Me Tougher'n Anybody is the fictional autobiography of Ed Campbell, aka Elmer Albert Callahan. Book 1 covers the first 20 years of a life that went from hardscrabble to hard scramble and onward; From sitting on a horse harness darning needle at age 3 through flying an F-86E to playing CIA courier at the ripe old age of 17, [The Invincible Years].
With his stunning debut novel, She's Come Undone, Wally Lamb won the adulation of critics and readers with his mesmerizing tale of one woman's painful yet triumphant journey of self-discovery. Now, this brilliantly talented writer returns with I Know This Much Is True, a heartbreaking and poignant multigenerational saga of the reproductive bonds of destruction and the powerful force of forgiveness. A masterpiece that breathtakingly tells a story of alienation and connection, power and abuse, devastation and renewal--this novel is a contemporary retelling of an ancient Hindu myth. A proud king must confront his demons to achieve salvation. Change yourself, the myth instructs, and you will inhabit a renovated world. When you're the same brother of a schizophrenic identical twin, the tricky thing about saving yourself is the blood it leaves on your bands--the little inconvenience of the look-alike corpse at your feet. And if you're into both survival of the fittest and being your brother's keeper--if you've promised your dying mother--then say so long to sleep and hello to the middle of the night. Grab a book or a beer. Get used to Letterman's gap-toothed smile of the absurd, or the view of the bedroom ceiling, or the influence of random selection. Take it from a godless insomniac. Take it from the uncrazy twin--the guy who beat the biochemical rap. Dominick Birdsey's entire life has been compromised and constricted by anger and fear, by the paranoid schizophrenic twin brother he both deeply loves and resents, and by the past they shared with their adoptive father, Ray, a spit-and-polish ex-Navy man (the five-foot-six-inch sleeping giant who snoozed upstairs weekdays in the spare room and built submarines at night), and their long-suffering mother, Concettina, a timid woman with a harelip that made her shy and self-conscious: She holds a loose fist to her face to cover her defective mouth--her perpetual apology to the world for a birth defect over which she'd had no control. Born in the waning moments of 1949 and the opening minutes of 1950, the twins are physical mirror images who grow into separate yet connected entities: the seemingly strong and protective yet fearful Dominick, his mother's watchful "monkey"; and the seemingly weak and sweet yet noble Thomas, his mother's gentle "bunny." From childhood, Dominick fights for both separation and wholeness--and ultimately self-protection--in a house of fear dominated by Ray, a bully who abuses his power over these stepsons whose biological father is a mystery. I was still afraid of his anger but saw how he punished weakness--pounced on it. Out of self-preservation I hid my fear, Dominick confesses. As for Thomas, he just never knew how to play defense. He just didn't get it. But Dominick's talent for survival comes at an enormous cost, including the breakup of his marriage to the warm, beautiful Dessa, whom he still loves. And it will be put to the ultimate test when Thomas, a Bible-spouting zealot, commits an unthinkable act that threatens the tenuous balance of both his and Dominick's lives. To save himself, Dominick must confront not only the pain of his past but the dark secrets he has locked deep within himself, and the sins of his ancestors--a quest that will lead him beyond the confines of his blue-collar New England town to the volcanic foothills of Sicily 's Mount Etna, where his ambitious and vengefully proud grandfather and a namesake Domenico Tempesta, the sostegno del famiglia, was born. Each of the stories Ma told us about Papa reinforced the message that he was the boss, that he ruled the roost, that what he said went. Searching for answers, Dominick turns to the whispers of the dead, to the pages of his grandfather's handwritten memoir, The History of Domenico Onofrio Tempesta, a Great Man from Humble Beginnings. Rendered with touches of magic realism, Domenico's fablelike tale--in which monkeys enchant and religious statues weep--becomes the old man's confession--an unwitting legacy of contrition that reveals the truth's of Domenico's life, Dominick learns that power, wrongly used, defeats the oppressor as well as the oppressed, and now, picking through the humble shards of his deconstructed life, he will search for the courage and love to forgive, to expiate his and his ancestors' transgressions, and finally to rebuild himself beyond the haunted shadow of his twin. Set against the vivid panoply of twentieth-century America and filled with richly drawn, memorable characters, this deeply moving and thoroughly satisfying novel brings to light humanity's deepest needs and fears, our aloneness, our desire for love and acceptance, our struggle to survive at all costs. Joyous, mystical, and exquisitely written, I Know This Much Is True is an extraordinary reading experience that will leave no reader untouched.
