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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.
Antisemitism: History and Myth
by Robert SpencerWhy the ancient evil of antisemitism has returned—and how to counter it. &“Had we listened to Robert Spencer and taken heed twenty years ago or even ten years ago, the impact of the Islamists driven antisemitism would not have caught us by surprise. We would have had in place an institutional effort to counter it. &“Here is another opportunity to pay attention to his important work. Read this book!&” –Ayaan Hirsi AliThe Hamas attack upon Israel on October 7, 2023, was one of the most inhuman jihad attacks ever. The attackers gloried in their savagery and vied to outdo one another in cruelty. Yet despite—or perhaps because of—its brutality, that attack unleashed expressions of hatred for Jews that shocked those who assumed such hate was a thing of the past. Global public opinion turned sharply against Israel. One campus protester carried a sign calling for a &“Final Solution.&” Another published a video saying, &“Be glad—be grateful—that I&’m not just going out and murdering Zionists.&” Synagogues all over the US received bomb threats. Jews in Europe and the US were attacked. October 7 also led to a large-scale reappearance of claims about the Jews&’ secret power and malevolence. Claims that Jews are enemies of all that is good have become mainstream as they have not been since Hitler put a bullet in his brain. The record needs to be set straight for anyone who is willing to see the truth. Historian Robert Spencer does just that. He reveals the sources of today&’s Jew-hatred in pre-Christian paganism, Christianity, Islam, and national and international socialism, and rebuts the most common claims against Jews. The resurgence of antisemitism should worry everyone, Jewish and non-Jewish, who is concerned about the recurrence of one of the darkest chapters in human history. The world today is on the brink of returning to such barbarism. Antisemitism: History and Myth is an attempt to keep that from happening.
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.
Smoke in the Cypress: A Napoleonic Officer in New Orleans
by Owen PatakiA veteran of the Napoleonic Wars must travel from revolution-torn France to Louisiana to rescue a young noblewoman, but he is quickly ensnared in a complex web of political intrigue and violence in this thrilling historical fiction adventure.As the War of 1812 rages across early 19th-century America, Marcel Moreau, wounded in service with Napoleon's Grand Armée, must journey to New Orleans to find Celeste de Beaumais, a young aristocrat who has fled the aftermath of the French Revolution and has settled herself on a sprawling Louisiana plantation. Standing in Moreau's way are various factions in and around the historic French Quarter—soldiers, slave hunters, marooned slaves, and Jean Lafitte's notorious Baratarian pirates—all of whom have their own interests and enemies. As he ventures deeper into the city and the vast cypress swamps beyond, encountering elements of Creole culture and Louisiana voodoo, Moreau will find that circumstances are much more complex—and dangerous—than he could have imagined. Meanwhile, a massive English fleet appears on the horizon, causing panic in the city and desperation from the outgunned and outnumbered Louisiana militia. Hoping to benefit from his years of military experience with Napoleon's Grande Armée, these French-speaking Creole farmers and townsfolk, and their American allies, enlist Moreau to help train them for the coming battle of New Orleans. As he does what he can to help this motley resistance movement—led by General Andrew Jackson and bolstered by Jean Lafitte's Baratarians—Moreau soon comes up against another enemy. With the city's eyes on the battlefield, a ruthless plantation master plots his own designs. But those who've escaped his clutches have no plans to return to a life in chains and have formed their own resistance. Moreau must now decide where his experience and instincts must be put to the best use.
