(NewsUSA) - July and Everything After by Allie Nava

A modern tale of resilience and transformation against extraordinary odds, for fans of Paolo Coelho, Amy Tan, and Khaled Hosseini.

As Maya turns 22, civil war breaks out in her birth country Sri Lanka while on a visit from America. Maya is targeted and attacked in organized massacres against minorities, and she barely escapes.

Haunted by the horrors, Maya returns to the U.S. and tries to rally a diverse group of allies to help expose the atrocities, among them her Norwegian-American best friend, a magnanimous Catholic nun, and a gifted young man from her past.

Bent on justice, Maya isn't prepared for the unexpected twists and turns that will test her resolve. As the war and humanitarian crisis intensify, so does Maya's disillusionment with herself, but contact with a mysterious mentor whose wisdom she once ignored holds the key to her future.

Purchase at https://a.co/d/0HNFtb9.

Between Lies and Revenge by Hannah D Sharpe

For fans of Megan Miranda and Sally Hepworth, here’s a gripping debut of domestic suspense, where a daring jewel heist becomes a lifeline for two women entangled in a web of deceit.

Years after the theft of an heirloom jewelry, ex-con Elle is on the run ... until she spots a stranger wearing a signature piece. Determined to take back what is hers, Elle befriends the woman, and offers to appraise and clean the jewelry, replicating and replacing the pieces instead.

Meanwhile, Olivia is maxing out credit cards to pay for fertility treatments, keep her blackmailing father at bay, and maintain appearances. When Olivia meets Elle, she finally feels understood.

The two bond and start a home jewelry side-hustle. Then they start switching rich housewives’ gems with fakes. But they each have secrets and trust their final con will exact the revenge that’ll secure their freedom. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3ZBsJR3.

Lucianity by John Byer

Lucianity reports the results of a criminal investigation into a 2000-year-old “Cold Case” where it is revealed that Lucius, the Bishop of Cyrene and keeper of early church records, forged and/or corrupted about 75 percent of the New Testament, which includes the four gospels; Revelation; Acts, and at least 16 of the Epistles.

Lucius fabricated his scripture under each of the deceased Apostle’s names, except for the gospel of Luke and Acts, since Lucius was Luke. As such, the detective identifies only the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ as true, and almost everything else as the fiction of Lucius: e.g. the physical ascension and Rapture. Lucius even used books by Flavius Josephus and ancient Egyptians to write scripture for Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21 and Revelation wherein he attributes false dialog to Jesus. Purchase at https://amzn.to/4aD0R0O.

SUPER PSYCHED by Adam Dorsay, PsyD

Connection is everything. Let a leading therapist to Silicon Valley’s top executives help you become super psyched by discovering your personalized formula for more energy, higher performance, better relationships, and a more meaningful life.

Drawing on more than a decade of practical research and Dorsay’s groundbreaking work with Facebook as co-creator of its international resiliency program, Super Psyched reveals an innovative framework for readers to create their own Connection Formula—a customizable tool that allows users to strengthen their bonds in four basic areas: with others, the world around them, their spirituality, and (perhaps most importantly) themselves.

Packed with actionable advice, unforgettable stories, and unexpected insights, Super Psyched is the ultimate handbook for unleashing the power of connection to live the life you love. Purchase at https://bit.ly/4fKR6kg.

(NewsUSA) - Covet the Chaos by Caleb Shawn Sully

Based on a true story. Emerging from his service in Iraq, a soldier seeks redemption and solace by joining the Peace Corps and volunteering in Ukraine, only to grapple with the weight of his experiences and the shifting landscape of his moral compass. He finds he must set aside idealistic notions of escape and atonement and confront the ghosts of his past and the complex reality of the present. The saga delves into his journey of assimilation and self-discovery.

His attempts to forge connections—particularly with the enigmatic Katya and the volatile Sgt. Ramsey—serve to unearth deeper layers of pain and resilience. As a consequence of his journey throughout the battlefields of Iraq and the post-Soviet world of a quaint Ukrainian village, he comes to terms with the nature of suffering and the pursuit of meaning in a world marked by chaos and uncertainty. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3XlicYS.

