Melissa W. Hunter
Books Give Back
Words have power. They transport. They transcend. They persuade. They unite. In my journey as an author, and with the publication of my debut novel, I've had the opportunity to speak to audiences of varying ages and use the lessons of the past to help shape the future. This has inspired me to start a new initiative on my website with one goal: to reach people through the written word. Books Give Back will feature personal accounts of those who face unjust legislation, discrimination, or prejudice. It will highlight banned books on important subjects. It will offer you an opportunity to create your own book honoring a loved one. And each month, a portion of the proceeds of the sale of What She Lost will go toward worthy causes and charities. I invite you to join me on this journey and help make a difference. Read on to learn more!
My Mission
As an author, I use words to bring attention to issues I feel are important, on a global and personal level. My first novel, What She Lost, is based on my grandmother's life as a Holocaust survivor. Published as both an adult and young adult novel, I have shared her story with audiences of all ages, including many school-aged readers. It is my hope that bringing awareness to this subject will help diminish stereotypes and inspire younger generations to speak out against prejudice and discrimination.
Today, there are so few survivors left to give first-hand accounts of what they witnessed. Sharing my grandmother's story is one way I am making sure the lessons of the Holocaust are not forgotten. I also see much prejudice, polarization, and hatred in the world today. In recent years, there has been a rise in anti-Semitism (and bigotry and intolerance in general). I never imagined I'd see this in my own lifetime. I hope to use my passion to tackle these issues, give a voice to those who feel marginalized, and . . . through words . . . educate readers so that history does not repeat itself.
“Empathy is about standing in someone else’s shoes, feeling with his or her heart, seeing with his or her eyes. Not only is empathy hard to outsource and automate, but it makes the world a better place.” - Daniel Pink
Summer Initiatives
July 2023 Featured Charity:
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MY WHY: As the mother of two daughters, recent legislation restricting a woman's right to decide what is best for her own body is both alarming and disheartening. Planned Parenthood "provides access to high-quality health care and education that empower people to make informed private decisions about their reproductive lives and sexual health" . . . and it is in danger. Learn more about how you can help by clicking the links below.
*Of note, I believe being pro-choice does not mean you are pro-abortion. It means the very hard, sensitive, personal and PRIVATE decision regarding abortion should not be made by the government, but by the parties involved.
August 2023 Featured Charity:
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MY WHY: As the mother of two daughters, recent legislation restricting a woman's right to decide what is best for her own body is both alarming and disheartening. Planned Parenthood "provides access to high-quality health care and education that empower people to make informed private decisions about their reproductive lives and sexual health" . . . and it is in danger. Learn more about how you can help by clicking the links below.
*Of note, I believe being pro-choice does not mean you are pro-abortion. It means the very hard, sensitive, personal and PRIVATE decision regarding abortion should not be made by the government, but by the parties involved.
Ongoing Initiatives
Alzheimer's Association
MY WHY: My father has always been my hero. Growing up, he was there for me no matter what, and he showed me what unconditional love and support means. To see Alzheimer's rob him of his memories, and rob us of the man we know and love, has been heartbreaking. This cause is very near and dear to my heart, and I hope you will consider donating to help bring about the end to this devastating disease.
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
MY WHY: As the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, teaching the lessons of the Holocaust has become my life's work. With the recent rise in anti-Semitism, fueled by "public officials, famous artists, and social media stars (NPR, March 2023)," there has never been a better time to bring awareness to the atrocities of the past so they are not repeated in the future. Education, especially of younger generations, and speaking out against injustice is crucial.
Each book comes autographed with a bookmark, personalized thank-you note, and additional materials to help you in your own journey to give back.
Just want to donate? Go here:
Leaves of Legacy Project
My father is a man of immeasurable strength, intelligence, compassion, and love, and he lived an incredible life. That's why it's so hard to watch as his Alzheimer's progresses. As his memories fade, I have begun to chronicle his life story for my own sake, for my children, and the rest of our family. Not only am I recording his legacy, but I'm putting on paper the wonderful memories I have of a man who was always larger than life in my eyes.
This led me to the idea of creating the Leaves of Legacy project.
What is Leaves of Legacy?
Leaves of Legacy is a project I am undertaking to write books about the lives of those living with Dementia, Alzheimer's, or any other incapacitating illness. To create this book, I will interview those suffering from the illness (if possible), as well as their loved ones, to chronicle and, most importantly, honor the life of that individual. This can be done in person in a comfortable setting, or online by ordering a Leaves of Legacy package. All it takes is a little bit of time and a lot of love. Leave the rest to me!
What do I get?
The completed book will feature different chapters in an individual's life as well as their family's memories of cherished moments. The book will also showcase photos, documents (like graduation certificates, marriage certificates, etc.), or anything else the family would like to preserve on the page. My goal is to create a professionally-bound book for the family to have as a keepsake, one they can revisit over the years that will hopefully bring joy and comfort as they remember their loved-one.
Is there a cost?
While there will be a slight charge for my time and resources, I plan to donate half the proceeds of every book I create to the Alzheimer's Association or a charity of the family's choice. For more information or to schedule an initial conversation, please reach out to me at authormwhunter@gmail.com.
I look forward to working with you to create your family's very own Leaves of Legacy book.
