Choose Life, Fight Evil

It is rare I am in the same place as people selling books with titles like I Choose Life (or if I am, I am usually on the other side of the sidewalk trying to convince a group of angry activists why yelling profanity at the top of one's lungs doesn't make the pro-choice community look sane or informed)...alas, I Choose Life is actually the title of a recently released book of "two linked stories of Holocaust survival and rebirth." The book is the culmination of years and years of research and interviews--all about Julie F.'s grandparents, Sol and Goldie F.

I attendended the book release party in the Philly suburbs a few weeks ago and was honored to be part of such a special day for Julie's family. Not only were there delicious hoagies (this is Philly speak for submarine sandwich) waiting for us when we arrived, but I loved seeing the beautiful way Julie's family came together to celebrate the publication of this book and in a way, a celebration of their family.

The flickr album from the day contains almost 200 photos as there was so much to document...especially Sol and Goldie's faces as their stories of survival were read to the group (in addition to the cutest passage about how they met--but you'll have to buy a copy of the book to get the details).

My favorite part of event was a quick story that Julie's dad, Joe F., shared about the marketing of the book...apparently Sol's intended audience is solely his grandchildren and as long as they have copies on their book shelves, he will be satisfied. So, not only are Julie's shelves stocked with the book, but so are mine. I actually took home quite a few bookmarks promoting I Choose Life so if you're interested in some more information or a lovely branded bookmark, I'm your girl.

I leave you with this command (as Joe F. inscribed in my copy of the book): "choose life and fight evil." If only it worked well at anti-choice rallies too...