Jacksonville, AL – Mary Zinola, a proud graduate of Jacksonville High School in 1976, has recently added a new chapter to her life by becoming a published author with her book, “Sojourners.” Born and raised in Jacksonville, her connection to the community runs deep, having spent countless hours in the local library alongside her grandmother, Mary Shelton, who served as the town’s librarian.
After a fulfilling career in the medical field where she witnessed human suffering firsthand, Ms. Zinola decided to embark on a different journey during her retirement. In an exclusive interview with the Calhoun Journal, she revealed that while she initially did not plan to write, her collection of short stories, “Sojourners,” poured out organically.
Reflecting on her experiences, Zinola acknowledged that the writing process was far from easy. Many of the stories in “Sojourners” delve into raw and often painful subjects such as mental illness, suicide, drug addiction, grief, and even the unique perspective of a dog’s life. All these narratives are presented from the viewpoint of the main characters, with Zinola emphasizing that not all characters are portrayed as good or kind.
“I wanted to provide a different perspective on suffering,” Ms. Zinola stated. “Life isn’t always pretty, and how we, as humans, process things can be messy.”
The author stressed that the goal of her book is not to induce sadness or dictate what is right or wrong. Instead, she hopes the stories will motivate readers to appreciate both the highs and lows of life, encouraging them to seize each day on Earth.
Faith, or the loss of it, also plays a significant role in many of the stories. Zinola explained that the exploration of beliefs and how they impact personal journeys is a central theme in “Sojourners.” Although the stories are fictionalized, they are based on real-life experiences she encountered throughout her career in the medical field.
“Sojourners” is now available on Amazon, allowing readers to explore the profound and thought-provoking collection of short stories. Those interested can purchase the book via the following link.
Mary Zinola’s debut work promises to be a compelling addition to the literary landscape, providing readers with a candid and unfiltered look into the complexities of the human experience.
