Lillian Lincoln Lambert

When I was first invited to visit a book club to discuss my book “The Road to someplace Better: From the Segregated South to Harvard Business School and Beyond” which had been selected as their choice for the month, I was somewhat reluctant. I could not quite imagine how that would be beneficial as a part of my very busy book tour events. I accepted the invitation and it was a very wise decision. I have recently completed my third visit with a book club and have enjoyed each one.

Members of the book club have usually purchased the book prior to the meeting and most have read it either in its entirety or at least some of it. Some members bring guests who either already have the book or will purchase one at the meeting.  It was obvious that most members really enjoy reading and they cherish the camaraderie of their fellow club members.

Book clubs have a diverse membership, though those I have visited are all female, but with varied backgrounds and interests. The exciting thing about book clubs is that members get to ask all kinds of questions – questions about things in the book on which they want more detail; questions about things omitted from the book and sometimes questions about things on which I plead “the fifth.  It is amazing the different messages readers get from the book, sometimes messages I was not aware I have sent. Overall, the discussions have all been intriguing.

To top things off, they all served delicious food! I am looking forward to my next book club meeting later this month.

Dream big, Act bold

Good Experiences

As I travel on my book tour, I am meeting so many people of all races, nationalities and cultures. The experiences are enlightening for me. I have a renewed appreciation for humanity. People are genuinely, kind, thoughtful and willing to go the extra mile to help others.

I have received so many words of encouragement and support as well as comments from many people about how I have inspired them when I didn’t even know “anyone was watching”. When I am told that I was an encouragement for someone to return to school, that is particularly heartwarming. I place such a high premium on education: “There is no substitute for education and there are no shortcuts”

This reinforces something taught to me as a child. Carry yourself in such a way that you will be proud for others to know of your deeds and words. You never know for whom you are setting an example.