What goes around comes around….

Sometimes this world is a brutal place. A cruel place. Everywhere we turn we're crushed by the weight of intolerance, hate, violence, cruelty, and to put it extremely mildly….unnecessary drama. People hide behind their laptops, computer screens, and iPhones. They wear the first amendment like a badge of honor, giving them uninhibited rights of verbal expression. But when did a person's freedom of speech become a weapon? When did it become an excuse? When did being kind become the minority?

It's depressing.

It's disheartening.

I just plain sucks.

But every now and then, somebody reminds me that there is good out there. It may be something small, insignificant, but the heart behind the act shines like a supernova. Sometimes the act is subtle, and sometimes it slaps you right in the face.

Two and a half years ago, Tina Reber slapped me in the face. 

You can read the full story (here), but I'll summarize. A little over two years ago, in a random thread on Facebook, people discovered that I didn't own an eReader (not even a smartphone), I read all my digital copies on my laptop, propped on my knees while lying in bed. I never really thought much about it; it was just the way it had always been. I didn't really know any better. However, my fellow readers, bloggers, and authors were beyond shocked. The thing people most wanted to know was why? Well, at the time I was a full time nursing student, living on an extremely fixed budget. 

Because nursing was a full time commitment, I couldn't work more than 10-15 hours a week. Since it was my second degree, I also didn't qualify for any financial aid. I was having to pay for school 100% out of pocket. No worries though, I had a roof over my head, food in my belly, and even some extra put away for books ;-) I had also saved some money beforehand in order to cover my needs, but that's how I had to live, on needs. Hence the fixed budget.

Here is where the really beautiful part comes in. Within about fifteen minutes of the conversation, I was messaged a receipt from the author of Love Unscripted & Jacked, Tina Reber, saying my kindle fire would be arriving in about three days. 

Even in this very moment (two years later), I am completely blown away by her kindness, generosity, and selflessness. Without hesitation, Tina did something that I will never, ever forget.

So why am I bringing this up now? Well, one of the things that Tina said to me while I was thanking her profusely was, "I'm in a position where I can afford it, and I'm there because of awesome people like you pimping my novel and singing praises. What you have done for me has allowed me to do what I did for you. So Mollie, thank you!" Yes, the woman gives me a kindle fire and then thanks me!! I decided right then and there that when I was in the position to do the same for someone else, I would. 

I finally did graduate and become an RN, and for the past two years I have been working as an ICU nurse. This has finally put me in the position to hopefully do the same for someone else. My passion for reading has not only brightened the world around me, but cultivated friendships I will have for a lifetime. I hope that by paying Tina's act forward, somebody else's world will be just a little bit brighter. 

Kindle Fire HD 6 Giveaway

It's really quite simple, but I need your help! If you you know 

someone who does not own an eReader, but should, all you have to 

do is nominate them by sending an email to 

toughcriticbookreviews@gmail.com

Please include their name and why you think they deserve an 

eReader. Also, please, PLEASE put PAY IT

FORWARD in the subject line or your entry may not be received.

US residents only please.

I will be selecting a winner Friday, February 20th.

All entries must be received by Wednesday, February 18th.

Not only will they receive a new Kindle Fire HD 6

but also a copy of Tina's new book

Jacked