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From Zero to Infinity and Back- A full Circle: A Memoir
by Priti TandonIn order to find some love, partnership, companionship, and support, as any other young single divorcee, my search for a loving partner began on dating websites. At first in line with my spiritual beliefs of the Eastern tradition of Yoga and Meditation like DharmaMatch.com. I have been a practitioner of Yoga and meditation since my thirties, which I am blessed to have inherited from my ancestry. Going to Kirtans and meditation, Satsangs with my grandmother and living in a family with Yoga traditions, my father being a Raja Yoga practitioner, even as a child, living in Yoga came naturally to me. At these dating websites I met some sociopaths, addicts, alcoholics and also some decent men sometimes in disharmonious timings in this dating journey. After being stolen from, surviving domestic violence, and also having some great learning dating adventures, I have come to arrive in this place. I am now thriving, being in oneness, in Yoga. This writing and art memoir are a result of this journey. I am sharing my story in the form of arts and writings inspired by the teachings of Vedanta and Buddhist teachings and values. My abstract art is in its spontaneous presence, in the raw, elemental, primal and childlike innocence, with awe and wonder, a curious part of me. I do hope to awaken a presence in you that resonates this blissful state that I experienced while working on the art and poetry book project.
Meant to Be
by E. H. WilliamsHistory unravels such irony. During World War II, a dutiful son wearing an American soldier&’s uniform sat in a detention camp across the table from his father, a declared enemy. The war later brought together two identified adversaries across a vast ocean. Governments may declare hostile parties, but humans cross those boundaries.
American Boomer
by Steve FisherOK, Boomer… this is the book you&’ve been waiting for! A memoir by one of your own, about your time and tribulations, which will take you down memory lane and may even remind you of yourself as a child of the Greatest Generation.As a front-line baby boomer, Steve Fisher was a youngster in the 1950s and came of age in the turbulent 1960s. Never one to stay within the proscribed parameters and never too big on rules, he followed his own path and made choices that were, unfortunately, often to his own detriment. American Boomer traces the highs and lows of his exceptional journey, including his time as a musician, a radio disc-jockey, and ultimately, a writer. Funny and poignant, uplifting and heart-breaking, American Boomer is a hard and honest look at a son of the Greatest Generation who didn&’t die before he got old.If you&’re a baby boomer, much of the vernacular in this book will be familiar to you. If you&’re a younger reader… that&’s why there&’s Google.
Autobiografía del trauma: Un viaje de sanación
by Peter A. Levine• Comparte el viaje personal del autor para sanar su grave trauma infantil, así como sus avances para crear el método Somatic Experiencing• Explora cómo llegó a ver a Einstein como su guía espiritual y mentor personal, solo para descubrir una conexión de la vida real con él a través de su madre• Explica cómo el método Somatic Experiencing deriva de los estudios de animales en sus entornos naturales, la neurobiología y 50 años de observaciones clínicasEn estas memorias íntimas, el renombrado desarrollador de Somatic Experiencing, Peter A. Levine, el hombre que revolucionó la forma en que los psicólogos, médicos y curanderos entienden y tratan las heridas del trauma y el abuso, comparte su viaje personal para sanar su propio trauma infantil severo y ofrece una visión profunda de la evolución de su innovador método de curación.Al presentarse como un Quirón moderno, el sanador herido de la mitología griega, Levine describe, con detalle gráfico, la violencia de su infancia, yuxtapuesta a recuerdos felices específicos, y cómo ser guiado a través de la Experiencia Somática (SE) le permitió iluminar y desenredar sus pensamientos y heridas traumáticas. También comparte los sueños y visiones misteriosos e inesperados que lo han nguiado a lo largo de su vida, incluidas las visitas oníricas de Albert Einstein, a quien considera su guía espiritual y mentor personal.Al explicar cómo ayudó a miles de personas antes de resolver su propio trauma, el autor detalla cómo el método SE se fundamenta en sus estudios de animales salvajes en su hábitat natural, neurobiología y más de 50 años de observaciones clínicas. Levine nos enseña que cualquier persona que sufre un trauma tiene una historia valiosa que contar y que, al compartir nuestras historias, podemos catalizar el retorno de la esperanza, la dignidad y la plenitud.
