Search results for ""Hello""

“The language learning I want to talk about is sensory bombardment. It is a possession, a bedevilment, a physical takeover,” writes Polly Barton in her eloquent treatise on this profoundly humbling and gratifying act. Shortly before graduating with a degree in philosophy from the University of Cambridge, Barton on a whim accepted an English-teaching position in Japan. With the characteristic ambivalence of a twenty-one-year-old whose summer—and life—stretched out almost infinitely before her, she moved to a remote island in the Sea of Japan, unaware that this journey would come to define not only her career but her very understanding of her own identity. Divided into fifty onomatopoeic Japanese phrases, Fifty Sounds recounts Barton’s path to becoming a literary translator fluent in an incredibly difficult vernacular. From “min-min,” the sound of air screaming, to “jin-jin,” the sound of being touched for the first time, Barton analyzes these and countless other foreign sounds and phrases as a means of reflecting on various cultural attitudes, including the nuances of conformity and the challenges of being an outsider in what many consider a hermetically sealed society. In a tour-de-force of lyrical, playful prose, Barton recalls the stifling humidity that first greeted her on the island along with the incessant hum of peculiar new noises. As Barton taught English to inquisitive middle school children, she studied the basics of Japanese in an inverse way, beginning with simple nouns and phrases, such as “cat,” “dog,” and “Hello, my name is.” But when it came to surrounding herself in the culture, simply mastering the basics wasn’t enough. Japanese, Barton learned, has three scripts: the phonetic katakana and hiragana (collectively known as kana) and kanji (characters of Chinese origin). Despite her months-long immersion in the language, a word would occasionally produce a sinking feeling and send her sifting through her dictionaries to find the exact meaning. But this is precisely how Barton has come to define language learning: “It is the always-bruised but ever-renewing desire to draw close: to a person, a territory, a culture, an idea, an indefinable feeling.” Engaging and penetrating, Fifty Sounds chronicles everything from Barton’s most hilarious misinterpretations to her new friends and lovers in Tokyo —and even the influence of Ludwig Wittgenstein’s transformative philosophy. A classic in the making in the tradition of Anne Carson and Rachel Cusk, Fifty Sounds is a celebration of the empowering act of learning to communicate in any new language.

Read more less

The personal, dramatic story of the intervention into the life of a troubled teen."Using her considerable journalistic skills, Andrea Brunais tells the brutal truth of what it's like to gamble on the toughest risk in the world of foster care---aged out males. . . But read it for the beauty of the hope." - Lisa Brock, author of Goodbye College, Hello LifeJesse-Ray Lewis, 19, enters a West Virginia "safe house" with few possessions beyond the kerchiefs that identify him as a gang member. An aged-out foster child, he lands in Bluefield, where a charity gives him food. What follows is the personal, dramatic story of two people who intervene in the life of a homeless, drug-abusing teen with a background of violence and neglect. In their next-door suite called the safe house, they impose three rules: "No alcohol or drugs. You have to work. You have to go to school."Jesse-Ray expresses gratitude for shelter and a middle-aged couple concerned with his welfare. But what does he want? The couple struggles to determine his true motives, especially after he admits being high on meth at their first meeting.At night he writes verse reflecting trauma and violence, shame and love, even despair. Author Andrea Brunais sees more than just a street-smart boy who can write. She sees a soul who can be saved from a downward spiral. But will Jesse-Ray accept the help of strangers, as glimmers of hope expressed in his writings suggest? Will the couple succeed in steering him toward a new life? And how will the ordeal transform everyone?"Andrea lets the reader decide what's true and what's not, but that's what makes Hillbilly Drug Baby: The Story such a page turner." Keith, verified reviewer."This is a valuable book, discussing in human terms a complicated problem which persists in Appalachia and other rural areas of our country, and has no signs of being resolved anytime soon." - Lucy Adkins author of Writing in Community and The Fire Inside"Brunais' fast-paced narrative will keep you turning the pages and certainly thinking about the book long after you close the cover." - Nora, verified reviewer "The author's writing style is brilliant and even in the Preface she made me want to know how the young man's story ended, and her years of experience as a journalist came through in her ability to lay out facts while weighing them with emotion." - Catherine, Goodreads review

Read more less

How badly have you been ghosted? No, literally.A year ago, Emily was ghosted.But it's fine, she's over it. And Andy was never part of the plan anyway. She's working on Project New Emily - New Emily goes to cocktail bars, wears ankle-breaking heels and has her life together. She's looking for a new man to match; Andy's old Converse and bad jokes were never going to work.Thoughts about Andy are firmly in the past - until his name is spelled out on a Ouija board at a party. Emily discovers that Andy didn't ghost her - he died. And just as she's trying to work out how she feels, Andy turns up in her flat as a ghost. A ghost. In her flat.Once she's over the shock, Emily realises she needs to get rid of this ghost of dating past so she can focus on the new man in her sights - and that the only way she can do that is to help Andy solve the mystery of his death. But as she spends more time with him, she remembers how nice it was to let her guard down and just be Old Emily sometimes.Emily must choose between her new life and the past that's come back to haunt her. But she soon discovers that when it comes to putting her ghosts to rest, it's not as easy as she might think...A hilarious and feel-good rom com, perfect for fans of Mhairi McFarlane's Between Us, Lucy Vine's Seven Exes or Emily Henry's Happy Place. Real readers love Ghosted:''Funny, fresh and feel-good - perfect summer reading' HELLO! Magazine'The funniest [romcom] you'll read this year or your money back (not legally binding).' Adam Kay, author of This is Going to Hurt'Charming, fresh, and side-splittingly funny...I laughed, I cried, I'll be recommending to everyone!' Beth Reekles, author of The Kissing Booth'A fabulously written five-star read...a great rom com and one you would be sorry to miss' NetGalley Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Absolutely amazing book...loved every minute of it...would recommend to anyone. 10/10!' NetGalley Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'This fabulous, well-written rom com really lifted my spirits...a perfect book to take away with you on holiday this summer' NetGalley Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'A hilarious and charming romantic comedy with a supernatural twist...Mullender's writing is witty and filled with laugh-out-loud moments, making it an entertaining read from start to finish...a delightful and engaging read...standout' NetGalley Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Read more less