A Wink at Coronavirus by Kiran Katib

"Hope in the times of Pandemic" is Kiran Katib's heartfelt response to a world turned upside down by COVID-19. This children's book is her endeavor to demystify the challenges of the pandemic for young minds, offering clarity and comfort through engaging narratives. Her stories are crafted with a delicate balance of education and hope, guiding children to a place of understanding and resilience. With each page, she encourages her readers to look beyond the present and toward the horizon filled with promise and endless possibilities.

The author’s narrative is one of heartfelt transformation, from the serenity of village life to the vibrant pulse of urban education. Rooted in the values of a small town, she found solace and inspiration in the art of storytelling. As a mother of a bright 12-year-old boy, hard transition through life's stages has been mirrored in her son's growth. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3T7Ntfb.

Authenticity and Grace by David Smith PhD

This concise guide demonstrates how to uncover our “authentic life.” Beyond traditional psychology and religion lies the ever-extraordinary power of Grace. Understanding how Grace unfolds as our individual life reveals our true purpose. Dr. Smith teaches us how to identify and use what he calls “Gracepoints” to remove the barriers such as anxiety, depression, fear, and despair that keep us from seeing how the natural power of Grace unfolds in our lives.

The best news of all: Grace is free. Everyone has access to their authentic lives — the only requirement is to get out of the way, bypassing the ego and conditioned thinking covering up our authentic selves. This powerful guide shows us clearly what Grace is, how it can heal, and how we restore the awareness, energy, and the lost sense of wonder which makes us truly individual and human. Purchase at https://bit.ly/4d6bgn8.

Triumph to Tragedy, Book Four by Daniel J.D. Bayard

This book marks the continuing chronicle of the first (and only) successful slave revolution in the world, ultimately spawning the Republic of Haiti. The story is hardly a fairy tale, as the factual events are all too true. It recounts the circumstances and individuals purposely ignored by world history texts for far too long. The books are brimming with romance, intrigue, war, and political betrayal, all seductive page-turners that entertain and educate readers, countrymen, and history buffs alike.

After 13 years of constant turmoil, the Bayard family has deftly navigated their lives through the ever-shifting political landscape. Death and destruction loomed at every turn for Jean and Marie, determined to carve out their success despite all odds. Book Four opens after their victory over Napoleon Bonaparte’s French army. They soon realize establishing stability and peace may be more challenging than fighting for their freedom.

Purchase at https://www.triumphtotragedy.com/triumphtotragedybookstore.

(NewsUSA) - Lost in Thought by Deborah Serra

Does your mind wander? Where does it go without you?

Ilana manages an opera house in Manhattan. Her world is well-planned until she begins to question her choices. Having been adopted, she decides to secretly spy on her birth family. When she does, her life explodes.

This novel is about how our lives are driven by unconscious choices and the consequences from our illusion of free will.

“Ilana’s journey as a woman trying to figure out who she is, is compelling, unexpected, and also heartbreaking. This novel captured me.” — Delia Ephron, author, screenwriter

“I am in awe. This is an extraordinary story, and one that will remain with me.” — WendiReviews

“This novel is a masterclass in psychological fiction.” — Rekha Rao

 “This book is about a character navigating matters of self-control. It’s gripping."  — Patricia S. Churchland, author, MacArthur grant recipient, neuro-philosopher

Purchase at https://bit.ly/3AFn4zk.

Civil Unity by Shola Richards

In order to transform our world, we must unite behind a new kind of civility.

In a world that is more divided than ever, it will take a radical act to transform our discourse, our lives, and our world. International civility consultant and keynote speaker Shola Richards believes that unifying our world around the power of civility is that radical act, and it’s not for the faint of heart.

Civil Unity is not another book about turning the other cheek when faced with harmful or hateful behavior. This book is about providing the practical tactics to disagree more effectively, bridge ideological divisions, actively prioritize our mental health, and fiercely create a more civil world that will sustain over time. If you are ready to transform our discourse, our lives, and our world, let’s get to work. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3yH4iqD.

The Little Bird by Ashby Jones

In 1964, a Black teenager was murdered by a drunken white cop who got away with the crime, and eight years later, the boy’s best friend, Shane, returns from combat intent on carving out justice himself. Suzanne, the daughter of the lawyer who failed in prosecuting the case, also lands back in Virginia, but her aim is to follow her father’s path to suicide, a path created by his loss and the severe rheumatoid arthritis that followed.

Shane and Suzanne were four years apart in high school and barely knew each other before they met, but after a chance encounter, an almost instant connection is made. Neither knows the other’s secret goal, but as their bonds deepen, their love will be tested by familial duty, long-held grief, and even shifting sanity. But love might have other plans for Shane and Suzanne. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3AJZ7GY.