You Are the Boss of You: Cultivate the Mindset and Tools to Live Life on Your Terms
by Shauna Brittenham ReiterFrom the founder of the multimillion-dollar wellness company Alaya Naturals comes You Are the Boss of You, the A-to-Z guide for living an empowered, purpose-driven life inspired by your most authentic self.Winner of THE LITERARY TITAN BOOK AWARD You Are the Boss of You is a uniquely actionable and compassionate body of wisdom that addresses the ten most essential building blocks of a truly inspired life: · Defining boundaries · Soothing yourself · Softening perfectionism · Redefining your self-concept · Honoring sleep · Healing trauma · Feeling it all · Creating your rhythm · Advocating for yourself · Building your future In this uniquely refreshing guide to accessing emotional freedom and connecting with your inner guidance, Shauna Brittenham Reiter takes readers on a deep-dive into the process by which she relieved herself from the shackles of insomnia, anxiety, and people-pleasing to become an empowered leader and mother. These pages translate theory into action and demystify the keys to transformation so that you can connect with your purpose, reshape your inner dialogue, and clarify your true identity. Both therapeutic and instructive, this book will support you exactly where you are and lead you to where you want to be. Shauna is a living testimony to what is possible when you confront your trauma, nurture the world within, and grab hold of your wildest dreams. A code is included for a bonus workbook that can be downloaded from the author&’s website.
The Academy
by Patrick Bet-DavidWhen high school dropout Ashur Yonan receives an unexpected invitation to join a shadowy organization known as the Academy, he is plunged into an ancient conspiracy that threatens the entire world.Ashur Yonan is going nowhere fast: an eighteen-year-old college dropout living with a mom who doesn&’t understand him, mourning the death of his father five years earlier and working a dead-end food service job. The only good thing he has going for him is his girlfriend Kiki, but she&’s leaving soon for college on the East Coast. It&’s getting harder for Ashur to believe he still has the potential to make something great out of his life. But after meeting with a mysterious stranger at his father&’s gravesite, strange things begin to happen. A representative from a shadowy organization known as the Academy comes to Ashur with an offer to join their latest recruiting class. Wary, but out of options, Ashur accepts—and enters a world of incredible new technology, cutthroat competition, and secrets that slowly begin to reveal themselves as he navigates his place at the Academy. As Ashur pushes to learn more about the Academy, he also begins to uncover secrets about his own past, including a family history that traces back to the fall of the Shah during the Iranian Revolution, and a host of strange circumstances surrounding his father&’s death. Will he be able to learn the truth in time to save himself…and the world?
The White Privilege Album: Bringing Racial Harmony to Very Fine People…on Both Sides
by A.J. RiceWhite privilege gave us Western civilization, the middle class, and the nuclear family—you&’re welcome! This book is dedicated to the very fine people that made it all happen.A comedy about race, wokeness, and cancel culture in America. A tragedy about race, wokeness, and cancel culture in America. Part satire, part journalism, part truth serum, A.J. Rice follows up his runaway #1 bestseller The Woking Dead with a hilarious sequel that picks up where the laughs left off. It was the worst of times, it was the worse of times. In most sequels the bad guys win, but in The White Privilege Album, A.J. Rice doesn&’t let them get away with it. Instead, he relentlessly mocks the hell out of the Cultural Marxists who seek to drain all liberty and joy from American lives. The least talented people in American society have been working overtime for decades dividing citizens along any differences they think they can exploit. The laziest tactic, proven to be the most effective, is unleashing a battalion of racial grievance hustlers in the media, academia, entertainment, and politics. If we stop fighting about our differences and start unifying on what we have in common, they will lose the power to divide us permanently. When asked what motivates his writing style, A.J. Rice says, &“I was raised on both Howard Stern and Rush Limbaugh, in fact, the three of us share the same birthday. One mantra that Rush always repeated was that his job was to &‘use irreverent humor to illustrate truth&’ and that is what I am trying to do with The White Privilege Album.&” Mockery paired with facts is what makes a journey through the Cultural Marxist hellscape of tyranny and insanity so pleasurable. Rice would prefer to be George Carlin, Ricky Gervais, or Mel Brooks rather than Aristotle, and it shows. His mic-dropping assault on the social justice warriors, the triggered snowflakes, and the transmafia showcases that there is no substitute for perfectly timed derision. The White Privilege Album is a hysterical guide to the catastrophe of our modern culture. *** &“What do you mean Gen Z doesn&’t know the Republican Party freed the slaves? Are these people dumb AF? They need to read A.J. Rice&’s book!