How Clarissa Burden Learned to Fly is the transcendent story of a young woman who, in a twenty-four hour period, journeys through startling moments of self-discovery that lead her to a courageous and life-altering decision.

The bestselling author of "Before Women Had Wings" spins a wild new tale about the strong bonds among a group of friends that loses its quirkiest member, Murmur Lee. Exploring new literary territory while keeping to her native Floridian roots, Fowler is here at her most original and entertaining.
As a new year dawns over the island of Iris Haven, Murmur Lee Harp and her lover, Billy, go for a romantic sail without a care in the world. The evening comes to an abrupt halt when Murmur Lee discovers that she has drowned--but by whose hand?--in the Iris Haven river.
Grief-stricken and haunted by the mysteries surrounding her death, Murmur Lee's circle of friends sets out to discover what really happened to her, and in the process they learn as much about her failings and triumphs as their own. After years of self-exile in the North, Charlee Mudd returns to set her best friend's affairs in order, only to confront her own ghosts. Edith Piaf, a former marine whose sex change at the age of sixty-two Murmur Lee supported unquestioningly, must find the confidence to carry on without the encouragement of her friend. Lonely widower Dr. Zachary Klein plummets into the depths of depression at the loss of the second woman he has ever loved. As for Murmur Lee--who lived her entire life on an island named by her great-great grandfather in honor of the Greek goddess who receives the souls of dying women--in death she experiences her own journey as she is plunged into her familial past and discovers the truth about who she really is.
With poignancy and humor Fowler weaves the voices of Murmur and her friends into a compelling narrative. Part family saga, part murder mystery, "The Problem with Murmur Lee "is Fowler's most rewarding and engrossing work yet.

BUNCOM, OREGON

Buncom is the last remaining Ghost Town in Southern Oregon. Located 20 miles southwest of Medford near the confluence of Sterling Creek and the Little Applegate River, Buncom was first settled by gold miners in the late 1850s and 1860s. Later, it was the supply center for the farmers, ranchers and loggers living in the Little Applegate Valley. Today, its abandoned buildings remain as a symbol of a simpler past, and a focus for the rural residents who live nearby.

"Buncom: Crossroads Station" relates the history of this typical rural Oregon community from its beginning to the present. In addition, it places local events in the context of the outside world. Even in their peaceful isolation, Buncom's pioneers--like those in other communities--were affected and influenced by the trends and forces that were shaping the globe.

Both authors live at Buncom. Connie Fowler writes for regional and local publications. J.B. Roberts is a rancher.

The Buncom Historical Society, publisher of this book, is a non-profit Oregon corporation dedicated to preserving the remaining buildings at Buncom and their history. Its membership is made up of nearby residents and others who care about Buncom as a symbol of our past.

Countless critics and authors are entranced with this debut from a remarkably talented Southern writer. Set amid the sand dunes of Florida in the 1960s, and overflowing with supernatural magic and realistic humor, this is a tale of two families, best friends and best enemies for 20 years, whose lives are touched by a woman with a spirit much greater than her role as a maid.