Which five words best describe A Hole in my Heart? Engaging, reality, drugs, family, bullying
• Can you share one highlight from the book?
The Protagonist does not understand why his mother cannot change to save her family; he rebels due to his brokenness.
• What is the purpose of this book?
It started with me trying to help my nephew deal with emotions he was experiencing due to having a mother addicted to drugs. My nephew was going through some painful situations. A straight-A student, we noticed that his grades were dropping and that he spent a lot of time being angry. He was so young, so to reach him, I asked him to journal his feelings since he was not ready to discuss them. Once I read his journal, I saw how it could not only help him but so many other children and teens that were going through something similar. We wrote the book together. I counseled him through this dark period in his life.
• Are there themes that you find turn up again and again in your work?
A common thread? Yes. I didn’t realize it at first, but every one of my books deals with a mental health issue. Without realizing it, I was walking into my purpose. Now I provide training for churches on reducing the stigma on mental health in our communities.
• Which character or part of the book was the most fun to write?
Which part was the hardest? Writing as Javia, the aunt who guided Darius through his problems, was the most fun. As a social worker, I could easily put my skills to use in writing her part. The hardest was making sure the book could give children hope that positive change was possible. Also, I would say that analyzing the journal, spending time with him, writing the manuscript, and getting it into young people’s hands.
• Can you tell us something that even your most loyal fans may not know about you?
I cry while watching good commercials.
• Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers? My nephew and I co-wrote the book. He was thirteen years old. The topic is even more relevant today.
Give my books a try, and please purchase this book for a teenager. You never know what they are going through because they keep their pain inside. We received several letters from teens about this book, giving them the courage to share their pain with school counselors.
Purchase link: https://amzn.to/3aCW2JM
Rose Jackson-Beavers, Chief Executive Officer of Prioritybooks Publications, grew up in East St. Louis, Illinois. She communities. Rose is the author of ten books and has worked with over 100 authors and over 100 books through her company. You can reach Rose at rosbeav03@yahoo.com. Visit her website at http://www.rosejacksonbeavers.com.
Queenie's BookTalk and Reviews 