The heart of this story came to me in a flash, much like CeeGee’s Knowings. I wrote it quickly and submitted CeeGee’s Gift as a one-act-play to the San Juan Islands Playwright’s Festival in 1992. It was one of six winners and was produced for the stage. It then won the Audience Choice Award. Later I expanded the story to a novel set on the Texas coast where I spent my childhood summers and the manuscript continued to win competitions, as has the published novel.
CeeGee’s Gift is meant to be read and shared by young and old. Set in a simple time on a small island along the Texas coastal bend, the novel takes readers on a journey of generosity. Twelve-year-old Celia Gene Williamson and her friend, old Mr. Tindale, work together to transform her ability to foretell the future into a gift for others—a chance for the people of Southport to prepare for what is to come, or even change their direction and change their entire future.
I hope that CeeGee, Mr. Tindale and the citizens of Southport mean as much to the readers of CeeGee’s Gift as they have to me, and that this special story speaks to audiences of many ages, sparking conversations on front porches and at kitchen tables.
Cover Design by Jennifer Braham, Brink Creative. Finalist 2019 Best Cover Eric Hoffer Awards
Joy Selak accepting the 2019 Pencraft Award. CeeGee's Gift won Best Coming of Age Fiction.
Winner 2019 PenCraft Award
for Literary Excellence
Coming of Age Novel
Winner April 2019 Many Books Best Fiction
Finalist 2020 YA Fiction
American BookFest Fiction Awards
Finalist 2019 YA Fiction
Texas Indie Author Project
Semi-Finalist 2019 Best Young Adult Novel BookLife Prize-Publisher’s Weekly
Winner 2010 Best YA Novel
Writers’ League of TX
Winner 1992 One Act Play
San Juan Islands Playwrights Festival
“I liked how the story took place in such a quaint town, where everyone seemed like family. If something happened, the people of Southport were there for you, and CeeGee was one of those people. It was so sad to read about all the things that happened to the people in this town but CeeGee’s gift turned the sad into good. This is one of those books that after reading it, you think about it for hours, going over the lives of the people you just read about and how their stories turned out. I have a greater appreciation for the saying, “Every cloud has a silver lining.””
“What sets Selak’s novel apart from the rest is her superb storytelling skill. Selak creates an original novel by keeping readers enticed to know how the story unfolds and by continually provoking emotions from the reader. Selak does a very good job of creating likeable characters. Readers will find themselves falling in love with the characters of CeeGee and Mr. Tindale, in particular.”
““By the time I was only halfway through I knew I had to order this book for my children and grandchildren. This book offers all the wisdom I would most like to pass on to my family. It’s an excellent read for young and old alike. I can’t recommend it highly enough. Well done, Joy Selak.””
“CeeGee’s Gift by Joy H. Selak is an intergenerational novel that involves the reader, regardless of age, in the mysterious life of a 12 year old girl. Celia Gene, called CeeGee, is an introspective, shy young girl who struggles with an unexplained ability to know the future. The author uses the atmosphere of a small town community and its inhabitants as a medium for CeeGee to explore and share her gift. Readers of all ages will be challenged and inspired by this amazing novel.”
“As the author shares in her afterword, much work went into crafting this novel, and it shows. It’s a beautiful, entertaining story that was written with grace and care. It shares an important lesson for anyone beginning to search for their identity, purpose, and self worth. As an adult, I thoroughly enjoyed it (laughed and cried—and cried again). Perfect for reading with a son, daughter, or grandchild or a reading group of any age. Joy Selak, thank you for sharing one of your gifts.”
“I loved this story, it was engaging and pulled me right in—the prose is so honest and simple. I finished the book and then realized that each of my three teenagers, aged 13, 16, and 17, had passed it around and read it as well! So it’s definitely for all ages. Highly recommend.”
“I chose a 5 star rating because there wasn’t a 10 star available. This book breaks your heart, lifts you up, gives you hope & smiles through your tears. I haven’t been this touched by a story in a long time. I can’t recommend it highly enough. It’s amazing!”
“CeeGee’s Gift should be read by all young people trying to figure out their place in the world. Selak’s ability to tell a story softly allows her to address difficult issues that confront most teens—self-confidence, belonging, and personal loss—in a manner that is both uplifting and hopeful. Her messages, imbedded in beautifully descriptive text, keep you turning the pages and put a smile on your face.”