Clearwater Native, Author To Speak At Countryside Library

CLEARWATER, FL — The community is invited to join hometown author Jason Shapiro as he visits the Countryside Library Sunday, July 10, from 2 to 3 p.m. to discuss his books including his autobiography, "The Magic of Mayfair," about growing up in the Countryside area in the 1980s.

The discussion will take place in the library's meeting room, 2642 Sabal Springs Drive, Clearwater.

Since 2019, Shapiro has published four books.

His first, "The Magic of Mayfair," is a coming-of-age memoir that helps readers face their own challenges in life.

Shapiro has also written "Brian, My Pet Lion," a children’s book about overcoming fear and anxiety, viewed through the eyes of a child.

In February 2021, Shapiro published "The Magnificent Mind of Ostaf," a realistic fiction novel that celebrates the misfits and dreamers whose passions and ideas make the world a better place.

His latest book, "Lunch with Larry," is a heartwarming story that reminds readers how fragile life can be and that living in the moment is a skill worth mastering.

Shapiro’s stories share a common theme: life is ever-changing and everyone faces challenges that can impact his or her mental health.

As the nation commemorates National Mental Health Month in May, Shapiro is eager to talk to the community about a project he's involved with that focuses on mental health.

The nonprofit #SameHere Author Alliance includes a "Who's Who" of fellow authors including former NFL player, author and motivational speaker Leroy Collins; attorney and addiction recovery advocate Brian Cuban, whose brother, Mark, owns the Dallas Mavericks; former NHL player, author and motivational speaker Theo Fleury; and UCLA personal development coach, neuroscientist and author Alex Korb.

Partnering with The Global Mental Health Movement, the author alliance was founded by former successful sports executive Eric Kussin, who began his career at the NBA League Office and went on to management positions with a number of professional sports team before his own rapid mental health decline.

The nonprofit's motto is both inclusive and self-deprecating: "We're all a little crazy."

Shapiro said the #SameHere Author Alliance recognizes that mental health challenges shouldn't isolate people. In fact, those shared challenges can be a force that brings people together.

"Despite our different outcomes, the traumas we face impact our nervous system structures in a similar manner, making us able to relate to each other’s experiences," he said. "When we look at it that way, it’s not the 1-in-5 statistic (people struggling with mental health issues) that we often hear about, but a 5-in-5 reality. We all face challenges and live on a mental health continuum that shifts and changes."

Whether a person is a serious author or simply enjoys journaling, Shapiro said the alliance wants to bring wordsmiths together to talk about their common challenges and how those challenges can not only serve to make them better writers, but can improve their overall well-being.

"I am using my books to help normalize society's perception of mental health," Shapiro said. "As an author, you have the ability to create stories of hope and inspiration. No matter the genre you write, the ripple effects of your own life challenges almost always show up. Whether it’s through your characters or story line, it’s important for you to tell your truth. In fact, writing may even be your source of self-therapy."

Shapiro will have signed copies of his books available for sale at the library event.

Shapiro can also be contacted through his website, Tree Mouth Books, by clicking here.