The Gratitude Diaries
In this New York Times bestseller, Janice Kaplan spends a year living gratefully and transforms her marriage, family life, work, and health. On New Year's Eve, journalist and former Parade editor in chief Janice Kaplan makes a promise to be grateful and look on the bright side of whatever happens. She realizes that how she feels over the next year will have less to do with the events that occur than her own attitude and perspective. Getting advice at every turn from psychologists, academics, doctors, and philosophers, Kaplan brings readers on a smart and witty journey to discover the value of appreciating what you have. Relying on both amusing personal experiences and extensive research, Kaplan explores how gratitude can transform every aspect of life, including marriage and friendship, money and ambition, and health and fitness. She learns how appreciating your spouse changes the neurons of your brain and why saying thanks helps CEOs succeed. Through extensive interviews with experts, and lively conversations with real people, including celebrities like Matt Damon, Daniel Craig, and Jerry Seinfeld, Kaplan discovers the role of gratitude in everything from our sense of fulfillment to our children's happiness. With warmth, humor, and appealing insight, Kaplan's journey will empower readers to think positively and start living their own best year ever.
Becoming
Now in paperback--the intimate, powerful, and inspiring memoir by the former First Lady of the United States, featuring a new introduction by Michelle Obama, a letter from the author to her younger self, and a book club guide with 20 discussion questions and a 5-question Q&A #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - WATCH THE EMMY-NOMINATED NETFLIX ORIGINAL DOCUMENTARY - OPRAH'S BOOK CLUB PICK - NAACP IMAGE AWARD WINNER - ONE OF ESSENCE'S 50 MOST IMPACTFUL BLACK BOOKS OF THE PAST 50 YEARS In a life filled with meaning and accomplishment, Michelle Obama has emerged as one of the most iconic and compelling women of our era. As First Lady of the United States of America--the first African American to serve in that role--she helped create the most welcoming and inclusive White House in history, while also establishing herself as a powerful advocate for women and girls in the U.S. and around the world, dramatically changing the ways that families pursue healthier and more active lives, and standing with her husband as he led America through some of its most harrowing moments. Along the way, she showed us a few dance moves, crushed Carpool Karaoke, and raised two down-to-earth daughters under an unforgiving media glare. In her memoir, a work of deep reflection and mesmerizing storytelling, Michelle Obama invites readers into her world, chronicling the experiences that have shaped her--from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive balancing the demands of motherhood and work, to her time spent at the world's most famous address. With unerring honesty and lively wit, she describes her triumphs and her disappointments, both public and private, telling her full story as she has lived it--in her own words and on her own terms. Warm, wise, and revelatory, Becoming is the deeply personal reckoning of a woman of soul and substance who has steadily defied expectations--and whose story inspires us to do the same.
Legend
Born and raised in Alexandria, Egypt, Magda Montasir graduated from medical school and completed her residency at the same distinguished university. She went on to work as both a practitioner and an academic, later expanding her expertise through postgraduate fellowships in Germany and the United States. Fluent in four languages, she has always valued cultural exchange and diverse perspectives.Montasir shared a deep passion for travel, music, and scientific discussions with her late husband, who was also her classmate. Now residing in Newport Beach, California, she finds inspiration near the water as she continues to pursue writing as a cherished hobby. She has previously published a biography and remains engaged with the ever-evolving field of medicine through her work.
Psychology of Attention
Sam Wages Johnson. Born and raised in Lawrenceville, GA. Grew up in his family's funeral business. Ten year drug addict with opiates/heroin/painkillers. Has lost over 25 friends to addiction. What separates me from other addicts is that once fentanyl started killing my friends, I would work their funerals. I would get high with them and then a week later I would be helping lower their casket into the ground. Seeing the pain and agony on the faces of their families, it had a profound effect on me. As time went on, my addiction got worse to the point that I almost lost my arm to amputation due to the fact I was using dirty needles. I actually used the same dirty needle that caused my abscess to pop my abscess. And that still did not stop me. Even after I overdosed in my friend's car I still did not stop. I knew that I had to make a change or I would be the next one to die. My family finally put their foot down and were done with me. The pain that I saw over and over on my friend's family's faces is something that always stuck with me. I decided on October 4, 2015 that I was going to change my life around or I was going to die trying. This book is a way for me to give back. To use what was once meant to destroy me to now help people in the same situation I was once in. We are all on the same road to recovery, some are just a little further down that others.
Fighting the Night
From the acclaimed and best-selling author of Hemingway's Boat, the profoundly moving story of his father's wartime service as a night fighter pilot, and the prices he and his fellow soldiers paid for their acts of selfless, patriotic sacrifice In the fall of 1944, Joe Paul Hendrickson, the author's father, kissed his twenty-one-year-old wife and two baby children goodbye. The twenty-five-year-old first lieutenant, pilot of a famed P-61 Black Widow, was leaving for the war. He and his night fighter squadron were sent to Iwo Jima, where, for the last five and a half months of World War II, he flew approximately seventy-five missions, largely in pitch-black conditions. His wife would wait out the war at the home of her small-town Ohio parents, one of the countless numbers of American family members shouldering the burden of being left behind. Joe Paul, the son of a Depression-poor Kentucky sharecropper, was fresh out of high school in 1937 when he enlisted in mechanic school in the peacetime Army Air Corps. Eventually, he was able to qualify for flight school. After marriage, and with the war on, the young officer and his bride crisscrossed the country, airfield to airfield, base to base: Santa Ana, Yuma, Kissimmee, Bakersfield, Orlando, La Junta, Fresno. He volunteered for night fighters and the newly arrived and almost mythic Black Widow. A world away, the carnage continued. As Paul Hendrickson tracks his parents' journey, together and separate, both stateside and overseas, he creates a vivid portrait of a hard-to-know father whose time in the war, he comes to understand, was something truly heroic, but never without its hidden and unhidden psychic costs. Bringing to life an iconic moment of American history, and the tragedy of all wars, Fighting the Night is an intense and powerful story of violence and love, forgiveness and loss. And it is a tribute to those who got plunged into service, in the best years of their lives, and the sacrifices they and their loved ones made, then and thereafter.
