I’m a big reader and I love books. But, I found as a young Christian teen hard to get into the books the library had because of its content, when I started leaning towards the Christian novels I found it hard to get into because It wasn’t keeping my attention. On the R.E.A.L is a perfect blend of both. It has an amazing storyline, filled with humor and characters that you will fall in love with, but it will challenge the average everyday girl to grow more in her relationship with God. On the R.E.A.L is the first book of an eight part series that will have you at the edge of your seat until the very last page. Meet The Girls: Ryleigh is the Christian girl who is fed up with the constant teasing from her peers. She wants to make a change. Find out what happens to this Preachers Kid when she chooses a new life to live over the one God has planned for her. Ellie has everything a high school girl could want: a boyfriend, popularity, designer clothes etc… With one decision, however, it all slips out of her hands; see what happens to Ellie when she suddenly has a choice to make that could change her entire life. Amy’s life is in a big transition: a new state, new school & new problems. Not to mention she’s trying to get over her parents’ new divorce along with her mom’s new boyfriend. Find out what happens when this new girl turns to the wrong source of help to fix her problems. Lina is one of the toughest girls you could ever meet in Sea Bridge, California Pushing her way through life making sure she always end up on top, no matter what the outcome may be …find out what happens when this tough girl is faced with an issue that could be tougher than her.

Fourteen years ago, my dad started a church here in Sea Bridge, California and ever since then I have been known to everyone as “the Christian girl”. You probably have no idea how hard it is being the only one different when you see everyone else having fun in their lives. Not being invited to parties, not being the first one picked for the sportsteam all because they know you believe in something they don’t. I took my time getting ready making sure everything is absolute perfection. As soon as I stepped out into the hallway my older brother Ryan who was rushing down the hallway with half of a toaster waffle hanging out of his mouth and his jacket was only on one arm stopped in his tracks. “What do you think?” I said twirling a bit. “Do I look ok?” He took a moment quickly scarfing his waffle down to talk. “I guess so. You just look different.” He said pulling the sleeves of his jacket on. “Different as in good right?” He looked at me for a moment more. “Right . . .” He said, but something about his answer didn’t seem so sure. “C’mon kiddos let’s go!” Rachel said marching down the hallway right in between Ryan and I. “Who made you the school time police.” I said sarcastically. “Me, since I’m the one driving you two brats to school.” She said playfully. “I think you forget sometimes that were twins.” Ryan says to Rachel. “I was born first. Get over it.” She says playfully. “C’mon I don’t want to be late for the first day of senior year, so if you don’t mind . . .” “I just have to get my bag.” I said halfway into my room. My sister groaned and stamped her foot. “Ryleigh Ann Marshall if you’re not out to the car in five minutes you are so walking to school!” “Hyper down Rachel, its right here.” I grab my backpack and was about to leave when something caught my eye. I should have just left without giving it a second look but there it was my bible in its frozen spot on top of my desk. I didn’t even read it today, let alone looked at it until now. I walked out quickly, to catch up with Ryan and Rachel who were already out the door. I kept my eyes glued to what’s in front of me. Church girl Ryleigh is not who I am anymore and today . . . I’m going to prove it. Look out Pacific Vista, here I come.

Hey Everyone ! I’m Najah Garlington the seventeen year old book author of On The R.E.A.L. I have been writing since elementary school and have been in programs such as: Journalism, Communications, Leadership, AP English II and IB English 4 ! I'm currently a junior in high school getting used to being an author and teenager at the same time but I'm loving every minute of it. I live in Austin,Texas with my family and furry friend Libby; and I really hope you enjoy reading the book as much as I had writing it ! Follow me on Twitter: @theREALNajah and like my page on Facebook: Najah Garlington@O.T.R for updates on all things R.E.A.L! ;) Contact Info: najah.garlington@yahoo.com & 4Realministries@gmail.com