The Sword of Song: Called by Christians The Book of the Beast
by Aleister Crowley• Presents Crowley&’s preferred text, drawing on all existing draft manuscripts and margin notes from Crowley&’s personal copies• Contains an introduction and explanatory notes by Crowley biographer Richard Kaczynski, helping to illuminate obscure passages and references• Includes Crowley&’s mystical essays on his first forays into sex magic, his initial embrace of the legendary title of &“the Beast,&” and his encounters with the Golden Dawn, Buddhism, Agnosticism, and ChristianityToo inflammatory for English publishers, Aleister Crowley printed The Sword of Song, his first talismanic work, in Paris in 1904, releasing a mere one hundred copies. Deconstructing his encounters with the Golden Dawn, Buddhism, Agnosticism, and Christianity, the book explored Crowley&’s magic and spiritual philosophy before he experienced the revelation that led to The Book of the Law. The Sword of Song also contained Crowley&’s first manifesto, his first forays into sex magic, his initial embrace of the legendary title of "the Beast," the occult poem "Ascension Day," and mystical essays.Now in this fully annotated deluxe hardcover edition, renowned Crowley biographer Richard Kaczynski presents Crowley&’s preferred text for The Sword of Song, drawing on all existing draft manuscripts as well as unpublished margin notes from Crowley&’s personal copies of the book. Kaczynski clarifies all the significant changes and additions throughout the book&’s various iterations and provides explanations for the many occult and popular culture references. He also includes a substantial scholarly introduction, reflecting an intimate knowledge of Crowley and the development of his magical practice.Kaczynski demonstrates how The Sword of Song was not only a prototype for Crowley&’s later works such as Konx Om Pax and The Book of Lies, but that The Sword of Song's blend of poetry, allegory, fiction, and essay reveals the formative inner workings of one of the twentieth century&’s most provocative thinkers just before he received the life-changing Book of the Law from the discarnate entity Aiwass.
The Occult Elvis: The Mystical and Magical Life of the King
by Miguel Conner&“A lively new book.&” —The Guardian• Draws on firsthand accounts from Elvis&’s wife, Priscilla, his friends and family, the Memphis Mafia, and his spiritual advisors• Looks at key teachers who influenced him, including Yogananda, H. P. Blavatsky, and Manly P. Hall• Examines Elvis&’s efforts as a natural healer, the significance of his UFO encounters, and his telekinetic, psychic, and astral traveling abilitiesElvis Presley, the most successful solo artist in history and an emblematic cultural figure of the Western world, has been widely perceived as a conservative Southern Christian. However, the truth about the man has been missed.Writer and researcher Miguel Conner reveals how Elvis was a profound mystic, occultist, and shaman. Beginning with the unusual circumstances of his birth—and his stillborn twin brother—Conner traces the diverse thread of mysticism that runs through Elvis Presley&’s life, drawing on firsthand accounts from the people closest to him, including his wife, Priscilla, the Memphis Mafia, and his spiritual advisors. He shows how Elvis studied seminal 19th- and 20th-century occultists, including H. P. Blavatsky, Manly P. Hall, G. I. Gurdjieff, and P. D. Ouspensky, and was a devotee of Indian yogi Paramahansa Yogananda. Conner argues that Elvis was well-versed in the esoteric practices of sex magic, meditation, astrology, and numerology and had a deep familiarity with Kabbalah, Gnosticism, Theosophy, and Eastern traditions. He also reveals how Elvis was a natural healer, telekinetic, psychic, and astral traveler who had significant mystical experiences and UFO encounters.Looking at the conspiratorial and paranormal aspects of Elvis&’s life, the author explores the "Elvis visitations" that have occurred since the King&’s death and the general high weirdness of his life. As Conner convincingly argues, Elvis was not just a one-of-a-kind rock-and-roller. He was the greatest magician America ever produced.
Jim Morrison, Secret Teacher of the Occult: A Journey to the Other Side
by Paul Wyld• Reveals Jim Morrison as a shamanic initiate and esoteric teacher who used his role as a rock singer to promote the adventure of the spirit and express the power of inner experience• Examines Morrison&’s deep occult and artistic influences, including Kurt Seligmann&’s The Mirror of Magic, Colin Wilson&’s The Outsider, and the works of Jack Kerouac• Draws on Morrison&’s lyrics and poems, his intimate writings, and the recollections of friends like photographer Paul Ferrara and Doors keyboard player Ray ManzarekThe groundbreaking 1960s band The Doors, named for Aldous Huxley&’s The Doors of Perception, achieved incredible acclaim and influence, ultimately serving as a key group in the development of psychedelic and progressive rock. At the center of it all was front man Jim Morrison, who died in 1971 at age 27. Yet, as author Paul Wyld reveals, despite Morrison&’s reputation as a lewd, drunken performer, he was a full-fledged mystical, shamanic figure, a secret teacher of the occult who was not merely central to the development of rock music, but also to the growth of the Western esoteric tradition as a whole.Wyld looks at the mystical works that inspired Morrison, including Kurt Seligmann&’s The Mirror of Magic, Colin Wilson&’s The Outsider, and the writings of Nietzsche and Jack Kerouac. Drawing on Morrison&’s lyrics and poems, his intimate writings, and the recollections of friends like photographer Paul Ferrara and Doors keyboard player Ray Manzarek, the author makes the case that Morrison was not simply a superficial dabbler in the occult but an actual secret teacher transmitting knowledge through the golden thread stretching back to Egypt and Thoth-Hermes.Explaining how Morrison sought to use his role as a rock singer to express the power of inner experience, Wyld shows how praxis was at the heart of Morrison&’s approach, revealed in his journey through the arduous ordeals of shamanic initiation. He was a shaman, mystic, and sage—and an essential part of a great spiritual awakening to which he gave himself over fully.
