Judy Shepard’s Book Tour Begins with National Media Exposure

[auntAgonist]

Foundation Board President Judy Shepard embarked today on a two-month national book tour to promote her new book "The Meaning of Matthew: My Son’s Murder in Laramie, and a World Transformed," earning attention from several national media outlets.

The book recounts Judy and Dennis Shepard’s remarkable journey from being parents to becoming nationally recognized leaders for civil rights not only for gay and lesbian people but for all who are marginalized because of their perceived differences.

Appearing with Neal Conan on National Public Radio’s "Talk of the Nation" Tuesday afternoon, Judy Shepard recalled the shock her family experienced in becoming the subject of national and international interest, and their determination in the years since then to help people understand his true complexity as an individual.

Meanwhile, USA Today caught up with Judy in Cheyenne, Wyoming, recently where she was addressing a victim’s rights conference. The newspaper’s account included a glimpse of the book, a reporter’s visit to Laramie, and a look at the ongoing debate over the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act.

Last week, Entertainment Weekly also chose The Meaning of Matthew as its book pick of the week. For more coverage, visit the links below:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112638393

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-09-07-shepard_N.htm

http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20301992,00.html

[FreeState]

1. Get your copy online here

http://www.amazon.com/Meaning-Matthew-Murder-Laramie-Transformed/dp/1594630577/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1252447916&sr=8-1

[auntAgonist]

2. Thanks for that!

[Toasterlad]

3. I'd Actually Like to Put In a Plug For Your Local Gay-Themed Bookstore.

If you have one in your area, please support your local gay bookstore, especially when buying books like this one. Just found out today that Giovanni's Room, the oldest existing gay bookstore in the US, located in my hometown of Philly, is hanging on by a thread, and facing some very costly building repairs that could shut it down.

Gay bookstores still serve vital functions as a clearing house of local gay information and activism, not to mention remaining the best places to purchase gay literature and other works. I'm not asking anyone to boycott Amazon (despite their recent anti-gay "glitches"), but please patronize your local gay bookstores whenever you can.

[FreeState]

4. +1

I know I posted the link to Amazon but i agree with you 100%. (Is there a good Gay Bookstore online for those who dont have one in the area? Anyone know?)


Edit to add link to local gay book stores in North America:)

http://www.qrd.org/qrd/www/media/print/bookstores/

[Toasterlad]

5. You Actually Can Order Books Online From Giovanni's Room.

Here's the link for Judy Shepard's book:

http://www.giovannisroom.com/NASApp/store/Product?s=showproduct&isbn=9781594630576

I'll grant you that you can get it cheaper at Amazon, but if you can swing it, it's nice to support our own.