Smoke
Soil. Sun. Defiance. Desire. In the 1990s, American interest in Cuban cigars had reached historic levels--and Scott Anthony was in the middle of it. The head of an underground Cuban cigar empire, Scott was born into a world of scarce resources and few role models, where joining a street gang was easy and staying out of prison was hard. Scott's story is one of risk and reward, shadowy deals and sunlit beaches, meticulous craftsmanship and brazen criminality. In Smoke, Scott shares this story and how, through unyielding persistence, he defied borders, laws, and morality to bring a taste of forbidden luxury to those who craved it. Read about how a street kid from Chicago went from a life of crime to one of redemption, using ingenuity and determination to shape black market trade. Welcome to smoke-filled rooms where history, crime, and hedonism collide. Smoke is a memoir you won't want to miss.
The Psychology of Attention
Sam Wages Johnson. Born and raised in Lawrenceville, GA. Grew up in his family's funeral business. Ten year drug addict with opiates/heroin/painkillers. Has lost over 25 friends to addiction. What separates me from other addicts is that once fentanyl started killing my friends, I would work their funerals. I would get high with them and then a week later I would be helping lower their casket into the ground. Seeing the pain and agony on the faces of their families, it had a profound effect on me. As time went on, my addiction got worse to the point that I almost lost my arm to amputation due to the fact I was using dirty needles. I actually used the same dirty needle that caused my abscess to pop my abscess. And that still did not stop me. Even after I overdosed in my friend's car I still did not stop. I knew that I had to make a change or I would be the next one to die. My family finally put their foot down and were done with me. The pain that I saw over and over on my friend's family's faces is something that always stuck with me. I decided on October 4, 2015 that I was going to change my life around or I was going to die trying. This book is a way for me to give back. To use what was once meant to destroy me to now help people in the same situation I was once in. We are all on the same road to recovery, some are just a little further down that others.
Clara's Whisper
Terezin Ghetto and Concentration Camp, 17th February 1944: Dear brother, sister and sister-in-law.Write often and in detail and kiss the beloved children, may God protect them, and may they not forget Grandmama and the aunts too soon! On 12.3 is the first anniversary of our dear sister's death. I return all greetings, and greet and kiss you, Your ClaraWhat do we inherit from the past and how do we make peace with it?In 2000, aged forty-nine, Sally McNichol's life changed forever when her mother handed her a small bundle of letters and postcards. What began as a casual examination of family correspondence became the catalyst for a profound personal voyage, one that led her through decades of silence and loss as she searched for the truth about her Viennese family.Revelations about the past can be challenging and painful but they can also transform our sense of identity. As Sally embarked on years of research to reveal what had happened to her family in the years up to and during the Second World War, she also began a difficult journey to assimilate newfound truths and heal old wounds.
And It Only Took 100 Years...
AND IT ONLY TOOK 100 YEARS... is the remarkable true story of a man who lived through a century of change-onstage, behind the camera, and in love. From his days as a young Broadway actor and struggling understudy to his rise as President of Warner Television, Alan Shayne built a life defined by artistry, perseverance, and integrity. Through triumphs and heartbreaks, he never stopped chasing excellence, whether guiding Hollywood's brightest stars, producing Emmy-winning television, or shaping the future of entertainment with care and vision. He was responsible for creating some of the most popular TV shows in history including ALICE, DUKES OF HAZZARD, WONDER WOMAN, GROWING PAINS, and SCARECROW AND MRS KING. Movies that he worked on include ALL THE PRESIDENT'S MEN, ALICE DOESN'T LIVE HERE ANYMORE, THE HOUSE WITHOUT A CHRISTMAS TREE, and THE BOURNE IDENTITY.Yet the real story unfolds far from the lights of Broadway or Hollywood. It's found in his six-decades-long partnership with artist Norman Sunshine, a love story that endured secrecy, prejudice, and time itself. Together they created a shared life filled with beauty, humor, and devotion, proving that the most extraordinary thing of all is the quiet miracle of lasting love.Only about 0.03% of Americans ever reach 100, and fewer still arrive there with such grace, insight, and gratitude. Reflective, wise, and deeply human, AND IT ONLY TOOK 100 YEARS... is a celebration of work, love, and the mysterious force that binds them-the hard-won truth that, in the end, a full life is its own masterpiece.
A Drug User's Guide to Triathlon
With Foreword by Mike Reilly - 'The Voice of IRONMAN'When Phil Dale swapped drugs for triathlons, he didn't escape addiction - he redefined it. This gripping memoir charts his journey through decades of substance abuse on the rebound, to the relentless training fields of endurance sport.Candid, funny and painfully self-aware, Dale explores how the same compulsive drive that once destroyed him, now fuels his determination to finish every race.Through childhood memories, London's underground music scene, and the long road to IRONMAN, A Drug User's Guide to Triathlon reveals that transformation is never clean or complete - it's a battle fought daily, stroke by stroke and mile by mile.A brutally honest and inspiring read about resilience, obsession, and the strange, shared language of addiction and ambition.
A Love Like No Other
What if the very pain you thought would destroy you became the doorway to your freedom? In A Love Like No Other, Sharon shares her powerful journey from addiction and brokenness to healing and restoration. With honesty and courage, she opens her heart to reveal the battles she fought, the chains she broke, and the faith that carried her into a new life. This book is not just her story-it's an invitation. An invitation for every woman who has ever felt lost, unworthy, or beyond repair to discover that true love still reaches for her. A love that heals. A love that restores. A love that never let's go. If you've ever longed for hope, freedom, and a fresh start, this book will remind you: there is a solution, and His name is Jesus.
