North Carolina author, Clyde Jeanette Shore, has published My Purpose For Dying. Her work of non-fiction has been years in completing and much awaited by many in the LGBTQ+ community, friends, and family. The Bureau of General Services—Queer Division will host a book reading on Thursday, September 21, 2023, beginning at 7:30 pm. The evening will include a meet-and-greet with Clyde Jeanette Shore at 7 PM, a reading at 7:30 PM, Q&A to follow, with a book signing.

In My Purpose For Dying, Jeanette opens a heart-felt door by honoring a promise made to her youngest brother, Ricky Frederick Shore, to write his life story. A LGBTQ work of non-fiction, it’s the story of Ricky’s fierce life spirit since birth, his journey coming to terms with being gay, and eventually contracting AIDS during the height of the 1980’s pandemic.

Jeanette found inner peace, forgiveness, and the strength to write Ricky’s story by penning an unedited manuscript titled, Chicken Bridge Road. Here, she focused on her mother’s tragic story taking place in the early to mid-twentieth century. Her first attempt at writing proved a powerful cathartic journey for Jeanette in-light-of disclosing her mother’s battle with lifelong hardships brought on by domestic abuse, and the society steeped for centuries in rampant misogyny. It also brought to the forefront the complete lack of justice for Women’s Rights. Chicken Bridge Road is soon to be Jeanette’s second book.

It can be said that Jeanette has spent over twenty-five years on the production in writing these two, prominent family stories, and is thrilled to finally share her achievements. She credits her family, who have been instrumental in supporting her healing and writing over the past years.

“I couldn’t have accomplished My Purpose For Dying without the tremendous love and support from my daughter, Angela, and friends,” Shore said. Also, to Anthony Dronchi for signing on as my creative editor. “I value the good work of GMHC, that they continue to provide those living with HIV/AIDS today in the community.”

The event will take place in person at the Bureau of General Services—Queer Division, the independent, all-volunteer queer bookstore and cultural center located in room 210 of The LGBT Community Center, 208 W. 13th St. New York City. Reading begins at 7:30 PM.

Also live-streaming at 7:30 PM on the Bureau’s YouTube channel: youtube.com/@bgsqd

The Bureau is open Wed-Sat, 1pm-7pm.  You may purchase My Purpose For Dying directly from the Bureau, and we will have plenty of copies available at this event.

To reserve a copy, please write to us at contact@bgsqd.com with “please reserve My Purpose for Dying” in the subject line. Thank you for supporting the Bureau by purchasing books from us!

The Bureau is a sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a non-profit arts service organization. Please consider donating online. For more information, please visit: bgsqd.com/donate.

More About the Author

Clyde Jeanette Shore, named after her father and paternal grandmother, grew up on a tobacco farm situated on Chicken Bridge Road, located in Chatham County, Pittsboro, N.C. Jeanette is well traveled, appreciates innovative cuisine, enjoys rock n’ roll, gospel, folk and blues music. You can find Jeanette writing in the early morning hours. Shore, a native of North Carolina, resides in Greensboro, N.C.

Media Contact:
Angela Shore
(646) 298-7234 angela@clydejeanetteshore.com