An Autobiography of Trauma: A Healing Journey
by Peter A. Levine• Shares the author&’s personal journey to heal his severe childhood trauma as well as his breakthroughs on the path to create Somatic Experiencing• Explores how he came to view Einstein as his personal spirit guide and mentor, only to discover a profound real-life connection to him through his mother• Explains how the SE method is derived from the author&’s studies of animals in their natural environments, neurobiology, and 50 years of clinical observationsIn this intimate memoir, renowned developer of Somatic Experiencing, Peter A. Levine—the man who changed the way psychologists, doctors, and healers understand and treat the wounds of trauma and abuse—shares his personal journey to heal his own severe childhood trauma and offers profound insights into the evolution of his innovative healing method.Casting himself as a modern-day Chiron, the wounded healer of Greek mythology, Levine describes, in graphic detail, the violence of his childhood juxtaposed with specific happy memories and how being guided through Somatic Experiencing (SE) allowed him to illuminate and untangle his traumatic wounds. He also shares the mysterious and unexpected dreams and visions that have guided him through his life&’s work, including his dreamlike visitations from Albert Einstein, whom he views as his personal spirit guide and mentor.Explaining how he helped thousands of others before resolving his own trauma, he details how the SE method is derived from his studies of wild animals in their natural environments, neurobiology, and more than 50 years of clinical observations. Levine teaches us that anyone suffering from trauma has a valuable story to tell, and that by telling our stories, we can catalyze the return of hope, dignity, and wholeness.
Aikido: The Life and Teachings of Robert Nadeau
by Richard Moon Teja Bell Laurin Herr Bob Noha Susan Spence Elaine Yoder• Explores Nadeau&’s personal journey and pioneering role in the spread of Aikido, including firsthand accounts and historical photographs published for the first time• Explains Nadeau&’s unique teaching, his core concepts, and basic practices centered on energy refinement, direct experience and inner transformation• Presents inspiring personal stories about Nadeau contributed by students, including Dan Millman, Richard Strozzi-Heckler, Peter Ralston, and Renée GregorioA widely influential figure in the development of Aikido in America, Robert Nadeau is known as one of the few American direct disciples of Aikido&’s founder Morihei Ueshiba Osensei. Now an 8th dan Aikido master teacher, Nadeau has taught generations of students, and several have become prominent teachers in their own right. However, he has never written about his life or philosophy, always reserving his most pointed lessons for those who practice with him in person.This book tells the story of Robert Nadeau&’s life journey and his distinctive approach to teaching Aikido as a way to access the inner energetic aspects of the art, a transformational approach with universal applications in daily life, even for non-Aikidoists. The authors explore Nadeau&’s early interest in martial arts and all things spiritual as a teenager in California in the 1950s, his seminal training under Morihei Ueshiba at Aikido Hombu Dojo in Tokyo in the 1960s, and the following six decades of training, experimenting, refining, and teaching as he worked to introduce Aikido to the wider world, even beyond the traditional dojo. They lay out Nadeau&’s core concepts, describe his simple-but-effective practices for personal development, and convey his time-tested approach to the inner training at the heart of Aikido in a very accessible way. They also include first-person accounts from Nadeau&’s students, including Dan Millman, Richard Strozzi-Heckler, Peter Ralston, and Renée Gregorio, who recall their personal experiences of training with him, retell conversations with him, and describe insights and lessons learned, sharing how he affected their lives, sometimes quite profoundly.Bringing the story of Robert Nadeau&’s life into focus, this book presents, for the first time, the profound lessons and deep impact of a pioneering teacher who&’s been central to the spread of Aikido in the West.
Ralph Metzner, Explorer of Consciousness: The Life and Legacy of a Psychedelic Pioneer
by Cathy Coleman• Includes contributions from Rick Doblin, Charles S. Grob, Stan Grof, Stanley Krippner, Dennis McKenna, the late Christian Rätsch, Richard Strozzi-Heckler, Claudia Mueller-Ebeling, Dorothy Fadiman, Luis Eduardo Luna, and others• Explores Ralph&’s childhood, his time at Harvard with Timothy Leary and Richard Alpert (Ram Dass), his work with Agni Yoga and transpersonal psychology, his development of ecopsychology, and his in-depth psychedelic researchRenowned as a pioneering psychologist, psychedelic elder, alchemical explorer, and shamanic teacher, the late Ralph Metzner (1936–2019) contributed profoundly to consciousness research, transpersonal psychology, and contemporary psychedelic studies across his more than 50-year career.Celebrating the life and legacy of Ralph Metzner, this book explores how Ralph touched the lives of those around him in extraordinary and remarkable ways, recasting people&’s worldviews and inspiring the flowering of creativity, personal growth, and spiritual transformation. There are recollections from the pivotal years of the Sixties, when Ralph conducted research with Timothy Leary and Richard Alpert (Ram Dass). Other contributors describe Ralph&’s involvement in the School of Actualism in the 1970s and the profound impact that Agni Yoga had on Ralph&’s explorations of consciousness and his healing therapies. We also learn about Ralph&’s development of Green Psychology, or ecopsychology, his mystical work exploring prenatal realms of consciousness and channeling, and his healing and transformative &“Vision Circles.&” Academic colleagues and a who&’s who of fellow psychedelic researchers share stories from their work with Ralph, illuminating his depth of knowledge and broad impact. This book paints a complete portrait of Ralph Metzner in his well-known roles as therapist and psychedelic pioneer and as an intrepid explorer of consciousness until the very end of his life.