Lessons from New Zealand's top entrepreneur on surviving tough times. Michael Hill believes it's possible to succeed in a downturn - in fact, it is the perfect situation in which to perfect a business. International jewellery store-chain owner Michael Hill believes the struggling economy can be a good thing for businesses and entrepreneurs. Instead of fearing the side-effects of recession, wallowing in gloom and convincing ourselves the only safe haven is at home under the blankets, entrepreneurs can use this period to their advantage. With the right attitude, you can not only survive, but also emerge from the crunch with a new feeling of prosperity and strength. Over the years, Michael Hill has had just about every possible experience in business: from lie-awake-at-night nerves to the joy of unexpected success. He's reshaped the landscape under his feet and he has ventured into new territory. And at every moment, he has relished the excitement of it all. Once, he was an outsider in his industry; the cheeky startup whom nobody expected to succeed. The established players had no reason to view him as a threat. Now, his business is the establishment. It dominates the markets in which it operates. Michael Hill Jeweller is a respected part of the business culture in a large part of the world - and they are continuing to expand in both size and ambition. This book encapsulates the ingredients of Michael's philosophy. There are no secret herbs and spices. It is not a magic recipe - it is just a collection of solid ideas, firmly grounded in reality. All these concepts are remarkable only because they make common-sense - but you'd be amazed how rarely they are fully understood and embraced in the business world.
This author's story is compelling and heartfelt. She opens her book with an intriguing vision from God and then presents her background and testimony with honesty and enthusiasm. The author is candid about difficult experiences she has had, but she is also optimistic and contagiously excited about her life in Christ. This is a human story that readers will relate to easily, and it is written with inspiring wisdom and authority. The author's skillful use of narrative and her occasional interweaving of Bible verses make her book both moving and useful to read. "'Trust in Me' - Track 4 on my CD Candra All4Him was the inspiration for my book His Promise. . . 20 Years Later. I know this story will touch your life and encourage you. This song was the first song God placed on my heart of many I have written, and one of the last to be recorded on my recent CD. My hope and prayer is that you will be encouraged and lifted up as you rest in a time of worship and feed your soul with His word and praises." - Candra The Lord has moved mountains in my life that seemed impossible. Today my son, Payton, is a kind, thoughtful, loving, and a beautiful servant of the Living God who seeks His face in everything he does on a daily basis. Payton has dedicated his life to furthering the Kingdom of God through his music, photography, street ministries, and heart for pastoring.
He saved her life… But he’s not the hero she expects Dana Sothern has finally found the man who rescued her as a teen. But when she tries to thank Matt Rodriguez, instead he challenges her to volunteer at his youth camp. The experience brings Matt and Dana closer. But away from the camp, the reformed bad boy’s and the corporate lawyer’s worlds are far apart. Can they bridge the gap between them?
Harlequin® Heartwarming celebrates wholesome, heartfelt relationships imbued with the traditional values so important to you: home, family, community and love. Experience all that and more with four new novels in one collection! This Harlequin Heartwarming box set includes: REUNITED WITH THE COWBOY Heroes of Shelter Creek by Claire McEwen Wildlife biologist Maya Burton returns home just in time to stop a rancher from killing a mountain lion. The rancher is Caleb Dunne—her high school sweetheart. Can she change Caleb’s ways…and his heart? THE LAWMAN’S BABY Home to Eagle’s Rest by Patricia Johns When officer Mike McMann becomes sole guardian of his newborn nephew, Paige Stedler shows him how to take care of the baby. And Mike starts wishing the beautiful, kind social service agent could stay for good… SWEET HOME ALASKA A Northern Lights Novel by Beth Carpenter Dr. Scott Willingham chose a solitary life, but he’s never forgotten his first love, Volta Morgan. Working together in Alaska years later, he’s hoping the widow and single mom will give him a second chance—to choose the kind of love that lasts forever… HER KIND OF HERO by Janice Carter Matt Rodriguez saved Dana Sothern’s life—then disappeared. When Dana finds Matt years later, he challenges her to volunteer at his camp. The experience brings them together…but can it bridge the gap between their worlds Look for 4 compelling new stories every month from Harlequin® Heartwarming!
