Today's Featured Books

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the work of Rev. Dr. Anne Hays Egan, author of books that can help enrich your personal, family, community, and spiritual lives. 

"Hope is real. In these times, we can and we must find ways to fuel our belief in one another and make positive change together."
~Rev. Dr. Anne Hays Egan

• Moving Mama is about how she and her family cared for her mother with Alzheimer’s. It took a village.
• Building Communities of Hope is full of stories about how people can and do make positive change.
• God’s Eyes is about a series of visions and God’s loving gift of pathways for all of us. "No matter where we live or our religious or spiritual practice, God has a path home for each of us," says Anne.  

Moving Mama: Taking Care of Mother During Her Final Years with Alzheimer's

Did you know 6.7 million people in the United States are living with Alzheimer's? Most of us need help, and this book has a lot to offer. Readers call it an excellent, practical resource for those of us who are caring for a loved one. Reviewers say the book is "a must for someone caring for an elder," "a page-turner," and "a compelling story that touched me deeply." They also said the book was "something I could not put down." It's a book that at its core speaks of hope. Add this to your toolkit! 

★★★★★ "A compassionate guide through Alzheimer's." ~Amazon Vine Voice Review 

★★★★★ "Valuable advice and strategies for navigating the complexities of elder care." ~Amazon Review

Building Communities of Hope: How People are Making Positive Change

Hope? You gotta be kidding me! Are you tired of all the bad news, violence, and stress? There are positive alternatives—practical ways people bring more hope to energize themselves and others. Each of us, deep down, has the spirit and fire within to live in joy. This book is filled with real-life stories about people who are doing just that—living large and making a huge difference. Rave reviews from more than 70 readers and editorial reviewers. Given a Gold Award from Literary Titan, and called one of the 20 Best Community Building Books of All Time by Book Authority. 

★★★★★ "A great book that guides readers toward building a strong community through good deeds. It is also a much-needed resource for self-healing from life’s challenges and advocating compassion, kindness, and love to support one another." ~Literary Titan, Gold Award

God's Eyes - A Vision for Us: Presence, Promise, and Power

Considered a transformative guide, God’s Eyes shares the author’s experience of a powerful vision in which she saw the world and its promise through God’s perspective. Great for seekers, those on a spiritual path, out-of-the-box thinkers, and all who want greater focus and purpose in their lives. This award-winning new release already has rave reader and editorial reviews. It is called a “great work,” “much needed in our world,” and “inspirational and enjoyable!"  

★★★★★ "A thought-provoking book that invites us to embrace the mystery of divine encounters, live in the slipstream of divine guidance, and contribute to a more compassionate world through small acts of kindness." ~Goodreads Review

★★★★★ "Tremendous help on my journey." ~Amazon Review

Congratulations to Effy Redman and Vine Leaves Press on the release of Saving Face, a memoir that pays tribute to anybody who has ever felt like an outsider
 
★★★★★ “When you own this book, you acquire the miracle that is both the human who embodies it and her art.” ~Catherine Filloux, award-winning playwright

Saving Face

What's in a smile? Or the absent smile? Saving Face is Effy Redman's thought-provoking answer.

Born with a rare condition of facial paralysis called Moebius Syndrome, Redman's grit and eye for beauty help her survive childhood bullying and adolescent doldrums. Her physical transformation at age thirteen via plastic surgery eviscerates her concept of image, just in time for her and her family to immigrate from hardscrabble Manchester, England to America's disorientingly scenic upstate New York. Not until diagnosis in young adulthood with bipolar disorder does Redman come out of the closet as a lesbian, finally claiming her most inherent identity.

Saving Face is a searing personal tribute to anybody who has ever felt like an outsider. This memoir honors the grace of a face that stands out in a crowd, defying societal beauty norms. Disability meets transcendence, suffering becomes hope, and the individual expands into community. The inability to smile, in Redman’s book, lights a window onto the human capacity for redemption.

Praise for Saving Face
★★★★★ "The unfurling of a highly entertaining and shocking memoir in which we are asked to face what happens when we are deprived of what we take most for granted." ~Catherine Filloux, award-winning playwright

★★★★★ "A profoundly beautiful, enthralling, and emotionally stirring tale." ~Goodreads Review

Free online: Blaney Lecture. Join the American Academy of Poets for the 2024 Blaney Lecture: "Making the Invisible Visible: Poetry, Science, Perception-Increase, and Change" delivered by Jane Hirshfield, Chancellor Emerita of the Academy of American Poets. Tuesday, March 19, at 4:30 p.m. PT / 7:30 p.m. ET.