Do More Good: Inspiring Lessons from Extraordinary People
by Neil GhoshDistilling the wisdom of thirty extraordinary individuals, Do More Good is a self-help book for people looking for ways to make their lives more meaningful by helping others.In today&’s world, with so much that feels beyond our control, and so many people in need, many of us are inspired to take action. To make change. To move the needle, even if only in one small way. Yet we struggle with knowing how to do just that. How can we each do more good without wasting hours in a research rabbit hole trying to figure out where to put our time, money, and energy for real impact?In Do More Good, Neil Ghosh delivers not only the answers to that question, but also the inspiration and guidance to take action now.Within its pages, readers will encounter the curated wisdom of thirty leaders, celebrities, and inspirational figures—each of whom has consciously bettered the world in their own way. Drawing upon his personal contacts with these luminaries, Ghosh shares their wisdom and reveals how we can make use of it in our lives.&“Do More Good is an inspiring reminder that in our interdependent world, everyone has the power—and the responsibility—to make a difference in the lives of others. It couldn&’t come at a more important time.&” — President Bill Clinton
Finding Happy: A User's Guide to Your Life, with Lessons from Mine
by Peter SamuelsonA master class for every Gen Z and Millennial to Find Happy in a dizzying worldAlmost everyone looks back on their youth and thinks, &“I wish I knew then what I know now.…&” This is a book for young adults who want to know right now what it is so many wish they had known back then. What is happy, anyway? Where do you find it? Finding Happy is for young adults starting their adult journey, and for those well into theirs who have not yet sighted land. It is written by a master storyteller who learned to scale walls and blew them up rather than be stopped, and who learned in the process that our happiness flows from leaving the world a better place than we found it. Ultimately, it&’s about how best to channel this glorious life we are each privileged to enjoy and to make it truly happy. Finding Happy is filled with gripping adventures and misadventures that demonstrate just how possible the seemingly impossible often is, from daredevil filmmaking in Africa and Asia to making daunting rules work for you, to earning a full college scholarship after being completely unable to answer the entrance exam essay question…to climbing down a hundred-foot pipe shaft at 3 a.m. to rescue a kitten, with no plan for how to climb back up. It is about how best to seize the day, which risks are brave and which foolish, about roadblocks and solutions, learning from leaders and finding your own secret sauce. Samuelson explains how to find your compass and persuade others to help you. He shows how to live your passion, make a living, take off your mask, build your best place in the universe, and find your own unique and personal Happy.
Souvenirs from an Absurd Life: A Memoir
by Don DahlerOne man&’s unlikely rise from bartender to national television reporter and the incredible adventures he&’s had along the way.Hockey great Wayne Gretzky famously noted, &“You miss one hundred percent of the shots you don&’t take.&” Don Dahler took these words to heart, causing his entire life to change in a remarkable way. Souvenirs from an Absurd Life presents true stories about a relative nobody once struggling to make rent before he decided he would not accept what appeared to be a dim, boring, unfulfilling future. Instead, Dahler charted a new course for himself, somehow landing an award-winning career as a network correspondent and news anchor, covering a vast array of subjects, including wars, the attacks of 9/11, and the biggest stories of the times for FOX, CNBC, ABC, and CBS News. Despite the considerable odds against him, Don Dahler took his shot, and he made it.
A Life for a Life: Poor Choices and Unresolved Trauma Is Killing America
by Kevin ShirdOne man has committed murder while another man tries to heal his trauma.A gripping true story exploring violence, mental health, and trauma, A Life for a Life follows Kevin Shird and Damion Neal who meet as inmates in Federal Correctional Institute Allenwood. Kevin is serving time for drug trafficking, and he suffers from severe nightmares and sleep deprivation due to past traumas and copes through rigorous exercise instead of medication. He tries to guide Damion, a temperamental young man, hoping to keep him out of trouble in a dangerous environment and reunite him with his young daughter. In 2004, Kevin is transferred to another prison while Damion is released from Allenwood and returns to Baltimore. Two years later, Kevin also returns to Baltimore, where he uses writing as therapy to heal from the trauma of the past. Surprisingly, a mental health worker suggests he may have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Kevin hopes Damion has successfully reintegrated into society and returned to his family. However, one afternoon, he searches for Damion online and finds a newspaper article that reads, &“Delaware State Police have arrested Damion Neal, the man responsible for the deaths of two Dover residents over the weekend.&” Court documents allege that Damion was suffering from a serious mental health ailment at the time of the murders. Kevin goes on a journey to understand why his former cellmate committed a heinous crime.
