There are 65.7 million caregivers in America, making up 29 percent of the U.S. adult population. Where does the caregiver turn when dealing with their own need for encouragement and renewal?
The Gift of an Ordinary Day is an intimate memoir of a family in transition, with boys becoming teenagers, careers ending and new ones opening up, and an attempt to find a deeper sense of place—and a slower pace—in a small New England town. This is a story of mid-life longings and discoveries, of lessons learned in the search for home and a new sense of purpose, and the bittersweet intensity of life with teenagers—holding on, letting go. Poised on the threshold between family life as she's always known it and her older son's departure for college, Kenison is surprised to find that the times she treasures most are the ordinary, unremarkable moments of everyday life, the very moments that she once took for granted, or rushed right through without noticing at all. The relationships, hopes, and dreams that Kenison illuminates will touch women's hearts, and her words will inspire mothers everywhere as they try to make peace with the inevitable changes in store.
Whenever a young child is asked, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" the answer will undoubtedly include childlike wonder, optimism, and unbridled imagination. A future-traveling astronaut, a fashion designing veterinarian, a doctor for stuffed animals, and the list goes on and on. Unfortunately, as we age and settle firmly into adulthood, that wonder dissipates and we swap our childhood dreams for life's demands. Our days feel prescribed and responsibilities rule our minutes and how we prioritize what matters. As adults, we are taught to believe the question is somehow invalid because we are functioning as a "grown-up." Even though Melissa M. Proctor did not play basketball or have extensive knowledge of the game, her dream as a child was to be the first female coach in the NBA. Instead, her unconventional path has taken a number of twists and turns, starting with being the first ball girl for the Miami Heat and ultimately, earning the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for the NBA's Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena. However, some would be surprised to learn that even at this stage of her career, Melissa still doesn't know what she wants to be when she grows up?and she's okay with it. From Ball Girl to CMO includes relevant themes of hope, persistence, empowerment, and courage to help readers navigate everything from the personal to the professional. Throughout the pages, Melissa shares lessons learned, guiding principles, and a means of comfort for those not quite sure what to do next. With her laid-back style and down to earth attitude, she offers acceptance at a time when many are confused and hope when uncertainty distorts the light at the end of the tunnel. From Ball Girl to CMO urges us to consider if we have in fact been asking ourselves the right question, or if perhaps, we've been expecting an answer from the wrong version of ourselves.
Every object has a story to tell. Set against the backdrop of the Norfolk coast, The Naming of Bones weaves a patchwork tale of redemption and recovery. Real-life memories intertwine with dreams and folklore in this deeply moving tale of loss and unresolved grief, where tiny moments carry as much weight as the ever-present, ever-changing North Sea. As passionate as it is personal, this story unearths relics of the author's life to reveal the transformative power of love, understanding and forgiveness. "If you only read one book this year, let it be The Naming of Bones. Jan Kaneen's themes make compelling reading: brutal honesty about anxiety disorder, complex family dynamics and the realisation that an incalculable loss has lain unacknowledged for years. The narrative voice develops as the author picks up a literary pen for the first time, which goes hand-in-hand with ghostly imagery taking on a more concrete form. The author's newfound ability serves to unravel the disquiet in her mind, as she embraces the incantations that have haunted her for years: 'I start with my toes, phalanges, metatarsals. . .'" Nod Ghosh, author of The Crazed Wind and Filthy Sucre.
Instagram superstar and New York Times bestselling author of Juno Valentine and the Magical Shoes Eva Chen shines a spotlight on 20 amazing women—including Megan Rapinoe, Sonia Sotomayor, Shirley Chisholm, Greta Thunberg and more!—in 3 2 1 Awesome! a sassy and fun counting board book, perfect for the youngest of budding feminists. Why stick to counting on fingers and toes when you can count: 3 straight sets for Billie Jean King's historic win... 2 groundbreaking suffragettes named Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton... 1 singular, sensational YOU! With Derek Desierto's bold and vibrant art, Eva fans and readers of all ages will be transported through "herstory."
The essential pocket primer on climate change that will leave an indelible impact on everyone who reads it. • “Jahren asks the central question of our time: how can we learn to live on a finite planet?" —Elizabeth Kolbert, New York Times bestselling author of The Sixth Extinction "The voice that science has been waiting for.” —Nature Hope Jahren is an award-winning scientist, a brilliant writer, a passionate teacher, and one of the seven billion people with whom we share this earth. In The Story of More, she illuminates the link between human habits and our imperiled planet. In concise, highly readable chapters, she takes us through the science behind the key inventions—from electric power to large-scale farming to automobiles—that, even as they help us, release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere like never before. She explains the current and projected consequences of global warming—from superstorms to rising sea levels—and the actions that we all can take to fight back. At once an explainer on the mechanisms of global change and a lively, personal narrative given to us in Jahren’s inimitable voice, The Story of More is “a superb account of the deadly struggle between humanity and what may prove the only life-bearing planet within ten light years" (E. O. Wilson).
Jan Brett reimagines a powerful Middle Eastern folk tale that celebrates hard work and appreciating your roots. Set in India, this gorgeous reimagining of the classic Middle Eastern folk tale "Abu Kassem's Slippers" features a poor tiger cub who is a very hard worker. His mother weaves him slippers to protect his feet from stones and thorns, and they allowed him to prosper--first making bricks, then building houses, and eventually becoming very wealthy. He continues to wear them until someone questions why such a prominent person would wear such worn shoes. Feeling embarrassed, Tiger tries to get rid of the slippers, but fate keeps bringing them back. Finally, Tiger sends them to his uncle, who weeps with pride when he sees the slippers his sister made and his nephew used to accomplish so much. He sets off right away to visit them, bringing the slippers along. Tiger can't believe the slippers are back again, but his little cub gives him an idea: honor the slippers by building a special place for them, to remind him of how far he's come. Jan Brett's lush, vibrant version of this story will inspire fans of her international retellings to appreciate the hard work that leads to all of their successes.
Seeking writing success? Start at the beginning... Whether you’re looking to get published or just hoping to hook your reader, first impressions are vital. Compelling opening scenes are the key to catching an agent or editor’s attention, and are crucial for keeping your reader engaged. As a writer, what you do in your opening pages, and how you do it, is a matter that cannot be left to chance. The First 50 Pages is here to help you craft a strong beginning right from the start. You’ll learn how to: • introduce your main character • establish your story world • set up the plot’s conflict • begin your hero’s inner journey • write an amazing opening line and terrific first page • and more This helpful guide walks you through the tasks your first 50 pages must accomplish in order to avoid leaving readers disoriented, frustrated, or bored. Don’t let your reader put your book down before ever seeing its beauty. Let The First 50 Pages show you how to begin your novel with the skill and intentionality that will land you a book deal, and keep readers’ eyes glued to the page.