November to Remember
November to Remember
Some days rise above others—days that quietly crown years of effort, resilience, and hope. They celebrate not only achievement, but also the unseen ingredients that made it possible: failure, rejection, doubt, and perseverance. When such a day finally arrives, one emotion rises above all else, gratitude.
Gratitude for every step taken.
Every person who showed up.
Every word spoken, every smile shared.
The décor, the ambience, the food, the laughter, the photographs, the music and the book signing—all came together to make it truly a good book launch day.
Launch Rooted in Community and Culture
The book launch took place on November 15, 2025, in Greenville, SC. Guests began arriving the day before, traveling from near and far, their presence was a powerful reminder that stories can cross borders and bring people together.
The décor celebrated Kenyan culture, especially artifacts from the Kikuyu community vividly described in the book. Traditional items such as the gourd and calabash, once used for storing and serving porridge, stood alongside the kiondo (baskets) used to carry produce from the farm. A traditional horn for drinking muratina (traditional beer) shared space with modern beadwork baskets adorned in the colors of the Kenyan flag—symbolizing heritage carried forward into the present.
The theme was unmistakably African, with some guests dressed in vibrant African attire. The program unfolded with prayers, speeches, songs, dances, and an interview, followed by photographs and a shared meal. Guests enjoyed foods featured in the book—samosas, mandazi, Kenyan tea, and chevda—alongside other refreshments.
A Moment of Deep Meaning
The book signing was both humbling and profoundly joyful. As readers lined up patiently, each signed copy felt like a shared moment of connection—an exchange of stories, cultures, and gratitude. The people in attendance, including children, graced the occasion truly showing support. Their presence alone was an encouragement that was deeply affirming.
A Story That Travels Across Cultures
At its heart, the book is a collection of life lessons passed down from a grandmother—wisdom that transcends borders and generations. It celebrates intergenerational knowledge, faith, and cultural identity, tracing a journey from Kenya to America while speaking to universal human experiences. Key themes include:
Faith and healing, explored through multiple lenses
Cultural heritage and identity
A love story, from dating to marriage
Cross-cultural belonging and assimilation
The immigrant experience in America
Rising above adversity, including loss, grief, and miscarriage
Where to Find the Book
Print editions available on:
· Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Awakened-Faith-Grandmothers-Wisdom-Difference/dp/B0FWTM6DQP/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.m36s0bF4VBcayXjFq3FZrQ.8H7HqyzMICKzWoTdXLKPQkAElZYFopBrQcfwOnAEy1Y&qid=1768412748&sr=8-1
· Nuria Bookstore (Nairobi, Kenya)
https://nuriakenya.com/product/awakened-faith-how-a-grandmothers-wisdom-made-all-the-difference-a-memoir-by-shiko-clayton/
· Kibanga Bookstore (Nairobi, Kenya)
https://kibangabooks.com/?s=Awakened+Faith
· Kisa Bookstore (Thika, Kenya)
E-book available on:
· Amazon
· Barnes & Nobles
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Shiko%20Clayton
· Nuria Bookstore
✨ Get a copy and be inspired.
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