booklanthropy \bu̇k lan(t)-thrə-pē\, noun;
1. the act of buying books that help others in need 2. A word created by Marcia Canter, author, youth director, motivational speaker and 3rd funniest person in the world (according to her). To accept my meaning of booklanthropy, it might be helpful to know a real word: neologize \ nee-OL-uh-jahyz \ , verb; 1. to make or use new words or create new meanings for existing words. I’ve neologized and in turn created a company using my made up word booklanthropy. I wanted my books to make a difference in more ways than entertaining or enlightening a reader. Books and stories have always been a part of my life. I grew up in South Dakota on a farm in a family of story tellers. We played imaginary games involving cowboys and what Native Americans, riding Shetland ponies through the pastures. When left alone, I could go to England by reading Black Beauty, or to Atlanta with Scarlett O’Hara, and to Alabama to fight injustice with Atticus Finch. At some point I made up stories to amuse myself and others. I have written a story about South Dakota prior to WW2, about a Donald Trump type of character, and stories about kids traveling the country. These are four that have been published. In college I majored in journalism and I met the man who would become my husband. When I married and journalism jobs were scarce, I went into business and for the majority of time I was in it, I didn’t feel like I was making much of a difference in the world. I became more involved in various volunteer activities in school and my church. For once I felt like I was making a difference. I also started supporting financially things I believed in, instead of just talking about them. Booklanthropy is my attempt to combine both my love of books and writing, with making a bigger difference in the world via financial contributions. Books opened my eyes to injustice. Books showed me the tragedies of the world as well as the glories of humans, rising above adversity. But words aren’t enough---action and money are needed to make the world a better place. For every book, sold through Booklanthropy, a portion of the proceeds will go to a cause that works to improve the world. I invite you to suggest groups/organizations as being recipients of the Booklanthropy funds. I am available to talk to students or parents about the importance of being involved and empathy for others. Contact me and see if I am available. |
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