Brad Bechler, Author of When Will the Sky Fall
Former ghostwriter Brad Bechler was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. Although he has life-long memories of his home state, none of them are more vivid than the fateful day of August 29, 2005. That was the day that the lives of many people in New Orleans and Mississippi were forever changed by Hurricane Katrina, including Brad’s. With over 1,800 lives claimed and approximately 78,000 homes destroyed, Katrina is by far “the largest natural disaster in the history of the United States.”
Although this tragic day seems to be fading in the memories of American History, Brad is working diligently to make sure this does not happen. His newly released book, When Will the Sky Fall?, is one way of keeping the memory alive. “My primary focus is to get the book out to the mainstream while preserving the memory of the tragedy, victims, survivors, and revelations resulting from this epic storm.” He is certain that readers will be mesmerized by this poetic documentary that reads like a novel. He likened his book to “a song that told the story – a deeply seeded vision of solidarity and liberation.” He shared that “Hurricane Katrina compelled me to render the world on a poetic canvass because the souls of the people who perished and survived needed a voice, a non-threatening one.”
Brad released his book this year in honor of the 4th year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. In fact, it is dedicated to all of the families that survived the wrath of this brutal storm. His goal is to give 100,000 signed copies to the families of survivors through the public school system. Proceeds from book sales will go to a college scholarship fund for child survivors of the tragedy. Applicants only have to prove that they were survivors. He wants to bless approximately 3,000 children with scholarships this year. Thus, he is seeking private matching funds to reach his goal.
In addition to highlighting the pain and power of survival, When Will the Sky Fall? speaks on race and class in America. Hurricane Katrina was the event that showed the world how Americans really felt about these two topics. Excerpts from this compelling work can be read on his website at www.bradbechler.com.
Due to the enlightening content of When Will the Sky Fall?, it hit book stores six weeks before the scheduled release date. It can be found online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Books-A-Million. However, signed books with personalized poems can be purchased for $49.99 plus $5.00 shipping and handling. Signed books without personalized poems are also available for $24.95 plus $5.00 shipping and handling. Visit www.bradbechler.com to purchase personalized books by July 12, 2009.
Have a story? Call me and I'll write it for you. Don't think you have a story? Call me anyway and maybe can make it a story. Writing is who I am and I can make something happen. 
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Thanks for the well-written post. It captured my vision and belief in preserving the memory of those voiceless Katrina Survivors. Just as we pay homage to the memory of Pearl Harbor, 911, The Oklahoma Bombings, etc, we, too must remember this pivotal moment in history. It revealed much in the way of Race and Class, in that we are more divided than we care to admit. Every American Household in America should have a copy of this Poetic Documentary. Thanks, Marcie for your wonderful rendering of my intent and purpose.
BB.
Again, thanks, Marcie, for the good Reporting.
It was my pleasure. Coincidentally, I was watching something about storms last night and Katrina was the topic. I am wondering if God is trying to tell me something. Maybe I should get Hurricane Katrina survivors on my site since they are not seen on TV. Hmmmm…..Let me think about this one.
I wish you many blessings including more financial support for the scholarships you want to provide to Hurrican Katrina survivors.
As I think about what you and others faced during this horrific tragedy, it occurs that as far as we have come, we have far to go.
Much of my experience was due to reports in newscasts and in the newspapers where much of the real events were not revealed. Only later did any hint of the extent of the effects of those who suffered most and why come to light were shown.
What you’ve done is compiled the consciousness of the people who lived through Hurricane Katrina so the rest of us can have a realistic view that will never be written in a history book or even explained in the archives of the media.
I love the thought of the scholarship program and what it will do to help those who are still fighting through the changes Hurricane Katrina brought to their families throughout the area.
You are bringing light and love!
Brad should be commended for the passion he has displayed in keeping the memory of Hurricane Katrina alive in the lexicon and for efforts to provide college scholarships to the young people affected by the storm. I have ordered my copy of “When Will the Sky Fall?” and can not wait to receive it.
Jackie, and Michael, thank you for your comments. At least two people on this planet actually get it. Your warm thoughts and kind words are fuel that keep me motoring along. In the spirit of those who have passed on from this epic storm, I rise, I rise, because it is my way of leaving more incentive behind to cultivate progress in motion. I am but one person trying to shout in a sea that has no boundaries, a sky that has no ceiling. But, what a great journey this is. Thank you for staying the course.
I am loving your poetic soul! “I am but one person trying to shout in a sea that has no boundaries, a sky that has no ceiling. But, what a great journey this is. Thank you for staying the course.” And it’s on my site!!
I Sister Demetries,
Want to commend you for keeping the memory of Hurricane Katrina alive. I will always remember this storm how it change my life forever! I can never go back to the way it was! I kept a journal on my life in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. I am going to end my story on 8/29/10 the 5th anniversary . The sholarship program is a blessings! I will order a copy of when will the sky fall.
Thank you for your Caring Spirit!!!
It gives me great joy to know that you care as much to memorialize your thoughts on paper as it relates to this epic moment in time. I salute you for doing this. Bear in mind that Hurricane Katrina was merely an “Act of God”, one that I warmly accept, given my faith. The insidious horrors that were committed in her wake give testament to the truth as we know it, as it continues to unfold before our eyes. I am led by my literary spirit to impart my joy of living on everyone willing to take a chance at recovery/restoration/healing. Katrina, in many ways was the turning point in my life. Daily, I look forward to touching others through my speaking engagements, relationships, prayers, and of course, my writings. Many blessings to you and your journal. Thanks for supporting my cause. Enjoy my book. Treasure it.
BB.