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A Season in Hell: A Memoir
by Marilyn FrenchAn extraordinary memoir on facing death . . . and choosing lifeWhere there&’s a will . . .Given a death sentence after being diagnosed with cancer, Marilyn French fought back . . . and won. A Season in Hell is the story of her battle to survive against overwhelming odds.A smoker for almost half a century, French was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in the summer of 1992. She was given a year to live, but five years later, she was, incredibly, cancer free. In this inspiring account, French chronicles her journey, from her reaction to the devastating news, to the chemotherapy that almost killed her, to her miraculous return to life following a two-week coma. She shares her feelings on apathetic doctors, the vital importance of a support network of friends and family, and how her near-death experience forever altered her perspective and priorities.
A Second Act: What Nearly Dying Teaches Us About Really Living
by Dr Matt MorganI&’ve worked as a doctor for over twenty years, caring for patients who are in the thick fog between life and death. I&’ve met hundreds of people who have died, were resuscitated and lived. I&’ve long thought that these are the people that we should be listening to, not influencers or business gurus. They know what really matters. Dr Matt Morgan has met hundreds of people who&’ve come back from the dead. Their hearts stopped, their bodies unresponsive, rescued from the brink of death by the modern intensive care techniques he specialises in. People like Ed, who was walking through a park when there was a bang, a bright light and then nothing. Ed had been hit by a bolt of lightning – 300 million volts, enough to power a city for a day, coursed through his body, short-circuiting his heart. Ed was given life-saving CPR and he survived. He lives a little differently now, every day knowing the thin margins that separate life and death. In A Second Act, Morgan introduces us to patients who&’ve experienced hypothermia, overdoses, heart attacks and transplants to see how their lives have been transformed by the second chance they&’ve been given. He shares the lessons they&’ve learned, along with his own realisations about life and how to make the most of it. Life shouldn&’t be wasted on the living.
A Second Chicken Soup for the Woman's Soul
by Jack Canfield Mark Victor Hansen Marci Shimoff Jennifer Reade HawthorneThis latest collection of stories celebrates the shared experiences of being a woman in a 101 new ways. You will be moved by these true accounts of how women like you have embraced life's defining moments by finding love, dealing with loss, overcoming obstacles, and achieving their dreams and goals. Like spending time with a trusted friend, A Second Chicken Soup for the Woman's Soul will put difficult times into perspective, renew your faith in yourself, and make you aware of the miracles in your own life.
A Second Collection
by Bernard Lonergan William F.J. Ryan Bernard J. TyrrellThis collection of essays, addresses, and one interview come from the years 1966-73, a period during most of which Bernard Lonergan was at work completing his Method in Theology. The eighteen chapters cover a wide spectrum of interest, dealing with such general topics as 'The Absence of God in Modern Culture' and 'The Future of Christianity,' narrowing down through items such as 'Belief: Today's Issue' and more specialized theological and philosophical studies, to one on his own community in the church ('The Response of the Jesuit ...') and the illuminating comment on his great work Insight ('Insight Revisited').This book is a reprint of the first edition published in 1974, edited by William F.J. Ryan and Bernard J. Tyrrell of Gonzaga University, Spokane. The editors contribute an important introduction in which they emphasize that Lonergan's central concern is intentionality analysis, and that two major themes run through the papers: first, the clear emergence of the primacy of the fourth level of human consciousness, the existential level, the level of evaluation and love; secondly, the significance of historical consciousness. These papers, then, besides the unity they possess by appearing within the same seven year period, share a specific unity of theme.Bernard Lonergan (1904-1984), a professor of theology, taught at Regis College, Harvard University, and Boston College. An established author known for his Insight and Method in Theology, Lonergan received numerous honorary doctorates, was a Companion of the Order of Canada in 1971 and was named as an original members of the International Theological Commission by Pope Paul VI.
