Professor Sharona Hoffman was recently asked by the local chapter of Wellesley Club, an organization which promotes literacy, to organize a book talk for Shipped, a debut novel receiving positive reviews. When Hoffman corresponded with the author, Angie Hockman, she learned the writer is a graduate of Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) School of Law and a student she mentored on the Health Matrix Health Law Journal.
In their correspondence, Hockman (LAW ‘09) told her former mentor, “You were my note advisor when I was a law student at CWRU! In fact, working with you on my note turned out to be one of the most impactful, formative experiences I had in law school.”
Hockman added, “Your guidance helped me improve my writing to the point where my note was selected for publication in Health Matrix—the first time my work had ever been published. Holding the printed journal copies in my hand was the ‘ah-ha!’ moment that made me realize how much I loved writing and that I might want to pursue it professionally.”
After graduating with a JD degree, Hockman worked for the Ohio Legislative Service Commission. For the past five years, she has served as the Manager for Conservation and Education Programs at small-ship, eco-adventure cruise line Lindblad Expeditions.
“Though I’m not practicing law anymore, it’s incredible how much my experience at the school of law informs the way I think, communicate and solve problems in my day-to-day life,” says Hockman. “Reconnecting with Professor Hoffman after all this time, and having the chance to recognize what a positive impact she’s had on me is a lovely, full-circle moment.”
Set in the Galapagos Islands, Shipped follows “a workaholic marketing manager who is forced to go on a cruise with her arch-nemesis when they’re up for the same promotion.” The book was named a LibraryReads Pick for January 2021, an Amazon Editors’ Pick for Best Romance, and a CNN Best Book of the Month, and has received good reviews:
"Newcomer Hockman creates a paradise in the sunny and distinct Galapagos setting, educating readers on the wildlife of the islands and the conservation efforts that become a powerful part of the story. For fans of Helen Hoang and Sophie Kinsella, this charming romp at sea will make readers wish to stay with the characters well after the story’s end.”—Library Journal
"[An] absolutely sparkling debut … Shipped is a divine enemies-to-lovers tale set against the backdrop of snorkeling with sea lions and hikes ending in breathtaking ocean vistas...It's as sunny and inviting as its tropical vacation setting, one of those books that makes the heart swell with joy. If readers crave an escape, it certainly offers one, but it also feels poignantly real. Shipped is a literary vacation I never wanted to end. Grade: A."—Entertainment Weekly
“This romantic comedy is charming, witty and sure to whisk you off your feet.”—CNN
“We’re excited another law school graduate is making a splash as a novelist,” Co-Dean Michael Scharf said. “Suspense writer Richard North Patterson (LAW ’71), who had a string of The New York Times Best Sellers, also got his start here. And, Anthony Russo, director of four hit films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, started writing screenplays when he attended our law school.”
Hockman’s second novel, Dream On, is scheduled for publication in 2022 by Gallery Books/Simon and Schuster.