donaldlystra.com

Searching for Van Gogh: a novel
published by Omena Hills Press

Michigan 1963: The country is on the brink of wrenching social change. Audrey Brubaker—young, impulsive, unafraid of taking risks—has been knocked down by life. Still, she has a plan for fighting back, inspired by a cinematic heroine. She meets Nate Walker, a math and science student whose life has taken a wrong turn after his brother's death and who has turned to art in an effort to find his way.

A friendship ensues that borders romance but never quite seems to get there. Or does it? One thing is certain: it will provide the solace and resilience each needs to carry on, leading to an outcome neither could have foreseen.

From the streets of a decaying rust-belt city to the pristine forests of northern Michigan, Lystra weaves a narrative that tugs at your heartstrings and compels you to reflect on life and its complexities. If you loved timeless classics like "Ordinary People" and "To Kill a Mockingbird," this book is a must-read!

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Something That Feels Like Truth

stories by Donald Lystra

published by Switchgrass Books

an imprint of Northern Illinois University Press

- Named a Michigan Notable Book for 2014
by the Library of Michigan

- Winner of the 2014 Midwest Book Award for short fiction

- Gold medal recipient for "Best Regional Fiction" in 2014
by the Independent Publishers' IPPY awards

“Here at the edge of a lake, in rustling fields or raw pine scrub, and inside the worn beauty of small towns, Donald Lystra contemplates truth, family, character (or lack thereof), and what it means to be awake and alive.....Lystra is a precise and merciless writer, a master of that moment when life changes, often irreversibly.”

—MARDI LINK, bestselling author Bootstrapper and Isadora’s Secret

"....luminous....a stellar collection of masterfully crafted gems."

—BOOKLIST, American Library Association

A young man longs to test himself in ways his comfortable suburban life will not permit.
A north wood's rabbit hunt becomes a crucible in which a man examines the course his life has taken.
A woman's memories of childhood abuse threatens her marriage.
A businessman uses his youthful love of baseball to remake his life.
An old man visits the scene of a story that has haunted him throughout his life.

Reflecting the unique insights of an engineer who began writing fiction late in life, these and the other stories in Donald Lystra's SOMETHING THAT FEELS LIKE TRUTH take us on a page-turning journey through the American heartland to as far away as Paris. In fierce but tender prose, Lystra writes about ordinary people navigating life's difficult boundaries---of age and love and family---and somethings finding redemption in face face of searing regret. Although spanning half a century, these are timely stories that speak about the limits we place on ourselves, both from fear and for the sake of those we love, and of our willingness to confront change.

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Season of Water and Ice

a novel by Donald Lystra

published by Switchgrass Books

an imprint of Northern Illinois University Press

- Named a Michigan Notable Book for 2010
by the Library of Michigan

- Winner of the 2010 Midwest Book Award for fiction

SEASON OF WATER AND ICE is the unforgettable story of two young people confronting life during a tumultuous few months of 1957. In quiet but searing prose, it explores the timeless issues of love and family, the destructive forces to which these ideals are exposed, and the healing powers which can restore them.

Reflecting the political and social climate of the 1950s, Season of Water and Ice is underscored by themes of independence and obligation, love and sexuality, courage and surrender.

"Rich and wise and beautifully written....this novel again and again reminded me of why I fell in love with writing....the sudden but hard-won insights seem intensely real and right."

—MINNEAPOLIS STAR TRIBUNE, ELLEN AKINS

"Lystra's graceful prose is evocative of place and time....This is a rich and satisfying read."

—THE CLEVELAND PLAIN DEALER

"The north woods of Michigan in 1957 proves rich emotional ground for Lystra's quietly impressive debut novel."

—DETROIT FREE PRESS

"This is a love story of a most unusual kind....There is a kind of innocence...that has not been so effectively portrayed since Salinger invented Holden Caulfield. Lystra's style is spare and direct and yet profoundly evocative....An absolutely stunning debut."

—BIG RAPIDS (MI) PIONEER