One Eighth Grader's Journey of Discovery ~ "A Thousand Miles"

A few days after Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey release, Miss Alyshia Marie Hull released her first book, A Thousand Miles. Although there are a couple decades between us in age, our passion to write is very similar. This past fourth of July, I spent the day at the Oswego County Fair with Alyshia, and other Oswego County authors. This wasn't my first time meeting her, or spending time together as "authors".

We met the first time at the release of Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey on April 3, 2013. She was (no is) so adorable! We posed for a picture, which I saw on her website when linking it to this blog. (Click on any photo for links to her blog, website, and Amazon to purchase the book) I'm just flattered, thank you Alyshia.

I missed her book release because I was out of town for a speaking event but God orchestrated an evening together in the months to come. After an evening at the Mexico Public Library, I purchased my copy of A Thousand Miles and had it signed. I'm ashamed to admit, I just sat down to read it. I LOVED it, and read it in an afternoon while enjoying a day on the deck.

Oh my goodness...
LOVE this book & the precious, brave,
and young woman who wrote it!

First and foremost, Miss Alyshia inspires and encourages me with her strength to publish this book. She isn't afraid to share her experiences from within the walls of the resource room at school. Some of you might not realize, I work as a teachers' assistant.

My first assignment was working in an elementary school's resource room. These are amazing students. Their drive to learn, push the limits, and work hard are greater than your traditional student, something many don't realize and one of the reasons I love my job so much.

Alyshia hooked me from the beginning because there are teachers across the globe who will say, "I have an 'Alyshia' in my class." Some students will rebel and try to hid from their learning disabilities and struggles, but this young woman, Miss Alyshia Marie Hull, embraces them and uses them to motivate her to do more, go above and beyond, and reach her goals. Rock on Alyshia!

A few quotes from the book -
Chapter 9: "My body moved quickly through my room, seeming to stir a cold wind with each step I took. You could almost feel the strength of the desire I had for doing this. (writing her book)...I felt unstoppable, especially when I came to the end, reading over the words I already had written."

Chapter 29: "I could hear her crying again, but was too hurt to look. I knew she still loved me but I couldn't see why. I knew she was mad, but not forever. Worst of all, the trust she had in me disappeared and I knew I may never get it back, nor did I deserve it."

I kept reading and cheering for her main character, Alicia Jean as she experienced the stressors of being in the resource room for eighth grade. I laughed at the classroom antics, smiled at the relationship between the teachers and students, and cried as friendships were formed and strengthened. I
 
cried when the plot shocked me and had me reread. My heart dropped and the suspense kept me reading. Tears for the loss, the near loss, and restored hope and unity. I wasn't prepared for the thickened plot and the books ending. I finished the book with a lump in my throat, joy in my heart, and anticipation for the rest of Alicia's journey with her new found realization - if you want more details, you'll have to read the book. Click on any photo for a link to her blog, website, or Amazon. I included them all. Thank you Alyshia - you are an inspiration to many.

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A few words from the author herself, Miss Alyshia Marie Hull...

"My name is Alyshia Marie Hull and I was born July 12th 1997. I am fifteen years of age and I am loving life more then thought I could! Such as my novel A Thousand Miles I wrote this and published it after the heartbreak I had from my eighth grade year ending. Writing the novel allowed me to enjoy my summer and eventually the days I have been living. A Thousand Miles has changed my life and has made me a stronger believer in God! My expectations on myself have been set much higher and I have become a stronger person since the day I wrote page one. My dreams have grown bigger and the biggest wish I have for myself is to make it on Ellen. Burbank California is something I say I would do anything for. I am reminded a lot, “you will do a lot for it, not anything.”

Outside of school I spend most of my time writing or doing things normal teens do. I am a country girl all the way and that's the way I like it! If you asked me the things I don't like or tolerate I would say the classic answer bullying. I have seen people bullied, listened to the stories and understood it most when I became the victim. The girl who bullied me is someone I have forgiven. It is what it is, there is good in all people and who am I to judge.

After I graduate I will live life to the fullest. Maybe I wont be the next Nicholas Sparks or J.K Rowling but one thing I can promise is that I will give it my all. In ten years, I would like to say I am an author and that I have created my own challenge to help kids dreams come true. But most of all I will say my name is Alyshia Marie, and I am giving life my all. No matter where I am writing will be my escape, my passion and a dream of mine!​"

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About the book...

Three Words That Seem So Simple Are Now The Hardest To Say I NEED YOU.... 

Alicia Jean Tipmen faces her biggest fear yet, her eighth grade year. Her world may change forever, when her new classmate and new teacher step in . But when one promise is not made, this family  could be separated for life. It's now up to the students to do the unthinkable. But will they go to far?

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for this brave and talented young author!