Heady Chats with his Father: In Search of the Truth

When I visited my father this past Christmas, I thought it would be an excellent time to chat with him about his book In Search of the Truth detailing some of his mishaps earlier in his life as a young attorney at Bethune Cookman College in Daytona Beach. The book was an eye opener for me when I first read it. It isn’t easy experiencing my father go to prison; however, it is a great experience when your father allows for his mishaps to be used as learning experiences for all the world. With that being said, I hope after reading this interview I did with my father, you will purchase the book. The book is excellent, definitely movie worthy.

Heady: What inspired the book?

Anderson Hill: I was inspired to write the book because I mistakenly thought that my life would be much different from where I find myself today. Things changed from the way I thought it would be, and because of that, I wanted to find my true calling in life. By Divine Inspiration, I learned that the experiences in the book can be used to help other people, recognize and deal with various situations and friends.

Heady: Why the title In Search of the Truth?

Andy: The primary title “In Search of the Truth” was created from the need to find out what is the truth. This regards finding the truthful side in your self and in other people. We all can be truthful and bare the facts when it does not affect our “core being”. When one’s core being is affected, then it takes great fortitude and spiritual guidance to see the truth.

The subtitle: A real life story about what an attorney should not do! This was created to capture the fact that I cannot tell everyone what they can do in their lives, but I surely can tell you what NOT to do in your life…the book is filled with instances of confusion and greed.

Heady: Who did you write this book for?

Andy: The book is written for all persons. It is geared towards people faced with choices and critical decisions which will affect the rest of their lives. I have been fortunate enough to lecture in Ethic classes in law schools, public schools, churches and many other places. People have received the story well and like the courage it takes to place self in the mirror for others to see and comment. I want this book to circulate throughout the world.

Heady: Was it a lengthy process putting the book together?

Andy: The process of the developing and writing the book took 3 years from start to finish. The reason it took that long was the research and assembly of poetry, narrative and supporting documentation. I wanted people to know that this was not an exaggeration of facts but truthful delivery of complicated circumstances.

Heady: What have you learned since writing this book?

Andy: I learned to love and respect all persons. I also learned that you cannot let people label, because they will. If you accept someone else’s character designation of who you are then you will live a life of confusion.

Heady: Was it challenging putting so much personal information in the book?

Andy: The disclosures I made in the book were very challenging. At one point in my life I held a top secret CIA security clearance. This meant that I was a pretty good citizen. In reality I had some serious problems and this led to mass confusion of who I really was as a Christian and a man.

Heady: Why should “everyday” people read the book?

Andy: This book will help people from all walks of life. I personally autographed and gave copies of the books to all ninth grade students at two major high schools in Central Florida. Many parents read it and contacted me about the inspiration they received and their sons and daughters.

Heady: Do you think you’ve found the truth?

Andy: I have found the truth through a mustard faith in Christ! If we have faith the size of a mustard seed the Bible says that we can move mountains! Our lives are mountains and we must move them toward Christ and helping other people.

Heady: Give an encouraging word to the students reading?

Andy: My favorite thought that kept me going through hard and difficult times was “quitting is just one step away from success because the very next step you take can end in success!”

Heady: Let’s end with this – what comes to mind when you hear the name Jesus?

Andy: Praise GOD and Glory Hallelujah for HE is worthy to be praised. If not for JESUS then where would I be, because what profit a person to gain the whole world and lose their soul!!! I deeply appreciate the opportunity to let all see who Anderson C. Hill, II, really is.

If you’re interested in purchasing a copy of In Search of the Truth, you can email info@educationiscool.org. The profit from books purchased per this interview will be going towards funding Education is Cool…Get One.

Interview:Heady
Photography: Berny

Book Love: Monique Deltareviewer Bruner

If you know me, you know that I’m big on reading. This doesn’t mean that I read as much as I should or as much as I would like to. It just means that I promote it as often as possible. Reading has done so much for me. It has given me the opportunity to explore and learn so much. Thank God for books my friend. With that being said, I was excited about the opportunity to interview Monique Bruner aka Deltareviewer. Check it out.

Heady: What made you start reviewing books?