Here There is No Why by Philip Graubart

Did Chaim Lerner, acclaimed Israeli author and Holocaust survivor, kill himself in 1983, 38 years after surviving Auschwitz? If so, was it traumatic memories finally catching up to him? Or despair over Holocaust denialism? Or ordinary, difficult health issues? Or simply a deadly episode of depression?

Or was it murder?

In 2005, Judah Loeb, Lerner's former student and now a struggling American journalist and single father, travels to Jerusalem to investigate Lerner's death. He drags along his 15-year-old daughter, Hannah, and they team up with Charlie, Judah's former Hebrew University roommate, now a Jerusalem homicide detective. Their investigation takes them through the darker corners of the Israeli psyche, where they uncover secrets that threaten to destroy Lerner's reputation and alter Jewish history. While probing the mysteries of Israel's past, they encounter personal betrayal, heartbreak, and the fragile possibilities of forgiveness and redemption. Purchase at https://bit.ly/46ZJLdy.

(NewsUSA) - “The Amalfi Secret” by Dean and Catherine Reineking 

When Gabe Roslo arrives in Amalfi, Italy, a long-awaited reunion with his grandparents takes a tragic turn. His beloved grandfather is dead — and a cryptic diary left behind is Gabe’s only clue to the mystery surrounding his sudden death. But what starts as a personal tragedy quickly spirals into a high-stakes international puzzle. 

Teaming up with Anna, a resourceful Roman local, Gabe follows a trail of hidden truths that stretches from the stunning Amalfi coast to the corridors of global power. Secret codes, powerful enemies, and a legacy of deception pull them into a world where nothing is as it seems. With each twist, they are forced to question their allies and uncover dark secrets that could shift the global balance of power. 

Will Gabe and Anna decipher the mystery and reveal the sinister forces at play? Or will they become the next victims of The Amalfi Secret? 

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3HwWiwI. 

“Nobody’s Legend” by Jason Ferguson 

Let Go of Who You Were, Rewrite Your Story, and Take Back Your Life. 

What if everything you thought defined you — your past, your failures, your struggles — wasn't the end of your story, but just the beginning? “Nobody's Legend” is a raw, unfiltered journey through adversity, transformation, and the fight to reclaim identity. This is more than a memoir — it's a battle cry for anyone who's ever felt lost, underestimated, or stuck in their own narrative. 

From the highs of athletic success to the darkest depths of addiction and self-doubt, Ferguson lays bare his journey with gripping honesty. Through moments of triumph and despair, he shows that even the hardest setbacks don't define us — it's how we rise from them that does. If you've ever felt like life was slipping away, like the odds were stacked against you, this book will prove that transformation isn't just possible — it's yours for the taking. 

Purchase at https://amzn.to/47D5Lx0. 

“The Heart of Bennet Hollow” by Joanne Bischof DeWitt 

In this historical retelling of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice,” an Appalachian farmer’s daughter and a wealthy businessman find a surprising love but must reckon with what divides them. Lizbeth Bennet longs to preserve her family’s farm, a difficult task in their Appalachian coal mining town. But when the mine is put up for sale, a contingent of coal barons descends on the town, among them a young man rumored to be a very rich, eligible bachelor. William Drake arrives focused on business and keeping his distance from the townspeople. As Lizbeth and William continue to cross paths, Lizbeth questions her first impression of the man she believed to be proud and indifferent. Lizbeth must confront her own prejudices ... and decide whether the future she’s always imagined is the one her heart truly wants most after all. 

Purchase at http://bit.ly/3IhttEK. 

“Hibernation” by S.J. Epps 

The world has flipped upside down as a new class of citizens has arisen from hibernation and rejects the heterosexual idealism and culture. 

In the aftermath of legalized same-sex marriage in the U.S., two pastors are pulled into a new kind of civil war — those who vehemently oppose the new ruling and those who embrace it wholeheartedly. Lawsuits run rampant. Ministers are imprisoned. Riots ignite. Church doors are shuttered and chained. 

Pastor Sams attends the public rallies and even makes appearances in the courtroom to show his solidarity in standing with Pastor Charles. However, there is a constant fear that threatens their cause and their friendship. As new developments arise and new rebellions crop up, the fabric of America they once relied on starts to shred. The church appears to be losing its voice as the LGBTQ community lunges forth out of hibernation. 

