Heart-breaking, heart-warming, infuriating and awe-inspiring, Rough Sleepers takes us deep into the trials and triumphs of Boston's homeless and those who tirelessly care for them. We have angels living amongst us; Kidder opens our eyes to many from both sides of the poverty line. A life-changing read.
The words "Made in China" will hold new meaning when you read this book -- for me, that is "Buyer Be Aware." Amelia Pang opened my eyes to the hidden horrors behind her book's simple title by weaving one man's brave, yet grueling, story through the complex history, corporate policies and economic factors that keep millions of Chinese citizens enslaved in brutal forced labor camps to this day. If we all become more Aware shoppers, we can affect change around the globe with our buying power and collective pressure on corporations to honor human life above profits. This is an important and gripping read that I recommend to everyone!
If you're drawn to psychology and enjoy reading the intimate details and messy entanglements of deep-rooted vulnerabilities, this is a great book! Raw, honest, and surprising, GROUP is Christie Tate's brave bearing of her painful insecurities and relationship challenges with her therapy family and with us. Ultimately, all her hard work works!
This book blew my mind! Imagine the many ways your life -- and others' lives -- would unfold if you made one different decision. Imagine if you could undo regrets and live your best life over and over in its various iterations, as you wipe away "mistakes". Go through this maze with Mora Seed, and gain insights into your own life path as you do! warning -- it brings you down and up and all around and ends up just right!
I've never read Susan Wiggs before, and grabbed this on my way out the bookstore door to go into COVID quarantine. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down! “Lost and Found" is the perfect title for this book and the story's bookshop. From personal loss to memory loss to property loss, and then the finding of meaning and love and purpose born from their losses, the characters' and their individual histories weave a beautiful story rich in the love of books, family complexities and transforming relationships. An uplifting and fun read for quarantine, the beach or any time!
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This book cracked me up!! Written as a series of letters to her ex-boyfriend -- with whom she maintains a platonic friendship -- Roxy delights as she shares her non-platonic, wacky and charming relationship/life adventures as a 28-year-old Austin, TX struggling artist. Light and fun to read, with some eyebrow-raising wittiness and a rom-com-like ending, Roxy is a great traveling companion!
What happens when a young girl moves to CA with her younger brother and broken mother who's no longer able to manage her marriage and take care of herself and her children? In The Honey Bus, that young girl (Meredith May) finds solace in the only grownup who doesn't dismiss her -- her grandfather -- and the hobby that defines him -- beekeeping. This heartbreaking, heartwarming and heart-winning memoir kept me "buzzing" from beginning to end with its deep dives into human emotions, soothed and healed by the meditative rhythms of miraculous honeybees in their protective, harmonious colonies.
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While the topic of Global Climate Change may make you yawn or raise your hand in a hard "No, not-going-there" gesture, this book can change that, and needs to be read. Outlining the history, players, and social science (economics, politics and sociology) behind climate change action -- and inaction -- N. Rich argues for our humanitarian, moral obligation to wake up and smell the denialism. We can slow down the beast, and this book bolsters you with the awareness and consciousness to mobilize for change. Let's get the conversation and action going!
Imagine being born into a 100% Ashkenazi Jewish family, then casually and dismissively taking a DNA test jusdt because your husband ordered a second kit for you . . . and you find out you're only 52% Askenazim! Dani Shapiro doesn't have to imagine because it's her reality. Dig into this engrossing memoir to reflect on true biology and altered identity.
Working her tail off, yet living below the poverty line as a single Mom, Stephanie Land takes us deep into the heart of the "working poor" in this country. She chronicles her struggles, successes, setbacks, and survival without complaint, and with a determined resilience that's awe-inspiring and -- eventually -- fruitful!
Have you ever wondered about the training and life of a spy? Wonder no more, because Amaryllis Fox envelopes you in her high-level CIA world, from the seeds of her initial interest, to her intensive training, to her "never-could-I-imagine-myself-doing-that" overseas maneuvers. Fox's narrative plays out like a spy movie, and then she continues the intrigue as she passionately shares her personal shift. Transitioning to her new role on the world stage as a mother and international peacemaker, Fox beautifully captures her awakening to truth, love and freedom.
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An exciting Middle Grade historical fiction connecting readers to the history of Cuba's 1961 literacy campaign through the eyes and experience of a 13-year-old girl. Volunteering a year of their lives to teach illiterate farmers and rural people to read, Cubans as young as 10-19 helped grow Cuba's literacy rate from 60% to 96%! Filled with adventure, history, and love, this book enlightened and charmed me to the end!
If you're looking for a practical, thorough, compassionate, "science-y" (but not too science-y) guide to feeling better in your Body, Mind and Spirit, look no further! Writing in a conversational, yet to-the-point style, Laurie breaks down self-care into digestible, organized, action-able sections. This book has become my companion and daily reminder of how I want to live my life -- I wish I had had it in my hands 25 years ago!
