The Half-Life
of Secrets
Discover Olivia’s Story
Note: This book was previously sold under the title: Quiet Sins.
… “There are things about the book that remind me of Margaret Edson’s amazing play WIT, about a college professor dying of ovarian cancer (it was made into a film for HBO with Emma Thopson); there’s something of the same stoicism and grim humor in Childhouse’s Olivia.” Judge’s commentary from Writer’s Digest
“This thought-provoking story of a woman reviewing her life as she faces her last days is a riveting page-turner that never fails to surprise. The Half-Life of Secrets will make you laugh, cry and empathize with one of the most unusual heroines to come along in years.” -Elaine Partnow,
Olivia is dying of leukemia. Nothing can be done but to slow it down and make her comfortable – so says her oncologist son. At one point he suggests that the dying body loses its senses one at a time. Taste, smell, touch, sight and hearing are all lost until there is nothing left but raw consciousness, then oblivion. Despite this grim outlook, Olivia displays both humor and insight as she comes to understand that there may be things more difficult than confronting one’s own mortality.
She reflects on her life through the prism of each of theses five senses, each one evoking a collection of memories, and each one associated with a death. Some memories are deeply painful, others more nuanced. This period of contemplation culminates in an unforseen revelation that changes her perspective on life and justice. In the end, a certain equilibrium has been achieved, so that the quiet sins that have been committed become more balanced.

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Overview
What Reader’s are Saying…


“Olivia’s story is beautifully woven, filled with moments of humor, poignancy, and profound insight…”
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– Writer’s Digest Judge
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Hello! I’m Holland Childhouse
Author of this book
I have a bachelor’s degree in sociology that has gone completely unused in my life. My career was oddly centered around engineering, not the actual practice of it, but sales and marketing. An old boyfriend had taught me how to read an electronic schematic, and this led me into a job early on with a company that produced CAD/CAM equipment – computer aided design and manufacturing. The company sold software that would drive the CAD/CAM equipment.
I ended up writing the user manual for that product, and thus began my new career as a Technical Writer. I eventually morphed into marketing and sales, moved with a different company to France—land of dark espressos, soft croissants, manicured gardens, and charming French accents–for four years. Then I returned to Silicon Valley, where I became the V.P. for that same company. Eventually I retired—which gave me endless opportunities to flex my reading and writing muscles. Now I live in beautiful Colorado with my husband of over 30 years. Our life is quiet and simple and now it is easy to find that time in every day where I can travel to a new fictional landscape, just by picking up a book.
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reader’s Review
Writer’s Digest Judge Review
“There are things about the book that remind me of Margaret Edson’s amazing play WIT, about a college professor dying of ovarian cancer (it was made into a film for HBO with Emma Thompson); there’s something of the same stoicism and grim humor in Chidhouse’s Olivia.”
“The Half-Life of Secrets by Holland Childhouse is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that explores the depths of human experience and the power of forgiveness. Through Olivia’s eyes, readers are taken on a journey of self-reflection and introspection as she grapples with her impending mortality. Childhouse’s skillful storytelling and vivid characterization bring Olivia’s story to life, drawing readers into a world filled with laughter, tears, and unexpected revelations. The Half-Life of Secrets is a moving and unforgettable read that challenges readers to ponder life’s biggest questions and the true meaning of forgiveness.”
“The Half-Life of Secrets by Holland Childhouse is a poignant and gripping tale that delves into the complexities of life, love, and mortality. Olivia’s journey as she faces her final days is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, drawing readers into a world of introspection and revelation. Childhouse masterfully crafts a narrative that tugs at the heartstrings, blending moments of humor and sorrow with profound insights into the human condition. Through Olivia’s unique perspective, readers are challenged to confront their own beliefs about forgiveness and redemption. The Half-Life of Secrets is a compelling read that will linger in the mind long after the final page.”
“Holland Childhouse’s The Half-Life of Secrets is a captivating exploration of one woman’s introspective journey as she confronts her own mortality. Olivia’s story is beautifully woven, filled with moments of humor, poignancy, and profound insight. Childhouse’s evocative prose brings Olivia’s world to life, allowing readers to empathize with her struggles and triumphs. As Olivia reflects on her life through the prism of her senses, readers are taken on a deeply moving journey of self-discovery and acceptance. The Half-Life of Secrets is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant read that will leave a lasting impression.” – Writer’s Digest Judge

from the author
Author’s Statement
I wrote this book over a period of years. It incorporates ruminations I have had throughout my life on various topics, from mortality to inheritance, to parental bonds and even the “real” definition of prostitution in its many forms. Death and dying are terms that scare off large swaths of people, but I find this strange in that it is a reality that escapes no one. It is my belief that the more we explore these inevitable events, the easier it will be for us when the time comes to actually experience them.
I also think that a life viewed without a certain sense of humor must be a difficult one, because so much of the story of one’s life turns out to be comical, whimsical, even amusing, if viewed retroactively through a realist’s lens. Certainly there are difficult periods, but they are usually leavened with easy times, uneventful times, sweet times. It is a mistake to think that this book is simply about one woman dying–it is not. The main character is simply a place holder for any of us, and while the events in her life may be different than ours, the trajectory remains the same—a steady transition from one state to another with an eye towards introspection, self examination and reflection on a life well lived.
In order to amuse myself while writing this (because after all, writing fiction can be very demanding…) I decided not only to break the book up into chapters on the five senses but also to attach a death to each sense. This required dreaming up a way to kill off my characters with such challenging causes as “touch” and “hearing.” It took some time and some twisted thinking, but eventually, with a little help from my friends, I got there.
I am a voracious reader myself, and I always appreciate a novel that keeps me engaged and offers at least a few unexpected turns. While this book is by no means autobiographical, I think it’s impossible to write something that doesn’t in some way reflect back on the author. I have drawn a portrait of the protagonist – Olivia – in such a way that I am sometimes speaking for myself through her, though more in the way she approaches her life than in the actual things she does or says. I like her straight talk, the fact that she rarely pulls her punches, and her quick wit. The fact that she is also a bit of a sly fox does not displease me. She insisted on being that way! As many authors know, sometimes when you write dialogue for a character, it tends to write itself, as though the character is speaking, not the writer. Characters in a book can–and should–take on a life of their own. I have shed many a tear over a fictional man or woman, and this is part of the wonder of reading fiction. In a good book, the personalities remain consistent and identifiable, and they come to life in our minds. Some characters you like, some you don’t, some you empathize with, and this is all part of the magic of reading.
I recently read an article in which a neurologist (Dr. Richard Restak) says that “reading for pleasure is perhaps the single most effective activity you can engage in for increasing cognitive reserve. And fiction is more brain-challenging than non-fiction because it demands your full awareness of the narrative you are currently reading, while at the same time requiring you to hold in mind the situations and characters described earlier in the book.”
Nice to think that reading can not only be a fulsome pleasure but might also, heaven forbid, be good for you. In my life, reading is as necessary as breathing. No day goes by that I do not carve out the time to sit quietly with my latest book, completely absorbed, oblivious to any other problems I may have in my life. The real world disappears for me and the book world takes over, transports me, engulfs me and takes me to a different place. Ah, the beauty of books.