Am I An Impostor?

    Recently, I received a Kirkus Review of my novel, The Proxima Plague. I was hoping for just something positive. After all, Kirkus is known for their sometime scathing reviews of even some very successful authors. My previous novel, Lethal Paradise, got a positive but tepid review from them. And, to be honest, I had to agree with the assessment. So, when I got the notification that the review was done, I felt a little apprehensive. Would this one be as good as the previous one? Or, would it be castigating to the point of verbal torture? I opened the email and began to read. To my astonishment, It was a glowing review. Not only was it a Starred Review. According to their website, a Kirkus Starred Review, “…is one of the most prestigious designations in the book industry.”
    You’d think I’d be over the moon. But, the first thing that came to mind was that old Groucho Marx one liner: “I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member.” I was coming down with a case of Imposter Syndrome, a feeling of self-doubt in spite of accomplishments. At any moment I thought I’d get an email from Kirkus telling me that a mistake had been made and that the review was bogus. But, no such email has arrived.
    When I told my older daughter about the review and my reaction, she had the best advice. She told me, “Dad, just take it.”
    It’s now been over two weeks since the review has debuted, and so far no email recalling the review. You know, I think I’ll just take it.
    
    If you're interested in reading the review, click here.

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