Author Review: Hill Harper Reads Letters To A Young Sister

It's warm in here, but no one in this crowded, book-filled room seems to notice. All eyes are on Hill Harper, author of "Letters To A Young Sister: Define Your Destiny.” Its debut follows a lot of buzz and fans are gathered at Quail Ridge Books & Music to support it.

His body language reveals that he is very relaxed in front of a crowd. Harper speaks with authority on such topics as sex, dating, racism and empowerment. He asks the audience for questions … “you can ask me anything.” And they do.

Harper doesn’t miss a beat when a young boy, grinning widely, raises his hand and asks, “Have you ever had writer’s block and how did you get rid of it?” Laughter and applause follows while Harper carefully answers his question, all the while looking him directly in the eyes. "I've had writer's block. Absolutely. But I don't try to get rid of it. I don't even like the word try ... I just allow whatever comes to come." The kid loves it! And so does the crowd!

It’s impossible to describe the positively charged atmosphere, the amens, comaraderie or commotion that Harper created. You had to be there!

Harper takes us on a journey of self-discovery. "What do you want your life to look like ... right now, next week, next month?" He makes us think. Readers are motivated to ponder actions and consequences. But what's really surprising is the power of pencil and paper. He urges readers to write down ideas, thoughts and plans. Start a journal. Witness the power of words.