Bless the Meds
Learning to adapt to life after being diagnosed with chronic pain and illness is extremely difficult.Life as you knew it, along with your hopes and dreams for your life, literally gets turned upside down in an instant. This comes with a lot of deep complicated emotions from grief, sadness, anger, frustration to living in a constant state of uncertainty and stress.Most people assume that if you get sick, a medical professional like Dr. House will work endlessly until they have answers and a cure so you can go back to living the life you used to know. Unfortunately, most people living with chronic pain don't get answers to what the root of the problem is, let alone get a clear line of treatment. And getting a cure is as likely as winning the lottery!This is not your typical pain management book; like you, Cristie is a chronic pain warrior and had to learn the hard way how to navigate broken health care systems in order to find ways to manage her pain. She was born with a rare genetic connective tissue disorder called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, however did not get an actual diagnosis until her mid-30's. In addition, she lives with a number of autoimmune conditions including Inflammatory Bowel Disease, in which she underwent life-saving ileostomy surgery to remove her entire colon.Book takeaways: Expand our understanding and definition of what medicine meansAdvice from someone with lived experiences rather than a doctor that doesn't actually understand what it is like to live in chronic painMove beyond the generic pain scale: understanding of how pain functions within the human body, basic anatomy as well as the different types of pain and how to describe them to health care professionalsUnderstanding emotional thresholds and how emotions impact your physical body and why learning to increase your emotional intelligence is vital to your overall happiness and ability to cope with challengesAnd so much more!!If you are ready to take your power back from your chronic pain and finally tap into your warrior mindset, scroll up and click "Add to Cart" now!
Borders and Blessings
'In this work, the reader can delve into a Kaleidoscope of stories, poems and essays on partition, mysticism, love, romance and spiritual personalities.This is a book of silences as much as words. What remains unsaid often carries the deepest truth. Each story carries the dust of broken borders. Yet, within that dust, something fragile and luminous continues to bloom."Written with restraint and reverence, these pieces refuse spectacle and instead offer truth in whispers.The unheard finally speak here-eunuchs, refugees, mystics, children of divided lands-each reclaiming dignity through words".-- Amitabh Kant, Former Sherpa, G 20, Government of India and Former CEO, Niti Aayog.
Audrey Hepburn
'Sparkling Audrey, magic Audrey, sublime Audrey, fascinating Audrey. I stop right there because words fail me. Just one more. Eternal Audrey.' Hubert de GivenchyAudrey Hepburn embodied the grace and glamour of Hollywood's Golden Age. From the radiant princess of Roman Holiday to the wistful dreamer of Breakfast at Tiffany's and the spirited flower girl of My Fair Lady, she redefined screen femininity with luminous charm.A lifelong muse to designers such as Hubert de Givenchy and Ralph Lauren, Hepburn became the first post-war film star to achieve global fashion icon status. Yet fame never sat easily with her, and she left Hollywood in the late 1960s to devote herself to her family.In later years, her compassion shone through her work with UNICEF, where she championed children suffering from hunger and poverty with quiet determination.In this affectionate portrait, Sheridan Morley traces Hepburn's journey from her wartime childhood to her death in 1993, celebrating a life of beauty, integrity, and timeless grace.
Marilyn Monroe
'Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.' Marilyn Monroe was born Norma Jeane Baker in Los Angeles in 1926, the daughter of a salesman and a troubled mother. By the time she died at thirty-six from a drug overdose, she had become one of the most recognisable figures in film history.After a fragmented childhood spent in foster homes, she began working as a model and soon caught the attention of Twentieth Century Fox. In the 1950s she lit up the screen in comedies such as Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, The Seven Year Itch and Some Like It Hot, combining innocence and allure in a way no actress had before.Off screen, however, Monroe's search for love and stability proved elusive. Her brief marriage to Joe DiMaggio ended in disappointment, and her later relationship with Arthur Miller, who wrote The Misfits for her, was overshadowed by her growing emotional turmoil.In this perceptive study, Sheridan Morley examines the complexities behind the legend, revealing the intelligence, fragility and determination of the woman who became an icon of her age.
Elizabeth Taylor
'MGM taught me how to be a star more than forty years ago, and I have never really known how to be anything else'Elizabeth Taylor was the last truly great star to emerge from the Hollywood studio system, and it is hard to imagine any actress ever matching her fame at the height of Cleopatra. Yet, for all the attention she has received, this was the first book to explore Taylor first and foremost as an actress rather than as a glamorous celebrity or half of a legendary couple. Sheridan Morley traces her development from child roles in the 1940s and romantic dramas of the 1950s to the astonishing creative run between 1956 and 1960, when she made Giant, Raintree County, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Suddenly Last Summer and Butterfield 8, earning her long-awaited Oscar. He also examines the Cleopatra debacle, her literary collaborations with Richard Burton, including The Taming of the Shrew and Under Milk Wood, and her later success on television. While Morley addresses the turbulence of her private life, he shows how it shaped and deepened her performances. Loss and resilience defined Taylor's life, yet she always returned to the screen with renewed power and determination.
