The Last Lecture


Book Description

The author, a computer science professor diagnosed with terminal cancer, explores his life, the lessons that he has learned, how he has worked to achieve his childhood dreams, and the effect of his diagnosis on him and his family.




The Distance Between Us


Book Description

In this inspirational and unflinchingly honest memoir, acclaimed author Reyna Grande describes her childhood torn between the United States and Mexico, and shines a light on the experiences, fears, and hopes of those who choose to make the harrowing journey across the border. Reyna Grande vividly brings to life her tumultuous early years in this “compelling...unvarnished, resonant” (BookPage) story of a childhood spent torn between two parents and two countries. As her parents make the dangerous trek across the Mexican border to “El Otro Lado” (The Other Side) in pursuit of the American dream, Reyna and her siblings are forced into the already overburdened household of their stern grandmother. When their mother at last returns, Reyna prepares for her own journey to “El Otro Lado” to live with the man who has haunted her imagination for years, her long-absent father. Funny, heartbreaking, and lyrical, The Distance Between Us poignantly captures the confusion and contradictions of childhood, reminding us that the joys and sorrows we experience are imprinted on the heart forever, calling out to us of those places we first called home. Also available in Spanish as La distancia entre nosotros.




You've Got a Book in You


Book Description

Writing a book is fun and easy--yes, FUN AND EASY--but it may not always feel that way. How do you find the time to write? How do you keep momentum? How do you deal with the horror of showing anyone a single sentence of your work-in-progress? The answers remain fun and easy, and author Elizabeth Sims will take your hand, dispel your worries, and show you how it's done in this stress-free guide to accomplishing your dream of writing your book. In You've Got a Book in You, Elizabeth is that encouraging voice guiding you through the entire process, from finding the right time and place to gathering all of your creative tools to diving right in and getting it done--page by page, step by step. It's easier than you think, and it all starts right here, right now. "This guide is witty, warm, and wise--and wonderfully down-to-earth as well. Elizabeth Sims doesn't just tell you that you've got a book in you, she shows you how to pour it out using your own creative spirit, common sense, and persistence." ~Lori L. Lake, author of The Gun Series and The Public Eye Mystery Series "If you're searching for the spark of inspiration to get started writing a book, and the nourishment to sustain you to THE END, Elizabeth Sims's You've Got a Book in You will show you how to find it in yourself." ~Hallie Ephron, award-winning author of There Was an Old Woman "You won't find an easier-to-follow or more inspirational writing guide." ~L.J. Sellers, author of the bestselling Jackson mysteries "By focusing the high beams of her intelligence (and humor!) on the twisty trail of book-writing, in You've Got a Book in You, Elizabeth Sims proves herself a true writer's friend. As she guides you from the creation of a "working title" through her (brilliant!) "Making-It-Better Process," this well-established pro plays her most impressive cards--stacking the deck in favor of YOU!" ~Jamie Morris, Director, Woodstream Writers "Elizabeth Sims packs a twelve-week writing course into 280 pages. Inspirational and yet extremely hands-on, You've Got a Book In You will give newbies confidence to forge ahead and will remind veteran writers why they began writing in the first place--for the joy of it. I won't be surprised when the brilliant terms 'stormwriting' and 'heartbrain' become part of every writer's lexicon." ~Julie Compton, author of Tell No Lies and Keep No Secrets "The book is encouraging and inspiring, practical and witty. As a seasoned writer, I appreciate the reminders about the importance of putting yourself on a writing schedule. No more excuses. The many 'writing blasts' are very helpful and will get any writer out of the starting blocks. I especially enjoyed the section, 'Writing with the Masters.' What better way to get inspired, get a feel for different styles, and get jump-started on your writing? Excellent advice that I plan to incorporate in my future classes. I concur with Sims that 'writer's block' is greatly exaggerated. Is there any other profession that claims such a phenomenon? 'Excuse, me, but I have 'book-keeping block,' 'playing music block,' or 'painting block' today? I don't think so. Get yourself on a schedule, read some Sims, write with the masters, and you'll be on your way. You'll be glad you met this friend on your journey to becoming a successful writer." ~Gesa Kirsch, Ph.D., Professor of English, Director of Valente Center for the Arts and Sciences, Bentley University




