Our American Stories. He shares ways that others may also cope with tragedies, and even change their own stories.

Here is Dave’s 22-minute interview on PJNET.tv.

Here’s Dave’s website, where you can learn what else he’s up to.