A Seeker's Guide to the Yoga Sutras: Modern Reflections on the Ancient Journey
by Ram BhaktAncient techniques for thriving in modern timesLiving a healthy, happy, and purposeful life starts with a clear and focused mind. A Seeker's Guide to the Yoga Sutras is an easy introduction to the lessons of Patanjali—graceful, concise explanations of spiritual truths. With short chapters that show you how to adapt these yoga sutras to modern life, you'll be on an accelerated journey of the soul.Need help falling asleep, controlling stress or anger, or just becoming a happier person? These teachings will help you do just that and more. According to this wisdom tradition, the mind, when truly understood, is an extraordinary tool that can take you to a state of total freedom.A Seeker's Guide to the Yoga Sutras includes:A map to peace—Concentration, manifestation, existentialism, and enlightenment are all explained.Daily exercises—Every chapter ends with an exercise or reflection to help you assimilate Patanjali's vision.Ancient tools, ideal for our time—The yoga sutras may date back centuries but feel utterly timely—and deeply necessary—for navigating modern lives.Find out how the teachings of this old practice can have a positive effect on your life with A Seeker's Guide to the Yoga Sutras.
A Sensory Journey: Meditations on Scent for Wellbeing
by Jennifer Peace RhindScent is often used to accompany meditation but is rarely the focus of it. This card set, which brings together ancient and contemporary understanding of the influence of aromatics on our wellbeing, is an introduction to meditating on scent and discovering the physical, emotional and spiritual benefits of beginning your own sensory journey. 'A Sensory Journey' guides and informs scent meditations. By meditating on the fragrance itself, rather than using it as an adjunct to other meditation rituals (through burning incense or scented candles), fragrance can go beyond merely enhancing or modifying our moods and become a key means to personal and spiritual growth. These cards, and the accompanying booklet and sensory map, explore different fragrances and make the benefits of scent meditation accessible to all. Each of the 24 cards, which are arranged in botanical groupings, features a scent description, an image of the botanical source, and inspirational words about the scent's evocative influence to help guide meditation. This unique and accessible card set is perfect for anyone interested in meditation, personal growth and the use of fragrance to enhance wellbeing.
A Shaman's Tale
by Richard L. AlanizAccording to a 2009 Harris Poll, 42% of American adults believe in ghosts and paranormal activities. Through candid and powerful anecdotes, meditation teacher and spiritual counselor Richard Alaniz guides his readers to an understanding of the purpose of spirit manifestations and multi-dimensional beings. A Shaman's Tale provides answers to questions about the paranormal, mysticism, and the mysteries of life and death. It is also an autobiographical narrative about one man's journey to spiritual awareness - a journey that is not a religious or political one, but one that transcends dimension, space, and time. Based on his experience as a shaman and his encounters with the paranormal, Richard Alaniz shows how paranormal experiences can illuminate a spirit world to those who are in search of higher consciousness.
A Shamanic Herbal: Plant Teachers and Animal Medicines
by Matthew Wood• Explores the alphabet of Nature personified in animals and the spiritual lessons of animal medicines—animals personified in plants—including Turtle, Bear, Deer, Wolf, Alligator, and Horse Medicine teachings• Shares profound experiences from the author&’s long career as an herbalist and his first years growing up on a remote Seminole reservation in the Everglades• Offers shamanic adventures interwoven with comparisons to the psychology of Freud and Jung, the visions of Castaneda, and the occult teachings of Steiner and GurdjieffSharing profound experiences from his long career as well as his first years growing up on a remote Seminole reservation in the Everglades, renowned herbalist Matthew Wood interweaves practical herbalism and the spiritual potency of Nature to deeply explore the plant teachers, animal medicines, and foundational principles of shamanism as a spiritual path.Wood describes a universal &“language of the shamans,&” based on direct, sometimes supernatural experiences as well as case studies from his practice. He examines the alphabet of Nature and spiritual lessons personified in animals and plants, especially &“animal medicines&”—when the plant looks like an animal. He shares accounts of Turtle Medicine plants for self-examination, Bear Medicine plants to open the imagination, and Wolf Medicine plants for wholeness and magic. He explores the plants of Alligator Medicine for healthful prosperity, Horse Medicine plants to bring the conscious self in harmony with the animal self, Badger Medicine plants to strengthen gut instincts, and many other herb and animal teachers. He also looks at plants associated with journeying to the spirit world through the medicine of Crane, Dragon, and Bat.Revealing the shamanic roots of his herbal teachings, Matthew Wood provides not only an inside view of his lifelong spiritual path but also an immersive and experiential guide to the shamanic wisdom of countless plant and animal teachers.
