LOS ANGELES—Gospel singer Anna Moore knows a good book when she reads one. A gift copy of Daughter Denied the stunning debut novel by Alretha Thomas not only moved and entertained her, but it also inspired her to give. “A friend gave me a copy of the novel she had enjoyed so much. At about page 58, I knew Daughter Denied was a classic. When I got to work a few women were also talking about the novel,” Moore said.
Moore went online to www.daughterdenied.com and purchased 12 copies of the novel. “I knew I wanted to give copies of Daughter Denied to women—but just hadn’t figured out where or how.” When discussing the novel and how it moved her, a coworker suggested that she donate copies to a women’s shelter and Moore agreed. She wanted her donation to be as meaningful as the novel was to her. After a little research Moore decided to donate the books to A Brighter Future, a YMCA shelter that houses women and children in Hollywood.
“The donation of copies of Daughter Denied was wonderful,” said Cynthia Arreola, Director of Social Services. “Anna Moore opened her heart and now our ladies can enjoy a book club of their own. It is an opportunity to nurture their minds and their spirits.” But even Arreola had no idea that things were about to get even better for the ladies at the shelter.
Moore was pleasantly surprised to learn that because 12 copies of Daughter Denied had been purchased, the ladies of A Brighter Future were eligible for “Vacation with Alretha.” This is an author appearance event in which author Alretha Thomas spends an afternoon with book clubs located in the Greater Los Angeles area. Right now Arreola is coordinating with Thomas’ staff to arrange the date of her visit. “I’m very excited about visiting the ladies of A Brighter Future and sharing my novel with them,” said Thomas. “We’re going to have a wonderful time together.”
Moore believes the book club will benefit the ladies in many ways, too. “Women have experiences and information we need to share. A book club is the perfect setting for this type of bonding,” she said. Moore had to do more than just read this great book. She had to share it, too. Apparently, giving is a huge part of the woman we know as Anna Moore. “Donating those copies of Daughter Denied to the shelter felt so good, I’m encouraging others to do the same,” Moore added. She’s in the studio now recording her new gospel CD “Anna Moore Gives Jesus All the Praise” due out next January.