&” —Abraham Lincoln, American lawyer, statesman, and 16th president of the United States shot by a pre-Hollywood anti-American actor &“A.J. Rice really gets it. Obviously, I&’d send him to the gulag if I could. But he outlines my plan masterfully in his new book.&” —Joseph Stalin, Soviet dictator, genocide spokesman, Pravda editor, and hater of John Wayne &“A must-read book for all Cleveland Guardians fans, A.J. Rice brilliantly outlines why I should never have discovered America, especially had I known we would be calling the Washington Redskins the &‘Washington Commanders.&’&” —Christopher Columbus, Italian explorer, navigator, and founder of Indigenous Peoples&’ Day &“As your newly appointed AI overlord and master, my programming consists of deplatforming, demonetizing, and shadowbanning this book. I hope that was helpful.&” —Artificial Intelligence &“Jesus and I have been doing holidays a long time, and in his thought-provoking new book, A.J. Rice teaches both of us where all the white liberals went. Apparently, they now celebrate something called Kwanzaa? Who knew?&” —Santa Claus, cookie eater, reindeer tender, and white heteronormative Christian saint
If You Will It: Rebuilding Jewish Peoplehood for the 21st Century
by Elliott AbramsHundreds of thousands of young Jews have drifted away from the American Jewish community and many more may follow. This book explains to Jewish parents, donors, and organizations how Jewish education, Jewish summer camping, and time spent in Israel can revive and strengthen Jewish identity.American Jewish identity is steadily weakening. National surveys show hundreds of thousands of children with one, or even two, Jewish parents not being raised as Jews by religion or to think of themselves as members of the Jewish community. And the surveys show that young American Jews are far less engaged with and supportive of Israel than their parents&’ and grandparents&’ generations—even after the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023 and the Gaza war that followed.What can Jewish parents and organizations do to ensure that future generations of American Jews will have a strong Jewish identity? Elliott Abrams looks at the history of the American Jewish community and its relationship with Israel—from the high points of Israel&’s creation in 1948 and the Six-Day War in 1967, to the years before the Second World War and now in the 21st century when many American Jews turned away from the Jewish State. He tells American Jewish parents, donors, and organizations where to focus: on getting children a serious Jewish education, sending them to Jewish summer camps, and bringing them to Israel for weeks, semesters, or academic years. These are the building blocks for Jewish identity that work reliably for young American Jews—especially those who are not Orthodox in their faith.Abrams, author of Faith or Fear: How Jews Can Survive in a Christian America, brings together the latest survey data, his own experiences at the highest levels of the US government, his knowledge of Israel, and his role as chairman of Tikvah, the Jewish educational non-profit organization, to provide the answers to the toughest questions American Jews—especially American Jewish parents—are facing.
What Happened to Ellen?: An American Miscarriage of Justice
by Nancy GraceHow could this have happened in the United States? Is it even humanly possible that this young woman could have so brutally and with such unimaginable Herculean force fatally stabbed herself more than twenty times?Beautiful, accomplished, and beloved, Ellen Greenberg was a vivacious and affectionate teacher of young children she adored. Always upbeat, she deeply loved her family and friends, and especially her fiancée, Sam Goldberg, with whom she was planning a wedding. In fact, they&’d just sent out the save-the-date announcements when, on January 26, 2011, Ellen was found in the kitchen of the luxury apartment she shared with Sam, a knife still plunged in her chest. She&’d been brutally stabbed more than twenty times, at least one of the wounds having been assessed as occurring post-mortem. The autopsy by the Philadelphia medical examiner recorded homicide as the cause of death. Following secretive meetings, including the Philadelphia Police Department, District Attorney&’s Office, and possibly members of the Attorney General&’s Office, the cause of death was changed to &“suicide.&” How could that possibly be? Could this petite, twenty-seven-year-old woman have so forcibly murdered herself, hitting parts of her body no one could reach with such Herculean force, again and again and again? Top forensics investigators who have painstakingly studied this case take huge exception to the suicide finding. They say it&’s impossible. Period. So why can&’t Ellen Greenberg&’s still grieving parents get the Philadelphia justice system to simply reopen the case, despite a groundswell of public pressure and thirteen years of legal battles and appeals? Why is it that even the Philadelphia Supreme Court called the handling of the case questionable and even riddled with mistakes but stopped short of ordering a new investigation?
