Monday Feature and the Power of Unleashing a Positive Presence

Last week I featured C. Lee McKenzie's epic new release, Sudden Secrets on my blog.  I started reading Lee's book last night and I love it!  I'm halfway through and plan on finishing it today since the snowstorm has provided me time off from the day job. 

Today, I am celebrating Medeia Sharif's new book, 52 Likes.  I've added her book to my TBR list and from reading the blurb and seeing the cover, 52 Likes seems like an intriguing story.

You can enter below for a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card and a Kindle copy of 52 Likes!

 

52 LIKES by Medeia Sharif
Cover Reveal, Evernight Teen, 2015

After a brutal rape and near-murder, Valerie wants to get past feelings of victimhood from both the assault and her history of being bullied. She’s plagued by not knowing the identity of her rapist and by the nasty rumors in school about that night. Valerie follows clues from ghostly entities, past victims of the rapist-murderer, contacting her through a social media site—why do all of their eerie photos have 52 likes under them? Their messages are leading her to the mystery man, although he’ll put up a fight to remain hidden.

Find Medeia – YA and MG Author

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I am also celebrating the power of doing positive things for others.  For instance, this morning, a man was shoveling around our building but wasn't wearing any gloves.  Even now, as I gaze out of my window, the snow and freezing rain continues to coat the bitterly cold ground.  This man was so grateful when I offered to give him a new pair of ski gloves.  He refused to take them at first, however, I insisted on him keeping them and he did. 

You should have seen the look on his face.  It was like he had won the lottery and my heart melted along with the icicles hanging from my front porch.  The gloves were very expensive but the only thing that mattered to me was this man's fingers to be kept warm as he carted away the boundless sea of heavy white.

Last week, I was invited to an event hosted by United Way.  I worked with them last year as an ambassador for literacy while volunteering to be a Celebrity Reader for low income and inner city schools.  Some of these elementary schools are located in the most feared neighborhoods in New Jersey. 

I am working with them again this year and will be visiting five schools for the month of February.  These children are searching for inspiration without even knowing it.  All they need is a seed planted in their minds that they are capable of following their dreams.  As I sit in front of them not only as a children's book author but also a mentor and friend, their faces light up with possibilities.

One of the senators who spoke at the United Way event last week revealed that children who have poor reading and writing skills by the time they reach 4th grade are more likely to be arrested or do drugs when they are older.  If these little ones had more positive role models in their lives to show them there is an endless wave of promise outside of their current surroundings, they CAN and WILL succeed by choosing the right path. 

When I was little and I wanted to escape from whatever was ailing my mind, I would dive into a book. Reading takes us to far away places and helps broaden and strengthen our own thoughts and ideas.  When you tell this to the kids, they agree and are more inclined to read and write books.

I am not getting paid for these visits nor will I be making any book sales.  I am volunteering and no amount of money can reward me with the feelings I am left within my heart after spending time with these children.

As authors and writers, we have the power to inspire others.  And for me, this is such a blessing.. a true gift.

Do you believe in the power of putting out positive energy by doing good things for others or your community?  What has inspired you lately?  Will you be adding 52 Likes to your TBR list? If so, don't forget to leave Medeia a review.  I am sure she will appreciate it!