25 July 2019
Jae’la Leavy ’21 spent this summer doing something that likely no one else at De La Salle did.
She became a published author.
“Unraveled” is the 332-page novel written by the young woman who will be a junior this fall at our school.
“I always wanted to be a writer,” Jae’la said. “And I thought this would be the best time more than ever to put out my first work as an author.
“I always had thought about the things I wanted to write down. I did that and it developed into a book. I always wanted to write one.”
The theme of Jae’la’s book – which is available on Barnes & Noble’s website – and through this link (https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/unraveled-jaela-leavy/1132511018?ean=9781646333738) is described as “A tough, sarcastic girl who’s very standoffish toward people until she goes through certain events that leave her thinking differently about the people who surround her as she begins to have a new insight on the meaning of friendship, self-happiness and love.”
The book also is available for purchase through Amazon.com.
“It’s a teen novel,” Jae’la said. “It’s like a comedy. Most of the things I read are serious. I wanted to do something different and this is more humorous stuff.
“I wanted to dig deep and see where I fit in as a writer and realize what my writing style is. My characters have heartfelt things going on but in a humorous manner.
“It’s a heart-touching, humorous teen novel that people can read when they want something to cheer them up.”
Jae’la, who spent two weeks last summer participating in a creative writing program at Yale University, said it took about a year to write her first novel. She began two months into her freshman year and finished writing during spring break this year.
“It feels surreal that I wrote a book,” Jae’la said. “I don’t know how to explain that I’ve accomplished something like this so early in my life.
“My family has been very supportive and encouraging. They all texted me and said they were so proud of me. It felt great to know they supported me and were proud of me for something I wanted to do.”
After graduating from De La Salle in the spring of 2021, Jae’la would like to attend Stanford University which she describes as her “dream school” and major in English or creative writing.
As for her favorite author, Jae’la’s choice is writer/television producer Shonda Rhimes.
“She inspires me as an African-American to succeed,” Jae’la said. “She has a lot of successful things going on.”
Congratulations, Jae’la, on your impressive achievements! Everyone at De La Salle is very proud of you!
#WeAreD
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/unraveled-ja…
