“Act as if what you do makes a difference, it does.” William James

Can a book make a difference?  We are told our actions make a difference, but can a book, with diminishing print sales, lack of readership, and confusion about meaning, make a difference. This topic has been on my mind ever since I decided to donate part of the proceeds of my book of poetry about my partner who died of Alzheimer’s to the Alzheimer’s Association.  

When I approached my publisher about it, she didn’t respond.  When I approached the Alzheimer’s Association, they had never heard of such a thing and thanked me for the donation. When I told my friends, they asked if I thought I would sell enough copies to even form a decent donation.  

So why do it?  Some five million people are living with Alzheimer’s, and the number is growing.  I never had it, but the disease killed my partner and wrecked my life ten years ago.  It’s strange to write, publish and then read about this experience.  I thought if I contributed something to the research, it might ameliorate this whole process.

I also found it hard to talk to people about the donation, because they may see it as some strange hero thing. On the other hand, it can also be viewed as self-serving as people may buy the book because part of the proceeds will go to the Alzheimer’s Association, but as Adele, when she was asked if she was nervous hosting Saturday Night Live, recently said, “But if there was ever a time for any of us to jump head first into the deep end with our eyes closed and hope for the best it’s 2020 right?”

My book, Touch My Head Softly, has two weeks left in pre-sales, that time when my royalty and print run will be determined.  If you buy a copy, you will be getting a good collection of poetry and contributing to the Alzheimer’s Association:https://www.finishinglinepress.com/product/touch-my-head-softly-by-eileen-kennedy/

My book is also on Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3609820860

I’ll be continuing to post announcements on Tuesdays and blog on Thursdays.