Real by Shelley Malcolm - REVIEWED

Thank you so much for stopping by my site today, Shelley. Your book Real is gorgeous. What prompted you to start this project?

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.

Is that why you chose the hands to symbolize a life lived?

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...

What is unique about Real?

I believe the concept is unique, the layout is different, and it feels like reading a yearbook or journal. It can easily serve as a devotional and it appeals to a widespread audience.

What do you hope the reader takes away after reading Real?

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://focusonwomenmagazine.net/pdf/FOWMSeptOctFinalScreen.pdf Pg. 35

With Christmas coming up, why would Real make a great gift for anyone on your gift list?

Real is artistically beautiful, gentle and inspiring, and can be enjoyed by men or womenof 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. Realstimulates memories and discussion andhas even been used in several ways: a memorial, a devotional, as a hostess gift, and other gifts of course.

My Thoughts:

I've always been fascinated by what hands tell us about people, so this book appealed to me a great deal! I remember sitting in church as a child examining my mother's hands. God places the story of life in the hands, doesn't He? Well, this book captures some fascinating pictures and vignettes about life. They are not all from a Christian world view, but they are interesting. If you've always noticed hands like I have, this will be a REAL treasure for you! I hope you will take time to enjoy this fascinating book!

About the Author:
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA – November 28, 2011 – First-time author Shelley Malcolm announces the Second Edition of her non-fiction book, “Real,” now available in hardcover. Malcolm delivers a remarkable work of inspiration with 60 biographical stories, each illustrated by a captivating photo by professional photographer Terilee Dawn Ouimette. The stories are deeply revealing, while the photos are anonymous, focusing only on each subject’s hands. Research for the coffee table-style book was accomplished through a series of interviews and photo shoots, with subjects ranging from adolescent to elderly, from former gangster to humble homeless, international refugee to hero-housewife, from pro athlete to Hollywood celebrity.

Focusing on her subjects’ hands instead of their faces allowsMalcolm’s subjects to share more freely about their lives, tragedies, hopes, dreams, loves, and toils. Ouimette displays an uncanny ability to capture each character’s essence on film by depicting one of more sets of hands at work, at play, giving or receiving help. The result shows the genius of the project, the use of anonymity displaying a greater level of intimacy and vulnerability than might have been possible by any other means.

Malcolm states that her inspiration for the book came from a dream with similar images, revealing the beauty in imperfections in a person’s hands. “The hand image is made beautiful by the life behind it,” she explains. “More anonymous than a face or even eyes which show identity and emotion, our hands portray our work, our affection, scars…even our mistakes.”

According to photographer Ouimette, “People can feel even more connected to photographs of hands than faces. There is a little bit of mystery to each one – allowing the reader to visually connect with the inspiring story.”

Confronting the importance of status and beauty in our society, “Real”honestly unveils the life stories of remarkable individuals through moving images and stories that range from tragic to hopeful to triumphant.

Originally published in March 2011, the book has been popular among widely diverse groups including youth and teens, women, parents and grandparents, men between the ages of 35 – 65, craftsmen, surgeons, hand, massage and physical therapists and many others.

Real

By Shelley Malcolm

ISBN: 9780578090313

Hardcover 8.5x8.5 Retail price: $32.99

Available online http://marthamartha.net

ISBN 9781452056715

Paperback 8.5x8.5 Retail price: $29.99

Available online www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com

100% OF THE PROCEEDS OF THIS BOOK GO TO FUND SEVERAL CHARITIES. HERE IS THE LINK TO THEIR SITE: http://marthamartha.net//