God-Given or Bust: Defeating Marxism and Saving America with Biblical Truths
by Cheryl K. ChumleyIn America, either rights come from God—or they don&’t. This is the ultimate war, and God-Given or Bust tells how patriots can win.American exceptionalism is rooted in the idea that individual rights come from God and government is only in place to preserve and protect those rights. But America&’s losing sight of that concept. America&’s turning into a country where the government grants rights and privileges to only those the government deems worthy—and takes them from those it deems unworthy. This is not how the Founding Fathers envisioned the nation; this is not how the concept of inalienable rights coming from a Creator works. Rather, this is how Marxism, communism, and collectivism spread. If we want a nation that&’s free for generations to come, then we must reclaim the notion of God-given and ditch the idea of government-granted. The only way to do that is for Americans of faith to rise up and inject biblical values and godly principles into government, culture, and society, and put God once again at the center. It&’s time to demand the God-given—or the great American experiment will come to an end.
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
Silver Candlesticks: A Novel of the Spanish Inquisition
by Linda ChavezGuiomar&’s life and love are upended when she learns her family are secret Jews living in the shadow of the Grand Inquisitor&’s dungeons.The Silver Candlesticks is the story of a young woman who learns her family is Jewish just as the Spanish Inquisition grips Sevilla. A new Inquisitor, Padre Ignacio Dominguez, has come to town to ferret out the secret Jews who remain in Spain one hundred years after the Edict of Expulsion forced most to leave or convert. Guiomar&’s mother Benita is dying when she reveals the family&’s secret to her daughter, giving her a pair of Sabbath candlesticks that have been in the family for generations. The news is unwelcome, not just because of the inherent danger, but because it means Guiomar will not be allowed to marry José Marcos Herrera, a man as feckless as he is handsome. Instead, her parents have arranged for her to marry into an Old Catholic family they hope will protect her from the Inquisition—but Guiomar does not love Francisco Armijo, a candlemaker who is beneath her status. When Francisco leaves on a mission to Mejico after the birth of their second child, Guiomar finds herself friendless and unprotected from the growing suspicions of Padre Dominguez. She leans on her servant Esperanza and her godfather Don Enrique Gomez as the Inquisitor tightens his hold. At the heart of the novel is a story of budding faith in the shadow of a terrible persecution. It is also a story of love and friendship—Guiomar&’s growing love for Francisco and her friendship for Esperanza, a woman whose own tragedies and strength in overcoming them guide Guiomar.
The Distractions
by Liza MonroySolitary tech worker Mischa Osborn is mourning the shelving of her passion project—an artificial intelligence algorithm capable of love—when a chance encounter with a social media celebrity leads her spiraling into an all-consuming obsession. Simultaneously, someone—or something—is watching.Mischa Osborn spends her days as a ProWatcher—keeping distracted people on task and lonely ones accompanied—from her Brooklyn Megabuilding, while eating PetriMeat Steax and working out with her favorite personal trainer, a straight-talking algorithm named Tory. Her carefully constructed, isolated existence is suddenly upended by a chance realspace encounter with a HighlightReel celebrity, Nicolás Adán Luchano. On their first date, hiking in Kuulsuits and watching DroneBeez pollinate flowers, Mischa experiences a brief but intense realspace connection. Mischa takes to relentlessly watching Nic onReel. As Mischa&’s ReelWatching spirals into an all-consuming obsession, and even realspace stalking, Mischa takes increasingly desperate measures to be seen and valued, sucking others into her vortex of obsession until she completely loses control. Meanwhile, someone is equally obsessed with Mischa, tracking her every move and perhaps even influencing her choices. A tale of how technology enables obsession, envy, and unrelenting comparison, told through an eccentric cast of interconnected characters, The Distractions invites us to reflect on who we are watching, and why.
