A few months ago I visited New Jersey and keynoted a teen life conference for Planned Parenthood. It was an event that reached out to high school students and encouraged them to be “The Change That You Want To See In The World.” In addition to speaking at the event, I autographed copies of Exclusive and donated them to the event. I felt good about giving the young people some they could relate to–a hip hop novel based on real life events. Their letters to me have been touching and so I’m gonna share 5 more emails today from Shawn, Zasha, Donald, Kadidiattou and Ashley…

Thank you for participating in our Teen Life Conference. I love your book. I feel as if i can connect to it in so many ways. I like how the book seems as if it is being played out right before my eyes. I can connect to the characters as well. I LOVE IT ! — Shawn M.

Hello Ms. Shiraz, Exclusive was a great book all the imagery and detail really made me feel like I was there with Tisha and Shout. There is no doubt in my mind that Privacy won’t be the best thing that ever hit stores and I cant wait to read it. =)  — Zasha

I just want to take some time out and congratulate you on the wonderful book you wrote, “Exclusive.” I would like to say that it was a fantastic book to read. I am pleased to have seen [you] in person and got a chance to read this book. It was filled with tons of scenes that reached out to me personally. I would be glad to read more of your books. — Donald

Hi , Ms.Shiraz I wanted to let you that I really loved Exclusive although I wish it ended a little better* but all in all it was one of the best urban books I’ve ever read ,and I cant wait to read Privacy =] . –Kadidiattou

Hi, I had the pleasure of reading your book, “Exclusive” and it was very profound and real. I enjoyed it so much that i have passed it along to one of my good friends. I feel that every young person or even just people in general can benefit from reading this book. You in general have also encouraged me to become a writer and activist. I’ve recently attended one of your presentations and I must add that you are a very ennobling keynote speaker as well. So Ms. Shiraz keep inspiring….thank u = ) –Ashley

Much love to Shawn, Zasha, Donald, Kadidiattou and Ashley for reading Exclusive and telling me what they thought. I appreciate their time cause you best believe if you write a book and nobody reads it, it doesn’t feel very good! So, thanks to them, I’m feeling great today!

Peace!!!

*Exclusive is part one of a two part book series.  PRIVACY is book two. So, Exclusive doesn’t really end until PRIVACY. This is what Kadidiattou meant by wishing that Exclusive ended better…