In My Mother's Shadow
How do you survive when the person meant to nurture you becomes your greatest source of pain?From the outside, Cindy's childhood in affluent Pleasanton was privileged, but behind the closed doors of her family home, she was trapped in a perpetual state of "survival mode." This raw and candid memoir pulls back the curtain on a deeply dysfunctional mother-daughter relationship, chronicling the emotional and, at times, physical abuse inflicted by the author's mother, Olga-an undiagnosed narcissist with a carefully constructed, Jackie O-inspired persona.In a series of unflinching, nonlinear vignettes, Cindy Bethune Ramos reveals the toxic patterns of her upbringing: from her mother's cruel criticism of her weight and style, to using her daughter as "bragging content" for transactional friendships, and the manipulation of truth that left Cindy constantly feeling "never good enough."The book's heart-wrenching turning point arrives when Cindy learns her mother secretly had her beloved father, Kirk, exhumed and cremated 45 years after his death, removing his headstone and his last resting place from her life without her knowledge or consent. This final act of control and betrayal forces Cindy to confront the complex, pseudo-bond she spent a lifetime trying to maintain.In My Mother's Shadow is a powerful story for anyone who has struggled with a narcissistic parent, offering a journey toward understanding, self-acceptance, and the profound realization that survival means cutting ties and finally writing your own ending. It is a testament to the resilience required to thrive after a childhood spent dodging a mother's constant "grenades."This is not a story of tidy reconciliation. It is one of truth-telling, survival--and ultimately release.
Behind the Elephant Door
What's an Elephant Door?It's a twenty-foot-tall, sixteen-inch-thick, two-thousand-pound portal-large enough for an entire movie set, heavy equipment, or even an elephant to pass through. Built to keep the noise of the world out and the secrets of Hollywood in, the elephant door guards the threshold between fantasy and reality.Behind the Elephant DoorRon Veto grew up in the heart of Hollywood. His father worked on Fun in Acapulco with Elvis Presley and stood on the bridge of the Enterprise with Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock. For Ron, the studio backlots were a childhood playground.Behind the Elephant Door is a collection of autobiographical vignettes that offer a rare, fly-on-the-wall view into the world behind the camera. With the keen eye of an insider and the humility of an everyday man, Veto shares extraordinary stories from a life lived among Hollywood's elite. From delightful surprises to jaw-dropping revelations, his memoir pulls back the curtain on a side of the film industry few ever see.
Teachers, Teams & Tugboats
Every accomplished leader has a tugboat, someone who pushed, pulled, or guided them through the storm.Rich Higgins spent forty years in the demanding world of global logistics, helping teams through trucking deregulation, corporate bankruptcies, multi-billion-dollar mergers, and international sourcing expansions in Asia. But this isn't a book about supply chains or bottom lines.Teachers, Teams & Tugboats is about the seven mentors who shaped his journey, the "tugboats" who provided guidance, protection, and course correction when he needed it most.In this candid memoir, you'll discover: How a motor vehicle violation at age 31 nearly destroyed his career, and the friend who drove 110 miles daily to save it; What it's like to work under armed protection when union related decisions turn dangerous; The leadership lessons learned from navigating Chapter 11 bankruptcy and emerging stronger; Why the best mentors don't create you in their own image, they help you create yourself; How to recognize and honor the tugboats in your own life before it's too late.Higgins writes with the honesty of someone who's lived through chaos and came out grateful. His storytelling blends professional insight with personal vulnerability, offering lessons on teamwork, integrity, and the importance of "paying it forward."This book is for: Mid-to-senior logistics and supply chain professionals; Business leaders, MBA students, and emerging executives; Anyone seeking authentic mentorship wisdom over hollow leadership theory; Readers who appreciate memoirs like Shoe Dog, Principles, and Leaders Eat Last.More than a career memoir, this is a guide to recognizing the people who make success possible, and a reminder to thank them before the opportunity passes.
Follow the Dream
This is my true-life story: transforming from a Chinese policewoman to an Australian prostitute.In 2001, I married my Australian husband. When he went overseas to work, I began my sex working career. More than 20 years later, I still love my profession and have become a famous prostitute in Australia.I am a registered sex worker, have my ABN number and tax number, pay my taxes every year, and work out of my house in Canberra. I see about 10 to 15 clients every day. After so many years, my customers are like my friends. They tell me secrets that they would never tell their wives or girlfriends. I hear a lot of funny stories that normal people would never hear.I am one of the world's most renowned erotic fiction authors. My book The Number One Prostitute: My Own Story, published in 2016, is sold in the United States, Canada, the UK, the Netherlands, and seven other countries.In August 2023, I published No Sex No Life, which is now available in Australia, the U.S., Canada, the Netherlands, and nine other countries. Many readers have left 5-star reviews on Google.What makes my erotic stories unique is that they are deeply rooted in real life.(About the Author)Under the pen name Linda Li, the author tells her remarkable story of becoming a government-registered sex worker in Canberra, Australia. "I transform these legendary and provocative experiences into literary works, capturing a distinctive form of culture and history in today's world."
The Purpose of Abundance
Cheri Chafin Norris invites readers into her raw and redemptive walk with God. Through heartbreak, addiction, and hard-won healing, she discovered a rhythm of surrender that transformed her pain into purpose. Norris guides readers through the spiritual seasons of prayer, purpose, patience, provision, people, and pain, revealing how obedience opens the path to abundance.Discover how to hear God's voice amid life's noiseConfront fear, shame, and control with courageous faithEmbrace still waters that bring true peace and restorationWritten with honesty and hope, The Purpose of Abundance offers a deeply personal roadmap for anyone ready to stop striving and start trusting. Let this book lead you beside still waters where your own story of renewal can begin.
Oscar Wilde
'Oscar's own life was indeed the greatest of all his theatrical productions'Oscar Wilde was one of the most dazzling figures of the late Victorian age, a wit and playwright whose brilliance illuminated London's social and theatrical world. His plays, from The Importance of Being Earnest to An Ideal Husband, remain among the sharpest and most enduring comedies in the English language.Yet behind the glitter and epigrams lay a man of complexity and contradiction. Sheridan Morley traces Wilde's rise from gifted Oxford aesthete to celebrated author, and his devastating fall following his trials and imprisonment for "gross indecency". Drawing on letters, reviews and contemporary accounts, Morley paints a portrait of an artist undone by the very society he once delighted, but whose spirit and language have never faded.This insightful biography captures both the triumph and tragedy of Oscar Wilde - a man whose wit, courage and brilliance made him immortal.