Tired of spending your weekends mowing, trimming, and edging? Then it’s time to say goodbye to your standard grass lawn and join the Groundcover Revolution! Turns out you’re not alone in your desire to ditch the lawn and replace it with something prettier, more diverse, lower maintenance, welcoming to pollinators, and good for Earth’s climate health. Reducing the lawn is among the biggest trends in homeownership, with an endless stream of homeowners looking for an eco-friendly alternative to a traditional turfgrass lawn. In the last few years alone, over 23 million American adults converted part of their lawn to a natural landscape, and now they’re looking to do even more. The biggest challenge to adopting this new ideal of the perfect lawn? Knowing how and when to replace your turf, and which plants are the best ones for the job. Groundcover Revolution is here with all the answers you need (and some you didn’t even know you needed!). Those answers include: How replacing a lawn with groundcovers reduces resource consumption on a significant level Why groundcovers require far less long-term maintenance than turf after establishment The many additional benefits of groundcovers, including erosion control, a reduction in chemical usage, a boost in biodiversity, and mitigation of climate change as a carbon sink The ways groundcovers overcome challenges such as tree roots, compacted soils, poor drainage, and dense shade The step-by-step mechanics of how to get rid of your lawn, how to place and plant groundcovers from seeds, plugs, or transplants, and how to care for your new “quilted lawn” once it’s in place Also included are 40 in-depth profiles of plants that are perfect choices for replacing a grass lawn. There are options for sun, for shade, for dry and wet sites, and for various climates around the globe. There are choices that bloom, options that are evergreen, and selections that are deer resistant. Author Kathy Jentz has also included an incredibly useful chart that gives youall the specifics on each of the 40 choices for quick reference and to make your groundcover selection process even easier. Don’t let a lack of information stop you from creating the no-mow groundcover lawn of your dreams. Join the revolution and say goodbye to the burden of lawn care and hello to summer weekends relaxing by the pool or camping with family and friends. Whether you want to replace the entire lawn or just reduce the amount of land dedicated to turf, it’s time to usher in a new and improved idea of what a beautiful lawn should be.

Read more less

ROCK CRITIC CONFIDENTIAL is the profusely illustrated anthology of rock 'n' roll writing and photography by veteran CREEM Magazine editor Jeffrey Morgan, who is also the authorized biographer of both Alice Cooper and Iggy Pop & The Stooges. This full colour hard cover coffee table size book draws from an extraordinary wealth of Jeffrey Morgan's innovative CREEM Magazine pieces. Discovered in 1974 by influential journalist Lester Bangs, Morgan ended up being CREEM's longest-serving rock critic. Morgan's writing appeared in every single issue of America's Only Rock 'n' Roll Magazine from October 1975 to November 1988, for a grand total of 158 consecutive monthly issues lasting more than thirteen years, plus another seven years writing for the magazine's original website, resulting in a CREEM rock writing reign of over twenty years. ROCK CRITIC CONFIDENTIAL'S centerpiece is Jeffrey Morgan's extensive and definitive interviews, many of which have never been published before in their complete uncensored form. Morgan is well known for taking command of an interview and getting his subjects to open up in a way that they never would for anyone else, as evidenced by his close encounters with heavyweight sparring partners, further enhanced by the added inclusion of dozens of rare, never before seen rock photographs taken by Morgan during the '70s and '80s, including previously unpublished portraits of The Who, Bob Dylan, Elton John, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Jeff Beck, Freddie Mercury, KISS, Miles Davis, Paul McCartney, and many others-all captured in their youthful prime. ROCK CRITIC CONFIDENTIAL regenerates the genre by being the first book by a rock critic published in a copiously illuminated paradigm-defining hardcover coffee table edition that sets new nonpareil standards of excellence against which all other rock writing books will forever be gauged. That's not hyperbole, that's a fact because it ain't bragging if you can back it up. Compromising Photos. Third Degree Interrogations. If there's a safe space for rock stars... This isn't it. "Jeffrey, you're a smartass-watch it!" - Iggy Pop, embittered Godfather of Punk "Lies! Lies! Lies!" - Alice Cooper, embittered living legend "Tell Jeffrey from me if he comes to see me personally some time, I'll return the compliment." - Pete Townshend, embittered founding guitarist of The Who "I cordially invite Jeffrey to join us at our Tae Kwan-Do class any day of the week just to say hello to all the guys up here." - Bob Ezrin, embittered record producer of Pink Floyd, Peter Gabriel, Lou Reed, KISS "One of the finest music writers on Earth." - RocksBackpages.com, embittered online library of rock 'n' roll

Read more less

THE INSTANT SATURDAY TIMES TOP 10 BESTSELLERA DYMOCKS BOOK OF THE MONTHA PANDORA SYKES/FANE BOOK CLUB PICK'Truly one of the most beautiful stories you'll ever read' Joanna Cannon'Unique and tender' Pandora Sykes'An arresting debut novel about grief, but in the most wonderfully oblique way' Reverend Richard Coles Heartbreaking and heart-stealing, this bestselling modern-day fable is an unforgettable novel about sorrow, joy, friendship and love.When Isaac Addy walks into the woods on the worst day of his life and finds something extraordinary there, he already knows he's going to take it home. A grieving Isaac and his curious new friend are unlikely companions. They don't even speak the same language. But their chance encounter will transform Isaac's life in ways he cannot yet imagine. And maybe he will finally be able to tell the truth. Sometimes, to get out of the woods, you have to go into them. Isaac and the Egg is one of the most hopeful, honest and wildly imaginative novels you will ever read. --- THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT THAT EGG BOOK...'Mad, sad and funny' PATRICK GALE'I read it in one breath... true and tragic and funny and hopeful and big - big enough somehow to contain all of our stories and all of our lives inside it' JOANNA GLEN'I laughed, I cried, I sat quietly and thought about what I'd read... a future classic' CLARE MACKINTOSH 'This book is just magic' KATE SAWYER'A tender, funny and surprising meditation on grief and hope . . . like nothing I've ever read before' STYLIST 'Fresh, original and beautifully written' RUTH HOGAN'An utter sparkler of a novel... highly imaginative, extremely funny and profoundly empathetic' SUNDAY INDEPENDENT 'Will stay with me for a long time' MARK WATSON'Heart-wrenching yet oddly soothing, this is utterly beautiful' PRIMA 'Book of the Month' 'Sublime' BRYONY GORDON'An extraordinary story . . . brimming with magic and - perhaps most importantly - hope' GLAMOUR'Wonderfully playful... exquisitely written' i NEWS 'A mesmerising debut, capturing everything that's funny and sad about real life' DAVID WHITEHOUSE 'Moving and clever... Although it starts with a death and darkness, it's a story of hope and embracing newness' JUSTIN MYERS, THE GUYLINER'Clever and imaginative' WOMAN & HOME'Quirky and raw' GRAZIA'Measured, comic and moving... A sad, funny and original novel about grief, loss and embracing change' DAILY MAIL'One of the most eagerly awaited books of the year . . . an incredibly moving and at times heartbreaking - and sometimes funny - book' HELLO!'A strange but beautiful tale about grief, which can make you laugh and cry all on the same page' IRISH EXAMINER'A bold, beautiful undertaking' POORNA BELL 'Bizarre, beautiful and like nothing else I've ever read' ANNIE LORD

