Overview

Her small town had no idea who she was until she gave herself away. Washed-up punk rocker Carla Peterson went from performing for rowdy drunks in dive bars to living paycheck to paycheck in a tiny town in the Pacific Northwest, serving coffee and homemade pies to people who side-eye her leather stompers and heavy eyeliner. She can barely keep her head above water, let alone afford a bus ticket to anywhere else. In a town where nothing happens, a pod of orcas disrupts all that by becoming trapped in the inlet near the coffee shop. The most Carla has helped any animal is moving a spider out of harm's way and caring for an elderly lady's sweet dog. This is way out of her league, but she just can't let go of it. Carla risks her job-and her life-protecting the whales from unruly tourists swarming in for a closer look. With the orcas running out of time, Carla must find her voice and fight the local authorities who couldn't care less. She's used to going it alone, but with the support of the community, she's finding a strength she didn't know she had. If she can save the whales, she might also save herself. Heartwarming and inspiring, In the Company of Whales is about the power of friendship, finding your purpose, and making your own second chances. Based on true events, a gripping tale of courage and determination with a hero you can cheer for.

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Reviews

""Rooted in working-class realism, the novel captures the texture of Carla's daily life . . . The orcas act as a catalyst rather than a metaphor, pulling together a small, unlikely group and nudging Carla toward connection she would rather avoid . . . The steady pacing reflects the shrinking window of survival for the whales and Carla alike. ""A thoughtful, humane novel about responsibility, healing, and the nerve it takes to step in-an absolute stunner."" - The Prairies Book Review ""Judy Taylor delivers a stunning debut of one woman's transformation, hidden desires, and sacrifice to protect what she loves. Set against the quiet pull of a small coastal town and a stranded pod of whales, the novel embraces women across generations, the power of connecting to the natural world, and belief in second chances. This story will stay with you long after the final heart-stopping pages."" - Sharon Wishnow, author of The Pelican Tide ""An ultimately uplifting tale about how connections between humans and nature are forged. ""Replete with discoveries that will lend nicely to book club discussions . . . Its realistic scenarios and smooth intersections between the choices of remaining a loner or growing into new opportunities make for an evocative, compelling read."" - D. Donovan, Sr. Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

Author Information

Born and raised in Minneapolis, where trees outnumber people almost three to one, Judy M. Taylor taught English in Arizona and Washington State before returning to her Minnesota roots where she now devotes herself to writing full time. Her teaching career offered opportunities to explore stories with hundreds of teenagers and to be inspired by their creativity.She is the author of four published short stories that delve into human relationships and the many ways we let each other down and lift each other up. Her writing also reflects her interest in the natural world and the impact people have on our fragile planet.

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