Published in 2002, Sebold used her own rape in Thorton Park as a back-spring to the story of the fictitious Susie Salmon, a young girl who is raped and murdered but continues to observe her family on Earth after her death.

Well-read ladies, be sure to guard your carnal treasures from unwanted intruders with the help of a finely sharpened pencil, mace, a pocket knife, or all three--that's what the big purses are for, right?