Purchase at https://sjepps.com. 

(NewsUSA) - I’ll Have a Double by Juliana Hastings

It might be shocking to learn that a nice glass of Pinot Noir at the end of a stressful day can be related to breast cancer. Here’s a brave and eye-opening journey from a survivor of self-assessment that acknowledges the degree to which women are creating a hospitable environment in their bodies for the disease to recur. The book is bracing, instructive, and inspiring.

In simple, relatable language, the book distills decades of research papers from universities and medical research centers in a way that will convince even those most reluctant to recognize the links between lifestyle choices, alcohol and breast cancer. The fight is never over, so survivor women must fight the fight for the rest of their lives. Fight the probability of recurrence, fight the cancer catalysts over which they have control and fight to stay alive. It feels good to do so! Purchase at https://bit.ly/3TcMbzS.

Something Better by Diane Parrish

It arose not from desire or even interest, but from curiosity: what would happen . . . if she just let it?

The bubble in which Ruth and David live their tidy suburban lives is about to burst. A tragic automobile accident shatters their insular world and sends David into an emotional tailspin. An unexpected job opportunity sends Ruth to the West Coast, waylaying her desire to become a mother and making her increasingly unavailable for David's needs.

Thrown off balance, David develops a fixation on Annabeth Brady, the daughter of the friends lost that fateful night. As he and Ruth drift further apart, each must decide if they will remain true to their vows, or search for something better.

Told in gorgeous, descriptive prose with flashes of humor and insight, this debut novel quietly questions our notions of forgiveness and faith. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3Y5rQiT.

Soul Masters: The Hunting Grounds by K.R. Gastreich

On a hike through the forest, Mayela stumbles into a terrifying world where immortals hunt souls. To survive, she secures protection from a Soul Master. When he demands payment, Mayela fights back. But how can she fight the desire consuming her heart?

Every soul Nathan claims expands the power of his realm. In Mayela, he finds a rare gift that could guarantee his place among the Soul Masters. All he must do is secure her allegiance without losing his heart. And Nathan has no heart to lose. Or does he?

With eternity at stake, Mayela and Nathan ignite a transcendent passion that breaks all the rules. Among the Soul Masters, a malevolent force awakens. The final hunt is on… Purchase at https://bit.ly/3A2vWi7.

Restaurant Excellence by Marvin Alballi

Whether you're establishing your first restaurant, launching another franchise, welcoming guests to a luxury hotel dining experience, or sitting comfortably in the city's F&B concept, this book provides expert advice to take your business to the next level and better serve your new and loyal customers. No matter your skill level, this book will offer something to appeal, enlighten, and encourage.

Author Marvin Alballi has worked his way through the ranks to become an award-winning food-and-beverage executive managing franchise chains, celebrity-chef restaurants, independent establishments, and global hotel F&B operations. He has overseen everything from mom-and-pop diners to fine dining.

This book presents valuable and practical advice with contributions from 28 respected food-service industry professionals, including several Michelin-starred chefs. These suggestions cover every essential topic: kitchen management, service and hospitality, training and development, design, marketing, cost management, operations, menus and interviews with top chefs and CEOs. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3WycUZW

(NewsUSA) - Again and Again Back to You by Andrea Ezerins

If you had the chance to revisit your past to change your present, what moment would you choose? In this enchanting novel, an encounter with a mystical channeler allows two soulmates to experience the road not taken and explores the profound impact first love can have on one’s life.

Marta and Kevin discover each other while coming of age in the ’70s only to be separated when they are about to realize the power of their young love. As Marta moves on to college and career, she remains haunted by what might have been if she had been brave enough to seize it.

A chance encounter with a channeler who can transport people back to a juncture in their lives to reveal their road not taken has Marta jumping at the opportunity. But will she be brave enough to channel back to Kevin? Purchase at https://amzn.to/3W1G8QB.

Legends of Astraea by Sophia Alessandrini

Can the power of love save the world?

Ailie, a gutsy girl who possesses a sharp wit and a playful, irreverent voice, seeks revenge with the help of her psychotic, warmongering, and good-hearted legal guardian. She alone can open the gates of hell just like Pandora did when she opened the jar that contained all evils. And evil wants those doors open.