crushed: the boys that never liked me back
by Kiersten Lyons(girl + boy) ÷ heartbreak2 + surprises = a rom-com in real lifeWhile tying the bows on her wedding invitations, Kiersten&’s fiancé walked in and told her he didn&’t think he loved her, and maybe never had…. Oh, and he&’d cheated. At a place called The Magic Castle. Because what&’s hotter than aging celebrities performing magic in a fake castle in the Hollywood Hills? But don&’t worry, because six months later, while Kiersten was struggling to pay rent, he won $100,000 on a reality show. Yes, you read that right…. A HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS. Why is it that the minute you get your heart broken, whether by a boy or a dream (or if you&’re Kiersten, every single life plan she&’s ever made), you look around to see everyone else is doing amazing! Everyone&’s life is perfect! Because everyone else is stupid…. Oh, and why are they always telling you &“everything happens for a reason&”?! Your family, your friends, that checkout lady eyeing the three pints of non-dairy ice cream you&’re buying? Leave me alone, Cheryl! But also, don&’t. Because when you&’re alone, you&’re hit with the reality that you can&’t wake up from this bad dream. Also, why is everybody looking at you like that? Equal parts pity and confusion, like they&’ve never been rejected before. Why are you the only one heartbroken? The only one struggling? The only one… Crushed? But what if that&’s the stupid part? The lie that you are the only one. In this nostalgic memoir equally cut with anguish and humor, Lyons invites readers along on a lifetime of Crushed moments and the hope of being left in awe of the pivots she never wanted in the first place. And what if realizing you aren&’t alone is the first step to one day knowing you&’ll be in awe too? *** &“Kiersten Lyons is the voice of a generation. Truly an incredible writer that will be remembered for centuries.&” —Kiersten&’s mom and dad, who haven&’t actually read the book yet &“Kiersten is loud and annoying.&” —Kiersten&’s seventh-grade crush &“Lyons doesn&’t give it up, so I ghosted her.&” —Kiersten&’s college crush &“Kiersten Lyons is just not pretty enough.&” —Hollywood casting directors
Honestly, She Doesn't Live Here Anymore
by Pamela WickIn the charged political landscape of Reagan-era Washington, a young woman finds herself grappling with her father&’s high-profile scandal and her own impending divorce, forcing her to confront her privileged childhood and navigate the notoriety of a personal friendship with the first family.I think about my glamorous wedding again. I imagine myself choking on a cheese ball, in my lace wedding gown, guests rushing over arguing about who does the best Heimlich maneuver, my face bright red from lack of oxygen. Then, as if that weren&’t bad enough, I pass out on the dance floor of the tented tennis court where our lavish reception was held. My father, in his tux, at the mic, in front of the Les Brown Orchestra, telling everyone the marriage won&’t last and he might go to prison. The shattered fairy tale is on a loop inside my head. How did my life reverse itself so drastically? For Pamela Wick, President and Mrs. Reagan were simply Ronnie and Nancy, her parents&’ best friends. What began with Pamela&’s mom and Nancy organizing the chili booth at their kids&’ school fair in Los Angeles soon propelled Pamela&’s parents into pivotal roles that would help Reagan secure the California governorship and eventually the grand prize: the White House. Determined to win her parents&’ approval as the perfect daughter, Pamela marries the son of Republican royalty and joins them in DC to begin her fairytale in the nation&’s Capitol—or so she thought. What follows is her firsthand look behind the scenes at the gilded age of the Reagan years in Washington, DC—an era now long gone. Sometimes hilarious, sometimes heartbreaking, but always insightful, the narrative chronicles her journey to penetrate Washington society at the highest levels—from Christmas Eve at her family home with President Reagan dressed as Santa Claus, to intimate dinners at the White House. But behind the golden gates, Pam&’s marriage is unraveling, and her father&’s high-profile political scandal threatens to destroy their carefully constructed life. Soon, she&’s trading in glitzy state dinners for congressional hearings attacking her father, and at the center of the Reagan revolution, Pam&’s own personal uprising begins.
