2 MARATHON LOCALS ARE PUBLISHED SELF-HELP AUTHORS

On Jan. 6, two new local authors commemorated their contributions to Allyson Roberts’ book “Behind the Power” with a book signing at Food for Thought in Marathon.

As a compilation of moving accounts from 13 women, including Marathon locals Karen Thomas and Erin Arnett, “Behind the Power” uses women’s voices to tell their deepest stories and inspire others to push through significant life challenges.

“We were free to tell whatever story we wanted to tell, but Allyson wanted to make sure that we weren’t hiding,” said Arnett. “We had to pull out one of our darkest secrets. It was an absolutely life altering experience.”

Though Arnett had never done any formal writing other than requirements for classes, she said she received all the support and encouragement she needed from Roberts and publisher Diana Needham.

“It’s very surreal to realize, ‘Hey, I’m on the back of a book,’” Arnett said.

“Behind the Power” currently holds an average review score of 4.9 out of 5 on Amazon. Arnett said the book’s warm reception has already led to plans for “Behind the Power, Part 2” next year with a mix of new and returning authors – and guess who will have a chapter?

Alex Rickert
Alex Rickert made the perfectly natural career progression from dolphin trainer to newspaper editor in 2021 after freelancing for Keys Weekly while working full time at Dolphin Research Center. A resident of Marathon since 2015, he fell in love with the Florida Keys community by helping multiple organizations and friends rebuild in the wake of Hurricane Irma. An avid runner, actor, and spearfisherman, he spends as much of his time outside of work on or under the sea having civil disagreements with sharks.