Read more less

A GRAZIA BOOK CLUB PICK, Ghost Girl, Banana is a powerful debut novel about the family secrets unearthed by a surprise inheritance. Set between Hong Kong in the 1960s and London in the 1990s, and revealing the hidden life of a mother to her daughter, it asks questions of identity, race and belonging.'A real nail-biter ... so winningly chronicled by Wharton' NEW YORK TIMES'Ambitious ... readers won't be disappointed as Wharton ultimately resolves many mysteries in the book' GUARDIAN'An astounding debut ... written with emotion and astuteness, this deserves to be on book prize lists' PRIMA1966: Sook-Yin is exiled from Kowloon to London with orders to restore honour to her family. As she strives to fit into a world that does not understand her, she realizes that survival will mean carving out a destiny of her own.1997: Sook-Yin's daughter Lily can barely remember the mother she lost as a small child. But when she is unexpectedly named in the will of a powerful Chinese stranger, she embarks on a secret pilgrimage to Hong Kong to discover the lost side of her identity and claim the reward. But she soon learns that the secrecy around her heritage has deep roots, and good fortune comes at a price.'Genuine and joyously written' Platinum'Brilliant' Hello!'A gripping and evocative tale of family secrets, courage, adversity and love. Sook-Yin and Lily's stories are beautifully told and truly unforgettable . . . such accomplished storytelling and gorgeous prose. Brilliant' Emma Stonex'An absolute wrecking ball of a novel. Ghost Girl, Banana is an enchanting, suspenseful journey through family, distance, money and betrayal. I loved it so much' Erin Kelly'A story of family, love, redemption and belonging, told with such heart and empathy. Essential and utterly unforgettable' Fíona Scarlett'Ghost Girl, Banana is an epic yet deeply intimate novel. I could feel the vibration of these women existing in the wider world; their stories are so skilfully shot through with the hum of change' Kate Sawyer, author of Costa prize-shortlisted The Stranding'An intriguing, beautifully written study of the stories we inherit. I loved being in Lily and Sook-Yin's heads, my heart breaking for them . . . I loved it!' Nikki May'Sparkling prose and a page-turning plot combined with wonderful storytelling . . . An absolutely dazzling debut' Julie Owen Moylan'From the first pages, I was drawn into the worlds of Lily and Sook-Yin and the stories that bind them together across the years. Wiz is a master storyteller, weaving Lily and Sook-Yin's stories of belonging together with elegance and wit' Ronali Collings'Fresh, funny, infuriating, heartbreaking - Ghost Girl, Banana is sure to be a massive hit. I adored it' Emily Koch'Captivating characters and lucid prose' Melissa Fu

Read more less

'Funny and well observed, this timely novel explores the isolation of new motherhood O'Keeffe examines themes of class, race, privilege and gender with a deft touch which will speak loudly to a certain generation. I loved this book.' CLOVER STROUD, AUTHOR OF MY WILD AND SLEEPLESS NIGHTS'A warm-hearted and entertaining debut' HANNAH BECKERMAN, OBSERVER'A poignant tale of modern family life' WOMAN & HOME'On the Up is a gem of a novel that holds up a mirror to the way we live now.' RED'Funny and compassionate' NEW STATESMAN'Funny and real, this is a blast of fresh air.' FABULOUS'An uplifting debut.' HELLO'I love the way this book makes the domestic political, and vice versa' POLLY SAMSON'An intimate exploration of womanhood and the idea of home and belonging. Funny, melancholic, and full of warmth' XIAOLU GUO '[Alice writes] really well about the frustrations of not having much money in a culture that is geared towards those that have it all. It's not a topic we see a lot of in contemporary fiction and I found it very refreshing to see it tackled here.' LAURA BARNETT author of The Versions of Us'I love this book. Funny, heart-felt and poignant. It reflects perfectly the experiences of a generation that doesn't ever seem to have as much time, or money, as our parents had.' TOBIAS JONES'an uplifting book about persevering through the tough times ... an amazing debut.' YAHOOBy reading Style magazine, I was training myself not to want things. It was going quite well. I had already found that I did not want a pair of Yves Saint Laurent mules, a chandelier made from plastic antlers, or a diamond-encrusted necklace in the shape of a pineapple. I was still working on not wanting a fitted farmhouse kitchen in warm wood. Sylvia lives in a flat on a council estate with her not-quite-husband Obe and their two young children. She dreams of buying a house on a leafy street like the one she grew up in. If she closes her eyes, she can see it all so clearly: the stripped floorboards, the wisteria growing around the door... It's not ideal that she's about to be made redundant, or that Obe, a playworker, is never going to earn more than the minimum wage. As sleep deprivation sets in, and the RnB downstairs gets ever louder, Sylvia's life starts to unravel.But when the estate is earmarked for redevelopment, the threat to her community gives Sylvia a renewed sense of purpose. With a bit of help from her activist sister, and her film-maker friend Frankie, she's ready to take a stand for what she believes in.

