On Thursday, April 18, John-Roger’s new book “Loving Each Day for Peacemakers” was launched at the Borders Books & Music store in Los Angeles, CA. Approximately 200 people were in attendance at this first booksigning for J-R’s new book. In fact, there were so many attendees that all the seats were full and it was standing room only. People packed the aisles and many people chose to sit on the floor.
There was a special offer during the event — buy 2 John-Roger or John Morton books and get 1 free. Everybody bought “Loving Each Day for Peacemakers”, as well as other J-R books and John’s “Blessings” book, and then stood in long lines at the register to pay for them. The actual book talk started a bit late so that the Borders staff could complete the book sales.
Micheal Graziano, the Regional Event Coordinator for Borders, introduced John Morton first. Michael was a wonderful host and gave John a very gracious introduction.
John took the stage and said that he had the distinct pleasure of introducing John-Roger. John talked about the timeliness of the “Loving Each Day for Peacemakers” book, given the events in the Middle East. John said that everyone in the audience, if they were willing, was charged to claim themselves as a Peacemaker. He spoke about the Institute for Individual and World Peace, which offers a workshop called “Process toward Peace”, and focuses on finding ways to experience peace inside.
John described J-R as one who has allowed himself to be “exploited”, to be used, and that he, John, has been exploiting J-R as much as possible. He said that J-R had set a very high mark, as someone to look up to, one who is always going higher. He likened the process to climbing Mount Everest, an on-going process, and one that is not always easy or comfortable. And then John-Roger stood up to speak.
J-R began by explaining the process of working on “Loving Each Day for Peacemakers.” As J-R was talking, Makeda Bullock Floyd, an adorable 2-year-old girl, came up on stage and sat on J-R’s lap to get a hug. J-R explained that it would be ignorant of us to ignore her, and he embraced her very sweetly.
Returning to his story, J-R told the audience that he has a degree in Psychology, and has studied color theory. The design of the book was based on those theories, and once a person has picked up the book, they are half-way there, and the purpose of the book comes forward. He then called Laura Donnelley-Morton on stage, and explained that he had dedicated the book to Laura. J-R read the book’s dedication, and gave Laura a signed copy of book. It was a very sweet moment.
J-R said he hoped that those who read the book will get more out of it than was ever put into it. He hoped that this book would be a “carrot”, and that each reader would get something new out of it. J-R told many stories from his life which touched on how to be a peacemaker regardless of situation, circumstance or environment.
Next it was question and answer time. J-R invited questions from the group. This was definitely a children’s evening as many of the questions were asked by children in the group. In answer to the questions, J-R touched on a wide range of subjects, including: expanding into greater love, greater space, and greater opportunity; keeping loving as the format, doing a little more each day; expressing yourself and don’t be ashamed to express yourself; and focusing on where you want to go.
J-R shared about the first time he got beat up and that this was when he became a peacemaker; he also learned to run very fast. As usual, John-Roger’s humor was very evident. He suggested that if we have joy inside, and if we smile with our eyes, then the peace starts to come out.
Once the questions came to a close, John Morton gave some logistical direction for the signing of books, and people formed a very long line to get their books signed. The event team provided cookies, coffee and tea, and the group enjoyed talking with each other as they waited to meet John-Roger and John Morton.
By the end of the evening, 447 books had been sold, which is the most books ever sold at a John-Roger and John Morton bookstore event. It was a fun evening, full of upliftment, Spirit, joy and — peace!
You can buy John-Roger’s “Loving Each Day for Peacemakers” online at http://www.msia.org/store
Here are upcoming dates and locations for booksignings with John-Roger & John Morton around the U.S.:
Boston, MA
Date: April 29
Location: Borders Books and Cafe
10-24 School Street
Time: 7:00 p.m.
New York, NY
Date: May 2
Location: To be announced. This is a Learning Annex event entitled “How to Live a Rewarding and Peace-filled Spiritual Life”, facilitated by John-Roger & John Morton.
To register: Call The Learning Annex at 212-371-0280 and mention the code phrase “PEACE FOR LIFE” to receive a $10 discount when you register. Regular prices are $39.00 for members and $44.00 for non-members.
Time: 6:45 p.m. — 9:30 p.m.
Philadelphia, PA
Date: May 8
Location: Barnes and Noble booksellers – Rittenhouse
Square
1805 Walnut St
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Washington, DC
Date: May 11
Location: Borders Books and Cafe
5333 Wisconsin Ave
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Austin, TX
Date: May 28
Location: Barnes and Noble Booksellers Arboretum
10000 Research Blvd.
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Denver, CO
Date: May 29
Location: Borders books and Cafe
241 W. 104th Ave, Northglenn, CO
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Santa Fe, NM
Date: June 3
Location: Hastings Bookstore on Cerrillos Road
Time: 7:30 p.m.
These events are open to everyone and are free of charge (with the exception of the Learning Annex event in New York City). For more information, contact Angel Gibson at Mandeville Press, angel@mandevillepress.org or call (323) 737-4055.
