Burning Distance is a double helix of a book, carefully plotted and beautifully told. It’s a spy story interwoven with a love story, and the strands fit together in a way that moves the reader effortlessly from chapter to chapter . . . A subtle and satisfying novel.”

—David Ignatius, journalist and best-selling author

The Far Side of the Desert is that rare story-a literary work and a first-rate thriller.”

—Jennifer Clement, former PEN International President and award-winning novelist


The Far Side of the Desert is a riveting thriller with richly nuanced characters and fast-paced action.”

—Robin Wright, award-winning journalist and author

Burning Distance is a double helix of a book, carefully plotted and beautifully told. It’s a spy story interwoven with a love story, and the strands fit together in a way that moves the reader effortlessly from chapter to chapter . . . A subtle and satisfying novel.”

—David Ignatius, journalist and best-selling author

The Far Side of the Desert is that rare story-a literary work and a first-rate thriller.”

—Jennifer Clement, former PEN International President and award-winning novelist

The Far Side of the Desert is a riveting thriller with richly nuanced characters and fast-paced action.”

—Robin Wright, award-winning journalist and author

About Joanne

Joanne Leedom-Ackerman is a novelist, short story writer, and journalist. Her fiction includes The Far Side of the Desert, Burning Distance, regional bestseller The Dark Path to the River and No Marble Angels. A former reporter for The Christian Science Monitor, Joanne has won awards for her nonfiction and published fiction, articles and essays in newspapers, magazines, and books.

Additional Fiction by Joanne

"Well-written, thematically rich. I fell in love with the characters. I didn’t want the pleasure to end."

—Barbara Kingsolver, Poisonwood Bible

"...the writer’s strengths—honesty, compassion and the ability to present such memorable scenes."

—Jill McCorkle, The New York Times Book Review

Praise for Joanne's Non-fiction

"PEN Journeys tells the story of the important organization PEN from the ground and through insightful eyes…and with narrative flair."

—Azar Nafisi, author of Reading Lolita in Tehran

"This invaluable book shows the range and depth of Liu Xiaobo's interests, concerns, and thoughts. It helps us know this remarkable man intimately."

—Ha Jin, author of Waiting, winner of the National Book Award

Latest Blog Post

Words Matter…Ideas Matter…and Guide

November 1, 2024

Listen to this Blog I’m writing this blog on the eve of one of the U.S.’s most fraught—and many feel consequential—presidential elections, at least in my lifetime. By the time many read this, the results may be in, or contested. Recently one of my earlier blogs popped up in my email—I don’t know why—but I followed the link. Written in 2008, the blog addressed ideas that still resonate. I offer it here, slightly edited, with recognition that certain ideas endure and matter. Words That Matter, March 4, 2008:  I’m writing this, my second blog, on the birthday of my oldest son and a day when much of the U.S. is watching presidential primary results. I find myself thinking about words, action and change—three concepts that have been debated relentlessly on the airwaves in this U.S. primary season. How do words…