Call of the Desert: Exile
supports the JDC Spine Program

Half of all proceeds from the sale of Call of the Desert: Exile will be donated to support the work of Dr. Rick Hodes, the Medical Director of JDC in Ethiopia. Dr. Hodes founded the JDC Spine Program in 2006 to provide life-saving and life-changing spine treatment to those most in need. 

I've had scoliosis since I was thirteen. After you read Exile, you'll understand why the work Dr. Hodes does is near and dear to my heart and why I've supported it for years. Now I want you to support it, too, by buying my book (of course), but also you can donate directly! 

What readers are saying about Crossing

"I loved this book. It's a beautiful YA novel with a considerate, attentive, and deeply relatable central character. The book beautifully captures the coming-of-age challenges faced by a kid who just wants to be “normal” in a world that penalizes girls with strong curiosity, a head for science, and a love of books. Claire’s exploration of spiritual faith in various forms draws the reader in and culminates in wisdom that can inspire readers of all ages. Well worth a read for its absorbing story, well-drawn characters, and Claire’s many (and most delightful) descriptions of her favorite words. In fact, "delightful" may just be my new favorite word!"

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"Highly recommend this book, if you enjoy classic YA! It features a well-written main character that you really root for, in the form of thoughtful, earnest young teenager Claire. I also loved ms. snake (a magical being who is still capable of minor hissy fits and getting excited about teen crushes), ms. mama dog, kind Sa'id, and of course the ineffable Mrs. Green."

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"An adventurous story set in an exotic location, Call of the Desert: Crossing combines ordinary teenage struggles with an extraordinary touch of magic to make a great read for the target audience as well as adults. Whereas messages of "you are not enough" bombard our youth through social media and advertising, this book counters with the eternal truth: "you are beloved." The author, A. A. Vogel, and this work will remind you of Madeleine L'Engle and her classic (my all-time fav) A Wrinkle in Time. Can't wait to read more from this author as her promised series continues."

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"Taking place in 1970 adds extra retro fun for adult readers (Gen X and higher) to relive memories, and for teen and younger adult readers, it deepens their understanding of how things were different. The setting in Saudi Arabia provides an interesting and enlightening glimpse into a foreign culture which enables the broadening of one’s horizons. I found the way that the different cultures and beliefs were presented was very harmonious, respectful, and engaging."

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"I enjoyed this book because of the complexity of the main character and fantastic elements. The MC has many issues to resolve along with handling the mysterious happenings going on around her. I also thought the romance was a fun addition to the story and kept it moving along well, without being inappropriate. I considered giving it to my 12 year old niece, but I'm unwilling to give it away, so I may just need to buy her her own copy!"

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"This is a book I would recommend both to young adults and to parents of teens. The author’s style flows easily and keeps your attention enticing you to keep reading out of curiosity about this unique use of magic in a straightforward story about youth, self awareness and growing up in challenging circumstances. Even though the book draws heavily from the author’s own growing up years in Saudi Arabia, the circumstances and issues are just as relevant for today. I will be quick to read the second in this series when it comes out."

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I was captivated from the start! The story provides an interesting perspective of seeing through the eyes of a character who is growing up in a far-away land and in a different time. Taking place in 1970 adds extra retro fun for adult readers (Gen X and higher) to relive memories, and for teen and younger adult readers, it deepens their understanding of how things were different. The setting in Saudi Arabia provides an interesting and enlightening glimpse into a foreign culture which enables the broadening of one’s horizons. I found the way that the different cultures and beliefs were presented was very harmonious, respectful, and engaging.

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"I enjoyed how Ms. Vogel described her characters, I remember feeling as Claire felt. The Saudi desert and American compound were well described as the author speaks from experience. I've already passed the book to one of my favorite 12 year olds."

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"This was a page turner in so many ways for me - what would happen next with Claire... how about in her growing, eclectic (I mean, are we counting snakes, little old ladies, mean horses and 'mean girls'??) social circle... what tidbits of life in an international compound in 1970s Saudi Arabia would I find... what gems of Arabic phrases could I learn... and - spoiler alert - WHAT'S UP WITH THAT DARN SNAKE??"

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I love this story. There's so much to be gained from this for persons of all ages. We can all relate to Claire as she struggles to fit in with her peers and tries to be the compliant daughter her parents expect. Yet we love the young person she is trying to bury. The author's done a brilliant job of blending multi-cultural and religious norms into a setting that amplifies the effects of bias and bigotry that impact young adult (and adult) lives everywhere.

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"A. A. Vogel has crafted an endearing character in Claire, an intriguing desert location, and an all-around good story. I highly recommend it to teens and adults!"

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"Here’s why I enjoyed the story, it is very well written and it is like going back into a time machine to the 1970’s in the desert. And while there is a romantic storyline it’s not the major one, in some ways it takes a back seat to Claire’s other trials. Vogel does a great job of weaving in the story of the Exodus plagues and imagining what they would be like in the modern world. She also does a great job of exploring the concept of the parting of the Red Sea without the Red Sea actually parting again. I also enjoy the fact that even though this is appears to be the first in a series we as readers aren’t left with a cliff hanger, just a feeling of having heard the story of a new friend who has more adventures to share."

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"This young adult novel is set in a compelling setting in the Middle East, immediately gripping readers with its sense of otherness and a character taken from her comfort zone into a foreign world. She faces challenges with power dynamics at home, relational intricacies at school, limitations of a foreign culture, and internal weaknesses within herself. The author weaves beautiful and mystical layers of spirituality into the story in a way that comes across real and authentic, taking old stories and bringing them to life in new ways while acknowledging the inter-relational wisdom of multiple faiths. The ending message is one of being beloved."

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"This coming-of-age story had me hooked from start to finish! I was on the edge of my seat, eager to see Claire navigate the relatable challenges that many teenagers face today. As the story neared its climax, I couldn't put it down, desperate to ensure Claire's well-being. What makes this book truly special is its unique setting in pre-modernized Saudi Arabia, offering a rare glimpse into a culture and its warm-hearted people, often overlooked in mainstream media. Claire's perspective provides a fresh and insightful look into this fascinating world. A truly captivating read!"

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"Claire is an engaging protagonist. It's also good that Claire isn't the only character who struggles and changes during the course of the story. Looking forward to reading more about Claire and her world as the series progresses! Normally I would buy the Kindle version, but I bought the paperback to pass on to a friend. I really like the cover and the text is easy to read."

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"This story is a wonderful combination of the everyday with the magical, the prosaic with the spiritual, the angst of teenager cliques and first crushes with the delight of making good friends and finding one's place in the world. Claire faces many challenges, including insecurity, mean teens, annoying adults, relationship misunderstandings, a biting horse, insensitivity and racism, mysterious plagues, and truly frightening dangers. The excellent writing drew me into the book right away and kept me turning pages (electronically speaking) until late in the night. The ending was satisfying, but I want to read more. I can't wait for the next book in the series."

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"Call of the Desert: Crossing is a coming-of-age story that will appeal to both young and older people. The setting, Saudi Arabia in 1970, is exotic but young Claire is a typical American girl on the cusp of her teen years. While she and her friends navigate all the trials and joys of adolescence - including adults who seem somewhat oblivious to their difficulties, author Vogel throws in a few surprises. The weaving of a magical snake and a wild dog that might be a lion adds another layer of intrigue and a bit of excitement to the plot. I'm looking forward to reading the second book in this series."