The Barnes & Noble concept store in Eastchester has been the site of many rousing events, including recently, when approximately 200 people showed up to get a look at Chelsea Clinton. The former first daughter was in Eastchester to promote her new book, Start Now! You Can Make a Difference, with her editor, Jill Santopolo, in tow. Geared toward young adults who are passionate about making a difference but who might not know how, Start Now! is filled with inspiring stories from those who have made positive change in their communities. Topics range from bullying and poverty outreach to environmental activism.
“I am deeply concerned about bullying… It is a brave and courageous thing to ask adults for help.”
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Clinton started the conversation off with a subject especially close to her heart. “I am deeply concerned about bullying,” Clinton shared with those in attendance. “In second grade, I was put in a locker by older kids, and I was ashamed of the incident. I felt that I shouldn’t have let that happen to me. It is a brave and courageous thing to ask adults for help.”
When asked what her hopes are for our world in the next five or 10 years, Clinton was noticeably somber. “We are living in very dark times right now,” she said. “Someone tried to mail a bomb to my parents this morning. Those incidents are not disconnected from the mainstream hate that has risen in the past few years. The rise of antisemitism, homophobia, and racial bullying [is pervasive]. And bullying is parroted by things the president is saying.” Clinton added that she hopes her book will help people prevent and recover from bullying. Start Now! You Can Make a Difference is published by Philomel Books, an imprint of Penguin Books USA.