Mother of Bourbon: The Greatest American Whiskey Story Never Told
by Eric GoodmanThe outrageously inspiring story of the most successful and influential woman distiller of Kentucky Bourbon that nobody&’s heard…until now! Introducing Mary Dowling, Mother of Bourbon.&“Unsung bourbon distiller—and force of nature—Mary Dowling overcame family tragedy, discrimination, and Prohibition, to achieve extraordinary success. Her story comes to life in this page-turning novel.&” —Susan Reigler, author of Kentucky Bourbon: The Essential Guide to the American Spirit Born in 1859 to Irish immigrants who&’d escaped the great potato famine, Mary Dowling arrived at the height of anti-Irish and anti-Catholic fervor in America. The hardscrabble life her family led provided the foundation of grit and determination that would serve her well, along with a natural gift for numbers and planning. She married the enterprising John Dowling when she was just fifteen and he was thirty-three. Despite their age gap, John was a kind and adoring husband who recognized Mary&’s remarkable skills and made her his partner not just in life but in business. He offered her oversight of their burgeoning bourbon company&’s financial books and sought her insight and advice on acquisition and expansion as they steadily grew from distillery investors to sole proprietors of Waterfill and Frazier in Tyrone, Kentucky, just outside Lawrenceburg, in the heart of Bourbon Country. &“Mother of Dragons? Give me the Mother of Bourbon! In this historical fiction, Kaveh Zamanian and Eric Goodman break the boundaries of traditional bourbon books, just like the woman it&’s based on—Mary Dowling. From love to business, this bourbon soap opera is a must read, will keep you entertained, and make you question everything you thought you knew about America&’s Spirit.&” —Fred Minnick, author of Bourbon: the Rise, Fall and Rebirth of an American Whiskey, Bourbon Curious, and Whiskey Women: The Untold Story of How Women Saved Bourbon, Scotch and Irish Whiskey Mary&’s first trials arrive at the turn of the century in a series of tragedies that leave her widowed and with a business no one wants to support. Steering not only the lives of her eight children, she bucks up against a male-dominated bank and distributor that drop her because women don&’t run businesses, to align herself with progressive partners who value the dollar over outdated ideas about gender. She scales to ever higher heights, becoming an influential member of Lawrenceburg society while achieving immense wealth at a time when women still couldn&’t vote. When Prohibition arrives with its attendant animosity toward immigrants and Catholics, Mary is forced into semi-retirement—until the federal government comes after her on trumped-up charges of bootlegging. Only then does she bite back, determining that if she is going to be treated like a criminal, she will behave like one—taking her operation to Juarez, Mexico, to begin another iteration of Waterfill and Frazier that would distill and legally distribute bourbon throughout Mexico and, less legally, north into the US. Mother of Bourbon: The Greatest American Whiskey Story Never Told is the never-before-told story of a pioneering and visionary woman who achieved success in a system designed to suppress her, and against a government that strived to repress her. Mary&’s courage and determination are the hallmarks that live on today in Mary Dowling Whiskey, as extraordinary and distinctive as the woman whose name it bears.
Scrambled or Sunny-Side Up?: Living Your Best Life after Losing Your Greatest Love
by Loren RidingerForeword by Serena Williams Unbreakable Entrepreneur to Heartbroken Survivor: Loren Ridinger&’s Untold Story of Love, Loss, and Finding Strength to Thrive AgainScrambled or Sunny-Side Up? Living Your Best Life After Losing Your Greatest Love shares Loren Ridinger&’s life story—one that began with her husband JR Ridinger&’s bold vision to change the world through the power of the Internet. Alongside JR, she helped pioneer Market America, empowering thousands of entrepreneurs to succeed on their own terms using the power of online shopping. However, Loren&’s journey took a heartbreaking turn with JR&’s sudden passing after thirty-six years of partnership and marriage, leaving her to navigate overwhelming grief while trying to maintain the legacy they built together. In this book, Loren reveals how she found the strength to move through grief and start living fully by embracing each day—no matter what life served up next. This is more than just a memoir; it is a guide to turning loss into a powerful force for growth, and a reminder that within the dash lies the potential to create a life of meaning and impact.
My Family and I: A Mississippi Memoir
by Adam GussowAn inspiring memoir about the author&’s lifelong quest for racial reconciliation, the love that sustains his interracial family in contemporary Mississippi, and the &“Yes we can!&” hope for American renewal that fades after the deaths of Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, and the despair-driven rise of Black Lives Matter.What has happened to the dream of beloved community embraced by Martin Luther King, Jr. and the civil rights movement of the early 1960s—the vision of a just, humane, and colorblind America, a nation of &“black and white together&” animated by the spirit of mutual respect and strengthened by the bonds of brotherly love? As Adam Gussow shows in this urgently needed new book, the dream, although pressured on every front, remains alive.At the heart of My Family and I is Gussow&’s determination, in King&’s terms, to live out the true meaning of America&’s creed—a quest for transracial brotherhood that takes him from a blues partnership forged on the streets of 1980s Harlem through graduate training at Princeton and, decades later, a transformative course on the blues literary tradition that he shares with inmates at Mississippi&’s notorious Parchman Farm.Anchoring Gussow&’s quest is a story of enduring love: a playful, soulful interracial romance between the newly hired professor at Ole Miss and his soon-to-be-wife Sherrie that blossoms with the birth of a musically gifted son, Shaun. As America explodes with protest and riots in the summer of 2020 after the death of George Floyd, as social justice fundamentalists insist on stigmatizing whiteness and hardening the color line rather than healing the divisions that plague us, Gussow is forced to fight for what he loves—not just the sanctity of his family circle, but King&’s dream of beloved community.My Family and I gifts the reader with hope for a future beyond America&’s seemingly insoluble racial dilemmas.