Read more less

A GRAZIA BOOK CLUB PICK, Ghost Girl, Banana is a powerful debut novel about the family secrets unearthed by a surprise inheritance. Set between Hong Kong in the 1960s and London in the 1990s, and revealing the hidden life of a mother to her daughter, it asks questions of identity, race and belonging.'A real nail-biter ... so winningly chronicled by Wharton' NEW YORK TIMES'Ambitious ... readers won't be disappointed as Wharton ultimately resolves many mysteries in the book' GUARDIAN'An astounding debut ... written with emotion and astuteness, this deserves to be on book prize lists' PRIMA1966: Sook-Yin is exiled from Kowloon to London with orders to restore honour to her family. As she strives to fit into a world that does not understand her, she realizes that survival will mean carving out a destiny of her own.1997: Sook-Yin's daughter Lily can barely remember the mother she lost as a small child. But when she is unexpectedly named in the will of a powerful Chinese stranger, she embarks on a secret pilgrimage to Hong Kong to discover the lost side of her identity and claim the reward. But she soon learns that the secrecy around her heritage has deep roots, and good fortune comes at a price.'Genuine and joyously written' Platinum'Brilliant' Hello!'A gripping and evocative tale of family secrets, courage, adversity and love. Sook-Yin and Lily's stories are beautifully told and truly unforgettable . . . such accomplished storytelling and gorgeous prose. Brilliant' Emma Stonex'An absolute wrecking ball of a novel. Ghost Girl, Banana is an enchanting, suspenseful journey through family, distance, money and betrayal. I loved it so much' Erin Kelly'A story of family, love, redemption and belonging, told with such heart and empathy. Essential and utterly unforgettable' Fíona Scarlett'Ghost Girl, Banana is an epic yet deeply intimate novel. I could feel the vibration of these women existing in the wider world; their stories are so skilfully shot through with the hum of change' Kate Sawyer, author of Costa prize-shortlisted The Stranding'An intriguing, beautifully written study of the stories we inherit. I loved being in Lily and Sook-Yin's heads, my heart breaking for them . . . I loved it!' Nikki May'Sparkling prose and a page-turning plot combined with wonderful storytelling . . . An absolutely dazzling debut' Julie Owen Moylan'From the first pages, I was drawn into the worlds of Lily and Sook-Yin and the stories that bind them together across the years. Wiz is a master storyteller, weaving Lily and Sook-Yin's stories of belonging together with elegance and wit' Ronali Collings'Fresh, funny, infuriating, heartbreaking - Ghost Girl, Banana is sure to be a massive hit. I adored it' Emily Koch'Captivating characters and lucid prose' Melissa Fu

Read more less

Convert your unproductive lawn and landscape areas into fruitful edible gardens with this practical guide overflowing with ideas, plans, designs, and know-how.Out with the lawn and in with the food! That’s the battle cry of millions of modern gardeners who are not only looking to reduce the amount of time and energy they have to spend tending a lawn, but they’re also looking to improve the lives of their family, friends, and neighbors by supplying them with fresh, homegrown food. In the United States alone, 46 million acres of land are covered in turfgrass (that’s more acreage than corn and soybeans combined!). Imagine all the good that would come if that land were dedicated to growing food instead! Converting unused areas of the landscape into food gardens helps mitigate the effects of climate change, reduces food miles, improves food security, and allows us to be a better steward of our little slice of the planet. But how do you get started? Which plants do you choose? Is there a series of best practices to follow to successfully convert your yard into an edible oasis so that it’s not just high-yielding, but it’s also attractive? Growing an Edible Landscape is here to help answer all of these questions and many more.Setting up an edible landscape is much more than just placing a few tomato-filled raised beds in the middle of the lawn, though for some gardeners, this might be a logical place to start. The eventual goal, however, is to have a landscape filled with layers of fruitful plants combined together to produce edible harvests for as many months of the year as possible. To reach that end, there’s much to plan and do to ensure your success. Authors Gary Pilarchik of @therustedgarden and Dr. Chiara D’Amore have devised the perfect guidebook to take you from “turfgrass overwhelm” to consistent harvests of a huge diversity of homegrown edible plants. And the best part is—you can create an edible paradise whether your yard is large or small, sunny or shaded, urban or rural, or level or sloped. A few highlights of the systems and techniques outlined in these pages include: The phases of the transformation process and how they are different for everyone Real-world, sensible garden design options for edible yards Step-by-step projects to get growing today How to choose the edible plants that are best for your conditions Practical plant-care tips for everything from seed starting to fertilizing and watering Pick-and-choose menus to help you combine productive plants in an attractive way Ways in which your edible landscape can cultivate community Also included are 25 profiles of common and uncommon plants for an edible yard. From raspberries and asparagus to fruit trees and dandelions, these food plants are great additions to any edible landscape plan. Start small or go big—it’s your choice! By saying goodbye to lawn and hello to an edible landscape, you’ll soon be starting on a deeply personal journey toward a more self-sufficient and flavorful life.

Read more less

Hello! magazine's April 2018 'book of the week'Set across two decades in London and Ireland, Her Mother's Daughter sees the lives of a troubled and emotionally abusive mother and her innocent ten-year-old daughter change forever after one summer holiday.1980: Josephine flees her home in Ireland, hoping never to return. She starts a new, exciting life in London, but as much as she tries, she can't quite leave the trauma of her childhood behind.Seventeen years and two children later, Josephine gets a call from her sister to tell her that their mother is dying and wants to see her - a summons she can't refuse.1997: Ten-year-old Clare is counting down to the summer holidays, when she is going to meet her grandparents in Ireland for the first time. She hopes this trip will put an end to her mum's dark moods - and drinking.But family secrets can't stay buried forever and following revelations in Ireland, everything starts to unravel. Have Josephine and her daughter passed the point of no return?What readers are saying about Her Mother's Daughter:'Beautifully written; it really draws you in and keeps you engrossed all the way through. I actually read it in one sitting because I just got so absorbed in it. It's a heartbreaking novel but it does leave you with a real feeling of hope. I definitely recommend this book!' Rather Too Fond of Books'An impressive debut... a book that will make you stop and think...and that can only be a good thing.' Writing.ie 'A novel which reflects on a wider, more universal exploration of mental health, the role of a mother, parenting and formative experiences.' Bibliomaniac'A deft evocation of the damage caused by family... Disturbing yet engaging read.' NeverImitate'It engaged me as a reader so much so, I read into the early hours to find out how Josephine and Claire faired, if their frail and damaged relationship could be healed... This book is a perfect example of the powerful influence literature can have on the reader.' BOOKSAREMYCWTCHESBOOKSAREMYCWTCH'A gripping and moving read which dealt with some harrowing themes as it tells the story of a family coming to terms with the impact of long hidden secrets.' The Owl on the Bookshelf'This story has a raw, heartfelt quality that I found very arresting... There's insight, subtlety and compassion in the handling of mental illness... A compelling read.' Charity Norman, five-star review'WOW, I felt every emotion possible reading this story. I read it in one sitting as I couldn't put it down until I finished it.' Audrey, five-star review'A poignant and well-observed tale of how the consequences of tragic and traumatic events can unravel over a lifetime, and throughout the generations of a family.' Cat T, five-star review'An emotionally honest portrayal of how trauma can be passed down through generations.' Felicity Hughes, five-star review'An extremely poignant tale, told from the two perspectives of mother and daughter... It was wonderfully uplifting to hear the thoughts of a child and also, at times, desperately heart breaking.' Melanie Lewis, five-star review