Whip and Spur
"Whip and Spur" by Col. George E. Waring Jr. is a captivating memoir of an avid horseman in 19th-century America. From his early days in Central Park to his experiences in the Civil War, Waring recounts his adventures with humor and insight. This book offers a vivid portrayal of his beloved horses, their remarkable feats, and the profound bond between man and steed, set against the backdrop of a transforming America.
THE FACELESS MAN The John David Gregory Story
John David Gregory did not lose his identity once.He lost it piece by piece.A former University of Kentucky walk on football player, U.S. Navy veteran, and elite executive protection specialist, Gregory spent two decades living in the margins of other people's lives protecting celebrities, billionaires, and global power players while quietly carrying a past shaped by childhood sexual abuse, trauma, and silence.From locker rooms to war rooms, from Hollywood back doors to dark hotel hallways, Gregory learned how to disappear in plain sight. Strength became armor. Performance became survival. Success masked the cost.The Faceless Man is his unflinching true story.Blending cinematic storytelling with raw confession, the memoir traces a journey through addiction, rage, faith, loss, reinvention, and redemption. It explores what happens when a man spends his life becoming who the world needs, while losing who he truly is and the moment when God calls him out of hiding.Now an actor, filmmaker, speaker, and founder of International Sports & Entertainment Media Group (ISEG), Gregory creates stories centered on second chances, identity, and hope. His work bridges sports, faith, and culture, illuminating how brokenness can become a battleground for purpose.He lives in California with his wife Debra and their blended family, committed to helping others find their voice, reclaim their story, and step fully into the light.The Faceless Man is not just a memoir.It is a reckoning.A restoration.And an invitation to come home.
Diary of a Rich White Woman
She had the life most people dream of - the mansions, the yachts, the designer everything. But behind the photos and the diamonds was a woman quietly drowning.This is not a confession. It's a revelation. A journey through privilege, power, control, and the price of silence.When the world told her she had it all, she started asking the one question no one in her world dared to ask: "At what cost?"Diary of a Rich White Woman shatters the fantasy of the perfect life - and exposes what lies beneath the surface of having it all. You think you know this story. You don't.
A Childhood in Bohemia and the Flight to the West
A Missing Chapter of World War II History Comes to LightIn the aftermath of World War II, approximately 15 million Germans were expelled from Eastern European countries where their families had lived for centuries. Among them were 3 million Sudeten Germans forced from their homes in Bohemia - a story that has remained largely unknown in English-speaking countries until now.A Childhood in Bohemia and the Flight to the West is a powerful eyewitness account that illuminates this forgotten chapter of history. Through the eyes of young Erika Schroll, we experience the harrowing journey from her childhood in the multicultural town of Saaz through the chaos of war's end, brutal internment, forced expulsion, and a desperate escape across occupied zones.Born in 1936, Erika witnessed her world crumble as war consumed Europe. Her father was conscripted, her family torn apart, and in June 1945, along with thousands of other German women and children, she and her mother and sister were driven from their home to an SS barracks converted into an internment camp.What follows is an honest account of survival against impossible odds. Packed into open coal wagons and transported to East Germany, the family endured catastrophic conditions, starvation, disease, and the bitter winter of 1946-47 that many did not survive. When Erika's father finally found them in 1947 - a reunion marked by tears and skeletal bodies-the family faced an agonizing choice: remain and face certain death, or risk being shot while crossing the border illegally into West Germany.Why This Story MattersWritten decades later when Erika, living in England, realized these events were virtually unknown in English-speaking countries, this memoir restores a missing piece of the historical record. It documents the attitudes and beliefs of the time as experienced by ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances, drawing on personal testimonies and historical sources to contextualize her story within Bohemian history from 1918 onward.This is history as lived experience: the smell of bonfire smoke that triggered buried memories, the taste of oats with husks that seemed like delicacies, the desperate hope of a family clinging to life. It is also a meditation on truth itself and on the conviction that only by understanding the psychological and social realities that allowed such horrors can we hope to prevent their recurrence.A Testament to Human ResilienceDespite its darkness, this memoir is ultimately a story of survival, family bonds, and dignity. It documents the little-known mass expulsion authorized by the Allies at Tehran and Potsdam - an event that displaced millions and cost hundreds of thousands of lives, yet has been largely "pushed under the historical carpet."This is not just one family's story. It is a window into the experiences of millions whose voices have been absent from mainstream historical narratives - particularly in the English-speaking world. By documenting these events with clarity and compassion, Erika Storey has created a vital historical record reminding us that behind every statistic are human beings with stories that deserve to be remembered.As the author writes, she does not want these memories to be a burden, but rather a lens through which to see the present and future with greater clarity. In sharing her story, she invites us to recognize that understanding the full scope of wartime suffering is essential if we are to educate ourselves about the conditions that allow such horrors and ensure they never happen again.
THE FACELESS MAN The John David Gregory Story
John David Gregory did not lose his identity once.He lost it piece by piece.A former University of Kentucky walk on football player, U.S. Navy veteran, and elite executive protection specialist, Gregory spent two decades living in the margins of other people's lives protecting celebrities, billionaires, and global power players while quietly carrying a past shaped by childhood sexual abuse, trauma, and silence.From locker rooms to war rooms, from Hollywood back doors to dark hotel hallways, Gregory learned how to disappear in plain sight. Strength became armor. Performance became survival. Success masked the cost.The Faceless Man is his unflinching true story.Blending cinematic storytelling with raw confession, the memoir traces a journey through addiction, rage, faith, loss, reinvention, and redemption. It explores what happens when a man spends his life becoming who the world needs, while losing who he truly is and the moment when God calls him out of hiding.Now an actor, filmmaker, speaker, and founder of International Sports & Entertainment Media Group (ISEG), Gregory creates stories centered on second chances, identity, and hope. His work bridges sports, faith, and culture, illuminating how brokenness can become a battleground for purpose.He lives in California with his wife Debra and their blended family, committed to helping others find their voice, reclaim their story, and step fully into the light.The Faceless Man is not just a memoir.It is a reckoning.A restoration.And an invitation to come home.