Monique Bruner (Deltareviewer): I started reviewing books when I could no longer afford my $250 a month book habit. My husband made the suggestion to review books so I could still read new stuff without paying for the books. He found a new website (I did do much on the computer nearly 10 years ago) and told me to send the site host a email. I did and Tee (founder of RAWSISTAZ) referred me to LooseLeaves book review and the rest is “herstory”. Been reviewing ever since…

Heady: How many books get sent to you annually by authors?

Deltareviewer: I get about 10-12 books per month which ends up being about 150 books per year.

Heady: What is your favorite genre to read?

Deltareviewer: I’m a fan of various genres and it really depends on how my life is going. If I had to pick one it would be science fiction/thriller…then Christian Fiction…then Self-help.

Heady: Do you actively promote reading?

Deltareviewer: If yes, how? By reading and reviewing books, I post the reviews. I also send out emails, posts on myspace and facebook about book sales, great reads and books to share with kids. Plus every year I help sponsor African American book signing events in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Not to mention the books I donate (or ask others to) to local schools, nursing homes and hospitals.

Heady: Who are some local Christian based writers that you suggest reading?

Deltareviewer: OKC area Christian based writers I would recommend are: Kendal S. Turner and Karen Ponder.

Heady: Have you ever written a book?

Deltareviewer: I haven’t written a book but have written some pieces for anthologies, complied two scripture booklets and work on a study skills textbook.

Heady: Do you have a favorite Christian based writer that you follow? If so, why this author?

Deltareviewer: I have several Christian based authors that I follow – Victoria Christopher Murray, Patrica Haley, Pat Simmons, and Michelle Larks. I love how these ladies mix everyday issues and problems with bibical solutions. It sounds so simple but the complexity of the story lines help you realize that we are all sinners working hard to follow God’s word.

Heady: How many books do you read in a month on average?

Deltareviewer: Usually between 10-12 depending on how busy I am…

Heady: Is it hard to be critical when doing a review?

Deltareviewer: No, I’ve read so many books that I usually catch all the spelling, character flaws and problems with story flow. I try to keep the critique on the story and not the author.

Heady: Has been a reviewer given you opportunity to build relationships with authors?

Deltareviewer: Most defintely, authors usually seek me out to write a review for them based on other authors that I’ve reviewed. I don’t charge for reviewing and I’m always honest. I send personal emails to authors giving suggestions on PR, detailing the problems I found with the story and often send out e-blast about their great work. Many authors have commented on how my suggestions have helped to increase their book sales.

Heady: Do you have a website people can visit?

Deltareviewer: People can visit my myspace page for reviews and information about books and authors – www.myspace.com/realpageturners

Heady: How should authors contact you in order to have their books reviewed by you?

Deltareviewer: Authors can send me a email – deltareviewer@yahoo.com.

Heady: Where is the best place to buy books?

Deltareviewer: I LOVE amazon.com because they usually have the best prices and great delivery. Here locally I’ve really fallen for half price books on 63rd & May,

Heady: Will the Kindle help the book industry or hurt it?

Deltareviewer: I believe it will help the industry by encouraging a new generation to read. The Kindle is a gadget that techies or “green oriented” individuals can read books without having to deal with book shelves and carrying around heavy novels. I don’t have one (yet) because the intial price is so high right now.

Bookstore Profile: Hatchards Bookshop

Hatchards, booksellers since 1797, is the oldest surviving bookshop in London. Their customers have included some of Britain’s greatest political, social and literary figures – from Queen Charlotte, Disraeli and Wellington to Kipling, Wilde and Lord Byron -and their staff have always had a reputation for knowledgeable and professional service.

You can visit their site here. If you’re ever in the London area, please pay them a visit.

Bookstore Profile: St. Mark’s Bookshop

St. Mark’s Bookshop was established in 1977 on New York City’s Lower East Side, a community of students, academics, artists, and other discerning readers. Our specialties include Cultural Theory, Graphic Design, Poetry & Small Press Publishing, Film Studies, and Foreign & Domestic Periodicals and Journals. We are open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to Midnight, Sundays 11 am to Midnight.

This is a bookstore I hope to visit one day. You should visit the website of this bookstore here.