Senior Communications major Carin Malone announced the release of her new book Beneath the Shadow of My Wings to UTM and the Martin community.

Wearing turquoise and black, the 20-year-old Malone confidently took the podium in Watkins auditorium on Tuesday, Sept. 21. Before an audience of about 30 people, mostly students, Malone instructed everyone to “believe in the message that you have,” and thanked everyone present for coming and for their support.

“It’s imperative to have that support system,” Malone said the next day at her book signing in the UTM campus bookstore.

Malone said that the experience of the book release and signing was exciting and added that “nothing is handed to you—you must work hard for it.”

Lovita Graham was the M C, saying that Malone “turned her misfortunes around, becoming an inspiration to many people.” The release was hosted by Sierra Marshal.

At the release on Tuesday night, Malone gave away six personalized books between reading poems. Three poems were read in all, “The Soul of Who I Am,” “Gen S” and “It’s Up to You.” All of the poems offered a message of hope and encouragement to fellow students, reminding them that “when people threw dirt in my face, God was with me,” and “not to lose their vision.”

Audience attendees were inspired by Malone’s message.

After the release, Malone offered to help anyone interested in getting published to achieve their goals. “I’m going up and I don’t mind taking people with me,” Malone said.

“She’s a friend of mine,” senior Secondary Education major Candy Maclin said of Malone. “I think that she is very inspirational. She has inspired students here tonight who are trying to succeed. She has worked very hard for this. Her key message tonight was not to give up on your dreams, whether it is to publish or any other dream.”

“The presentation was awesome,” said sophomore Communications major Jamilah Holloway. “You could tell she meant what she was saying.” Holloway also encouraged everyone to get the book, saying that it is “very powerful.”

Holloway’s personal favorite was “The Soul of Who I Am.”

“I could relate. It is an encouragement tool that will really help people. People want to express themselves and don’t know how. She expresses it for them and they can feel peace and harmony.” Malone currently has two more books in the works. Murder She Wrote is comprised of letters to Hurricane Katrina; however, when Katrina writes back, she speaks of nothing but disaster. Her other book in progress is When I Grow Up.

Dr. Richard Saunders of the Paul Meek Library at UTM said that Malone’s book Beneath the Shadow of My Wings will join other books written by UTM faculty and staff on the library shelves. Meanwhile, Malone proves to be UTM’s best kept secret. Her upcoming books are scheduled for release soon.