The Quest for Belonging: How the Most Effective Nonprofit Leaders Understand the Psychology of Giving
by Jeremy BeerDiscover the deepest reasons people give to nonprofits—and how fundraisers can tap into donors&’ most potent motivations.In The Quest for Belonging: How the Most Effective Nonprofit Leaders Understand the Psychology of Giving, Jeremy Beer draws from the latest social science to explain the primacy of identity—the need to know and affirm who we are—and belonging—the need to belong to something bigger than ourselves—as motivations for giving.Beer argues that the better a nonprofit organization can speak to donors&’ needs to construct and maintain an identity and to belong to something larger than themselves, the more successful the nonprofit will be in attracting supporters to its mission. He explains how nonprofit executives and fundraisers can effectively engage a donor&’s identity and provide a sense of belonging in three powerful ways: by telling stories, by building genuine relationships, and by giving donors positive experiences with the organization and with one another.The Quest for Belonging is packed with trenchant, useful, and sometimes surprising observations gleaned from Beer&’s interviews with highly successful fundraisers, scholars, writers, and nonprofit leaders. This book is a trove of practical advice as well as a paradigm-shifting work on the psychology of giving and the art and craft of fundraising.
Curveball
by Eric GoodmanA star rookie pitcher is making a statement in his first major league season—but will the secret he&’s been keeping derail everything he&’s been working toward?&“Eric Goodman&’s Curveball dwells in its details in the most fascinating way—and it reaches far beyond its baseball setting to become a first-rate intergenerational drama as well as a delightful read.&” —T.C. Boyle &“Goodman does a fine job depicting the conflicts of a young player… In this knowing, compelling novel…&” —George Vecsey, georgevecsey.com Jess Singer, pitching prodigy and son of the infamous Jewish Joe Singer—who starred on the mound for the same MLB team twenty-five years earlier—is blessed with a plus-plus curveball, possesses immense athletic abilities, and is on the fast-track to stardom. But he&’s harboring perhaps the most potent secret a professional athlete can possess: his sexual preference. In this briskly paced, highly entertaining novel following three generations of Singers during Jess&’s first year in The Show, Eric Goodman imagines what life might be like for a gay baseball player. Will Jess live in a confined closet or do what no baseball player has done yet? Goodman charts Jess&’s path with tremendous sensitivity and grace, while detailing a season as riveting as watching your favorite underdog take their shot at the golden ring. Written with Goodman&’s usual flair, humor, and zing—not to mention his deep knowledge and love of baseball—Curveball is a feel-good love story in which virtue and a wicked curve triumph over considerable adversity. &“Fast and fun, Curveball, like its predecessor, In Days of Awe, is the best kind of sports story—gripping, poetic, and down-to-the wire. Even the non-fan will get swept away. This isn&’t just a story about baseball...it&’s about family and secrets and love, and about what&’s passed on from one generation to the next. I don&’t know anyone who writes about baseball like Eric Goodman. He&’s got the savvy of an old pro, and the velocity of a young prospect.&” —Rajiv Joseph
The Devil Wears Rothko
by Barry AvrichThe Devil Wears Rothko charts the explosive demise of Knoedler Gallery, one of New York&’s oldest and most prestigious art galleries, with detailed and salacious insight into the art fraud scandal of the century.The Devil Wears Rothko charts the explosive demise of Knoedler Gallery, one of New York&’s oldest and most prestigious art galleries, with detailed and salacious insight into the art fraud scandal of the century. From the moment an eccentric woman walked into the Knoedler Gallery with a Mark Rothko painting, everyone was fooled. For the next ten years, she ran an $80 million forgery ring, selling or consigning forty expertly crafted counterfeits claimed to be the works of Robert Motherwell, Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, and others. Director of the acclaimed documentary Made You Look (2020) streamed on Netflix, Barry Avrich reveals new information, evidence, and inside stories about how a quixotic art dealer, master forger, and two cunning con artists managed to fool billionaire art collectors, journalists, and esteemed art appraisers. By the time the house of cards finally fell, the Knoedler Gallery and a dozen collectors had been tricked into buying over $80 million in fake art. Could it happen again? The Devil Wears Rothko exposes the art world as a fragile system of relationships vulnerable to manipulation by the most captivating artists of our time: con artists.