Read more less

Smart strategies for pragmatic, science-based growth and sustainable achievement. The Science of Intelligent Achievement teaches you the scientific process of finding success through your most valuable assets: · Selective focus – how selective are you with who and what you let into your life? · Creative ownership – how dependent are you on others for your happiness and success? · Pragmatic growth – how consistently and practically are you growing daily? First, this book will show you how to develop your focus by being very selective with where you spend your mental energy. If you've failed to reach an important goal because you were distracted, misinformed, or overcommitted, then you know the role focus and selectivity play in achievement. Second, you will learn how to stop allowing your happiness and success to be dependent on other people and instead, start taking ownership over your life through creative work. Finally, you will learn the art of changing your life through pragmatic decisions and actions. Self-improvement is not the result of dramatic changes. Instead, science has shown that personal and professional change is initiated and sustained by consistent, practical changes. To grow, you must leverage the power of micro-decisions, personality responsibility, and mini-habits. Your own biology will not let you improve your life in any other way. What do you currently value? What are working to attain? Have you been taught to value your job title or your relationship with some other person above all else? Have you been convinced that the most valuable things in life are your paycheck, the number of people who say 'hello' to you at the office, and the number of people who say 'I need you' at home? Or, have you become so passive in what you value that you let anyone and anything into your life, as long as whatever you let in allows you to stay disconnected from the cold hard truth that when things really go wrong in your life, the only person who will be able to fix it and the only person will be responsible for it is you. If so…welcome to fake success. Passivity, dependence, and the sacrifice of practical thinking and personal responsibility to fuzzy, grandiose ideals and temporary feelings — these are markers of fake success. Intelligent Achievement, on the other hand, is not a moving target. It's not empty either. Instead, it's sturdy, full, and immovable. It's not something that's just handed to you. It's not something you're nudged to chase or coerced into wanting. Intelligent Achievement comes from within you. It's a collection of values that are aligned with who you are—values you have to protect and nurture. These values do not increase your dependence on other people and things. Instead, they relieve you of dependence. This kind of achievement is something that you have a part in building from the ground up—you know what's in it—you chose it, someone else didn't choose it for you. Achieving real success means you must focus, create, and grow daily. The Science of Intelligent Achievement will show you how.

Read more less

One of Publishers Weekly's Most Anticipated Books for Fall 2016 "Cortazar's verse is more traditional than his fiction, but his style and themes are in harmony across genres: eccentric, mystical, full of animals but deeply human. Cortazar is a people's poet, accessible from every angle, and his position as a titan of the Latin American boom is indisputable."--Publishers Weekly, starred review World renowned as one of the masters of modern fiction, Julio Cortazar was also a prolific poet. While living in Paris during the last months of his life, Cortazar assembled his life's work in verse for publication, and Save Twilight selects the best of that volume, making his poems available in English for the very first time. This expanded edition, with nearly one hundred new pages of poems, prose and illustrations, is a book to be savored by both the familiar reader and the newcomer to Cortazar work. Ranging from the intimate to the political, tenderness to anger, heartbreak to awe, in styles both traditionally formal and free, Cortazar the poet and subverter of genres is revealed as a versatile and passionate virtuoso. More than a collection of poems, this book is a playful and revealing self-portrait of a writer in love with language in all its forms. Praise for Save Twilight: "With this expanded edition of Save Twilight, Stephen Kessler continues his project, begun in the 1980s, of translating poetry by Julio Cortazar. Widely known for his fiction, especially Hopscotch, a seminal work of the Latin American Boom, Cortazar was also a compelling poet. Kessler has found just the right turns of phrase in English to capture the Argentine's deeply moving writing and exceptionally emotive language. What a gift this collection is for English-speaking readers."--Edith Grossman, winner of the PEN/Ralph Manheim Medal for Translation "Some people run the world, others are the world. Cortazar's poems are the world; they have a special consideration for the unknown."--Enrique Vila-Matas, author of The Illogic of Kassel "What a pleasure, this walk in a well-orchestrated park with shades as complex, as light & as dark, as multifoliate as the actual world! This book--the 'poetic ecology' Cortazar had envisioned--is an open invitation to make yourselves at home twixt sea and loss, wine & sorrow, birth & riptide, tobacco & talk, laughter & death. Nothing human is foreign to the poet--& he brings it home with great clarity & grace. The writing & the book embody a tradition of hospitality, or as Cortazar puts it: 'Hello little black book for the late hours, cats on the prowl under a paper moon.' The injunction to save twilight stands as title--it is also exactly what the writing accomplishes. Stephen Kessler's elegant, accurate, and sometimes felicitously ose translations do these poems more than justice."--Pierre Joris, author of Barzakh (Poems 2000-2012) "For those who have enjoyed Cortazar's fiction, among the most seminal and compelling of our time, here now are his wonderful poems. And for those who don't know Cortazar from a cat, it's a chance to visit his crepuscular world in all its multiple layers. A tender, experimental, humorous, meditative, jazzy, heart-breaking collection to be relished and savored slowly." --Ariel Dorfman, author of Feeding on Dreams: Confessions of an Unrepentant Exile Julio Cortazar was born in Brussels in 1914 of Argentinian parents, raised in Argentina, and spent his most productive years in Paris, where he died in 1984.