I Don't Do Giraffes!
A collection of anecdotes, mostly true, part memoir and part fiction.Memory is unreliable, and theevents portrayed may not have occurred wholly as described.The stories spring mostly from theauthor's time working in the film industry.Some places and names have been changed to protect the guilty.
The Story of My Life and Work
The Story of My Life and Work by Booker T. Washington is an inspiring autobiography chronicling the remarkable journey of one of America's most influential educators and reformers. Born into slavery, Washington rose through determination, education, and faith to become the founder of Tuskegee Institute and a leading voice for the advancement of African Americans.In this deeply personal narrative, Washington reflects on his struggles, achievements, and philosophy of hard work, self-reliance, and moral character as the keys to personal and collective progress. The book offers readers a vivid portrait of his commitment to education, his vision for racial uplift, and his enduring belief in the power of perseverance.A timeless work of courage and wisdom, this autobiography stands as a powerful testament to the human spirit and the pursuit of equality through education and service.
Putting the Most into Life
Putting the Most into Life by Booker T. Washington is an inspiring collection of essays that emphasize the importance of character, discipline, and purpose in everyday living. Drawing from his experiences as a teacher, reformer, and leader, Washington shares practical lessons on how hard work, integrity, and perseverance lead to a meaningful and successful life.With timeless wisdom and moral insight, this classic work encourages readers to rise above challenges, make the most of their abilities, and live with intention and service to others. It remains a powerful guide for personal growth and success rooted in ethical values.Perfect for readers seeking motivation, personal development, and guidance from one of America's most respected thinkers.
Discovering Kano
One man's pictorial journey in Kano, Nigeria. This book is not a guide; it's not an exhaustive portrait. It is a series of discoveries, some fleeting, some profound. The author attempts to honor those he met and what he learned during his visit to an ancient Hausa emirate
Teachers, Teams & Tugboats
Every accomplished leader has a tugboat, someone who pushed, pulled, or guided them through the storm.Rich Higgins spent forty years in the demanding world of global logistics, helping teams through trucking deregulation, corporate bankruptcies, multi-billion-dollar mergers, and international sourcing expansions in Asia. But this isn't a book about supply chains or bottom lines.Teachers, Teams & Tugboats is about the seven mentors who shaped his journey, the "tugboats" who provided guidance, protection, and course correction when he needed it most.In this candid memoir, you'll discover: How a motor vehicle violation at age 31 nearly destroyed his career, and the friend who drove 110 miles daily to save it; What it's like to work under armed protection when union related decisions turn dangerous; The leadership lessons learned from navigating Chapter 11 bankruptcy and emerging stronger; Why the best mentors don't create you in their own image, they help you create yourself; How to recognize and honor the tugboats in your own life before it's too late.Higgins writes with the honesty of someone who's lived through chaos and came out grateful. His storytelling blends professional insight with personal vulnerability, offering lessons on teamwork, integrity, and the importance of "paying it forward."This book is for: Mid-to-senior logistics and supply chain professionals; Business leaders, MBA students, and emerging executives; Anyone seeking authentic mentorship wisdom over hollow leadership theory; Readers who appreciate memoirs like Shoe Dog, Principles, and Leaders Eat Last.More than a career memoir, this is a guide to recognizing the people who make success possible, and a reminder to thank them before the opportunity passes.
Cutie
From the streets of Bristol to the heart of family legacyCutie is a vibrant memoir that brings to life the untold stories of the Windrush generation through the extraordinary journey of one family. Beverley Douglas paints a vivid portrait of growing up as the child of Jamaican immigrants, weaving together tales of mischief, adventure, and the unbreakable bonds of community.Set against the backdrop of 1970s Bristol, this heartwarming collection captures the magic of childhood at Felix Road Adventure Playground, a place where freedom reigned and memories were made. With humour, warmth, and deep cultural pride, Beverley celebrates the resilience of her parents' generation while sharing the joyful chaos of coming of age in a tight-knit Caribbean community.More than just a childhood memoir, Cutie is a love letter to heritage, family, and the power of storytelling to preserve the past for future generations.
Motorcycles and Memories
Motorcycles and Memories: Adventure Beyond the Road is a reflective and deeply personal memoir of a life shaped by motion, risk, and the quiet moments in between. Across decades of riding, Eric D. Beal traces his journey through friendships formed and lost, family, faith, ambition, and the ever-present pull of the open road. What begins as a love story with motorcycles slowly unfolds into a meditation on why we ride, why we wander, and what we carry with us long after the engine is shut off.From youthful freedom to professional responsibility, from reckless confidence to hard-earned humility, Beal's experiences mirror the broader arc of adulthood itself. The motorcycle becomes both companion and teacher-sometimes offering escape, sometimes demanding accountability, always insisting on presence. Along the way, the author explores loyalty, marriage, fear, aging, success, failure, and the reckoning that eventually comes for every rider.Written with honesty, restraint, and quiet emotional force, Motorcycles and Memories is not a technical riding manual or a travel guide. It is a human story told through the lens of the road-about what we chase, what we survive, and what ultimately matters when the miles begin to add up. It is a book for riders, certainly, but also for anyone who has ever felt the tension between obligation and freedom, between who they were and who they are becoming.Both a tribute to the bond between rider and machine and a broader reflection on life itself, Motorcycles and Memories: Adventure Beyond the Road invites readers to ride along not just across pavement and landscapes, but through memory, loss, resilience, and quiet triumph.