Inside the Reagan White House: A Front-Row Seat to Presidential Leadership with Lessons for Today
by Frank LavinAn inside look at the most successful president of modern times.What makes a good White House memoir? The right mix of personal stories, insight on the president, discussion of policy and historical events, and crazy, colorful anecdotes that capture the reader&’s attention. Inside the Reagan White House has all this—plus a vivid take on the Reagan assassination attempt, , Gorbachev and the Reykjavik summit, Ollie North and the Contras, , the 1988 Bush-Dukakis contest—and other critical moments of that era. Original insight on Ronald Reagan, as well as discussions of cabinet members and others, are interspersed with personal anecdotes, off-hand comments, and unique family details that historians and general readers will love. On the colorful side, the action moves from movie stars to Soviet spies to (literal) knife fights, neo-Nazis, plain old Nazis, intimate affairs, fights on planes, and con men chased by INTERPOL. And at the heart of the story are the thousands of dedicated, patriotic Americans who helped Ronald Reagan as he worked to push back against the Soviet Union, promote democracy, improve trade, lower taxes, and reduce the size and scope of government.
Beyond Division: The Resilient Lives of Thirty Diverse Israeli Women Leaders
by Bilha Chesner FishDrawn from fresh post-pandemic interviews, Beyond Division relates stories of how thirty diverse Israeli women leaders, artists, scientists, philanthropists, healers, academics—religious and secular Jews, Christians, Druze, Ethiopians, Arabs, and others, from the North to the South—lead lives of purpose in their polarized nation, despite war and socio-ethnic differences.This unique collection of personal stories reveals the experiences, struggles, and successes of thirty diverse women leaders, post-pandemic. Beyond Division paints a vivid picture of Israel&’s challenges—past, present, and future—while depicting a love of country that unites all and inspires hope. Among the thirty women featured: CEO of Diagnostic Robotics Kira Radinsky; artist and owner of Druze Holocaust Art Gallery, Bothaina Halabi; former Knesset Minister of Immigration and Absorption, Pnina Tamano-Shata; CEO of Arabic News and Social Media Platform Bokra.net, Ghada Zoabi; Board Chair of Medinol and founder of the NJR School of the Heart Judith Richter; CEO of Israeli Flying Aid, Gal Lusky; Particle Physicist and Social Activist Shikma Schwartzman Bressler, and IDF Special Nachal Division and Kibbutz Kfar Aza member, Varda Goldstein. The author, a native Israeli who immigrated to the US fifty years ago, weaves into the book memories of the Israel of her youth, of how the familiar landscapes and original ideals have been transformed, yet still endure, and concludes that a nation divided can still be held together by a single person&’s love of country and community. As stated in the book&’s foreword by Dr. Uriel Reichman: &“Dr. Fish&’s book is not only one of promise and hope, but one that highlights the growing need for women in leadership.&”
I Knew a Man Who Knew Brahms
by Nancy ShearA vivid personal account of a Golden Age in classical music—the second half of the 20th century—providing a rare, behind-the-scenes view of the inner workings of a top symphony orchestra.Nancy Shear was only fifteen when she began sneaking into Philadelphia Orchestra concerts through the stage door, and seventeen when she was hired as a member of the orchestra&’s library staff to help prepare the music; one year later, she became Leopold Stokowski&’s musical assistant. Being young and female, she was a pioneer in both positions. I Knew a Man Who Knew Brahms takes readers into the homes, studios, and minds of legendary artists with whom Shear shared close personal relationships, including Stokowski, Mstislav Rostropovich, Eugene Ormandy, and members of the Philadelphia Orchestra. Many of these brilliant and talented artists were also outrageous, egocentric, and tyrannical. Throughout this book, Shear topples more than a few revered musicians from their podiums and their pedestals. A literary welcome mat to the beautiful world of classical music, this memoir is accessible and engaging for all. It brings readers into rehearsals and concert halls, revealing the choices musicians must consider, and what conductors, players, and composers really do. A heartwarming story about passion, determination, and survival, I Knew a Man Who Knew Brahms explores music at its core. No reader will ever listen to music the same way again.