Fallen Angels conspire to help her with Cupid’s Golden Arrow.

She finds herself in a whimsical world of myths, legends, glittering gowns, priceless jewels, life-threatening enemies, and eccentric immortals that call themselves Strzyga. However, there are side effects to the arrow. What’s not to like about a gorgeous, 200-year-old Strzyga prince who is completely head over heels for her? But things never go as planned. Will Ailie manage to save the world, or will she accidentally open the gates of hell?  Purchase at https://bit.ly/3JXK5Pg.

Our Life, Our Work, Our Humanness by Vincent Dodd

It seems we are more divided than ever in many aspects of life, and we too often still feel empty while pushing ourselves to keep up. This book explores many facets of our relationships with ourselves and others and provides tools to help ease this division and bring a clearer level of understanding and grace.

When you consider what makes up our life -- emotions, relationships, concerns, expectations, harsh realities, and even politics -- how can there not be some suffering? Though these subjects are wide and deep, the author breaks them down and shares from his 34 years of front-line public service experiences and his personal life observations. He then follows with solution-based concepts and easy daily applicable tools to tame these daily life stressors. Purchase at https://bit.ly/4dCJT5i.

Touch Time by R.E. Mason

A million years ago, Verdan’s moon is struck by an immense asteroid, forcing the planet to exist in two dimensions.

A handful of pilgrims, scientists and technicians, come out from Adrian for work and adventure and choose to remain on Verdan, despite the difficulties imposed by that planet’s challenging environment.

But a new danger threatens those colonists. Adrian suddenly reverses a prior decision to shut down the base there. Instead, they intend to take control of that world and prepare it to receive the influx of migrants soon to come there. Adrian sends a military unit to secure the base and quell any resistance from the original colonists.

The pilgrims know they’d be no match for the number of invaders. Unless they have someplace to go, they’d have no future. But there might be such a place -- if they have the courage to get there.  Purchase at https://bit.ly/3TpeyLh.

(NewsUSA) - You Are More Than: A Primer for Finding the Light in Your Heart by Amy L. Stark, Ph.D.

Award-winning and inspirational for the whole family. You are More Than: A Primer for Finding Light in Your Heart explains with clear examples “who you are is more than what you see on the outside.” The book gives children and teens an opportunity to explore how they are part of the world around them. It helps them find the connection by breathing, and connecting with the energy of the planet, and learning that when they do this, they will feel attached to everything around them.

You are More Than explores the idea that this life-affirming connection gives a person purpose and a chance to be of service. The prestigious Nautilus Book Awards presented You are More Than with a 2024 Silver Award in the Children's Picture Book category. Purchase at https://bit.ly/4f3Bt7W.

Marvelous Jackson by Laura Anne Bird

After losing his mom, a struggling thirteen-year-old boy in northern Wisconsin rediscovers the love of baking he once shared with her and decides to audition for the world-famous Marvelous Midwest Kids Baking Championship television show in Chicago. Jack is sure that his new sense of purpose will help him stay out of trouble, so he throws himself into learning the finer points of sprinkles and scones—and hopefully even mending his broken relationship with his dad.

Marvelous Jackson is about taking risks and making mistakes, and it celebrates the power of humor, friendship, and sweet treats to make any situation better, even a broken heart. It's the perfect story for 8-to-12-year-olds who love to bake, who feel like they don't fit in, or who are trying to figure out what ignites their interest and passion. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3WncW6N.

Recalibrating Gravity by Mary Keating

Welcome to the world of Mary Keating, a quick-witted, fun-loving paraplegic. (Note, however, that she cringes at being labeled.) Fifty years ago, Mary's wide-open world instantly contracted at age fifteen when a teenager drove her into an oak tree at maximum speed. With a wheelchair as a permanent accessory, she was no longer seen as "hot" or one of the "in" crowd. She found herself transported into an alternate reality— defined now by her disability.

When life becomes overwhelming, Mary jokingly pretends she's trapped in a bad B movie waiting for a new director. Her poetry collection reminds us that no matter how hard life may seem, grace, love, and humor will save us from despair and allow us to live our best life under any circumstances. Purchase at https://bit.ly/49hw3SR.

Between Islands by Robert Coburn

Detective Joe Cheo comes from a family with a history of crime and corruption. Though he has never taken part in any criminal activity, the reputation has been a burden to carry throughout his life. And never heavier than now as a member of the Honolulu Police Department, where he is forced to walk a fine line.

