Real ~ Book Tour

Real isn't how you are made.

it's a thing that happens to you....

~ Skin Horse to the Velveteen Rabbit

Real - The Book from David Malcolm on Vimeo.

“REAL” is a collection of 60 inspirational stories by Shelley Malcolm, with photos by Terilee Dawn Ouimette. The stories are deeply revealing, while the photos are anonymous, focusing only on each subject’s hands. Subjects range from adolescent to elderly, from former gangster to humble homeless, international refugee to hero-housewife, from pro athlete to Hollywood celebrity.

My Thoughts:

I think the story that touched me the most is the story of Fran who is preparing for her son's wedding by getting her hair nails done and yet because of cancer she can't attend. Or there is Carol who writes "stories for the journey" and uses writing in her counseling career to help others. There are hands that pray, hands that lie still, hands that caress and hands that help others ~ but that isn't all that this book is about. It's about the stories of individuals who have lived life and have survived.

Proceeds of this book go to fund several charities, including the Alzheimer's Foundation. Here is the link to the website: http://marthamartha.net 

You can also purchase a set of notecards from the website and/or the bookmarks. Each collectible, frame-worthy notecard is of images from the book. You can purchase each of the 8 cards for $3.25 ~ click here and the bookmarks are $1.95 each (4 designs) click here.



About the author:

Shelley has four adult children. Her interests include painting , drawing, sculpting, building, playing piano and other musical instruments, outdoor activities including hiking, ocean kayaking, running, water and snow-skiing, international travel, sewing, reading, writing and others. 

For more information, please visit http://marthamartha.net or http://shelleymalcolmblog.wordpress.com/ 

While “Real” is her first published book, Malcolm is no stranger to creative projects, as co-owner and restorer of an historic chapel, La Perla del Mar in Shell Beach, CA, and a set designer for theater and film. Shelley Malcolm resides in Shell Beach, California with her husband, Doug. Shelley Malcolm was named Pismo Beach’s Citizen of the Year in 2011 for her extensive contributions and involvement in the community. 


A few questions:

Thank you so much for stopping by my site today, Shelley. Your book Real is gorgeous. 


Q: What prompted you to start this project?
A: Inspiration from a dream of similar images, that revealed the beauty in imperfections... the hand image is made beautiful by the life behind it, and it is a body part that is impossible to enhance or fake.


Q: Why choose the hands to symbolize a life lived?
A: The hand is more anonymous than a face or even eyes which show identity and emotion. Also, they portray our work, our affection, our worry, scars, and even our mistakes... 


Q: What do you hope the reader takes away after reading Real?
A: The simple pleasure of reading it, and more so, an appreciation of the beauty of authenticity of others or their own, and the "perfect plan of diversity". You can read more about this in my article on diversity located here: http://tiny.cc/f8ubh 


Q: With Christmas coming up, why would Real make a great gift for anyone on your gift list?
A: Real is artistically beautiful, gentle and inspiring, and can be enjoyed by men or women of all ages. It is easy for all to relate to and feel comfortable with. The subject matter feels familiar, even though it’s new, and readers always relate and have something to say about their hands or
their story. Real stimulates memories and discussion and has even been used in several ways: a memorial, a devotional, as a hostess gift, and other gifts of course.


You can purchase a hardback copy of Real on the website for $32.99. It's a beautiful book for the coffee table or to give as a gift. Click Here


Read more reviews & get the blog tour schedule ~ Click Here

I received a copy of Real to review on GivingNSharing as part of the Real Book Tour sponsored by Litfuse Publicity Group. No money exchanged hands and I wasn't asked to post a positive review. Thanks Litfuse!