Dr. Randy Overbeck is most recognized for an award-winning career as a teacher, college professor and school leader. However, beyond his extensive tenure in education, Dr. Overbeck has ventured into a philanthropic initiative with a profound impact with his latest novel, Cruel Lessons. He has agreed to partner with Natural High, a national drug prevention program.
The most notable aspect of this new partnership is Dr. Overbeck’s promise to allocate a portion of the book’s profits to Natural High. This commitment highlights the author’s dedication to empowering and enlightening the younger generation, fostering a safer and healthier environment for youth.
About his collaboration, Dr. Overbeck shares, “I’m thrilled to partner with Natural High. Their program is evidence-based and deeply rooted in the latest scientific research, aligning with my extensive background in education. Throughout my career, serving and supporting students has always been my primary focus.”
“I’ve seen almost every problem thrown at the education system and Cruel Lessons is a story about just one of those problems. In the narrative, fifth graders experiment with a dangerous new hallucinogen and die in a horrific car crash, and the desperate search for the dealer poisoning children. My fictional heroes in the novel must fight a battle that goes on for real in schools across the country.”
Overbeck leverages his four decades of experience in schools to create a narrative that informs as well as entertains readers, young and old, offering a cautionary tale about student drug experimentation. The novel reflects some of the challenges and issues Overbeck encountered during his career, providing readers with an authentic, informed perspective.
The novel also explores the profound consequences of drug abuse, providing readers with a genuine and eye-opening perspective. Dr. Overbeck’s writing combines storytelling with education, making Cruel Lessons a resource for parents, educators, and young individuals alike.
Dr. Overbeck says, “Cruel Lessons is inspired by my education experience and concern for our youth. By donating profits to Natural High, I’m not only growing young minds through my storytelling but also participating in the mission to prevent substance abuse among the youth.”
To connect with Dr. Randy Overbeck and stay updated on his writing, check out his website, www.authorrandyoverbeck.com. And Dr. Overbeck loves to hear from his readers. They can reach out to him via email at randyoverbeck@authorrandyoverbeck.com.
He can also be found on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, BookBub, Amazon and Goodreads or on his “Great Stories about Great Storytellers” podcast, where he shares the backstories of famous authors, directors and poets. The podcast is a unique medium to delve into the mind of well-known storytellers, with Overbeck providing a deeper understanding of these creative imaginations.
Dr. Overbeck has also served as President of the Ohio Retired Teachers Association (ORTA), an extensive organization with over 20,000 members across thirty states. Recognized with state and national awards, including the prestigious “Teacher Leader Award” from the Reading Recovery Council of North America, Dr. Overbeck’s contributions to literature and education are known across the country.
“I wouldn’t have had my career any other way. Watching kids be inspired and grow to become incredible human beings is most rewarding,” he says.
His writing has earned ten national awards including the Gold Award from Literary Titan, Best Book Award from Chanticleer Books and Reviews, Thriller of the Year from ReaderFavorite.com and Mystery of the Year from ReaderViews.com and he has also penned the bestselling series, the Haunted Shores Mysteries.
Cruel Lessons is more than just a book. It is evidence of Dr. Overbeck’s commitment to the betterment of society, particularly the younger generation. By donating a portion of the book’s profits to Natural High, he ensures that his literary endeavors leave a lasting impact, reaching beyond the pages and into the lives of those who need it the most. Education, when paired with compassion, can be a powerful tool for change.
