An interesting new book from a Galway author, Finding Victoria is Peter Pan meets Mary Poppins… but with the science!
This book, written by Kristin Ruane (who is from New Jersey but has been living and working in Galway for the past eight years) is a training guide to the science of Applied Behavior Analysis, written as a novel. The idea is to highlight the science to parents in an accessible, yet enticing way, by adding context to the lessons through relatable characters, and unexpected plot twists.
Finding Victoria is a book for anyone who enjoys a story about connection, compassion, adventure and magic! The story follows Victoria, an adorable yet stubborn child who meets her match when her mother, Valerie, decides to call a behavior analyst. Kay is an experienced therapist who has been working with families for years, but she’s never met a girl quite like Victoria. Kay works hard to untangle some of her challenging behaviors, and to teach Victoria her most hated task – writing. Therapy takes a sudden turn when Kay immerses herself in Victoria’s play world and discovers her secret – she’s magic. The book is for parents, teachers, behaviour analysts, psychologists, and pretty much anyone who knows children.
"For a long time, I wrote fairytales. It never occurred to me to write about what I did for a living, until one day, I was talking with a parent that I was working with, and she said 'You need to write about this!' It was then that I realised I could combine my love of writing fairytales with my love of psychology, teaching and behaviour analysis. I’m hoping the book will help to increase awareness of the field of ABA, and offer support to parents that need it," explained Kristin.
“This book is a great example of how to humanize the science of behavior and allow the general public to appreciate what wonders it can do for us. Kristin Ruane perfectly blends scientific knowledge and years of experience of its application to solving human problems with a deep sense of compassion and empathy for her subject and packages this in a beautifully-written story of progress and hope. Thoroughly recommended!” Dr. Ian Stewart NUIG.
People can support the project by pre-ordering a book from the Kickstarter website. The books are offered at a discounted price on Kickstarter; €15/€18 but retail price is €20. For now, you can find the book here or on Instagram @kristinruane, or @princesscottonfairy. The hope is that it will be available at all of the local book shops.
Kristin is delighted and proud to have finished her debut novel; "It took me eight years to write the book and finally get to the publishing stages because I was trying to earn a PhD, work to pay the bills, live life and manage living during a pandemic. But it’s finally finished!"
"I decided to self-publish the book because I was having a hard time finding someone to represent me. The publishing world is hard to crack into. Plus, it seemed that agents were having a hard time deciding if the book was fiction or non-fiction. I’m calling it informative fiction for now. The self-publishing process has been an interesting experience. So much work goes into it, and it’s a real team effort. As a writer, I was used to working alone, but I have to say, I’ve really enjoyed the collaboration that has come along with the self-publishing process."
Reviews of the book have already been flooding in!
"How to turn a campervan into a spaceship. A beautifully written and engaging reminder of what it is like to be a child, especially when you are meant to be the grown up in the room." - Malachy Duggan, Father
"Finding Victoria is an excellent example of captivating and relatable story-telling, infused with academic wisdom and practical knowledge. A must-read to both parents and psychologists alike." - Dr. Santiago Garcia
"Finding Victoria invites parents to journey into their child’s world. Wrapped in empathy and persistence, this guidebook gives practical strategies through a compelling story."- Jake Neufeld, BCBA
"Everyone in our field needs to read this!" Danielle Spinnato, Behavior Consultant
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