A Shining Affliction: A Story of Harm and Healing in Psychotherapy
by Annie G. RogersIn the midst of her work with Ben, a severely disturbed five-year-old, Annie is hospitalized with her own breakdown and must finally uncover where her history of childhood terror overlaps with Ben's and learn how her work in the field of psychotherapy involves great risks and great gifts.
A Shining Season: The True Story Of John Baker
by William Buchanan Norman Zollinger"This is not your usual account of a young man's death of cancer, but a lively and exceptional story of John Baker's determination to leave students with newfound skills and self-confidence. . . . a remarkable, uplifting story of hope and determination which shouldn't be missed. "--Bookwatch
A Short Guide to a Long Life
by David B. AgusIn his #1 New York Times bestselling book, The End of Illness, Dr. David B. Agus shared what he has learned from his work as a pioneering cancer doctor and researcher, revealing the innovative steps he takes to prolong the lives of not only cancer patients but all those hoping to enjoy a vigorous, lengthy life. Now Dr. Agus has turned his analysis into a practical and concise illustrated handbook for everyday living. He believes optimal health begins with our daily habits. A Short Guide to a Long Life is divided into three sections (What to Do, What to Avoid, and Doctor's Orders) that provide the definitive answers to many common and not-so-common questions: Who should take a baby aspirin daily? Are flu shots safe? What constitutes "healthy" foods? Why is it important to protect your senses? Are airport scanners hazardous? Dr. Agus will help you develop new patterns of personal health care using inexpensive and widely accessible tools that are based on the latest and most reliable science. Now go live life!uch as vitamins and supplements. A Short Guide to a Long Life is divided into three sections (What to Do, What to Avoid, and Doctor's Orders) that provide the definitive answers to many common and not-so-common questions: Who should take a baby aspirin daily? Are flu shots safe? Are vitamins bad for you? What is truly "fresh" produce? Why is it important to protect your senses? Are airport scanners hazardous? Dr. Agus' eye-opening responses will help you develop new, effective patterns of personal health care so you can maintain your health using the latest and most reliable science. Now go live life!
A Short Guide to a Long Life
by David B. AgusThe New York Times bestselling book of simple rules everyone should follow in order to live a long, healthy life, featuring illustrations throughout, from the author of The End of Illness.In his international bestseller, The End of Illness, Dr. David B. Agus shared what he has learned from his work as a pioneering cancer doctor, revealing the innovative steps he takes to prolong the lives of not only cancer patients, but all those who want to enjoy a vigorous, lengthy life. Now Dr. Agus has turned his research into a practical and concise illustrated handbook for everyday living. A Short Guide to a Long Life is divided into three sections (What to Do, What to Avoid, and Doctor's Orders) that provide the definitive answers to many common and not-so-common questions: Who should take a baby aspirin daily? Are flu shots safe? What constitutes "healthy" foods? Are airport scanners hazardous? Dr. Agus believes optimal health begins with our daily routines. His book will help you develop new patterns of personal health care, using inexpensive and widely available tools that are based on the latest and most reliable science. An accessible and essential handbook for preparing for visits to the doctor and maintaining control of your future, "A Short Guide to a Long Life explores the simple idea that a healthy tomorrow starts with good habits today" (Fortune).