Vietnam Through My Eyes
Vietnam Through My Eyes is a powerful firsthand account of one soldier's experience in the Vietnam War, told with clarity, precision, and emotional restraint. Serving as an infantryman and later a sergeant with Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment of the 9th Infantry Division, Ralph N. Boirum documents his tour from 1967 to 1968 during some of the war's most intense and formative periods.From arrival in-country and training at Bearcat to jungle patrols, night ambushes, bunker assaults, and major operations during the buildup to and aftermath of the Tet Offensive, the book offers a detailed look at combat as it was actually lived. Boirum explains weapons, tactics, terrain, and daily routines with a level of technical accuracy that will resonate with veterans and military historians, while remaining accessible to general readers. The narrative captures not only firefights and close calls, but also the constant physical strain, fear, boredom, and decision-making that defined life in the field.Interwoven with combat experiences are reflections on leadership, responsibility, and the bonds formed between young soldiers facing extreme conditions together. The book does not glorify war, nor does it rely on exaggerated drama. Instead, it presents events as remembered decades later-honestly, thoughtfully, and with respect for those who served, were wounded, or did not return.Illustrated with photographs and supported by a glossary of military terms, Vietnam Through My Eyes is an essential addition to Vietnam War literature. It is ideal for readers seeking an authentic ground-level perspective on infantry combat, the realities of service in the Mekong Delta, and the lasting impact of war on those who lived through it.
Liars' Paradise
Liar's Paradise provides a panoramic view of survival during the Holocaust and under the inhumanity of the communist regime in Hungary, under Stalin's rule. The narrative is spiced with nearly fatal escape attempts from communist Hungary, as well as a vivid account of daily life against the backdrop of the dramatic and challenging years of the 20th century. Most books dealing with communism offer a "gulag" experience. The distinctive element of Liars' Paradise is that its main characters, a mother and her two daughters, are able to outsmart the oppressive regime and manage to thrive.
Passage Across the Mersey
The remarkable story of Helen Forrester, author of Twopence to Cross the Mersey, and how she turned tragedy to triumph. When Helen Forrester's father went bankrupt in the 1930's, she and her six siblings fell from a comfortable middle-class existence into wretched poverty. Later in life, Helen wrote a ground-breaking series of memoirs, starting with Twopence to Cross the Mersey, which told the harrowing account of her family's struggles in Depression-era Liverpool. It was a story filled with tragedy and small triumphs but many readers wondered what happened to Helen when she grew up; what became of the fragile young girl who had so much responsibility heaped on her shoulders? Now for the first time, her son Robert recounts the unexpected life that Helen went on to live; of the remarkable love story with a young man from a background a million miles away from everything a Lancashire Lass like Helen would have known and of the astonishing lengths she went to in order to achieve happiness. Full of new revelations and fascinating detail never before revealed, Passage Across the Mersey is a story of an extraordinary woman, and of the journey that took her thousands of miles from the place she called home...
Waking From A Seductive Fantasy
Waking From A Seductive Fantasy chronicles Lana Gutman's cathartic journey following the devastating loss of her spouse, celebrated musician David Maestro, who died by suicide. Lana's husband was a popular, admired entertainer notorious for his romantic entanglements and multitude of groupies. When they married, Lana discovered David's traumatic history through his recurring nightmares and increasing depression. They saw multiple therapists specializing in depressive disorders, yet David rejected their advice, choosing to self-medicate with marijuana, alcohol, and even womanizing.Lana believes she maintained a paranormal connection with David, and sensed him in her home as cold energy. There was another presence lingering with David, and it felt menacing. Lana wondered if this other entity was linked to her husband's violent past in San Quentin Penitentiary, where he was sentenced to life for murder. David's music kept him alive while he was incarcerated. He recruited other prison musicians to form a group called "The Contraband," and they opened for entertainers visiting the penitentiary. David was given a chance to record his own songs which were highly praised by professionals in the music industry. After being paroled for good behavior, he rarely capitalized on the success of his album, and played small clubs, collecting women like souvenirs in a hedonistic existence.The hopelessness and despair that plagued David is already a national epidemic, and Lana's goal in sharing his life is to expose the crisis of clinical depression insidiously poisoning our loved ones, as it did to her beloved Maestro. Lana writes intimately about the universal themes and insight gained from her spiritual encounter with David, and the transcendent odyssey they took together.
My Life in the North
Autobiography of my life in the north in the bush trapping, hunting, fishing and living off the land. Travelling with Indigenous Elders learning the Dene way of life
The Smile Behind the Pain
What does it look like to smile while carrying a storm inside?Pastor and nurse Anglore Chambers traces a winding road-from childhood wounds and homelessness to a complicated marriage, spiritual warfare, and the jolt of a life-altering diagnosis. Along the way, she builds a ministry from the ground up, mothers a blended family, and learns to trust God when the night lasts longer than expected.Told with unguarded honesty and a voice steeped in prayer, The Smile Behind the Pain invites you into hospital rooms, church basements, immigration lines, and kitchen tables where faith is tested and restored. This is a memoir of resilience and redemption-of heartbreak that becomes a classroom and healing that becomes a calling.For readers standing in hard places, this book offers practical hope: your tears are not wasted, your story still matters, and grace can gather every broken piece.Perfect for readers of inspirational nonfiction, Christian testimony, and memoirs of perseverance, spiritual warfare, blended family life, and ministry.