“Poetry is the lifeblood of rebellion, revolution, and the raising of consciousness.” ~Alice Walker

War rages among the stars. Can Jon Taylor survive? The complete Soldiers of Earthrise series in one box set! Six entire novels. 2,000+ pages of heart-pounding science fiction from a USA Today bestselling author! Jon Taylor is an Earthling. He doesn't care much about space. At least until his brother dies on Bahay, a war-torn planet many light-years away. Can Jon avenge his brother? 4.3 stars, 182 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the work of author Susan Grant, whose focus on "writing for the soul" has led to books that inspire and motivate readers of all ages. Read on to learn more!

Sweet Dreams, Boone

Boone is a sad and lonely little dog. He doesn’t like to be left alone when Mom goes to work.

To help him feel better, Mom buys him a special basket for his bed. When he sleeps, he dreams of a long-ago time and meets a man who is sad and lonely too, until he meets Jesus.

Perfect for young readers age 5 - 8. 

Praise for Sweet Dreams, Boone
★★★★★ "Children will be immediately drawn to the pet theme and beautiful illustrations." ~Amazon Review

★★★★★ "An adorable picture book with a beautiful message." ~Goodreads Review

The Bottle House

Where is God in the midst of tragedy and suffering? Is it possible to surrender to God's will during times of despair?

At Bethany R&L Behavioral Healthcare Center, Stacy Meadows, Stefan Krause, and Debbie Young are deeply wounded people struggling to find emotional healing. When they encounter Chaplain Joseph Miller's mysterious bottles labeled for each of them, they are curious: How will a collection of bottles help with their healing—especially when they are feeling angry with God? It is only when these three individuals discover the real purpose behind these mysterious bottles that they discover a deep spiritual reawakening.

Praise for The Bottle House
"A spiritual revelation of how past regrets affect our mental health and cause individuals to lose faith. The Bottle House teaches us that no matter how low we feel, Jesus can forgive us, restore us, and comfort us in every situation we go through." ~LuGina Dumas, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor

"The Bottle House offers an ongoing vision of hope and comfort when we are tempted to retreat into despair and loneliness." ~Ann W. Roach, Psychologist

100 Minutes with God

1-Minute Daily Devotions of Timeless Inspirations

God longs to spend time with you, even for a minute. Why don’t you join Him today? 100 Minutes with God is written for those who struggle with finding time to spend with Him. These individual minutes make it possible to connect with our Creator and provide you with material you can contemplate throughout your day. The Scriptures listed on each page allow you to further reflect and meditate on God’s word.

Praise for 100 Minutes with God
★★★★★ "Perfect devotions for busy families, youth groups, working moms and so much more!" ~Goodreads Review

★★★★★ "A great book of daily devotions." ~Amazon Review

      

We all love books, right? And what goes well with books? Coffee? Definitely. And wine? You bet!

With that thought in mind, we're recommending something fun for this weekend: A virtual tour of Greve, an enchanting Italian village known as the Pearl of Chianti. Whether you're a wine enthusiast, a lover of Italian culture, or simply in search of a unique virtual adventure, this immersive experience will transport you to the picturesque streets and rolling hills of Greve in Tuscany, known as the gateway to the Chianti wine region. Sunday, March 17: 5 PM in Rome, 4 PM in London, 12 PM in NYC, 9 AM in LA. 

“Language is wine upon the lips.” ~Virginia Woolf

"I love the storyline and the writing...there is nonstop action!" ~Modupe Hendricks, Vine Voice. The starship Freedom is just a museum ship. Until the aliens attack! Battlestar Galactica meets Starship Troopers in this sci-fi adventure from Daniel Arenson, the USA Today bestselling author of Earthrise. Grab the first book for FREE, then grab books 2 and 3 at deep discounts. 4.2 stars, 2400+ ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW / 

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on two inspiring children's books from author James DiNanno:

• The First Rock Star On Mars: The book that teaches kids to shoot for the stars. And follow their wildest dreams on Earth...or even Mars.
• President Camila: The book that teaches kids compassionate traits. And that one day they could be President of the United States.

"I loved Shel Silverstein growing up...and just started thinking, 'What would Shel Silverstein write today?'" ~James DiNanno

The First Rock Star On Mars

Genres: Literature & Fiction for Children, Children's Humorous Poetry, Children's Rock Music
4.9 stars, 70 ratings
Paperback: $8.99
Audiobook: $3.95
Ebook: $2.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited) 

A modern day classic!

The book that teaches kids to shoot for the stars. And follow their wildest dreams on Earth...or even Mars.