Beyond the Stethoscope: Miracles in Medicine
by Janette NesheiwatJoin Dr. Nesheiwat on an extraordinary journey of compassion and faith in Beyond the Stethoscope: Miracles in Medicine where gripping stories of miraculous recoveries, experiences in the ER, and global medical missions illuminate the transformative power of prayer and unwavering dedication to healing and service.&“Dr. Janette is an angel on Earth—she has more medical knowledge and compassion than anyone I&’ve ever met. In her new book, Beyond the Stethoscope: Miracles in Medicine, you will get to meet this remarkable woman who reminds me every day to be gracious under pressure, and you&’ll be convinced that miracles happen right in front of your eyes.&” —Dana Perino, America&’s Newsroom &“Dr. Janette Nesheiwat&’s Beyond the Stethoscope offers a raw and captivating glimpse into the world of a true medical warrior. From battling the front lines of Covid to navigating the aftermath of natural disasters and global conflicts, her journey is a testament to grit, compassion, and unwavering dedication. Through her experiences, Dr. Nesheiwat reminds us that true miracles in medicine are forged by the relentless commitment of those who strive to make a difference.&” —Congressman Mike Waltz, US Army Green Beret, Colonel &“A must read! I&’m inspired by Dr. Nesheiwat&’s dedication to serving others in the name of Jesus Christ. Her extraordinary service is documented in Beyond the Stethoscope: Miracles in Medicine where she showcases the power of Jesus guiding her work leading challenging and dangerous medical missions throughout the world. This book is a reminder of the blessings that unfold when we trust in God&’s love.&” —Ainsley Earhardt, Co-host Fox & Friends An extraordinary true story, this vivid Christian memoir follows a young doctor from a humble immigrant family whose path to fulfilling her dreams was marked by monumental trials and losses. Despite navigating a demanding medical career and personal loss, her faith in God remains steadfast. Guided by Christian wisdom, each challenge strengthens Dr. Janette Nesheiwat&’s resolve to make a difference in the lives of her patients. And just when she believes she has weathered the worst storms, a pandemic plunges the world into chaos, Ukraine enters into a war with Russia, and fierce earthquakes ravage the people of Morocco. Dr. Janette is among the frontline workers helping to get people through these dark moments—her greatest lifeline being her family and the power of God&’s love.
Five Trips: An Investigative Journey into Mental Health, Psychedelic Healing, and Saving a Life
by Kendis GibsonFive Trips chronicles Emmy Award–winning journalist Kendis Gibson&’s personal journey through five psychedelic experiences, exploring the access issues faced by the BIPOC community in using psychedelics for mental health conditions, set against the backdrop of his challenges as a Black journalist at ABC network and the racial treatment that fueled his public meltdowns.Five Trips takes you on a profound journey with Emmy Award–winning journalist Kendis Gibson as he navigates the complex interplay of identity, resilience, and healing. This powerful memoir delves into his personal experiences with psychedelics, examining their transformative impact against the often harsh realities of racial inequity and limited access in the BIPOC community. Gibson&’s candid recounting includes a gripping anxiety attack during a rare interview with Beyoncé, a public confrontation with deeply entrenched racism at ABC, and his private struggle with sexual identity, all woven into the fabric of an illustrious yet tumultuous career in the media. Five Trips is not just a memoir—it&’s a beacon for those seeking to understand the potential of psychedelics in mental health, a testament to overcoming adversity, and an insider&’s perspective on the pivotal moments that shape public figures behind the scenes. Join Kendis Gibson as he reveals the unspoken truths of a life spent in the spotlight, offering insights and hope to those on their own paths to healing.
Both Sides of Then: Finding Love After Abandonment
by Jennifer GriffithWhen a young girl discovers her parent&’s painful life secrets her sense of self unravels, eliciting a long path to healing, acceptance, and love.Jennifer is thirteen and living a quiet teenage existence when her parents reveal their innermost secrets; her mother has found the child she relinquished as a baby, and her father no longer wants to be part of the family. As Jennifer&’s young life unravels, she begins to self-destruct. Anna, Jennifer&’s mother, is deeply affected by losing her parents at a young age and by her subsequent strict upbringing in a Baptist orphanage. Thrust into a changing world ill-prepared, she finds herself pregnant and unwed during a time when society shunned these young mothers. Both Sides of Then is the story of a mother and daughter&’s search for agency. Jennifer shares her difficult path to self-acceptance while piecing together her mother's young life using vignettes shared throughout her childhood. By writing from her mother&’s perspective, would Jennifer eventually understand her mother? Would she see her own life more clearly. A coming-of-age book and in-depth exploration of family frailty and resilience, Both Sides of Then is a daring take on the power of the female voice, even after it&’s been silenced. "It is a great act of love when a daughter works hard to fully understand her mother&’s life. In Both Sides of Then, Jennifer Griffith does exactly that. This memoir chronicles a daughter making sense of her own experience by unraveling the mystery of her mother&’s life. I wept, I laughed, and I wanted to call my mom after I finished this beautiful book.&” —Julie Barton, New York Times bestselling author of Dog Medicine &“Jennifer Griffith's steely, calm voice is a marvel of compassion as she boldly inhabits her mother's pain in order to understand her own. Both Sides of Then is a mesmerizing journey through empathy to forgiveness, written with clear-eyed bravery and love.&” —Rachel Howard, author of The Lost Night and The Risk of Us &“In Both Sides of Then, Jennifer Griffith expertly weaves her story of a troubled childhood with her mother's experience growing up an orphan. We come to understand two fundamental truths: we inherit much more than we realize and the only narrative more elemental than our own is our mother's. This compelling memoir expertly explores family history, abandonment, resilience, and ultimately, an imperfect but honest kind of love.&” —Shanti Brien, author of Almost Innocent