Read more less

“The remarkable Veronica Varlow seizes life with both hands and bends it to her will. Learn from her.” —Neil GaimanIn Bohemian Magick, Veronica Varlow, the last daughter in a line of Bohemian witches, weaves together witchcraft knowledge and ancient secret spells with an exotic rock-and-roll magick style that has earned her a devoted following worldwide. This beguiling grimoire-style guide is filled with potent, never-before-revealed spells, hand-written rituals, magick ephemera, hand-drawn sigils, potions, charms, and rhyming incantations that will call your power back to you and electrify your life!With more than 150 illustrations—drawings, photography, and vintage art—and text written in her own hand, this sumptuous companion is brimming with spells for everlasting confidence, radiant self-love, healing, manifesting your dreams, and love with a desired partner. Veronica calls upon the ancient and hidden Czech-Romani magic passed down to from her grandmother Helen’s lineage and infuses it with her own signature sorcery to help you awaken and amplify your truest self. Each spell that you cast, each potion that you brew, and each chant you speak into the universe will rouse the most powerful part of your being!In Part I, The School of Spectaculus, Veronica reveals, step by step, her personally crafted steps to spellcasting with power. She shares her secrets regarding writing and preparing for spells, calling on ancestors to give your spells oomph, and writing your own badass spells. She also provides information on when to cast spells and other basics that you need to know to perform the mind-blowing rituals she introduces in Part II.In Part II, Initiations, she introduces you to the hidden magick of Bohemia. She leads you on five initiations, each focused on specific themes including self-love, sizzling confidence, healing, juicy mojo, and love.Each initiation begins with an experiential journey of discovery, a story in which you are the protagonist, whether following a trail of candles through a dark wood to a river filled with tiny message-filled paper boats or venturing into a tarot parlor on a hot, sultry night to meet a Witch who has come back from the Afterlife to help you find true love. And, of course, each initiation includes spells with a rock and roll vibe, such as: Hello, I Love You: Use mirror magick to boost your confidence and magnetism. Return to Sender: Create a magick candle and burn it upside down to protect you and send bad vibes back to where they came from. Search and Destroy: Literally pulverize the false stories you tell yourself by writing them on china plates and smash those poisonous words to bits with a hammer! Bohemian Rhapsody: A secret knot-tying spell to do with a partner to increase passion and intimacy For each badass bewitching enchantment, Veronica explains its importance, the purpose of practice, and the necessary tools and preparation you’ll need to cast it correctly. With Bohemian Magick, you’ll discover your adventurous side and your own unique magick. Get ready to rise up, call your power back to you, realize your purpose, and make your life story truly legendary!

Read more less

*** THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER AND REESE WITHERSPOON BOOKCLUB 2018 PICK! ***The perfect couple.The perfect crime? ‘Deftly paced, elegantly chilly thriller… Steadman brings similar qualities of wit, timing and intelligence to this novel… a proper page-turner’ New York Times Erin is a documentary filmmaker on the brink of a professional breakthrough; Mark a handsome investment banker with a bright future. They seem to have it all. But do they? On a dream honeymoon to the tropical island of Bora Bora, Mark takes Erin scuba diving. Everything is perfect. Until they find something in the water. Something that will change their lives forever. Erin and Mark decide to keep their discovery a secret. No one else need know; they trust each other implicitly. But someone else does know. And in situations like these, it is far better to trust no one, not even those closest to you … Set to be the blockbuster read of the summer, this is an unmissable, fast-paced, jaw-dropping thriller from a debut writer destined for great things. ‘A wild, page-turning ride! It’s the perfect beach read!’ Reese Witherspoon (Reese’s Book Club x Hello Sunshine book pick) ‘Worthy of Hitchcock’ Sunday Times ‘Pure adrenaline: I swallowed this book whole’ Erin Kelly, author of He Said, She Said ‘A thriller for our times’ Louise Candlish, author of Our House ‘A stunning debut. Superbly written, clever and gripping’ BA Paris, author of Behind Closed Doors ‘A fascinating moral dilemma’ Gillian McAllister, author of Everything but the Truth ‘It was the relatability of Erin's voice that set it apart from so many other thrillers as it automatically got me thinking ‘What would I do in her position?’ Caz Frear, author of Sweet Little Lies ‘This debut’s opening hook, which jumps ahead in the story to reveal a shocking outcome, teamed with Erin’s spunk and the threat of Russian mobsters, creates irresistible suspense—of both the what-will-happen and the how-did-that-happen varieties’ Booklist ‘A delicious page-turner’ New York Post ‘Catherine Steadman bursts onto the thriller scene with this exceptional debut psychological thriller, written in the vein of Paula Hawkins and Gillian Flynn... Deftly plotted and told with lightning-quick pacing... Something in the Water is psychological suspense at its absolute finest, and Steadman has all the makings of a writer poised to shoot straight to the top of the genre' Book Spy ‘I loved this. It was so addictive… What follows is a twisty adventure that is a whole lot of fun and does actually beg the question ‘what would YOU do?’ Highly recommended' Liz Loves Books 'A terrific debut’ Criminal Element ‘Bombshell thriller… Drawing you in from the very first sentence ... and becomes a nice twist on the typical psychological thriller’ Book Tribe ‘If you like thrillers with a huge twist and great plot this is for you’ Fiction Obsession ‘Catherine Steadman’s enthralling voice shines throughout this spellbinding debut novel’ Dwell in Possibility 'A taut, relentless read. Written in the early stages to the beat of a steady drum, once the ‘something’ in the water appears, it sets off a chain of events that build to a Bourne-like intensity, delivering a shocking discovery at the very end' Better Reading AU ‘A sumptuous read, packed with numerous cinematic scenes and a plot that will make your head spin. It is brilliantly written' Year of Reading Selfishly Blog

Read more less

Witty, authoritative, comprehensive and fun, Wake Up and Smell the Profit is the ultimate guide to making more money in your coffee business.In this book you'll find the sharpest insights and the best ideas from two of the UK's top Coffee Business Gurus. Together 'The Coffee Boys' have 40 years' experience in how to make money in the coffee selling business. Whether you operate a single site espresso bar, a Michelin starred restaurant or chain of hotels, there is something in this book for everyone.With 52 motivating tips and suggestions (plus an extra bonus idea for good measure), all you need to do is apply one initiative a week for a year and you could have a much more profitable and easier to manage business within twelve months.With this book you'll be able to:* Make more money and work less* Have happier customers who spend more money* Win more customers without spending a fortune* Enjoy running your business more* Create customers who rave about your business and consequently generate more customers through word of mouthWhat are you waiting for?Contents: Introduction; 1. It's all about the money - the good news; 2. It's all about the money - the bad news; 3. It's all about the money - a little story; 4. Focus on coffee for profit; 5. Great coffee (profits) come from great training; 6. Great coffee sales come from one thing - great taste; 7. It's all about the food; 8. There are three ways and only three ways to grow your business; 9. Be brave about your prices; 10. Know your figures and have a plan - a plan that works for you!; 11. Get accountable and know your figures; 12. Know your food cost for every single item; 13. Know your labour/wage cost and stay accountable; 14. It's your fault - get this and then get it again; 15. A coffee shop is all about people - and people need clear rules; 16. Make sure your employees understand the numbers; 17. Every pound is not equal. A pound earned is worth a lot less than a pound saved; 18. View your coffee business as if you were a customer; 19. View the business every day as if you were an employee; 20. Break the whole selling process down and make it better; 21. Keep your toilets spotless; 22. Treat lunch like a restaurant; 23. Create food stories about your star products and sell, sell, sell; 24. Get crafty with your menu and signage; 25. Watch your language; 26. Say hello; 27. Don't point and watch your body language; 28. Nod your head when asking a customer if they would like something; 29. Thank them; 30. The Granny Rule; 31 Keep the kids occupied; 32. Sell more coffee with cake and more cake with coffee Up selling and cross selling; 33. Sell more cold drinks; 34. Get your customer flow right; 35. Make it easy for the customer to buy; 36. Work out your lifetime customer value; 37. Consider the sizes - carefully; 38. Make it accessible and open. Make it all look great; 39 Use your sign wisely. Spend money and make yourshop look obvious; 40. Get creative with signage; 41. Avoid A"sour faced hagsA"; 42. Make the customers feel you care; 43. Use the list -cheapest marketing you'll ever do; 44. Create a catering side to your business; 45. Post the utility bills; 46. Incentives for saving money and making money; 47. Get creative with your marketing and steal ideas from other industries; 48. Create a A"bibleA"; 49. Beware staff attitudes towards business ownership; 50. Make a big deal of the big days; 51. Think wisely before you open your second shop; 52. Give a bit extra; 53. Work A"onA" the business not A"inA"it; And finally; Thanks; More from The Coffee Boys.

