About the book #ConstructionTales:
Strap on your work boots and put on your hard hat. Let me take you on a sheetrock dusted journey to see what it is like to work within the construction industry. The work is hard, the environment is unforgiving, and the jobsite can be either extremely hot or cold. Almost 25 years ago, I stepped foot into a male-dominated work environment. Despite the lack of a warm embrace, I pushed my way into this world to learn the trade. I showed my many mentors that I wanted to be here and was ready to learn and work. After some grit and sweat, I worked my way out of my apprenticeship to become a journeywoman electrician. I earned a great working reputation within my trade and some aches and pains along the way. I work with guys from all backgrounds and all walks of life; and a few females that share my goal to be called journeywomen. Construction workers do not care that you do not feel up to the challenge that day. You must suck it up and get the job done! You will witness what it is like on a weekly basis to work within my industry. Every story in this book is real. The names of my co-workers have been changed to protect the innocent or the guilty! I must warn you that this book is not for the faint of heart!
About the book #NotAllGirlsPlayWith Dolls:
Once upon a time, a little girl named Kenna was born into a family where anything is possible. Kenna developed an instant paternal bond with her father, named Sam, at birth. Kenna’s mother, named Marie, watched lovingly as the dynamic duo became even more and more attached to each other over time. Sam spent many years teaching Kenna how to work on cars and trucks in the family garage and at Sam’s truck shop where he worked as a diesel mechanic. Kenna’s little sister, named Susan, stayed back with her mother since she wasn’t interested in working with her hands. Ever since Kenna was a toddler, Sam always told her repeatedly that, since she is smart and strong, she can do anything that she sets her mind to do. As Kenna grew up following her father’s guidance, she realized that she really liked working with tools. Go with Kenna on this life path as she grows up and follows the career path of where her talents lie. Kenna joined the military and made a non-traditional career choice with her father’s love and encouragement the entire time. The goal of this book is to inspire boys and girls to allow their natural talents to guide them into their career paths and life goals. Gather the courage to chase those dreams even in the face of doubts from others around them in society. After all, it is your life to live and choices to make. You can do it because you are talented, smart, and strong!
About the Author:
Author Leslie M. Jasper is a 29-year journeywoman electrician who started her career in the U.S. Navy Seabees. Leslie then joined the union in New York and worked with the tools for 19-years. She then shifted from the tools to the office to become a project manager. Leslie now works as a safety manager in New York City. Leslie’s first children’s book is entitled, “Not All Girls Play With Dolls”. Leslie’s goal with this book is to inspire boys and girls to pursue their dreams and go after that career path even if it is not traditionally acceptable within society. No matter the obstacles faced, keep your chin up, use humor and your smarts, and learn your craft as much as you can. This book is intended to serve as a prequel to Leslie’s first book entitled, “Construction Tales: Volume I: A Woman’s Journey to Become an Electrician. There is also an edited teen version entitled, “Construction Tales: A Young Person’s Guide to Accomplish Anything in Life”. This first book, within the Construction Tales series, shares what it was like for Leslie to become an apprentice electrician in New York. Leslie now serves as a mentor to guide young women who come into the construction industry as apprentices. She went back to college, during the 2008 Recession, and earned her M.B.A. at Iona College in 2013. She has two sons, named Tom and Johnny; the two, family dogs are Jack Russels known affectionately as Otis and Daisy. Tom has followed in his mother’s footsteps to become an apprentice electrician. Leslie dedicates her spare time to adventures with friends and family, painting, creating #VerballyDisastrous podcast episodes, and writing Kindle Vella short stories.
