Philanthropist launches debut novel

Paidamoyo Bore and Wilson Waison

MOTIVATIONAL speaker and award-winning philanthropist Amanda Nyagato-Manyeruke is tomorrow expected to launch her debut novel, titled “Finding Me”.

Amanda has penned her first novel, which revolves around mental health related issues such as depression, anxiety and peer pressure.

The writer, who is wife to Zim dancehall artiste Guspy Warrior, said:

“Finding Me is my first novel that I birthed after I realised how my life transitioned positively after I embarked on this journey of self-discovery,” said Amanda.

She said she once was in the headlines for attempted suicide.

“I became passionate about encouraging people to figure themselves out because we are living in times where social media trends, societal pressure, is defining people of which, at some point, we find ourselves lost in all these pressures.

“The book inspires the reader to embark on this journey of self-introspection, and drawing a clear healthy stream of consciousness, in oneself,” added Amanda.

“My novel is not necessarily about mental health, rather as an individual who has struggled with mental health matters, I decided to share some of my experiences in black-and-white and also how one can fight and win the battle of mental health issues,” said Amanda.

It is also a reflection of societal negligence and how it lampoons teenage pregnancy, instead of giving moral support and counselling, to victims.

“I share my struggle of being a teenage mother and how I fought and conquered public shame.

“The book also has chapters on the pressure and responsibilities of a teenage mother, which led me to have suicidal thoughts.

“In the novel, I hint about how to manage pressure to avoid burn out,” she added.

The book comes at a time where the country is facing a surge in suicide cases.

“The book has no specified audience, it cuts across all interested readers and is written in simplest diction,” she said.

Amanda, who described Guspy Warrior as a pillar, said after the launch, she will introduce the book on audiobooks, so that it can be accessed by people with visual impairment.