#1 International Bestseller: A frontline trauma surgeon tells his “riveting” true story of operating in the world’s most dangerous war zones (The Times). For more than twenty-five years, surgeon David Nott has volunteered in some of the world’s most perilous conflict zones. From Sarajevo under siege in 1993 to clandestine hospitals in rebel-held eastern Aleppo, he has carried out lifesaving operations in the most challenging conditions, and with none of the resources of a major metropolitan hospital. He is now widely acknowledged as the most experienced trauma surgeon in the world. War Doctor is his extraordinary story, encompassing his surgeries in nearly every major conflict zone since the end of the Cold War, as well as his struggles to return to a “normal” life and routine after each trip. Culminating in his recent trips to war-torn Syria—and the untold story of his efforts to help secure a humanitarian corridor out of besieged Aleppo to evacuate some 50,000 people—War Doctor is a heart-stopping and moving blend of medical memoir, personal journey, and nonfiction thriller that provides unforgettable, at times raw, insight into the human toll of war. “Superb . . . You are constantly amazed that men such as Nott can witness the extraordinary cruelties of the human race, so many and so foul, yet keep going.” —Sunday Times “Gripping and fascinating medical stories.” —Kirkus Reviews
In a time when “Negros knew their place,” in a small community hidden behind the cornfields just outside of Virginia Beach, Lorraine Ferebee began a journey that would take her throughout the United States and to Europe. Lorraine Ferebee’s parents and grandparents had big dreams for her generation, and Ferebee was taught that Dr. King had marched and died so that she would have opportunities, perhaps become a professional, a doctor or a lawyer. But Ferebee became fascinated with horses at a young age and believed that her destiny would somehow include horses. She wanted to emulate the spirit of the horse, to be a giver, to learn how to acquiesce, to find her true voice and speak her truth. Her life journey did indeed include horses. After years of dedicated training, she was able to enjoy her time riding and teaching while earning a living as an equestrian. But Ferebee’s journey was not solely about horses. It was about finding out what motivated her, over and over again, and then going for it, over and over again. Her story is about faith, perseverance, and resilience—that’s the realization of the dream that Dr. King preached. Always be curious and open to new interests and new goals. Follow the path in front of you, and the way forward will be made clear.
Tom loves Jenny. Tom marries Jenny. Tom and Jenny should live happily ever after--.but life intervenes. Tom gets burned, tries to deny his soul, and loses his way. Then Jenny, the love of his life, leaves him to share a bed with Satan, and Toms world falls apart. He decides to focus all his time and energy on fixing his life and getting Jenny back. To accomplish this daunting task Tom stops talking and withdraws into himself where he feels certain he can find the answers hes looking for. To get away from outside distractions and well meaning kith and kin he enters a cushy psychiatric center. While in this upscale Booby Hatch Tom finds himself drawn into the lives of his fellow loons. As he works through his problems Tom rediscovers a part of himself that he thought he had buried a long time ago. He realizes that hes been the unwitting master of his own destruction, and he undergoes a kind of rebirth that puts him in touch with his nature. Tom learns that sometimes, when God wants to punish you He answers your prayers.
Based on a true story, this “extremely compelling novel” delves into the mind of a murderer (Booklist). The Avenue of the Giants follows Al Kenner as he progresses from antisocial adolescent to full-fledged serial killer in the turbulent 1960s and ’70s. A giant at over seven feet tall with an IQ higher than Einstein’s, Al was never ordinary. His life is tainted by his parents’ divorce and his mother’s abusive behavior, and it takes a chilling turn on the day of John F. Kennedy’s assassination. Al spends five years in a psychiatric hospital, and although he convinces the staff that he is of sound mind, he continues to harbor vicious impulses. He goes on to lead a double life—befriending the Santa Cruz, California police chief and contemplating marrying his daughter, all the while committing a series of brutal murders. Delving into the mind of this complex killer, this novel by the prize-winning author of The Officers’ Ward was inspired by the real-life case of Edmund Kemper, and powerfully evokes an America torn between the pacifism of the hippie movement and the violence of Vietnam.