But events conspire to present a crossroads of right and wrong. And the decision of which one to take becomes even more difficult for him. Set in Hawaii during the 1980s, join Detective Joe Cheo on a journey through his past and the present as he searches for the answer, only to be surprised at its conclusion. Says one reviewer, "Terrific characters and a riveting storyline...couldn't put it down." Purchase at https://bit.ly/3VXb3wY.

(NewsUSA) - The Poisoned Fruit by Julie Colacchio

For centuries, Mages have been imprisoned by America. Now, America Needs Magic.

When Topaz Tenkiller is finally released, the Cold War is escalating, Prince is singing "When Doves Cry," and addiction is destroying her brother. The gifted Mage is assigned to a UN security detail. Topaz flourishes with freedom, food, and friends. She enjoys security work and sends money home to help her brother. Topaz finds a secret lab with mutilated Mage corpses and discovers that scientists are harvesting magic. Will she stay silent and save her brother or expose America's brutality to save her people?

Says author Alison Levy, "Colacchio’s book is a rich, emotional journey...alternately gut-wrenching and empowering. Once you take a step into this story, you’ll feel compelled to finish it in one sitting!” Purchase at https://bit.ly/3VPltiV.

Anela’s Club by D.K. Yamashiro

A coming-of-age story about rising above tragedy and learning to view life through a lens of hope and love.

When Anela Lee's brother, Jake, dies on the football field, her family is shattered. Her parents never wanted her, and without her biggest cheerleader, she withdraws into her pain and insecurities. Even school, once a refuge, means nothing anymore. Only one teacher refuses to give up on her, pushing her to enter an essay contest that gives her a shot at Harvard. Still, self-doubt holds Anela back.

Then a senator teaches her about the many world leaders who have used their childhood trauma to do great things. The hope that Anela can turn her pain into something beautiful gives her back her spark and encourages her to enter the contest. But does she have the confidence to share her essay in front of an audience? Purchase at https://bit.ly/44YATUc.

The Last Tale of Norah Bow by J.P. White

In 1926, during Prohibition, Vital Bow is abducted at gunpoint during dinner at the family cottage in Rye Beach, Ohio. His intrepid fourteen-year-old daughter, Norah Bow, discovers her father’ s involvement in a rum-running gang operating on Lake Erie and determines to sail north to rescue him. En route, Norah rescues Ruby Francoeur, an enigmatic woman of easy virtue who conceals secrets of her own.

With Ruby as crew, Norah enters an island-and-city world of eccentric and monstrous characters who test her resolve, strength, and knowledge as both a young woman and a skipper. Norah Bow is a coming-of-age story told by an elder Norah, a tale filled with characters steeped in betrayal, remorse, and a fierce desire for more lives. Norah Bow is a story about family secrets, self-reliance, and the complicated nature of memory itself. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3VG2SEc.

Midnight Rider by Quinn Miller

Rikki is generally content with his life and the world in which he lives. That is until the day a mysterious big cat emerges from living underground and reveals the hideous truth about Rikki’s society.

While Rikki trains his fire-breathing horse for a community event, the confused teenager must navigate a dark path of twisting and evolving morals. When the previously helpful cat suddenly becomes a violent predator, Rikki must either act in line with his own morals or witness his town succumb to the wrath of the beast.

Midnight Rider is the debut novel from a new YA fantasy writer. The author is an all-around intellectual who loves philosophy, drawing, and playing musical instruments in addition to writing--and hardly has time for the hobbies, there are so many of them! Purchase at https://bit.ly/4exgUAF.

(NewsUSA) - Have you ever played a game where you see a person, couple, or group and begin to make a story around them? It’s a great way to meet spies, murderers, vagabonds, lovers, and thieves. The running dialogue of this game is best imagined with your date or significant other. What you learn about your accomplice is always surprising as the plot thickens.

In Seeing—In A Small-Town, poet Pasquale Trozzolo takes this game to a new level. He explores life’s daily routine through the eyes of a visiting explorer, and each vignette is written based on the story game.

Trozzolo writes conversationally as if the reader is accompanying the explorer on the journey. Each vignette is a story the explorer imagines based on the person’s appearance, behavior, and interactions with others. Through these stories, the reader is given a glimpse into the lives of small-town Americans and the daily routines that make up their lives. The stories are engaging, thought-provoking, and often surprising. Each poem is introduced by a short reflection from the explorer, commenting on what they learned from the experience.

