Millikin welcomes New York Times Bestselling Author Sarah Burleton ’05 Nov. 12

[November 08, 2014]  DECATUR - Millikin University welcomes alumna and New York Times Bestselling Author Sarah Burleton ’05 back to campus for a speaking engagement on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2014 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The presentation, free and open to the public, will take place in Lower Richards Treat University Center on Millikin’s campus.

Sarah Burleton currently speaks out for children who are trapped in the family secret of abuse as well as adults that grew up in that environment.

Written in 2010, Burleton’s first book “Why Me?” is an eye-opening account into the hidden world of child abuse. “Why Me?” spent an astounding 26 weeks on the New York Times Bestseller E-book Non-Fiction list, two weeks on the USA Today Bestseller list, and debuted at No. 9 on the Wall Street Journal Bestseller list.

Burleton made history as the first self-published non-fiction e-book author to ever make the New York Times Bestseller list.

Burleton has since written two other e-books, “What It Is,” in 2011 about coping with child abuse as an adult and “Anorexic Annie” in 2012 about her struggle with an eating disorder.

David Pelzer, New York Times Bestselling author says, “It is my hope that Sarah’s message of strength over adversity will inspire others to achieve greatness as well.”

In a bid to spread the message of child abuse prevention, Burleton has partnered with Prevent Child Abuse Illinois and travels the state giving speeches and conducting workshops. Burleton also volunteers at the Macon County Child Advocacy Center.

As part of her presentation on Nov. 12, Burleton will discuss her childhood abuse; share with educators and others on how to be aware of signs of abuse and what to do about it; why she decided to write a book, her process for self-publishing and how she earned a spot on the New York Times Bestseller’s list; and what she has been working on lately.

A Q&A session will be held following her presentation as well as a book signing, and a closing ceremony at 7:30 p.m. Due to the serious nature of her topic, Burleton recommends audiences for her presentation to be adults 18 years and older.

Burleton’s appearance was made possible by a collaborative effort of Millikin University’s School of Education, PACE Office, and Alumni and Development Office.

[Media Relations, Millikin University]