Real by Shelley Malcolm

Real

By Shelley Malcolm

ISBN: 9780578090313

Hardcover 8.5x8.5 Retail price: $32.99

Available online http://marthamartha.net

ISBN 9781452056715

Paperback 8.5x8.5 Retail price: $29.99

Available online Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Note cards are also available: http://marthamartha.net/shop/shopnotecards.html

Please Note: 100% OF THE PROCEEDS OF THIS BOOK GO TO FUND SEVERAL CHARITIES. Visit http://realthebook.blogspot.com/ for more information.

About the Book:

Malcolm delivers a remarkable work of inspiration with 60 biographical stories, each illustrated by a captivating photo by professional photographer Terilee Dawn Ouimette. The stories are deeply revealing, while the photos are anonymous, focusing only on each subject’s hands. Research for the coffee table-style book was accomplished through a series of interviews and photo shoots, with subjects ranging from adolescent to elderly, from former gangster to humble homeless, international refugee to hero-housewife, from pro athlete to Hollywood celebrity.

Focusing on her subjects’ hands instead of their faces allows Malcolm’s subjects to share more freely about their lives, tragedies, hopes, dreams, loves, and toils. Ouimette displays an uncanny ability to capture each character’s essence on film by depicting one of more sets of hands at work, at play, giving or receiving help. The result shows the genius of the project, the use of anonymity displaying a greater level of intimacy and vulnerability than might have been possible by any other means.
Malcolm states that her inspiration for the book came from a dream with similar images, revealing the beauty in imperfections in a person’s hands. “The hand image is made beautiful by the life behind it,” she explains. “More anonymous than a face or even eyes which show identity and emotion, our hands portray our work, our affection, scars…even our mistakes.”
According to photographer Ouimette, “People can feel even more connected to photographs of hands than faces. There is a little bit of mystery to each one – allowing the reader to visually connect with the inspiring story.”

Confronting the importance of status and beauty in our society, “Real” honestly unveils the life stories of remarkable individuals through moving images and stories that range from tragic to hopeful to triumphant.

Real - The Book from David Malcolm on Vimeo.


My Thoughts:

I keep this book on my coffee table, and find that every time I sit down near it, it demands to be picked up. The photos are stunning and paired with the prose, this book is nothing less than a true work of art. Along with each photo is a story that tells about the life of the person who owns those hands. The stories are heartfelt and beautifully written, and one instantly feels an attachment to the mysterious person.

There's something powerful and drawing about this book. Could it be the mystery behind those hands that's so intriguing? We never see any identity of the person besides their hands. Who knows, these stories might belong to your neighbor, friend, or family member. Personally, I feel then anonymity makes all the stories more identifiable and personal.

'Real' is broken down into different sections: Hope, Love, Courage, etc., and allows the reader to pick and choose what category they would like to focus on. This creates a fantastic book to use when one needs encouragement or just to feel connected.

'Real' is a beautiful book and would make a lovely addition to anyone's library! If you would like to see some photos and read some samples, make sure to visit the author's blog link below. As my grandmother used to say, "Talk all you want, but the proof is in the pudding!"


About the Author:

While “Real” is her first published book, Malcolm is no stranger to creative projects, as co-owner and restorer of an historic chapel, La Perla del Mar in Shell Beach, CA, and a set designer for theater and film. Shelley Malcolm was named Pismo Beach’s Citizen of the Year in 2011 for her extensive contributions and involvement in the community. Proceeds from the book benefit the author’s favorite charities. Shelley Malcolm graduated from University of Southern California with a degree in dental hygiene. Shelley Malcolm resides in Shell Beach, California with her husband, Doug.

Shelley has four adult children. Her interests include painting, drawing, sculpting, building, playing piano and other musical instruments, outdoor activities including hiking, ocean kayaking, running, water and snow-skiing, international travel, sewing, reading, writing and others. For more information, please visit http://marthamartha.net/ or http://realthebook.blogspot.com/.

About the photographer:

Terilee Dawn Ouimette specializes in photographing weddings, families and newborns through her business, Terilee Dawn Photography. Ouimette’s love of photography began with a gift of her first camera at the age of eight. Her collaboration on the book “Real” with author Shelley Malcolm represents the first published book for both women. Terilee Dawn resides in Shell Beach, California with her husband and the couple’s newborn son, Grayson. Ouimette’s hobbies include art, photography, crafting, reading, and travel. For more information about her work please visit http://terileedawn.com.

To visit other blogs that are participating in the 'Real' tour sponsored by  Litfuse Publicity Group, please click here.

I received a copy of this book to read and review for this tour.