Blog Tour and Book #Review: Real by Shelley Malcom

About the Book:


“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. 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 was named Pismo Beach’s Citizen of the Year in 2011 for her extensive contributions and involvement in the community. Proceeds from the book will benefit the Alzheimer’s Foundation and other charities. Shelley Malcolm graduated from University of Southern California with a degree in dental hygiene. For more information, please visit http://marthamartha.net or http://shelleymalcolmblog.wordpress.com/ 


About the Author:


Shelley Malcolm resides in Shell Beach, California with her husband, Doug.  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.




Real - The Book from David Malcolm on Vimeo.


My Opinion:


This is book about hope, inspiration and yes a bit of sorrow. But the hope wins. Pairing photos of hands of every age, author Shelley Malcom brings the story behind the hands. From the homeless to the very rich each story resonates. The stories are short but that does not make them without depth. In some of them there are years of problems and solutions summed up in a few paragraphs but what you always have is a sense of a better future. Even when the subject is dying.


I found the strength and resilience of the people behind the hands to be very uplifting. The stories were perfect gems to read when I had just a few spare minutes and in need of a smile. Many tales I returned to several times. It's a book to keep handy like that. I usually read before bed but some nights when I'm too tired or my head hurts one of these inspirational tales was just the perfect read before sleep. It's real alright.


Proceeds from the book sales go to support several charities.


You can see the rest of the Tour Schedule HERE


Real is available at Amazon.com


Disclosure:  I received a copy of Real from Litfuse Publicity Group. Any opinions expressed are my honest opinions and were not impacted by my receipt of the free book. I received no monetary compensation for this post.