Read more less

She said, "I became a singer because I couldn't get work as an actress," but Barbra Streisand not only became both but revolutionized the two professions. Her music transformed the smooth, uninflected style of the Frank Sinatras and Ella Fitzgeralds into an engine of dramatic vocalism in which each song is like a miniature three-act play. And Streisand's films changed forever the ideal of how a movie star chooses roles, going from musicals to dramas to comedies, from period fare to ultra-modern tales, from Funny Girl to The Way We Were to Yentl. mainstream show-business principal to deconstruct an artist On Streisand begins with a broad year-by-year outline of the landmark achievements and a few of her more whimsical escapades, as when Rex Reed apologizes for an oafish interview piece and she responds with "I had more respect for him when he hated me." This is followed by a long essay on how Streisand's idiosyncratic self-realization marks her as a unique national treasure, an artist without limits. Then comes the major part of the book, a work-by-work analysis. This section is broken down into separate chapters, each organized chronologically: the stage shows, then the television shows and concerts, then the movies, and last (because longest) the recordings. Throughout, Mordden follows Streisand's independence, which he sees as her central quality. Throughout all of the chapters on Streisand's shows, concerts, films, and recordings, Mordden illustrates how she was exercising individualistic control of her career from her very first audition, and how the rest of her professional life unfolded from that point. pioneered an intense and even passionate singing style at A book written by an opinionated expert whose prose is consistently full of flair and wit, On Streisand: An Opinionated Guide will appeal to general readers in all aspects of American life that Streisand has touched, from film to television to popular music to stardom. Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra. Further, like Dustin Hoffman and Jack Nicholson she was one of the new wave actors of the 1960s who broke away from the standard models for movie stars. But Streisand has much greater range than others of this kind, as comfortable in musical comedy as in serious drama. Thus, she has moved from the madcap roles of Hello, Dolly! and What's Up, Doc? to the tale of a young woman at war with patriarchal religious fundamentalism (in Yentl) and the insanity hearing of a prostitute who has killed (in self-defense) and whose parents want to put her away to keep her from revealing that her step-father has preyed on her sexually. Further, Streisand has directed three of her films, rare enough for an actor but perhaps especially for a woman. An American Original, Streisand is controversial as well, as all Originals are. Mediocrities may be dull, but they never get bad reviews; Streisand has irritated many a sensibility. As she herself has said, "I'm a liberal, opinionated Jewish feminist-I push a lot of buttons." There is as well the "I'm so wonderful" vanity that has haunted some of her later work, as when she records duets with the rich and famous but isolates herself from them, letting the editing of the tapes bring them together, as if she were an ice princess who might melt upon human contact. Streisand, as her own movie producer, has also been accused of recutting the director's final version to flatter her shots over those of her colleagues. And The Mirror Has Two Faces seems designed to let Streisand direct her own Cinderella tale, not unlike the old Hollywood romances in which the secretary takes off her glasses and the boss cries, "Miss Johnson!...Clarice... Why, you're... you're beautiful!" Nevertheless, Streisand has been, in all, an invigorating artist, not only unique but extraordinary. It would be impossible to imagine what American culture would have been like without her.

Read more less

Prose poems and flash fictions revealing the heart-wrenching, absurd, life-changing nature of living through Covid, political chaos, and personal upheaval. Peter Conners’ unique blend of prose poetry, flash fiction, and other spare poetic forms pays witness to the heart-wrenching, absurd, life-changing nature of surviving a global pandemic during one of the most politically and culturally divisive times in American history. As a divorced father living in a blended family with 4 children, navigating a new marriage, and also caring for elderly parents, pandemic restrictions and their attendant scary weirdness hit hard. After a decade of publishing highly regarded nonfiction books about music and counterculture, Conners knew that only poetry could do these strange days justice. The result is Conners’ first prose poetry collection in a dozen years. Moving from raw personal poems like “One of you went” and “My father wanders” to overt political rants “The beaches are filled” and “Welcome to the last” to comically absurd flash fictions like “Superhero” and “Hello, my name is Larry” to meditations on relationships (“A small house;” “The old husband”) and spirituality (“If each martyr;” “Love everyone”), Conners strikes all the rich notes that illustrate our humanity, desire for love and connection, and striving for a rebirth that awaits just beyond the edge suffering.“Part Tao, part surrealist dialogue, Peter Conners has penned a book of precise yet effusive runes from the well-gnawed bones of a man reflecting upon his family and nation at midlife. Here we have poet as citizen, philosopher, father, humorist, husband, we have the pandemic (in actuality and as metaphor), we have passing time, memory, ‘our whole dumb history,’ the theater of self with its ‘copious technical difficulties.’ These are minimalist and thin-trimmed parable-like stories, dialogues, and beautiful confessions that in the end haggle down the price we’ve paid through the last brutal years, encouraging the reader to take our problems and ‘Feed them to the squirrels. Those little fuckers will eat anything.’”—Sean Thomas Dougherty“What you know after reading only a handful of these poems is that they have the ease, and share the privileges, of being loved and cared for by a master — not as common a thing in American poetry as you might think. This is an end-of-days story for precisely our times, presented formally in a fluid blending of at least three distinct genres, managing to celebrate them all to rich effects. These poems capture a litany of almost microscopic moments, resolute in how they are illustrative of our stunningly particular days. I love this book and I want you to read it if you care about looking closely at who we are by looking at who we have been.” —Bruce Weigl “Beyond the Edge of Suffering goes beyond life's edges, and not only in suffering. This brilliant collection by Peter Conners is a genius book of our times, with masks and viruses, nasal sprays, elixirs, diseases, and exams. It is deep and poignant, with lovely and surprising sparks of humor: a tiny porcelain woman, plays in language: bodies, memories, dreams. Diamonds. Martyrs. Prayers and non-prayers. Genesis and ribs. Fathers and mothers and a son and daughter. Crying Superheroes. Weeping willows. Mosquitos and monkeys and the highest house number in America. This collection is so holy-ghostingly good, it will continue to stay with you.”—Kim ChinqueePeter Conners is the author of ten books of poetry, nonfiction and fiction, including the prose poetry collections, Of Whiskey and Winter, and The Crows Were Laughing in Their Trees. He also edited the ground-breaking prose poetry/flash fiction anthology PP/FF: An Anthology, as well as an issue of American Book Review dedicated to prose poetry/flash fiction, and was founding editor of Double Room: A Journal of Prose Poetry and Flash Fiction. In his nonfiction books, he has documented music and countercultural communities in such books as Growing Up Dead: The Hallucinated Confessions of a Teenage Deadhead; JAMerica: The History of the Jam Band and Festival Scene; Cornell ‘77: The Music, The Myth, and the Magnificence of the Grateful Dead’s Concert at Barton Hall; and White Hand Society: The Psychedelic Partnership of Timothy Leary & Allen Ginsberg. His books have been published by White Pine Press, Da Capo Press, City Lights, Cornell University Press, Starcherone Books, and Marick Press. He lives with his family in Rochester, NY where he works as Publisher and Executive Director of the award-winning independent publishing house BOA Editions. His website is: www.peterconners.com

