The launch of Karen Scott’s heart-wrenching
book Another Mother’s Love (Penguin
Group NZ), detailing her arduous experience of foster parenting, was always
going to be a special occasion. It was also a fitting tribute and denouement to
a long and emotional journey for Karen and her family. The launch of Karen
Scott’s heart-wrenching book Another Mother’s Love (Penguin Group NZ),
detailing her experience of foster parenting, was always going to be a special
occasion. It was also a fitting tribute and denouement to a long and emotional
journey for Karen and her family.
Held just one week after the embargo lifted on Karen’s
book and a flurry of prime-time media interviews that sparked an overwhelming
level of positive feedback from New Zealanders, the mood at The Women’s
Bookshop was one of respect and admiration for author and publisher. After her
hearty, inimitable welcome, Carole said how proud she was to host the launch
for such an important book.
Debra Millar (General Manager, Publishing) from Penguin
Group NZ spoke of her company’s decision to publish Karen’s book, despite the
difficult subject matter and issues of privacy it presented. Debra felt that
Karen’s story needed to be told, to highlight the difficulties faced by foster parents
in their attempts to nurture children very often deeply troubled by past events
in their short lives. Immediately prior to the book being published and as a
courtesy, Debra sent copies of Another
Mother’s Love to the Minister for Social Development, Paula Bennett, in the
hope that Karen’s story would provide a greater understanding of the real
issues faced by CYF children and caregivers.
Karen’s emotional and heart-felt speech was full of
gratitude for the people who stood behind her; her family, friends, publisher
Debra Millar and the team at Penguin Group NZ, and her publicist. Without their
support and professionalism, Karen said that the job of telling her story with
such honesty and courage would have been even more challenging. And it was
challenging, opening her life and that of her children to the scrutiny of
strangers. At times, Karen wondered if she’d made the right decision to share
her story about fostering five-year-old ‘James’, even though his identity has been
fully protected in the book. Karen carried this same fear, albeit hidden, into
the media interviews she gave but has been reassured by the messages of support
she has received. Karen read out an email from a woman whose sad story mirrored
her own; just one of many that have come to light since Another Mother’s Love was published.
As you might expect, there was a lot of love in the room and much cause for celebration too, for debut author Karen Scott and her poignant book.
Special thanks to Stoneleigh for their generous sponsorship of the launch with a Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc which wowed guests, and Carole’s famous guacamole dip and other delectable treats, which were seized upon with gusto.
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