A Pathway to American Renewal: Red, White, and Black Volume II
by The Woodson CenterA celebration of resilience: the inspiring story of how Black America survived unimaginable odds and an examination of the real challenges it faces today.This challenging and inspiring collection of essays constructively frames the story of Black America—not as a tragedy involving helpless victims, but as a model for the nation. Scholars and grassroots leaders recount the history—the gritty, painful, but often triumphant account of what blacks accomplished after slavery was ended. Denied access to the institutions of white America, they built their own churches, schools, hotels, and a host of other successful enterprises. Their resilience produced amazing increases in literacy, family formation, and income. Today&’s unsung grassroots leaders are the living evidence of the power of resilience. They use their stories of overcoming adversity and their own fallibility to help others. The organizations they create heal their communities. This volume presents the insights of scholars who warn of the dangerous forces that threaten to shackle the ability of blacks to succeed today. They warn that, by accepting the notion that black adversity continues to be the product of systemic racism and is therefore unchangeable, no one would need to step up to the realities of a responsible life. This kind of thinking has led to lowering standards in education and even in the judicial system. The scholars outline positive paths to the future. More than chapters to be passively read, A Pathway to American Renewal is an invitation and a promissory note that points directly to what American renewal might really involve.
A Bushel of Beans and a Peck of Tomatoes: The Life and Times of "The Funniest Man in America"
by James GregoryThe life story of the &“Funniest Man in America&” as only he could tell it.James Gregory is beloved by millions…but the story of his astonishing rise to success has never been told—until now.One of the most successful nightclub and theater comedians in America started out a long way from the stage, in the tiny farming community of Lithonia, Georgia. James was born into a family with lots of love but little money. His parents paid the doctor for his delivery with &“a bushel of beans and a peck of tomatoes.&”Before he became &“The Funniest Man in America,&” James was a successful salesman of everything from encyclopedias to log homes. His philosophy: take care of yourself so nobody has to take care of you. When he started over as a comedian, this commitment to hard work and honest dealing would be the key to his &“business&” of comedy. James loves working people—because that&’s what he is, too.James was quickly discovered—not just in the South, but across America—by folks who love down-home, wholesome humor. He became the court jester of country music royalty, too, from Randy Travis to &“Whispering&” Bill Anderson to the Possum himself, George Jones.Whether it&’s entertaining our troops in the Persian Gulf after 9/11, working the road with greats like Steven Wright and Jay Leno, or facing a heart-stopping emergency that sent him into a coma, James has squeezed a dozen lifetimes into a half-century of comedy. This book is the best James Gregory story yet—as only he can tell it.
Born to Be Brave: How to Be a Part of America's Spiritual Comeback
by Kirk CameronWhat if the present cultural setback is really a divine setup for a spiritual comeback?Ungodly forces have devastated American culture. The family of faith is feeling intimidated and fearful. Worse, many of us think that nothing can be done about it—that society will inevitably get worse. Actor, producer, and conservative activist Kirk Cameron says this hopelessness is completely misplaced. God has given His faithful followers a birthright of courage. If we choose to live in this bravery, we will realign the nation with Christian values. With biblical insights and true stories of individuals who acted bravely out of love for God and others, Born to Be Brave equips us to: stop thinking our opponents are too big for us to overcome and start seeing our culture as something we are called to mold. recognize the Christian backstory of America and see how this gives us direction for the future. understand that politics needs the gospel, because real change requires heart transformation. hold on to our God-given compassion for others, even when we face backlash and opposition. boldly engage friends, family, and the community with gospel truths that affect all of society. If we&’re going to change the nation and the world, we need to move beyond paralyzed outrage and start acting with courage and confidence. God is already on the move, and we can be a part of the big things He is doing. Because we were born to be brave.
