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Penguin Random House Children’s has pledged to donate money to the mental health charity Mind as part of a fundraising campaign tied to John Green’s latest book Turtles All The Way Down.
The novel – Green’s first in six years – has won acclaim from readers for its sensitive and authentic depiction of protagonist Aza Holmes and her experiences with OCD. In the book, Aza’s mother consoles her daughter with the words “your now is not your forever”, which has inspired the campaign’s key message.
Now the publisher is pledging to donate £1 to Mind for the first of every 10,000 uses of the branded quote graphic #YourNowIsNotYourForever on Twitter and Facebook or by getting the message across creatively on Instrgam.
The money raised will go towards supporting Mind’s vital services, including its hotline, information services and campaigns.
Green said of Turtles All The Way Down: “This is my first attempt to write directly about the kind of mental illness that has affected my life since childhood, so while the story is fictional, it is also quite personal.”
Ben Horslen, publisher at Penguin Random House Children’s, said the campaign was inspired by the “powerful authenticity of John’s depiction of mental illness”.
“I’m certain that Turtles All The Way Down will continue to help keep that conversation at the forefront of the public consciousness and widen awareness of the impact of mental illness on young people today,” he said.
Paul Farmer, c.e.o. of Mind, added: “John Green has spoken openly about his experiences of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and this is reflected through the eyes of the teenage character, Aza, in the book. We know how valuable it can be when people in the public eye speak out - Mind’s own research shows this has the power to raise awareness and encourage more people to seek support.
“The partnership will help us to reach a point where anyone with a mental health problem feels able to ask for, and access, the help they need. Money raised will fund our work including our Mind Infoline, information and advice services, and our campaigning to ensure everyone who has a mental health problem gets support and respect.”
One in four people will experience a mental health problem in any given year. For more information, visit the Mind website.