A Short History of (Nearly) Everything Paranormal: Our Secret Powers: Telepathy, Clairvoyance and Precognition
by Terje SimonsenThe book on the paranormal, endorsed by consciousness experts as the best introduction to psychic phenomena, offering the latest scientific research as well as highly compelling anecdotes."Superb survey of the paranormal ... Although serious in content, it is written in a light, often humorous, style which is a delight to read. As someone who has myself made a lifelong study of the paranormal, I cannot recommend it highly enough." – New York Times bestselling author Herbie Brennan This is the most entertaining and broad survey of the paranormal ever made, combining forgotten lore, evidence from parapsychological experiments and the testament of scientists, archaeologists, anthropologists, psychologists, physicists and philosophers, and also quite a few celebrities. Exploring the possibility that paranormal phenomena may be – and that some most likely are – objectively real, this travelogue through the twilight zone of human consciousness is both scientifically rigorous and extremely entertaining. Readers may be surprised to learn that reputable scientists, among them several Nobel laureates, have claimed that telepathy is a reality, that Cleopatra's lost palace and Richard III's burial place were recovered by means of clairvoyance, and that an espionage program using psychics was set up by the US military! The author proposes that all humans (perhaps all living beings) are linked together in a sort of "mental internet" that allows us to exchange "telepathic emails" and make clairvoyant downloads of information. Could it be that what we usually call "supernatural" is a natural but little understood communication via this mental internet? An engaging, entertaining and informative analysis of a controversial subject, in which these phenomena are approached as potential expressions of unexplained powers of the human mind.
A Short Introduction to Counselling (Short Introductions to the Therapy Professions)
by Sally AldridgeAre you thinking of embarking on professional counselling training and in need of a clear overview of the therapy profession? Well look no further! This down-to-earth guide will provide you with the ideal 'way-in' by explaining what it really means to become a professional counsellor - what is involved in training and real-life practice. Sally Aldridge, Director of Registers at BACP, will take you step-by-step though what 'counselling' actually is; introducing its basic concepts, historical development, research base and structure of the profession. Demonstrating the far-reaching influence of counselling, the book will show you how its concepts have been applied beyond the consulting room and examine the recent place of counselling in the NHS and wider mental health care.
A Short Walk Home
by David Cry J. K. SimmonsA Short Walk Home is a heartfelt and inspirational memoir of a father raising and ultimately losing a child to the neurological disorder adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD). Exploring the full extent to which a disease like ALD can shape and affect a life, as both David Cry and his family try to come to grips with the inevitable conclusion to their struggles, A Short Walk Home captures the helplessness and anger that every parent feels at being unable to save their children.Presented in prose both simple and true, A Short Walk Home shows us how to find peace and acceptance--at a time when we need it most. Drawn from the author's personal experience, as well as years of working with individuals and families suffering from ALD, Cry's story is at once both very personal, and very accessible--a story of appreciating what you have, making the most of the time you have left, and finding solace in the face of grief.Contrasting sadness with hope, vulnerability with strength, and frustration with acceptance, A Short Walk Home demonstrates that grief, no matter how great, can give way to a greater understanding.From the Trade Paperback edition.
A Sick Day for Amos McGee
by Philip C. Stead Erin E. SteadTHE BEST SICK DAY EVER and the animals in the zoo feature in this striking picture book debut. Friends come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. In Amos McGee's case, all sorts of species, too! Every day he spends a little bit of time with each of his friends at the zoo, running races with the tortoise, keeping the shy penguin company, and even reading bedtime stories to the owl. But when Amos is too sick to make it to the zoo, his animal friends decide it's time they returned the favor A Sick Day for Amos McGee is a 2011 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year and the winner of the 2011 Caldecott Medal. Images and image descriptions available.
