My Search for Air

Plainsville, Pennsylvania, is a town as dull as it sounds, and for high-spirited Lilith Brown, it is a torturous existence. Coming of age at the end of the nineteenth century, Lilith finds herself questioning the prevailing ideology of social stratification and its resulting inequities. But when ruthless businessman Gregory Wentworth takes an interest in the surrounding coal mining industry, Lilith is forced to see the hard truths of greed, intimidation, and harassment come to light right in front of her. Is there any winning a battle where the enemy controls all the resources and weaponry? "My Search for Air" examines the subjectivity of morality, the concept of sin, and the meaning of forgiveness.

Plainsville, Pennsylvania, is a town as dull as it sounds, and for high-spirited Lilith Brown, it is a torturous existence. Coming of age during the late Victorian Era, Lilith finds herself questioning the prevailing ideology of social stratification and its resulting inequities. Thirteen-year-old Lilith is lucky to have two like-minded women in her life who, unlike her parents, encourage the young girl to reach her full potential. But although their minds may be strong, the injustice they must fight against is stronger still. Lilith's ideals are thwarted when a ruthless businessman, Gregory Wentworth, takes an interest in the coal mining industry, and she is forced to learn the hard truths of greed, intimidation, and harassment. As she fights against injustice, she, and those around her, suffer serious consequences. Lilith questions whether there is any justice in a world where the rich and powerful can prey on the weak without suffering any consequences. Is there any winning a battle where the enemy controls all the resources and weaponry? "My Search for Air" examines the subjectivity of morality, the concept of sin, and the meaning of forgiveness. Are those in power today still reaping the rewards at the expense of the vulnerable?

Jeanne K. Johnson was born and raised in Upstate New York but has deep-rooted connections with Southwestern Pennsylvania. She has worked in various positions in the corporate world and graduated summa cum laude with a master's degree in Thanatology from Hood College in Frederick, Maryland. Those experiences and an interest in family history inspired her to write "My Search for Air." When not asking questions about the meaning of life, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, gardening, and drinking a good dry martini. She and her husband currently reside in Maryland.