By Morgan Bryce
Editor
Opelika resident and longtime educator Dr. Frankie Bell will be hosting a book signing of her first published work titled “Choose to Win” July 15 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Bottling Plant Event Center.
Self-published by Bell, the book starts with experiences from her impoverished childhood in Auburn and shows how they prepared her for adulthood. Choose to Win also chronicles one of Bell’s largest tests of faith and toughness, a 2010 pedestrian accident that left her severely injured and killed personal friend and mentor Dr. Marie Wooten.
“I have a huge following on social media, and I want to use that and this book to show them that life isn’t as bad if you just get up,” Bell said. “I had 25 breaks, and I was in a wheelchair for almost a year after the accident, but I never let it stop me. In that situation, I was given a choice to win or fail … and I chose to win.”
Reviews on Amazon described Bell’s work as “life-changing.”
“After reading her book, I was just overcome with how good God has been to me, even when I was trying to run from using the gifts God have me,” wrote former colleague Sarah Weaver.
A user named dlschess said Bell’s life story is an “inspiration” and that the book is “a great read for anyone, whether they are facing struggles, needing inspiration or just wanting to hear a good story.”
In the years since the injury, Bell has advanced in her education career, receiving her doctorate and currently serves as the principal of W.F. Burns Middle School in Valley. She also mentors and is a motivational speaker.
“I hope the main thing that people take from this book is to not give up. Life is hard, but if you keep pushing, you’ll came out on the side where God wants you to be,” Bell said.
Bell will begin signing books at 5:30 p.m. and speakers will start at 6 p.m. Light refreshments will be served during the event.
For more information, call 334-705-5466 or visit www.bottlingplanteventcenter.com. The venue is located at 614 N. Railroad Ave.
The book is available in book stores and online for download through most major online retailers.