If you're a fan of memoirs, this one is a must! Abdi Nor Iftin, a recent immigrant from Somalia, is an exceedingly positive, open-minded, ambitious and amazing man. Currently living in Portland, ME, he details his tumultuous life in war-torn Somalia, secretly learning English and American culture through movies (he even became know as "Abdi American!"), and as an unwelcome refugee in Kenya, before literally "winning the lottery" to come to the U.S. What Abdi has experienced and accomplished in his life is a testament to love, hard work and determination ... he -- and his book -- are truly inspirational.
An engaging modern day fairy tale about a young girl, Livy, and her mysterious friend, Bob, who she reunites with at her grandmother's house in Australia after 5 years apart. The question is, who is Bob? Is he an imaginary friend? ... a zombie? ... a pet dressed in a chicken suit? We don't know until the very end! I was charmed by Bob and Livy and their journey to discover where Bob came from, who he is, and how the magic of friendship and family can be transformative.
I Have the Right To: A High School Survivor's Story of Sexual Assault, Justice, and Hope (Paperback)
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Before the #MeToo movement gained momentum, Chessy Prout was fighting her own battle against her sexual abuser and a New England prep-school's "turn-a-blind-eye" attitude toward her assault as a student there. Courageously written by Chessy in her own teenage words, this important book took hold of me and wouldn't let me go ... in a good, yet challenging way. It made me think, cry, and cheer; and most importantly, it educated me and empowered me to confront forms of "rape culture," victim blaming and abuse I may witness in my every day life. Thank you for your courage, Chessy!
I'm in love with "Love"! This amazing book weaves the joys of love...with the fears of love...with the people and places and things of love. With your knowing of love in its moving forms, the honesty and raw emotion of this children's book will scatter your heart in so many directions. But, for a child, "Love" provides a framework and validation for the many unknown feelings and forms of love they experience every day. "Love" (the book) is a diverse, and expansive, and honest, and heart-wrenching, and heart-warming as love itself...Dig in!!
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Meet Lance Hendricks -- teenager extraordinaire ... everything but a "wildman" until his car breaks down far from home and he finds a side of himself he never imagined existed. Experience living on the edge with a motley crew of teenagers and young adults as Lance breaks from his expected life path and bravely forges forward -- in love, friendship and destiny ... "wildly!"
Like nothing I've read before! Scott Kelly is one of two people in the world to have lived on the Int'l Space Station for an entire year (2015-2016). Coupling his meticulous account of an adventure most will never experience (including day-to-day activities, like brushing your teeth, in zero gravity) with his honest self-reflection throughout, Kelly presents us with a true-life story that even a non-scientist/non-space-lover will devour!
More than a story of the physical trials and tribulations of walking across the country (although there's plenty of that too!), this is a deeply felt account of the trials and tribulations of growing up ... the "how do I fit into this world?" kind of exploration. Enjoy a journey across our country through this fascinating young man's eyes as he recounts and ponders the stories and life philosophies from people he meets along the way. A really moving read.
A raw, honest and emotional memoir from the author of the inspiring bestseller Carry On Warrior. Delving into the depths and intricacies of her despair and recovery as she grapples with addiction, her Self, her marriage, and truth, Melton's words reach into the depths of your soul and touch the vulnerability that lives within all of us. This is a book I'll read over and over again ...
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A psychological thriller with strong lessons about the alteration of memories. This compelling story centers around the rape of a young girl whose memory of the tragic event is erased by a new, controversial drug. Her memory is eventually restored, but not without a flurry of emotional, confusing and thought-provoking events and revelations along the way!
Whether you're a foodie who enjoys reading about other people's "real food" adventures, or a non-foodie wanting to learn about eating locally-sourced foods, this award-winning memoir by a much-loved author delivers! Informative, funny, and eye-opening, it's one of my favorite reads! And it even includes some wonderful recipes using farm-fresh favorites .
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An amazing life story of resilience and creativity, all grounded in food. As a foodie, I found her life and food ventures inspiring! Added bonus: the author was born in Boston, so a local flavor runs through the story as well ...
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If you've never tried a green smoothie before, I highly recommend them and this book! This visually delightful, info-packed and simple starter guide to green smoothies is inspirational. You get the what, where, when, why and how behind this healthful habit. Green smoothies changed my life ... they are truly transformational!
When two 15-year old boys become unlikely friends, a deep and meaningful relationship unfolds. This is a modern coming of age story with heart, twists and a powerful ending. As a mother of two teenage boys, I really enjoyed this story. A great read for young adults or parents of teenage boys who want to get inside their boys' heads!