Random Acts of Kindness

During our stay at the Riu Vallarta Hotel in Mexico, I had the pleasure of meeting some great people and giving away some of my novels. Ironically, most of the people I talked to were from Canada. The funny thing was that two people--one Canadian and one American--said they thought I was from the States. Apparently, I have an American accent. Go figure! :)

One day I passed by a woman who told me she liked my red hair. Then we went our separate ways.

Later that day or the next, I decided to pass out some more of my books. By the pool, a couple sat to my right and I debated on leaving a book. Neither of them seemed to be reading, but I felt compelled to leave a copy of Whale Song anyway. I did so when the couple went to the pool.

Then switched seats with my husband and waited.

When the woman returned, she gathered her belongings and gave a few glances at the book lying on her chair. She walked away, and I felt a bit deflated. But she returned right away and made a beeline for the book. She asked my husband if it was his. He said, "No. It's my wife's."

When she turned to me, I explained that I was the author and that I had left it for her as a gift, if she thought she'd enjoy it. The next thing I knew, she was sitting down on her lounger and reading Whale Song. I had to laugh when my husband and hers started talking. She moved away slightly and gave me an apologetic look. "I don't want to be distracted from your book," she said with a smile.

I may have gifted her with a book, but she gave me something unexpected back in return. With all the book signings and special events I have held, it is a rare treat for me to actually observe someone reading one of my books. It is an indescribable feeling--a delightful mix of accomplishment and humble thankfulness.

A while later I took a walk with 4 books in hand, one each of Divine Intervention and The River and 2 of Whale Song. I walked down one row of loungers until I reached some women who were reading. I introduced myself, assured them I wasn't selling anything and told them I wanted to give away my books. Within seconds I had no books left.

The last gal took The River, I think. When she first glanced up at me, she said, "Hey, you're the one with the red hair." It was the same woman I had passed earlier.

Coincidence? I don't think so. I don't believe in coincidence.

Have you ever been the recipient of a Random Act of Kindness from a total stranger? If so, please share.

Have you ever "given" a Random Act of Kindness? If so, please tell us about it.

I challenge each of you to do one totally random "nice" thing for a stranger--someone you've never met before. Do this by Sunday, March 9th. I guarantee you will impact a life and you'll feel really great afterward. :)

If you're unsure of what to do, give someone a copy of Whale Song. :)

~Cheryl Kaye Tardif,
bestselling author

Cheryl Kaye Tardif and Michael Connelly

On my trip to Mexico last week, I realized how many people read books while on holiday and I said to my husband that one of my dreams was to walk past someone reading one of my books. I had no idea that would happen by the end of that week.

The second day, we decided to spend some time on the beachfront of the Riu Vallarta. By the way, I highly recommend this hotel! Beautiful rooms, stunning views, soft sandy beach, yummy all inclusive buffets and restaurants and refreshing pools.

While relaxing on a lounger and working on my freckles, I noticed two couples a row in front and a few seats down. I saw books in their hands. Immediately, I plotted how I could anonymously leave them one of my books. When they disappeared into the beach restaurant for lunch, I strode toward their loungers and left a copy of The River on one seat and Divine Intervention on the other.

Inside each book, I wrote a special message--something like this:

If you found this book, it is yours.
This is a Random Act of Kindness from the author.
Cheryl Kaye Tardif,
Riu Vallarta - Feb. 22 - Mar. 1st, 2008

When the two couples returned, I shamelessly spied on them and watched their puzzling looks. Okay, I admit, it was fun to do this unexpected thing, even though my husband Marc was worried they'd just throw the books away. But mischief me got a big kick out of watching them covertly from my wrap-around sunglasses while I tried hard not to smile.

I saw them look around, then finally one of the men opened the book and saw my message. I was torn between wanting to go over and say Hi and just wanting to revel in doing this random act. So I remained in my seat. The reward came first when I saw one of the men open up my book and start reading.

Even more ironic was the fact that on the day we left, we came across the same couples. As we drew closer I realized that one of the men was holding Divine Intervention. He was halfway through it. Then I saw the other man with The River, also halfway finished. So I leaned down and said, "Can I ask if you're enjoying your book?"

It didn't take them long to figure out who I was and I was rewarded with smiles and praise.
But it's the words of the one fellow I won't soon forget.

"Your style is similar to Michael Connelly's," said the man reading Divine Intervention.

WOW! That is high praise! And I am immensely honored.

So, to these kind couples, if you come across my site and blog, please sign my guestbook.

And to anyone reading this blog post, please check out Divine Intervention and The River on Amazon, and please let me know what you think when you read them. :)

http://www.cherylktardif.com/