Read more less

Know joy. Keep joy. Live joy! Joy can feel elusive when defined by how you feel in a given moment or what your circumstances are at the present. Sometimes joy feels like it can be taken away, even when things are good. During a long season, Suzanne Eller discovered six surprising biblical truths about joy. Those truths helped her see joy and God in a new light. You are invited to embrace those same truths! JoyKeeper will help you · replace the need to hide emotions with honesty about how you feel · redefine joy from an up-and-down feeling to who God is in the right-now · discover how joy guides you through the hard places as well as the good · run freely to your Source of joy, rather than try to do it on your own · confront everyday joy stealers to live day-to-day as a JoyKeeper Thirty practical and inspirational daily exercises are also included so you can intentionally practice these truths. Includes a small-group study guide Suzanne (Suzie) Eller is a bestselling author, Bible teacher, and cohost of the More Than Small Talk podcast. Suzie has been featured on hundreds of TV and radio programs. When she's not writing, you'll find her kayaking, hanging out with her "littles," finding the best food truck, or hiking. Learn more at www.suzanneeller.com. "Suzie has not only written but lived these beautiful, powerful words. In our uncertain world, we all need to know how to hold on to our joy no matter what happens. Suzie is the wise friend and insightful guide who will show you."--HOLLEY GERTH, Bestselling Author, Life Coach, and More than Small Talk Podcast Cohost "Some books fill your mind and others fill your heart. JoyKeeper does both, and then goes a step further, taking you by the hand to guide you through the process of knowing, keeping, and living joy in the midst of challenging circumstances. Suzie Eller shares honest struggles and hard-earned wisdom on every page, always pointing us to Scripture, always circling back to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross. And what a delight to find a thirty-day devotional included in the book, offering daily encouragement for all of us who want to embrace a JoyKeeper life. So well done, and so needed."--LIZ CURTIS HIGGS, author of 31 Proverbs to Light Your Path "For everyone who has ever thought that joy was for other people (you know, those super-spiritual people who have the inside track to what God wants . . . ). Suzie is here to tell you joy, deep soul-satisfying joy, is available to all of us who love God in our own imperfect way."--KATHI LIPP, bestselling author "Each of us wrestle with sticky spots in our lives that try, on a daily basis, to steal the joy Jesus has promised for us. JoyKeeper helped me to identify a robber in my life. As I have put the truth I learned through JoyKeeper into practice, I have found a new joy I've never known. I now know that specific robber's identity and can send him packing when he comes into view."--LYNN COWELL, author of Make Your Move and member of the Proverbs 31 Ministries speaking and writing teams "During family struggles, health challenges, and disappointment, joy can seem elusive. In JoyKeeper, Suzie Eller intimately shares her path to joy through cancer diagnoses and heartache. Using insightful reflection questions and engaging storytelling, Suzie invites every woman with scars on a journey to becoming a JoyKeeper."--DR. SAUNDRA DALTON-SMITH, author of Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity "A fresh wind of hope comes as you read Suzie Eller's newest book, JoyKeeper. Suzie grants her reader permission to be real about what we feel, while equipping us with the tools needed to leap into action as God's joykeepers. Say good-bye to worry, and hello to deep, lasting joy!"--KRISSY NELSON, author, speaker, TV hose, Krissy Nelson Ministries "I have watched Suzie maintain joy in the face of adversity. JoyKeeper is written with vulnerability and profound insight guiding readers to encounter joy in a way they haven't yet--by knowing. Joykeeper is a lifeline when joy seems like a lost cause and a fleeting feeling."--JENNIFER RENEE WATSON, More Than Small Talk podcast cohost and author of Freedom!: The Gutsy Pursuit of Breakthrough and the Life Beyond It "To learn and know joy that supersedes our circumstances is not only life-sustaining, it's life-giving - to us and to everyone whose lives intersect with ours both now and in the future. This truth, this hope, has become the testimony of Suzie's life amidst real struggle and through this book she has chosen to become a kind and gentle mentor, a friend who is willing to teach us how we can choose joy in both the mountains and valleys as well."--KATIE WESTENBERG, author of I Choose Brave "Suzie's transparency, wisdom, and biblical teaching make you feel right at home and safe. I felt seen, understood, and mentored throughout this entire book. Not only does she offer powerful truths, but she equips you with practical application for breakthrough. This book helped me rediscover the joy I've been longing for and I'm forever grateful."--CHRISTY RODRIGUEZ, speaker and writer; host, The Brave Place Podcast with Christy Rodriguez; director and CEO, BraveGirlCommunity.com

Read more less