“I hope the reader recognizes that every person’s life carries joys, burdens, and secrets,” Trozzolo says. “We should judge slowly and carefully, if at all. While passing through, we often make assumptions based on our predisposed expectations, quickly judging each person by their cover and not allowing the story to develop. And, just like judging books, it’s almost always a mistake –even if we are playing the story game.”

The poems explore judgment, assumptions, and the importance of seeing beyond the surface. The stories remind us that every person has a story and that we should be slow to judge and quick to listen. We never know what burdens someone carries or what joys they celebrate. Everyone is more than just their appearance; we should take the time to get to know them before forming opinions.

Poet Catherine Abbey Hodges, author of In a Rind of Light, says, “At a polarized moment in our culture, these poems suggest an alternative to knee-jerk judgment and condemnation of ‘the other.’ What might happen if we brought curiosity, imagination, and deference to our regard for those outside our circle? Vignette by vignette, these poems—generous, poignant, humorous, and slyly wise—do just that.”

Kirkus Reviews says: “The form and style of the work are as quaint as the small-town bars, diners, parks, and Main Streets the collection inhabits. It’s tempting to board a Greyhound bus to nowhere in particular after luxuriating in these verses.”

The book celebrates the diversity and complexity of human life and reminds us that there is always more to see if we are willing to look beyond the surface. To learn more, visit pasqualetrozzolo.com. Finishing Line Press will release the book on November 15, 2024, and it is now available for pre-sale orders at https://www.finishinglinepress.com/product/seeing-in-a-small-town-by-pasquale-trozzolo/

(NewsUSA) - For Donald Denihan, it was supposed to be the fishing trip of a lifetime. Instead, it ended up nearly costing him his life in a hard bargain he made with the sea.

Denihan’s story is documented in riveting detail in his new book HARD BARGAIN (Stillwater River Publications). The book is best described as part gripping true adventure story and part self-reflection on how being on the doorstep of death helped him get a better grasp on what is really important in life.

According to Reader’s Digest, “The dominant waterlogged parts strike the same salt-drenched chords as ‘The Perfect Storm’ and ‘In the Heart of the Sea,’ as harrowingly visual as they are shatteringly visceral. A stunning tale of survival at sea, HARD BARGAIN is a riveting and relentless read of rare depth and pathos that is not to be missed.”

Near-death experiences were nothing new to this successful entrepreneur, who has held leadership positions in the real estate and hospitality industries for more than 30 years. At the age of sixteen, a hunting accident had nearly cost him his foot. A lengthy hospital stay, followed by an equally lengthy rehabilitation, filled Donald with resilience and made him think he could overcome anything.

That is, until he was struck by the same aggressive form of prostate cancer at the age of only thirty-five that had killed his father. Once again, Donald prevailed and even overcame the side effects of surgery which he celebrated by learning how to fly fish.

A decade later, that new avocation brought him to the Bahamas with his closest friends and college student son, specifically to waters rich with the schools of bonefish fly fishermen long for. The one ill-fated boat trip confronted him with his own mortality yet again, when a violent storm capsized his ill-prepared boat and left him clinging to life.

“A helpless feeling comes over you when you’re on the water getting battered by a storm. You start to grasp the awesome power of the sea…I felt the first twinges of despair creep into my heart…With no other options, I began to pray quietly.”

Through a long night of pounding rain and storm-swept winds, Donald faced off against everything the sea could throw at him. With the odds of survival dimming by the moment, his own desperate efforts at sea are mirrored on land by the resourcefulness of friends and family who will stop at nothing to save him before it’s too late.

But even that might not be enough, because some bargains are better off never made.

Later on, the traumatic incident prompted Denihan to want to help others in dire straits, in situations and conditions that might have been out of their control. So he created The God Is Good Charitable Fund (https://www.thegodisgoodcharitablefund.com/) to help people in need.

The entire experience helped Denihan put things in their proper perspective.

“Too many people want to put a dollar sign on everything, perceiving  everything as transactional instead of placing the greatest value in the relationships and interactions that define us as people. You can’t put a dollar sign on love, or happiness, or family, or friendship, or loyalty, but they are worth more than anything that comes with a price tag attached.”

Learn more about HARD BARGAIN at https://bit.ly/3UeYw7t.