The breakout novel by Danissa Wilson
Kissing Toads
See purchasing options below
KISSING TOADS
Purchasing Options
Kissing Toads is available for purchase on Amazon.com and on this website.
AMAZON: $18 (paperback, standard, and unsigned) or KINDLE: $7.99
THIS WEBSITE: $39.95 (personalized, signed, and includes free shipping)
Click the image of the book above to purchase on this website.
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Click here to see AMAZON REVIEWS
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About Kissing Toads
a novel by Danissa Wilson
A feminist tale at heart, Kissing Toads is a fictitious memoir that tells the story of a now 50-something-year-old woman named Annie who takes the reader on her decades-long quest to find her "Prince Charming." Believing that if she kisses enough toads, she will eventually find her prince, Annie has one goal as a budding young woman: fetch herself a man. Set in the late 1970s through the mid-1990s, the reader follows Annie throughout young adulthood as she searches for her soulmate amid the backdrop of misogyny, a loving but overbearing mother, and gender and societal expectations. Sometimes cheeky, sometimes heartbreaking, Kissing Toads explores Annie's messy yet authentic misadventures in dating. But just when you think you've reached the happily-ever-after, brace yourself for an exhilarating plot twist. Kissing Toads is not just another coming-of-age tale; it's a celebration of self-discovery, liberation, and the courage to write your own fairy tale.
READER REVIEWS for KISSING TOADS
“Kissing Toads is uniquely hilarious and heartfelt, a modern love story of self-discovery infused with Gen X nostalgia. Danissa Wilson’s smart and observant writing inspires both laughter and tears as we root for Annie to find her true love.”
Kristine Nikkhoo, MA
Fullerton, CA
“Danissa Wilson's inaugural novel Kissing Toads is a compelling depiction of the human condition. We follow Annie's journey of life through the lens of comedy and tragedy in the pursuit of love, independence, and happiness. Despite Annie getting knocked down multiple times, we witness the true strength of humanity's core: perseverance and hope.”
JT McLean
Alta Loma, CA
“Despite the specificity of the time period and the unique challenges that era presents, Kissing Toads is a generational story that dives freely into matters of the heart and mind.
Whether it be through shallow waters or the deepest of oceans, Danissa Wilson skillfully uses humor to guide us through the often painful universal realities of life, rendering them into a beautiful portrait of self discovery."
Dakota Gorman​
Writer/Director, NYC
READER REVIEWS for KISSING TOADS
"Danissa Wilson’s Kissing Toads is a beautiful coming-of-age story with themes of love, friendship, and perseverance. From beautiful and relatable character development to witty banter and finding love in all the wrong places, readers won’t be able to put Wilson’s debut novel down. Kissing Toads will leave you laughing, crying, and reminding you that love lies where you least expect it.”
Taylor Littlejohn
Newport Beach, CA
"Kissing Toads is a page turning and charming literary treasure. Danissa Wilson masterfully brings the reader through Annie’s search for love, as she learns lifelong lessons from many toads along the way. Themes of love, tragedy, and resilience are brilliantly weaved throughout the novel leaving the reader filled with confidence that true love does exist."
Danielle Augustin, JD, MA Anaheim Hills, CA
"Kissing Toads is a must-read for anyone who appreciates poignant storytelling and relatable characters. Danissa Wilson skillfully navigates themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery with nuance and authenticity. Full of humor, relatability, and heartfelt moments, Wilson proves herself to be a formidable new talent in the literary world, poised to make a lasting impact for years to come."
Jenni L. McCullum, MFT, PCC
New Mexico
Professional Reviews
KISSING TOADS
I rate this novel five out of five stars.
Mature fans of romance novels that represent the life experiences of a normal person will find Kissing Toads appealing. Potential readers should be aware that the book contains profanity and moderately explicit scenes, making it unsuitable for young readers. Likewise, this book could aid therapists who work with readers who are struggling with codependent behaviors.
Stephanie Runyon, onlinebookclub.org
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Danissa Wilson creates a likeable, if not frustrated, character in 50-something Annie’s review of her life efforts to find a man. The story introduces family hierarchies and expectations, ideals of love and connection, and intergenerational contrasts as Annie reflects on precedents and the impetus for creating new approaches to valuing life and love...
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While young adults may appreciate the nuts and bolts of Annie’s emotional journey, adult women who see parts of themselves in Annie’s revelations will find the story particularly insightful and engrossing.
Libraries that choose Kissing Toads for its shifting perspectives on women’s lives, times, and interests will also want to recommend the novel to book club and women’s reading groups, who will find it holds plenty of discussion opportunities about women’s lives, romantic ideals, and issues of independence and growth.
D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
BIO
Wilson holds a BA and MA in English as well as a doctorate in education. She taught creative writing, literature, and composition at the college level for more than a decade and has been working as an academic library dean at a Southern California college since 2014.
When not writing, Wilson enjoys reading novels, stargazing, and spending time with her devoted partner, three amazing children, and three crazy pups. KISSING TOADS is her first novel. (Pictured in 1975 with her childhood pup, Toby)
