THE GENEROSITY OF AN AUTHOR
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger
We all know that a real book may soon become a legend of the past. Our future generation enjoys immediate satisfaction. Between ebooks and kindles, these tools have made reading more convenient but there are always ‘cons’ to every ‘pro’. For those still buying paperbacks and hard cover books, corporate retail giant, Barnes & Noble, has monopolized the market. Online booksellers such as Amazon, are slashing prices, making it very difficult to compete with them.
One of the greatest American authors of all time, James Patterson, can certainly sympathize with the small independent booksellers and has decided to try and make a difference in the area that he is truly devoted to. Writing is one of his greatest passions in life and it is so crucial for children to read because they will shape our future. Not only has he written some very famous books for adults such as ‘The Alex Cross’ series, but also ‘Women’s Murder Club’ and ‘Maximum Ride.’ He has sold over 300 million copies of his work worldwide. In addition, he has written many children’s books that have been very popular.
One of Patterson’s greatest qualities is his consideration for others. In 2005, he founded the James Patterson PageTurner Awards which gave him the ability to donate over $100,000 to people, companies, schools and other institutions that are enthusiastic about spreading the joy of reading. From there, he concentrated on his new initiative known as ReadKiddoRead.com. This is an innovative way to help children, teachers and librarians, find the best books for their children. His outpouring of generosity has reached far and wide with the giving of numerous scholarships.
But now, independent bookstores are finding it extremely hard to compete with Barnes & Noble or Amazon. James Patterson understands their plight and has decided to reach out to them in the most effective manner. His philanthropy efforts are brightening the nation by $1 million of his own personal wealth to assist independent bookstores so that they may invest in literacy outreach programs, keep their employees satisfied and even begin renovations and improvements.
He is not confining his generosity to any particular part of the nation. From the west coast to the east coast, he has one overriding mission on his mind; build awareness in the American public, revealing that the bookstores of America are at risk, possibly putting our future of American Literature at risk. This very successful author is a huge advocate of literature and its importance to our young generations.
Patterson is so passionate about his platform, that in 2013, he placed full-page ads in The New York Times Book Review and Publishers Weekly, arguing that the federal government’s financial support of troubled industries like Wall Street and the automobile sector should extend to the bookstore business. Since that appears to be a pipe dream, Mr. Patterson decided to create his own bailout fund as part of his mission to promote literature, especially for children.
These bookstores are so thankful for these grants that they consider the gift as a blessing in disguise.
If there were more people like James Patterson these days, this world would be a much more beautiful place.
PHOTO CREDITS: Google Images
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