A Sick Life: TLC 'n Me: Stories from On and Off the Stage
by Tionne WatkinsA candid memoir of fame, strength, family, and friendship from the lead singer of TLCAs the lead singer of Grammy-winning supergroup TLC, Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins has seen phenomenal fame, success, and critical acclaim. But backstage, she has lived a dual life. In addition to the balancing act of juggling an all-consuming music career and her family, Tionne has struggled her whole life with sickle-cell disease—a debilitating and incurable condition that can render her unable to perform, walk, or even breathe.A Sick Life chronicles Tionne’s journey from a sickly young girl in Des Moines who was told she wouldn’t live to see 30 through her teen years in Atlanta to how she broke into the music scene and became the superstar musician and sickle-cell disease advocate she is today. Through Tionne’s tough, funny, tell-it-like-it-is voice, she shares how she found the inner strength, grit, and determination to live her dream, despite her often unpredictable and debilitating health issues. She dives deep into never-before-told TLC stories, including accounts of her friendship with Lisa “Left-Eye” Lopes and her tragic death. Tionne’s unvarnished discussion of her remarkable life, disease, unending strength, and ability to power through the odds offers a story like no other.
A Sideways Look at Time
by Jay Griffiths"A wonderful, delightfully humorous polemic against everything wrong with the way we deal with time today. " (The Independent[London], Books of the Year) "An irresistibly provocative and political analysis of time in our personal lives. . . . Her wittily enthusiastic thesis is that time has too long been used as a tool to power: as a manifesto it could cause a revolution. " (The Times[London], Books of the Year) "A Sideways Look at Timedoes for time what Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenancedid for philosophy. . . With this book Griffiths may just have beaten the clock. Passionately written and cogently argued, it's a book you should make time to read. (Time Out London) Why does time seem so short? How does women's time differ from men's? Why does time seem to move slowly in the countryside and quickly in cities? In A Sideways Look at Time, Jay Griffiths takes readers on a mind-bending tour of time as we know it. In this delightfully eye-opening book that poet Gary Snyder calls "an exercise indeed in Dharma, poetry, and philosophy," Griffiths reintroduces us to dimensions of time that are largely forgotten today. She presents an infectious argument for other, more extraordinary times, the diverse cycles of nature, of folktale or of carnival, when time is unlimited and on our side. This book could change the way we view time-forever.
A Simple Guide to Experience Miracles: Instruction and Inspiration for Living Supernaturally in Christ
by J. P. MorelandDoes God Still Do Miracles Today? A Simple Guide to Experience Miracles will give you confidence in and awareness of the supernatural realm as you learn how to flourish spiritually by experiencing more miraculous interventions in your life and ministry. Internationally renowned philosopher J. P. Moreland looks at the nature of miracles and explains why bearing and receiving credible testimony to God's miraculous acts is a crucial feature of a mature Jesus-follower. He also shows how to distinguish a real miracle from a mere coincidence. Miracles bring comfort to believers, strengthening faith in God and creating boldness in our lives.While miraculous healings have occurred frequently throughout church history, Moreland provides data showing how the last fifty years have seen a massive outbreak of miracles and supernatural activity. Today, he argues, the church should humbly expect to see more of these miraculous works of God than we do.Moreland looks at topics like:The relationship between sickness and suffering, along with two different ways to pray for healingHow to discern clearly the difference between a genuine miracle and a mere coincidenceHow to increase your faith that petitionary prayer really works and what to make of unanswered prayerSix ways God speaks to us and advice for hearing God wisely and biblicallyThe role angels play in our lives, how they appear to us, and how to combat demonic influenceThe biblical basis for most Near-Death Experiences and what we can learn from themA Simple Guide to Experience Miracles increases your expectation and hope that God can and often does miraculously intervene to bring help and comfort. Moreland shows that it makes rational sense to step out and engage in employing Kingdom power and to strengthen courage to witness and act on behalf of the gospel of Jesus. Filled with inspiring, credible, motivating accounts of miracles, he covers five different kinds of supernatural activities and provides practical wisdom about how to begin practices such as healing prayer and learning to deal with the demonic.
