Omari's pens Why Me God?

GOSPEL singer Omari has added another dimension to his résumé. The artiste has written his first book -- Why Me God? -- which is set to be launched on October 12, at Kingston Book Shop in the Springs Plaza, St Andrew.

Inspired by societal ills, the book will be distributed by PageTurner Publishing. He says it is an extension of his song Help which addresses similar inequalities.

"While I put my heart into making the story entertaining with a high level of intrigue to keep my readers engaged, I really want them to walk away from the book knowing that while the problems exist, the room for change is there and it starts with each individual being his or her brother's keeper," says Omari, whose given name is Andrew Omari Edwards.

The artiste, who is known for songs like Why, Jehovah Guide and Heart and Soul, says with the book due in a matter of days, says he is looking to expand his writing.

"Thanks to PageTurner Publishing, I'm learning to master the art of extending my three- or four-minute songs into full-fledged stories. I'm now working on the next book, titled God Don't like Ugly," he says.

Why Me God?, according to PageTurner's Karl Larmond, is a social commentary, with real-life twists.

"Like all people, Christians too undergo some of the same dilemmas and crises. But for way too long, it seems all we've heard are the cries and thoughts from one side of the aisle. Omari's effort brings to light a point of view on a subject which is very real to all of us, but from an entirely different perspective," Larmond says.

(from Jamaica Observer)