Lauren Book

Lauren Book
Member of the Florida Senate
from the 32nd district
Assumed office
November 8, 2016
Preceded by Redistricted
Personal details
Born Lauren Frances Book
(1984-10-12) October 12, 1984
Hollywood, Florida
Political party Democratic Party
Education University of Miami (BA, MS)

Lauren Frances Book (born October 12, 1984) is an American politician and member of the Democratic Party. She is the member of the Florida Senate for the 32nd district.

Early life

Book was sexually abused as a child over the course of six years by her nanny.[1] In 2002, the nanny pled guilty to five felony charges.[2] Book developed anorexia as a result of the sexual abuse. Book created a charity, Lauren's Kids, in 2007 to fight for stronger penalties for sex offenders.[3] Starting in 2010, Book annually leads "Walk in My Shoes", a 1,500-mile (2,400 km) walk from Key West, Florida, to Tallahassee, Florida.[4][5] She has written two books: Lauren's Kingdom and It's OK to Tell.[6] She designed an abuse prevention curriculum that will be implemented in Florida kindergartens.[1]

Political career

Book ran unopposed for the 32nd district seat in the Florida Senate in 2016.[7] In the 2017 session, Book filed a bill that would remove Confederate Memorial Day, celebrated on April 26, 2017, from Florida's list of 21 legal holidays.[8] Her bill would also remove the birthday of Robert E. Lee and Jefferson Davis as official state holidays.[8] Book told CBS4 that "during a time when the country is completely divided, I think we look at celebrating our unique coming together instead of some of the things that kind of create hate and divisive environments."[9]

Personal life

Book's father, Ron Book, is a lobbyist in Tallahassee.[4] Book married Kris Lim, a professional golfer, in 2008;[1] their wedding was featured on We TV's Platinum Weddings.[10] They divorced in 2010.[1] She married Blair Byrnes in 2015.[10]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Funcheon, Deirdra (February 18, 2015). "As Lauren Book Hints at Run, Some Question if Her Charity Could Become Political Tool". Retrieved November 16, 2016.
  2. ↑ http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2002-10-12/news/0210110901_1_plea-deal-ron-book-abuse
  3. ↑ "Lauren Book to be honored for her work in speaking out against childhood sexual abuse". Retrieved November 16, 2016.
  4. 1 2 Sun-Sentinel, South Florida. "Activist Lauren Book to run for Florida Senate". Retrieved November 16, 2016.
  5. ↑ "Lauren Book finishes 1,500-mile "Walk in My Shoes" across Florida". Retrieved November 16, 2016.
  6. ↑ Funcheon, Deirdra (March 29, 2016). "Lauren Book, Running Unopposed, Raises $1.3 Million Despite Criticisms". Retrieved November 16, 2016.
  7. ↑ "Senator-elect Lauren Book thanks voters, community with kids' book distribution - SaintPetersBlog". October 18, 2016. Retrieved November 16, 2016.
  8. 1 2 "Sen. Lauren Book proposes eliminating Confederate holiday". Tallahassee Democrat. August 27, 2017. Retrieved September 2, 2017.
  9. ↑ Nortunen, Sandra (August 27, 2017). "LATEST: Florida senator files bill to ban Confederate holidays". The Palm Beach Post. Retrieved September 2, 2017.
  10. 1 2 Smith, Nancy (July 14, 2015). "Lauren Book Quietly Remarries (Check out the Gift Registry)". Retrieved November 16, 2016.
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