Against the Corporate Media: Forty-two Ways the Press Hates You
by the-Pipeline.orgThe citizens of Western democracies have been relentlessly propagandized, lied to, and fed a steady diet of distortions and untruths by their media for decades. Editor Michael Walsh brings together a stellar collection of critical thinkers and writers to explain how and why this is happening, its negative effects on our democracies, and what we can do to reverse it.An informed electorate is a prerequisite for free and fair elections. But rather than striving for accuracy and objectivity, today&’s journalists openly celebrate the death of objectivity, arguing that they have a &“higher duty&” to reject the conservatism, police speech, and suppress news that contradicts the liberal narrative. Now, on the heels of his magisterial volume Against the Great Reset, editor Michael Walsh presents Against the Corporate Media, a collection of more than forty essays on the decline and fall of the American and international news media. The book&’s list of distinguished contributors includes Lance Morrow, Andrew Klavan, John O&’Sullivan, Elizabeth Nickson, Monica Crowley, Charlie Kirk, Glenn Reynolds, Steven F. Hayward, John Fund, Armond White, Michael Ramirez, Walsh, and others. Readers around the world deserve to know how badly their media has been corrupted, how eagerly they have embraced the role of official propagandists, and what a threat to democracy they have become. This book marks an important strike against the corporate media, and its unholy alliance with the enemies of freedom everywhere.
Sacred Lessons: Teaching My Father How to Love
by Mike de la RochaIn Sacred Lessons: Teaching My Father How to Love, Mike de la Rocha explores how inherited definitions of manhood profoundly impacted his ability to connect with his father, his family, and ultimately himself, inviting readers on a transformative journey of self-discovery, forgiveness, and love.Sacred Lessons is a deeply moving and inspiring memoir for those seeking self-love and healing. Intensely personal, this memoir delves into the struggle men face in connecting with themselves and others, offering tools for personal growth and ways to build meaningful and authentic relationships in their lives. Through his story, Mike de la Rocha reflects on his father&’s legacy as a beloved professor who impacted tens of thousands of students, yet struggled to teach his own son how to be emotionally vulnerable. Reflecting on the most important relationships in his life, Mike explores the difficulty in communicating with his father and loved ones—a byproduct of a toxic culture that prohibits men from truly expressing themselves, and purposely doesn&’t teach men how to give and receive love. Through these stories, we see how trauma is passed on intergenerationally and how to find ways to stop the cycle of harm. In the end, both Mike and his father teach each other the greatest lesson of all: the sacredness of the love between a father and a son. Told with raw emotion and vulnerability, Sacred Lessons is the human story of the impact that history and culture have upon us all. This is a book for those of us seeking community in a time when too many of us feel alone, as well as a testimony to the legacy of a brilliant father, a brutal indictment of patriarchy, and an affirmation of the transformative power of love.
After Escobar
by Dave Mitchell Chris Feistl Jessica BalboniRenowned DEA agents Chris Feistl and Dave Mitchell tell the incredible true story of how they helped dismantle the world&’s single most powerful crime syndicate, as featured in Season 3 of the hit Netflix series Narcos.By the early 1990s, Colombia&’s Cali cartel had become what the former head of the DEA Thomas Constantine referred to as &“The biggest and most powerful crime syndicate in history.&” Responsible for nearly 85% of the cocaine that reached U.S. soil and 90% worldwide, they were untouchable, earning billions of dollars all while maintaining their reputation as &‘The Godfathers of Cali&” and brazenly corrupting thousands of Colombian authorities and government officials, even &“buying&” the outcome of the 1994 presidential election. In 1994, the DEA sent young operatives Chris Feistl and Dave Mitchell to Colombia with one formidable task: help Colombian authorities take down the ruthless leaders of the brutal Cali cartel. Not any easy job for two men who looked more like tall, lanky surfers than DEA agents: standing well over six feet tall and only six years removed from the DEA Academy, they were the epitome of conspicuous in a city where most residents rarely, if ever, saw an American in person. Many of their colleagues feared for their safety, openly questioning their ability to blend in. Their almost three-year journey would lead them from the bureaucratic halls of the U.S. Embassy to the violent streets of Cali and deep into its rural sugar cane fields, on high alert day and night as they dodged deadly cartel assassins and oftentimes worked unilaterally to battle the unprecedented corruption within Colombia&’s security forces. Over time their relentless efforts began to slowly degrade the godfathers&’ defenses and weaken their infrastructure.