2021 Debut Review: THE SPEED OF LIGHT by Elissa Grossell Dickey

Fans of author Jodi Picoult will love THE SPEED OF LIGHT by Elissa Grossell Dickey. This 2021 debut novel follows the emotional journey of Simone Archer as she rises to meet two separate crises. The first is a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis and coming to terms with this unpredictable, incurable illness. Over a year’s time, Simone suffers shock and then hard reality: can she be denied health insurance, should she hide her illness from her boss, and is it morally just to start a relationship with a loving man knowing that MS flare ups are lurking in the future? Simone’s best armor against despair is the support network of her decent, Midwestern family and her brassy but loyal best friend.

Juxtaposed to a timeline that spans a year of the past, there is the present timeline with a second crisis measured in minutes. This is a tragedy all too familiar and frightening for those working in education: gun violence. Simone, who has finally found her confidence and strength, now faces grave danger in her workplace. Without giving away too much of the ending, readers can expect to be proud of Simone and hopeful for her future.

Given our pluralistic society, it’s important to read about diverse characters written by authors from that same group. Dickey is a writer living with MS who ends the Acknowledgements of her debut, “To my fellow MS warriors… you are all strong and amazing.”
Back at you.

my fan art

The book has a Christmas theme that I pulled in but with neutral colors so that its beautiful cover can still pop.

the author

Photo from American News by Elisa Sand