A Simple Guide to Thyroid Disorders: From Diagnosis to Treatment
by Scott Isaacs Paul Ruggieri Jack Allen KuslerDo You Have a Thyroid Disorder? If your doctor has told you that you have a thyroid disorder, perhaps you feel some relief in having pinpointed the source of your troublesome symptoms. As you may know, thyroid ailments often elude a diagnosis since they may mimic other illnesses. Now that you have a diagnosis, becoming informed will help you receive better health care. The authors, specialists in thyroid treatment, can help you understand both the complex function of your thyroid and how your disorder can best be treated. In A Simple Guide to Thyroid Disorders, they take special care to lay out the basics in a reader-friendly way. Among the topics they discuss: · medical tests you need to diagnose thyroid problems · hypothyroidism...symptoms and treatment · hyperthyroidism...symptoms and treatment · coping with emotional highs and lows · dealing with thyroid-related weight problems · medications and surgeries for thyroid disorders · thyroid nodules and cancers A Simple Guide to a Complex Disorder
A Simple Table: Recipes & rituals for a life in balance
by Chi-San Wan Natali StajcicGrounded in the belief that 'less is more', A Simple Table is about a shared love for a natural, balanced and sustainable way of living, good food and drink, and the simple measures we can take to have a healthier body and mind. Chi and Natali's easy recipes are brimming with beautiful flavours, full of fresh, whole foods that provide energy for the challenges of modern life. Gently guiding you towards ingredients that nourish your body, nothing is 'forbidden'; rather their focus is on uncomplicated food and on helping you to make simple, nutritionally-engaged switches to your store cupboard, so that you can eat healthy, natural food and live well.A Simple Table will inspire readers to cook with the seasons, embrace local produce and cook from scratch. Whether you are coming home late from work and need a quick yet wholesome supper, planning a weekend brunch with friends, or want to get your day off to the best possible start with a breakfast that will nourish and sustain you through your morning, there is something here for every occasion. In addition to the recipes, the book offers rituals that instil calm within a busy daily routine; from natural beauty and tips for sleeping, to gentle movement, meditation and daily gratitude. The authors present a refreshing modern approach to everyday living, and their aspirational message and calming tone cannot fail to inspire readers to bring the same balance to their own lives.Amid the pressures and demands of modern life, A Simple Table will encourage us to stay grounded. Feed your body and soul with this stunning book and support and sustain the way you live and eat now.'I love these girls and their approach to food and life, I'd like to sit around their table everyday' Anna Jones, author of A Modern Way to Cook
A Simple Table: Recipes & rituals for a life in balance
by Chi-San Wan Natali StajcicGrounded in the belief that 'less is more', A Simple Table is about a shared love for a natural, balanced and sustainable way of living, good food and drink, and the simple measures we can take to have a healthier body and mind. Chi and Natali's easy recipes are brimming with beautiful flavours, full of fresh, whole foods that provide energy for the challenges of modern life. Gently guiding you towards ingredients that nourish your body, nothing is 'forbidden'; rather their focus is on uncomplicated food and on helping you to make simple, nutritionally-engaged switches to your store cupboard, so that you can eat healthy, natural food and live well.A Simple Table will inspire readers to cook with the seasons, embrace local produce and cook from scratch. Whether you are coming home late from work and need a quick yet wholesome supper, planning a weekend brunch with friends, or want to get your day off to the best possible start with a breakfast that will nourish and sustain you through your morning, there is something here for every occasion. In addition to the recipes, the book offers rituals that instil calm within a busy daily routine; from natural beauty and tips for sleeping, to gentle movement, meditation and daily gratitude. The authors present a refreshing modern approach to everyday living, and their aspirational message and calming tone cannot fail to inspire readers to bring the same balance to their own lives.Amid the pressures and demands of modern life, A Simple Table will encourage us to stay grounded. Feed your body and soul with this stunning book and support and sustain the way you live and eat now.'I love these girls and their approach to food and life, I'd like to sit around their table everyday' Anna Jones, author of A Modern Way to Cook
A Single Door: Social Work with the Families of Disabled Children (Routledge Library Editions: Children and Disability #Vol. 8)
by Caroline GlendinningFirst published in 1986, this study explores the increased public concern with policies of ‘community care’ and their effects on informal carers, at that time. It looks at the widespread evidence that one particular group of informal carers- parents looking after their severely disabled child- lack information, advice and a co-ordinated pattern of supporting services. The author, who carried out research on disabled children and their families for a number of years, describes in detail a low-cost experimental project in which specialist social workers set out to remedy these shortcomings. Drawing on the results of this particular study, the author argues strongly for widespread assignment of ‘key’ social workers to this and other groups of informal carers. Despite being written in the mid-1980s, this book discusses topic that will still be of interest and use today.