"A delightful and inspirational story for anyone with big dreams and even bigger imaginations." ~Reedsy Discovery

"A very inspirational book for not only children but for anyone who wants to pursue their dreams." ~Goodreads Review

Bonus: The audiobook edition is narrated by Kellin Quinn, the lead singer of rock band Sleeping with Sirens. This audiobook features an exclusive surprise song at the end, "The First Rock Star On Mars," performed by the band The First Rock Band on Mars, which includes Kellin Quinn, Howi Spangler of Ballyhoo!, William Ryan Key of Yellowcard, and the author of this book, James DiNanno.

President Camila

Genres: Children's Poetry, Children's Jobs & Careers Books
5.0 stars, 4 ratings
Paperback: $7.99
Ebook: $2.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited) 

The book that teaches kids compassionate traits. And that one day they could be President of the United States. 

A great book for encouraging your little stars to follow their dreams. The illustrations and rhymes make this story as fun for parents and grandparents as it is for the child. A perfect gift for new parents, baby showers, holidays, birthdays, or just because.

Free online: Cultivating Resilience and Joy in Art-Making. Hosted by the Eleanor Harwood Gallery in San Francisco, artists Tara Daly, Mary Finlayson, Rachel Kaye, and Sarah Thibault come together to talk about their experience working as artists and share their challenges in cultivating resilience and longevity, including parenting, day-jobbing, moving cities, and creating community. Wednesday, March 13, 6:30 - 8 PM PDT, (8:30 - 10 PM CDT).

“My painting is what I have to give back to the world for what the world gives to me." ~Georgia O'Keeffe

Finn Bran is a young journeyman bard who performs all the traditional songs of heroism and great deeds while dreaming that he could someday be part of such a story. Meanwhile, the Kingdom of Valeria is plagued by a mysterious force that fosters thoughts of violence and intolerance in people's minds. Brought face-to-face with this terrifying evil, Finn escapes death and emerges with a strange new gift: he is able to hear the purity or impurity of people's thoughts in the form of music. He will use this skill to fight evil, but first, he must learn to master the music of his own mind. An eBookFairs "Best in Show" selection. From $0.99 SHOP NOW / 

Congratulations to Jim Zervanos and Vine Leaves Press on the release of Your Story Starts Here: A Year on the Brink with Generation Z, a memoir from a high school English teacher who sees that today's youth are thrust into a tumultuous world and simultaneously burdened with saving it.
 
★★★★★ “Packed with empathy as well as literary lessons, we have a front row seat to watch the world fall apart as these kids come of age. This book is insightful, heartfelt, and authentic." ~Kelly Simmons, author of Not My Boy

Your Story Starts Here

Jim Zervanos, a seasoned high-school English teacher and father of two, embarks on a mission at the cusp of a new school year. He realizes that today's youth are thrust into a tumultuous world and burdened with saving it. To chronicle this extraordinary period in America, he assigns himself a unique task: keeping a journal.
 
Within its pages, we witness “his kids” grappling with pressing issues like identity politics, gun violence, and political uncertainty. A sophomore prodigy wrestles his demons onto the pages of his fiction before entering a psychiatric hospital. An estranged junior posts ominous threats on Snapchat, while a principal sabotages a student walkout. Meanwhile, in his classroom, Jim prepares a hiding space for an active shooter event and, back home, finds solace in the eulogy of his young sons’ pet fish, sent on its final journey with a flush.
 
By year's end, Jim, unwavering in his determination to inspire hope in his students, discovers that it's the youth who inspire hope in him. Their creativity and ideals paint a vivid portrait of an evolving America, seen through the kaleidoscope of Generation Z. Your Story Starts Here: A Year on the Brink with Generation Z is an intimate exploration of the challenges, resilience, and unwavering hope of today's youth in a turbulent world.

Praise for Your Story Starts Here
★★★★★ “Watching Zervanos stay steady in unsteady waters, with good humor and strength, is the central pleasure of this moving, engaging book.” ~Debra Spark, author of Discipline

★★★★★ “This book is as rich in humor and compassion as it is in dismay at the reality of school shootings and children ushered, sometimes forcefully and prematurely, into adulthood.” ~Peter Turchi, author of Maps of the Imagination

★★★★★ “Masterfully paced and wonderfully rendered... a book that should be required reading for parents, for teachers, for artists…for anyone who’s wondered what it means to be human in a world that daily challenges our humanity.” ~Scott Gould, author of The Hammerhead Chronicles and Idiot Men

★★★★★ “The world needs more teachers, and more writers, like Jim Zervanos.” ~Kelly Simmons, author of Not My Boy