Real by Shelley Malcolm

Paperback: 156 pages

Publisher: AuthorHouse (December 16, 2010)

ISBN-10: 1452056714

ISBN-13: 978-1452056715

Click on the Cover to Purchase!

Proceeds from Real go to various charities

REAL is a collection of 60 inspirational stories by Shelley Malcolm, with photos by Terilee Dawn Ouimette. The stories are deeply revealing, while the photos are anonymous, focusing only on each subject’s hands. Subjects range from adolescent to elderly, from former gangster to humble homeless, international refugee to hero-housewife, from pro athlete to Hollywood celebrity.

Real - The Book from David Malcolm on Vimeo.

The Inspirational stories found in this treasure will give you a glimpse into many Individual lives and you may just do some self-reflection yourself. The photography of each Individuals hands is heartfelt and you can almost "feel" the years of life lessons.

You will enjoy reading the stories behind each precious photo of hands!

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 will benefit the Alzheimer’s Foundation and other charities. Shelley Malcolm graduated from University of Southern California with a degree in dental hygiene.

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.

Q&A with Shelly Malcolm:

Thank you so much for stopping by my site today, Shelley. Your book Real is gorgeous.


What prompted you to start this project?

Inspiration from a dream of similar images, that revealed the beauty in imperfections... the hand image is made beautiful by the life behind it, and it is a body part that is impossible to enhance or fake.


Is that why you chose the hands to symbolize a life lived?

The hand is more anonymous than a face or even eyes which show identity and emotion. Also, they portray our work, our affection, our worry, scars, and even our mistakes...

I believe the concept is unique, the layout is different, and it feels like reading a yearbook or journal. It can easily serve as a devotional and it appeals to a widespread audience.


What do you hope the reader takes away after reading Real?

The simple pleasure of reading it, and more so, an appreciation of the beauty of authenticity of others or their own, and the "perfect plan of diversity". You can read more about this in my article on diversity located here... http://focusonwomenmagazine.net/pdf/

With Christmas coming up, why would Real make a great gift for anyone on your gift list?

Real is artistically beautiful, gentle and inspiring, and can be enjoyed by men or women of all ages. It is easy for all to relate to and feel comfortable with. The subject matter feels familiar, even though it’s new, and readers always relate and have something to say about their hands or their story. Real stimulates memories and discussion and has even been used in several ways: a memorial, a devotional, as a hostess gift, and other gifts of course.

The Second Edition of REAL is now available in hardcover.  You can purchase the book in either soft cover or hardcover, along with inspirational note cards and bookmarks, all bearing the artistry of the photos from REAL.



Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from LitFuse Publicity to help facilitate my review. The opinions expressed above are my own.

Logo/Images Courtesy of ©marthamartha.net, © 2011 LitFuse Publicity Group