Student authors first book, founds nationwide literacy program

These days, when many students get bored they turn to playing video games, watching television or browsing the Internet. These distractions often prevail over more productive activities. \nBut for senior Zachary Weiner, when boredom or insomnia hits -- he begins typing. \n"There's not anything on TV after 9:30 or 10 (p.m.) so I just start writing," he said. "I am an avid reader and this is a step up from reading."\nWhat started out as a way to kill time has turned into a large part of Weiner's life. \nIn two months time Weiner wrote a book, had it published and founded Reading for Charity, a literacy program that has taken off nationwide in recent months. Reading for Charity events have taken place in many major cities, including New York, Chicago and Los Angeles.\nHis first book, titled "City at Night," is about a student going to graduate school in Chicago who quickly makes friends and adapts to city life and the extravagances that come with it. It follows the character as his comfortable lifestyle is unexpectantly and abruptly taken away from him.\n"It is a story that delves into the human psyche and re-examines the age-old philosophical question of human nature in relation to good versus evil," Weiner explained. \nWhile writing the novel, Weiner began making plans to start his own philanthropy work. Hoping to promote literacy by working with different authors through book signing and other methods to raise money, Reading for Charity was born, he said.\nWithin six months the program involved more than 60 non-profit organizations, including over 100 volunteers, corporate sponsors and other organizations nationwide. Weiner said he has met many volunteers through the Internet and e-mail. He normally gains about 10 new volunteers daily.\nRick Koca, founder and CEO of StandUp for Kids, an organization benefitting homeless and runaway kids, has worked with Weiner as he launched Reading for Charity. But, Koca gives full credit of the program's success to Weiner and all the work he has put in. \n"We can all do great things," Koca said. "We have to make doing those things a priority. Some are not willing to give the full measure. And, for those who do the personal rewards are unbelievable." \nWeiner has impressed those close to him, including his girlfriend, graduate student Jamie Freebairn. \n"I am always incredibly impressed by his determination and drive to success," she said. "He inspires me everyday, and his hard work and determination has helped me to be a better person." \nWeiner said he never imagined the program would become as successful as it has in such a short time. \n"I love writing, and all I wanted to do was to provide a benefit. I just continually worked at it day after day and it all started to come together," Weiner said. "I believe it is possible to interweave entertainment with philanthropy."\nWriting isn't Weiner's only passion. He grew up in the suburbs of Chicago where, at age 7, he became involved in karate. He achieved a black belt by the age of 16. From there he began teaching karate and honing his skills, and when he was 18 he was ranked the second best black belt in the nation. He also has been a volunteer for several different non-profit organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity and the Give foundation.\n"City at Night" is now for sale at Barnes and Noble. Fifteen percent of all proceeds from the book will be donated to a charity of the purchaser's choice. The novel is also available at Amazon.com.\nWeiner has another book ready for publishing that includes interviews with Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos, Dan Rather and several other high profile success stories. \nWeiner said he wants people to know that college students are capable of accomplishing great things while still in school.\n"I think (this novel) can show the possible accomplishments one can make even while being a college student."\n-- Contact staff writer Andy Tillson at artillso@indiana.edu.