Marilyn Shapiro, local author, releases second book

Heritage readers have been reading Marilyn Shapiro's warm and nostalgic stories for several months. In addition to the Heritage, her stories also are published in The Jewish World newspaper. She has written illuminating stories about her life and travels for many years, enough to compile a first book, "There Goes My Heart," published in 2016, and she also has a following on her blog theregoesmyheart.me.

Now, she is thrilled that her second book, "Tikkun Olam: Stories of Repairing an Unkind World," has just released. The Hebrew moral principle that every person should leave the world a better place than he or she found it is what tikkun olam is all about. Anyone who knows Shapiro or has read her stories, knows that she never loses her unwavering beliefs in truth, kindness and community service-and her ability to see humor and compassion in all circumstances.

"'Tikkun Olam' is a collection of essays that were originally published in the (Capital Region) Jewish World and more recently the (Orlando) Heritage Florida Jewish News," said Shapiro. "Many reflect my own life: growing up in a very close knit family in a small town on Lake Champlain in Upstate New York, getting married to Larry and raising our children Adam and Julie, spending my career in adult education, and volunteering in my community. Since retiring, I have had the opportunity not only to share my stories but also to capture the heartwarming accounts of others who, through their actions, are helping to make the world a better place."

Samuel Johnson wrote, "A writer only begins a book. A reader finishes it," and with that, Shapiro would love for all Heritage readers to 'complete' her book by ordering a copy of it from Amazon in either paperback or Kindle edition.

Feel free to share comments and stories with Shapiro at shapcomp18@me.com.