Aces High
What does it mean to grow up with a high ACE score-and how can you find hope on the other side of childhood trauma?The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study, launched in the 1990s by the CDC and Kaiser Permanente, surveyed over 17,000 people using a 10-question questionnaire focused on abuse, neglect, and family dysfunction before age eighteen. Researchers found that the more ACEs someone reported, the higher their risk for serious health and emotional issues later in life, fundamentally changing how we understand the effects of early trauma.In Aces High, Penny courageously narrates a childhood marked by six ACEs, tracing how persistent adversity shaped both mind and body. She connects the psychological wounds named by the ACE studies to the real, embodied health consequences she lived through, and offers clear, compassionate insight into the pathways from trauma to recovery.Despite the challenges, Penny's story is ultimately a story of resilience. In Aces High, Penny reveals the steps she took to heal and offers insight and hope for others who walk a similar path, illuminating the process of recovery.Aces High serves as both a personal account and a self-help guide for understanding the impact of ACEs. It invites readers to reflect, connect, and believe in the possibility of childhood trauma recovery and renewal-no matter how high their score may be.
Adoption
"Adoption: My Salvation" is a poignant and heartfelt memoir by Jon Carter, who chronicles his life journey from being adopted at six months old to the profound moments that shaped him. The book explores the challenges of adoption, the impact of mental health struggles, and the unwavering support of family. With an emphasis on resilience, the author reflects on the highs and lows of his experiences, from childhood mischief to the devastating loss of loved ones. Written with raw honesty, it's a testament to the transformative power of love, the trials of trauma, and the unbreakable bond between parent and child. This inspiring story offers hope to those who have faced adversity and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the strength to overcome is within us all.
My Life in the North
Autobiography of my life in the north in the bush trapping, hunting, fishing and living off the land. Travelling with Indigenous Elders learning the Dene way of life
Never Give Up
From the Streets of Brooklyn to the Pinnacle of Public Service.From loss to leadership. From doubt to destiny.In Never Give Up, Gary P. Jenkins invites us into his extraordinary journey-from a young Black boy growing up in Brooklyn, navigating the weight of grief and poverty, to becoming Commissioner of the largest social service agency in the nation, overseeing a $13 billion budget and a workforce of nearly 15,000.But this is more than a story of titles and triumph. It is a testament to grit, grace, and the power of staying rooted in love. As the former Commissioner of the NYC Department of Social Services and current Chief Administrative Officer of Urban Pathways, Gary has not only led through crisis-he has led with character.This memoir is not just about one man's rise. It is a mirror for anyone who has ever been told they were not enough. It is a blueprint for those determined to lead with purpose, and it is a prayer for a more compassionate world.Gary's 30+ year journey from frontline worker to citywide Commissioner is told with vulnerability, dignity, and undeniable courage. His story speaks to every city worker, every youth with a dream, every leader at a crossroads, and every heart that refuses to quit.
Who I Am
Who am I?For Joanne Verrill, that question began in a childhood. Born into a chaotic home and left alone with spiralling thoughts, Joanne Verrill wrestled early with identity, worth, and the value of life itself. Yet even a forgotten child is never forgotten by God.In Who I Am, Jo traces her journey of discovering the Great I Am-the One who heals, restores, and rewrites the story. Honest, raw, and hope-filled, this book shows how God removes the lies we build our lives upon and leads us into the truth of who we really are.Joanne's story will inspire you to pause, reflect, and rediscover the God who sees you-and the person you were created to become.This book invites you to confront your own questions, rethink your direction, and encounter God in a deeper, more personal way.If you're wrestling with identity, direction, or your place in God's story, this book will help you find clarity, purpose, and hope.
Crazy Days of Prince
Crazy Days of Prince is a raw, unfiltered coming-of-age memoir that takes readers deep into the emotional world of a young man struggling to find his place in a society that often overlooks him.Through loneliness, heartbreak, humor, faith, and moments of unexpected connection, Emeka Prince captures the emotional reality of college life-where each day feels like a test of identity, courage, and resilience. From feeling invisible in crowded rooms to chasing love that slips through his fingers, from spiritual awakenings to emotional breakdowns, this book speaks honestly about the quiet battles many face but few talk about.Written with vulnerability and courage, Crazy Days of Prince is more than a journal-it's a confession, a survival guide, and a testament to personal growth. Prince's voice is bold, reflective, and deeply relatable to anyone who has ever felt misunderstood, overlooked, or out of sync with the world around them.This powerful narrative reminds readers that even in the most "ghosted" moments of life, strength is being built, purpose is forming, and your story still matters.
Adoption
"Adoption: My Salvation" is a poignant and heartfelt memoir by Jon Carter, who chronicles his life journey from being adopted at six months old to the profound moments that shaped him. The book explores the challenges of adoption, the impact of mental health struggles, and the unwavering support of family. With an emphasis on resilience, the author reflects on the highs and lows of his experiences, from childhood mischief to the devastating loss of loved ones. Written with raw honesty, it's a testament to the transformative power of love, the trials of trauma, and the unbreakable bond between parent and child. This inspiring story offers hope to those who have faced adversity and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the strength to overcome is within us all.
The Crossing
The CrossingA True Story of Survival, Mystery, and Grace on the MississippiOn a reckless dare, fourteen-year-old Paul Manz dives into the mighty Mississippi-and vanishes. Swept nearly twenty-three miles downriver, he survives a harrowing night of near-drowning, injury, and fear. When he awakens on the east bank, it's beside a fire, tended by a stranger named Robottom-a man who offers warmth, food, and comfort. But by morning, Robottom is gone. So is the fire. And no one believes the man ever existed.Set in 1950s Louisiana, The Crossing is a heartfelt true story about courage, grief, and an inexplicable encounter that left behind only one undeniable clue: a single fish bone found lodged in Paul's cheek.A story passed down from father to son-told with honesty, wit, and Southern soul.
