“You must marry me, Andrea.” How could she feel anything but despair over this man’s proposal? Andrea was visiting Blaise at his imposing castle to convince him to break off his impulsive engagement to her cousin. But he managed to convince Andrea to be his bride in exchange. She tries to hate the cruel castle master who forced her into this contract marriage, but she begins to discover the pure heart behind his rough exterior…
Read the book that's getting conversion therapy banned in Canada Winner of the Independent Book Publisher Award, Finalist for the Randy Shilts Award for Gay Nonfiction and the Saints and Sinners Emerging Writer Award. "Unforgettable... This book is appallingly appropriate in these times." — FOREWORD REVIEWS This resonant and acclaimed memoir recounts the six years that the author spent in a bizarre form of conversion therapy that attempted to "cure" him of his homosexuality, and the inspiring story of how he cast out shame and reclaimed his life. Kept with other patients in a cult-like home in British Columbia, Canada, Peter Gajdics was under the authority of a dominating, rogue psychiatrist who controlled his patients, in part, by creating and exploiting a false sense of family. Juxtaposed against his parents' tormented past–his mother's incarceration and escape from a communist concentration camp in post-World War II Yugoslavia, and his father's upbringing as an orphan in war-torn Hungary, The Inheritance of Shame explores the universal themes of childhood trauma, oppression, and intergenerational pain. “DEEPLY MOVING." — THE ADVOCATE “RAW AND UNFLINCHING" — KIRKUS REVIEWS “A HERO’S JOURNEY IN WHICH ANY READER, GAY OR STRAIGHT, CAN FIND INSPIRATION.” — LAMBDA LITERARY FOUNDATION All over the United States and Canada, districts, cities and states are banning conversion, ex-gay and reparative therapies. A powerful example of "healing through memoir," this book offers the most complete and compelling reason for those bans to date. A groundbreaking memoir, The Inheritance of Shame offers insights into overcoming all kinds of shame, especially that which has trickled down from previous generations, and into the complicated but all-too-worthwhile process of forgiveness.
A licensed counselor shows how to stop saying you’re not good enough, let go of shame, and grab life by the horns. As you look at a newborn child, you become overwhelmed by his preciousness. Your heart is filled with love. Without doubt, you recognize that the child’s value was established at birth. The child’s value exists simply because he exists. You know with absolute certainty that this child—every child—can never be of lesser value. This child’s value simply is. This child is you. Abundant living is everyone’s birthright. Toxic shame can impede your ability to live abundantly, and The Shame Game offers you the tools to claim your inheritance. Although there have been books that address shame, healing shame, and abundant living, The Shame Game brings the three issues together in a more informative, readable, and concise manner than has ever been done. Janice gently guides you on a journey of self-awareness and healing, empowering you to rediscover your birth-created value. The Shame Game can set you free from the past, teach you to embrace the present, and open the door to an abundant future. Praise for The Shame Game “Janice Gaunt has highlighted the importance of acceptance and self-forgiveness in her first book, The Shame Game. This groundbreaking work will revolutionize how we look at shame and will help readers become the productive, self-accepting, balanced people they are meant to be.” —Jenna Bush Hager, Today correspondent and author of Ana’s Story and Read All About It “In simple, straightforward prose, Janice takes a subject none of us like to talk about and gently pushes us to open up, face the truth, and get our lives moving again—this time in the right direction. It’s a remarkable performance.” —Skip Hollandsworth, executive editor, Texas Monthly “Shame is at the heart of many healthcare issues for women. Understanding how shame-based issues dictate our behaviors and relationships is important for women in order to be mentally and physically well. Learning to accept one’s self is one of the biggest challenges we face. Janice Gaunt lays out a comprehensive program with real solutions to living a fulfilling life.” —Leesa B. Condry, MD, OB-GYN
Hating you was supposed to make me forget these thoughts… Valentina is visited by Gio Corretti, the heir of a famous Sicilian family. He is the only one who can save her from the trouble she’s in. However, Gio is also the last person she should rely on, since he was involved in her brother’s tragic accident seven years ago. Back then, Valentina was torn between her grief over the loss of her brother and her complicated love for Gio. But meeting him again now, her hidden feelings are overflowing…
How could so many of America's educational, political and intellectual leaders have advocated such things as institutionalization, segregation and even sterilization of those with ""inferior blood""? How could the racist notion of selective breeding and racial betterment have become an integral part of high school and college biology textbooks? In this work Stephen Selden tells the story of the eugenics movement in America during the early decades of the 20th century. Complete with archival photographs, ""Inheriting Shame"" provides a powerful historical account and refutation of biological determinist ideas. Selden discusses the role played by America's foremost socialists and scientists, popular media, and most importantly, the school textbook, in shaping public consciousness regarding the ""truth"" of biological determinism. Much more than simply an historical overview, ""Inheriting Shame"" concludes with a trenchant analysis of contemporary research evidence of the role that inheritance plays in complex human behaviour - including traits ranging from Down Syndrome to violent behaviour and homosexuality.
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Tarana Burke and Dr. Brené Brown bring together a dynamic group of Black writers, organizers, artists, academics, and cultural figures to discuss the topics the two have dedicated their lives to understanding and teaching: vulnerability and shame resilience. Contributions by Kiese Laymon, Imani Perry, Laverne Cox, Jason Reynolds, Austin Channing Brown, and more NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY MARIE CLAIRE AND BOOKRIOT It started as a text between two friends. Tarana Burke, founder of the ‘me too.’ Movement, texted researcher and writer Brené Brown to see if she was free to jump on a call. Brené assumed that Tarana wanted to talk about wallpaper. They had been trading home decorating inspiration boards in their last text conversation so Brené started scrolling to find her latest Pinterest pictures when the phone rang. But it was immediately clear to Brené that the conversation wasn’t going to be about wallpaper. Tarana’s hello was serious and she hesitated for a bit before saying, “Brené, you know your work affected me so deeply, but as a Black woman, I’ve sometimes had to feel like I have to contort myself to fit into some of your words. The core of it rings so true for me, but the application has been harder.” Brené replied, “I’m so glad we’re talking about this. It makes sense to me. Especially in terms of vulnerability. How do you take the armor off in a country where you’re not physically or emotionally safe?” Long pause. “That’s why I’m calling,” said Tarana. “What do you think about working together on a book about the Black experience with vulnerability and shame resilience?” There was no hesitation. Burke and Brown are the perfect pair to usher in this stark, potent collection of essays on Black shame and healing. Along with the anthology contributors, they create a space to recognize and process the trauma of white supremacy, a space to be vulnerable and affirm the fullness of Black love and Black life.
