Talking Is Wasted Breath


Book Description

In a world where family expectations outweigh personal desires, tradition isn't simply a guide—it's an ironclad rule. Madhav is a young man with an engineering job that pays rather well. He also has: · A mother who doesn’t understand why it is so wrong to demand dowry for her son. Especially when she paid out a generous dowry for her daughter. · A father who feels so obligated to his beautiful wife for consenting to marry him, he will not deny her. · A grandfather whose wacky schemes occupy his own time and Madhav’s. · A grandmother whose sharp tongue hides a kind heart. · A girl who has possession of his heart but not of the dowry his mother so desires. Traditionally, as the eldest son, Madhav must marry a woman who will perform his ancestors’ afterlife rituals—a responsibility he’s ready to shoulder. Yet, when it comes to selecting a bride, he'd rather deviate from tradition and choose his own partner—an idea his parents are not willing to accept. Set in rural India, where old traditions and new ideas often collide, Talking Is Wasted Breath is a compelling drama about the challenges of generational differences, societal pressures, and the power of love. In a world where family ties are both valued and limiting, the story follows one man’s search for happiness as he disrupts long-standing traditions. Engaging and insightful, this novel explores themes of change, hope, and the complexities of human relationships. ◆ This book was previously called 28 Years A Bachelor. ◆ Spellings used in this book are British/Indian. ◆ All books in this series may be read independently.




Not a Wasted Breath


Book Description

'Sis, the worst thing CF [cystic fibrosis] can do is kill me. It can't stop me from living.' Todd Gibbs spoke those words once to his sister and he proved that statement true time and time again. Though cystic fibrosis did kill him five days after his thirty-first birthday, the living he did showed that he had won the battle, even if CF eventually won the war. Not a Wasted Breath is not just a story about living with a fatal disease or waiting for a transplant. That was only a part of Todd's life. He never allowed his illness to rule his life, even in the face of over eighty hospitalizations. This is truly a story about how others perceived Todd, how they were affected by his presence in their lives, and how Todd viewed himself and his existence. In a poignant compilation of thoughts, memories, articles, and journal entries, LaRecea Gibbs, Todd's mother, creates a touching tableau of a life well spent that will inspire anyone to overcome personal obstacles through faith, determination, courage, and most of all, humor. Join mother and author LaRecea Gibbs in an inspiring biography which shows that though Todd's life was short, he never wasted a single breath. This Book is an inspiration to all readers in appreciating the gift of life. The account is thorough, has depth of development, is authentic, and puts us inside the people involved. Not a Wasted Breath enables readers to travel along emotionally. As a result, we count our own blessings. John Hagaman, Professor of English, Western Kentucky University, Director of WKU Writing Project.




Between Speech and Silence


Book Description

This book concerns itself with the origin of speech and language, takes the reader through the steps of dialectic (how to reason) and rhetoric (how to persuade), examines the importance of stories and symbols and the role of thinking, and highlights the necessity of silence and the practice of meditation. Though it is written from a philosophical perspective, it is eminently practical, with guidelines, exercises, ancient advice, and concrete suggestions on how to communicate, convince, and commune with one's self. Dr. Costello draws on both Eastern and Western thought to show the power, poetry, and potential of words. It explores the following: how to question (Socrates and Plato); how to argue (Aristotle and Cicero); how to be right (Schopenhauer); how to think (Heidegger); how to spot your speaking style (the enneagram); how to communicate compassionately (Thich Nhat Hanh); how to meditate and stay silent (various contemplative traditions).







Correct English


Book Description




Daughters Inherit Silence


Book Description

In rural India, your husband may die, but your marriage must live on. Jaya, a successful engineer, finds herself tethered by this very tradition, obligated to support her late husband’s family. As she fulfils this responsibility, her heart aches for her young daughter, who is sinking deeper into isolation amid their shared loss. The cold indifference of her in-laws towards their granddaughter only exacerbates the child's anguish. When Jaya meets Kovid*, a charismatic Indian-American doctor, she finds a rare and cherished connection in him. But their friendship soon becomes a source of scandal. Confronted with this unexpected backlash, Jaya must re-evaluate her deeply held beliefs about marriage, family, and loyalty. In a moment of truth, Jaya realises that in striving to be the Perfect Indian Woman, she’s lost her voice. She fears that unless she learns to speak up—even at the risk of ostracisation—silence will be her daughter's only inheritance. Set against the backdrop of contemporary India, Daughters Inherit Silence delves into cultural norms, gender roles, and the heavy weight of societal expectations. It also touches upon the racial challenges faced by brown Americans in the United States. From the author of Tell A Thousand Lies. A B.R.A.G. (Book Readers Appreciation Group) Medallion honouree. ◆ British/Indian spellings used. ◆ All books in this series may be read independently. *Note: In 2019, I named my character Kovid, a decision I later chose not to highlight in the blurb, though I did mention it in my Author's Note. I've since revised the blurb, reclaiming the name. This is not just for my character, but for all the Kovids, Osamas, and others out there—people who, through no fault of their own, find their names caught up in global events beyond their control.




The Church


Book Description




Daily Armor


Book Description

This book is a collection of scriptures with personal commentary about each. It is intended to be a daily devotional, primarily focused on college students, but can be applicable for any person who wants to grow in their daily walk with Christ. Each week is a separate theme with five different scripture references.




A Hijacked Life


Book Description

In this touching novel, Perdida Solace is a lonely elderly woman living a life of isolation and despair. Her older sons are too busy with their own lives to have much of anything to do with her. And now her youngest son, her sole source of companionship despite their embittered relationship, is drifting away from her, his affections gravitating toward her ex-husband's new wife. On the same day she is diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor, she finds a book of ancient magical spells, one of which will allow her to switch bodies with an enemy. She jumps at the chance, swapping bodies with her ex-husband's new wife. She only intends to stay in her hijacked life for a few days, long enough to experience a perfect moment with her son, Tom. But she soon finds that a good life is not so easy to give up...




The Early Birds


Book Description

The Early Birds is the touching and funny follow-up to The Future Homemakers of America. 'Funny, heartwarming and a real treat. I would recommend it to anyone!' Katie Fforde 'Wit and insight to match Nick Hornby, and the entertainment value of Helen Fielding' Independent on The Future Homemakers of America 'Why is Laurie Graham not carried on people's shoulders through cheering crowds? Her books are brilliant!' Marian Keyes Peggy, the southern belle. Kath, the pragmatist with the only Norfolk accent in New York state. Gayle, the preacher with healing hands. Mrs Colonel Audrey Rudman, forever keeping up the standards of the Officers' Wives Club. Lois, who's never had a thought she didn't voice. Loudly. Their menfolk may be long retired, but once a US Air Force wife, always an Air Force wife, and the bonds of friendship forged in base after military base are still going strong fifty years later. Time is rendering its Accounts Payable for all of them now: hip replacements, eye problems, forgetfulness and departures. In this hymn to lifelong female friendship, Peggy soldiers on through new upheavals, including her ex-husband Vern's Alzheimer's diagnosis, the death of one of her nearest and dearest, a life-changing house move and the world-shattering events of 9/11 with the help of her sharp-tongued, often eccentric, but always loyal group of friends.