A Sky for Us
by Kristin Russell“A stirring, powerful, and heart-wrenching story of coming-of-age, falling in love, and trying to lead a life of dignity.” — Jeff Zenter, Morris Award-Winning Author of The Serpent King“Driven by mystery and peppered with themes relevant to young readers such as identity, betrayal, and romance. A bleak yet compelling portrayal of Appalachian mountain life.” — Kirkus Reviews“Complex and realistic…written with impressive nuance and strength. Russell’s debut offers a moving picture of a specific time and place.” — ALA Booklist“A gritty portrait of poverty and the opioid crisis in the rural South… Readers will be reminded of plotlines from Riverdale, and will appreciate the thoughtful character development and suspenseful pacing.” — School Library Journal“The romance between Harlowe and Tennessee is the story’s focus, but Harlowe’s relationships with his family…will linger most with readers. Debut author Russell faithfully renders the distinctive cultural norms and stark realities of Appalachian life, including the depth of poverty, while reminding readers of the region’s beauty and resilience. Along the way, she sends a subtle message that embracing one’s background, rather than fighting against it, can provide a road to the future.” — Publishers Weekly“Harlowe’s melancholy narration makes this satisfying backcountry noir from the start... a vivid portrayal of a county literally and figuratively stained and disfigured by the mine, in which it’s nearly impossible to thrive and from which it’s nearly impossible to escape.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
A Sky of Infinite Blue: A Japanese Immigrant's Search for Home and Self
by Kyomi O'ConnorGold Medal in Women’s Literature, Next Generation Indie Book Award “Beautiful Story of endurance and hope, reminding women to seek the same. Wonderful cover design and layout. The author's ability to inspire readers is exceptional.”—Tisha Martin, Next Generation Indie Book Award JudgeFrom an early age, Kyomi’s life was filled with emotional difficulties—an adulterous father, an overreliant mother, and a dismissive extended family. In an effort to escape the darkness of her existence in Japan, Kyomi moved to the States in February 1990 to start a new life as a researcher working at NIH in Bethesda, MD. Soon, she fell in love with her husband-to-be: Patrick, a warm, charismatic British cancer researcher whose unconditional love and support helped her begin to heal the traumas of her past. Eventually, their journey together led them to change their careers and move to San Diego, CA, where they dedicated themselves to a Buddhism practice that changed both their lives—aiding them in their spiritual growth and in realizing their desire to help others. Then Patrick was diagnosed with stage IV metastatic melanoma in the brain—and, after a fierce, three-year-long battle against his cancer, died on July 4, 2016. Devastated, Kyomi spent a year lost in grief. But when she one day began to write, she discovered that doing so allowed her to uncover truths about herself, her life history, and her relationship with Patrick. In the process, she surfaced many old, unhealed wounds—but ultimately writing became her daily spiritual practice, and many truths emerged out of the darkness. After many years of struggle and searching, Kyomi finally found the love and light that had existed within her all along.