BOBBY ARDOIN
Editor/Consulting Writer
Summer reading lists for youths and adults might include three recently-published softcover books written by local authors who were introduced Tuesday at the Opelousas Public Library.
Authors Krissy Redding, Mary and Sanaa Mitchell and Trina Francis were available for visitors to discuss and purchase their books covering topics that involved familial matters,self-help and introspection.
The event, which covered several hours, was advertised as Literary Lights At The Library: A Celebration of Local Authors, coinciding with the beginning of the annual summer reading program hosted at the library.
Redding is an experienced author who has published numerous books that methods that both women and men can utilize as they examine their lives and perhaps provide solutions that overcome issues which might be considered as obstacles for success and self-healing.
Her latest book which was displayed at the library is “Ignite: The Creative Journal For Reflection And Creative Exploration.”
Redding, who lives in the Opelousas area, explained that the book offered by Amazon.com, is essentially a journal and a reflective examination for the reader, which emphasizes learning about yourself and achieving full potential.
“It’s a book that enables you over a period of five days, about how you see yourself and whether you can achieve a personal awakening. It’s aimed for both women and men, although the bulk of it is for women,” Redding said.
“A Summer With Sanaa,” co-written by Mitchell and her daughter, chronicles an eight-year journey that involves the difficulty that daughter Sanaa, then 10-years-old and her family experienced after Sanaa was diagnosed with a rare and mysterious neurological disease which struck suddenly and the effect that the medical event had on the family.
Sanaa, who now has a high school diploma and is headed for college, provides her own illustrations for the book, which is aimed for youth and young adolescent readers.
Mary Mitchell, who is from the Swords-Lawtell area, said that a more adult version of the book, also available on Amazon.com, will soon be available.
“The book is intended to give (readers) an inspirational message, but looking back on Sanaa’s illness and then seeing her eight years later in the present. The book for adults will be more informative and detailed,” Mitchell said.
Francis, who also resides in the Opelousas-area has published “My Paw-Paw Said!” available also on Amazon.com.
The additionally-illustrated book by Francis includes life-lessons that are revealed through the eyes of a young family member who relays a grandfather’s admonitions and life lessons.
It’s an educational book for the family and younger readers, which discusses how to incorporate kindness into events that appear during life.
A young boy, who is the main voice in the book, has formed a special bond with a grandfather throughout both of their lives and the young man is eager to tell the reader what the older generation has to say.