The Book of Stolen Dreams


Book Description

An exhilarating, wondrous middle grade debut about a brother and sister on a quest that “swoops from thrilling to terrifying to heartwarming and back again” (BookPage) to defeat a tyrannical ruler and protect a magical book. “[W]ill appeal to readers of Kelly Barnhill and Lemony Snicket” (Publishers Weekly). Rachel and Robert live a gray, dreary life under the rule of cruel and calculating Charles Malstain. That is, until one night, when their librarian father enlists their help to steal a forbidden book. Before their father is captured, Rachel and Robert are given one mission: find the missing final page. But to uncover the secrets of The Book of Stolen Dreams, the siblings must face darkness and combat many evils to be rewarded with the astonishing, magical truth about the book. Nevertheless, they resolve to do everything in their power to stop it from falling into Charles Malstain’s hands. For if it does, he could rule their world forever.




Coyote Dreams


Book Description

Much of the city can't wake up. And more are dozing off each day. Instead of powerful forces storming Seattle, a more insidious invasion is happening. Most of Joanne Walker's fellow cops are down with the blue flu—or rather the blue sleep. Yet there's no physical cause anyone can point to—and it keeps spreading. It has to be magical, Joanne figures. But what's up with the crazy dreams that hit her every time she closes her eyes? Are they being sent by Coyote, her still-missing spirit guide? The messages just aren't clear. Somehow Joanne has to wake up her sleeping friends while protecting those still awake, figure out her inner-spirit dream life and, yeah, come to terms with these other dreams she's having about her boss….




Entrusting Your Dreams to God


Book Description

Model Your Life on the Great Women of the Bible Who Trusted God and Found Him Faithful. Studies of 6 women from the Bible---each with 6 sessions---for personal reflection or group study. Through intriguing stories of biblical women, the Women of the Bible study series helps readers see how God wants to work in their lives. Questions and activities are designed to encourage personal application, understanding, and prayer, and to foster interaction within study groups. Each chapter includes 8 sections: Opening Narrative, Discussing the Story, Sharing Your Story, After Hours, Setting the Stage, Behind the Scenes, Prayer Meetings, and Words to Remember. The leader's guide makes it easy to facilitate weekly Bible studies to nurture knowledge of Scripture and a sense of God's presence in life. Esther: a Jewish orphan who became queen of Persia and saved her people---Choose to be a woman God delights to use no matter what the circumstances Mary: a young woman who said yes to God's incredible plan for her life---Obedience can be a joyous choice that is blessed by God Deborah: a leader of Israel when God's people were in a period of great decline---Faith, courage, and devotion toward God have a powerful impact in a woman's life Hannah: a woman who poured out her heart to God and received a miracle---Understand the wisdom and importance of committing dreams to God Sarah: a woman of faith whose insecurities sometimes got the better of her---Face life's uncertainties, move beyond fear, and enjoy a faith-filled relationship with God Ruth: a daughter-in-law who left her own people out of loyalty to Naomi---Trust the Lord through faith and action in difficult times




Dreams Designed by God for You


Book Description

Dreams can inspire us, frighten us, and open a new world of discovery. But interpreting our dreams is often difficult, if not impossible. Finding a reliable teacher to help us answer all the questions we have can be equally frustrating-until now. Spiritual teacher Betty Jane Rapin believes that dreams are woven especially for you from the fabric of your life and in this essential dream workbook and study guide, she'll show you how to interpret your subconscious world. Dreams Designed by God offers a guide for those who want to actively participate in learning the intricate composition of our dreams. With warmth and gentleness, Rapin tackles several topics as she explains how you, too, can understand your dreams. These subjects include: Sleep dreams Waking dreams Daydreams Intuitive insight Contemplative awareness Soul Exploring And much more! Dreams Designed by God also contains stories that demonstrate dream guidance, tips and tools, dream exercises, and illustrated visualization techniques-enough to satisfy anyone's curiosity about dreams. What are you waiting for? Discover the easy way of dream understanding and change your life!




Weaver of Dreams


Book Description

You think you're safe when you sleep? Think again... Beauty and the Beast meets Hades and Persephone in this now complete fantasy romance series. I used to think the supernatural world was a myth. Shapeshifters, demons, werewolves, vampires? No way were they real… Well, I’m here to tell you they are. They simply aren’t what you think. You probably face them every single night when you dream, but when you wake, it’s all a blur. My name is Amelia Blake, and I’m a dreamwalker…at least that’s what Seth told me the night he kidnapped me and brought me into the Dreamscape. According to him, it’s the true name for la la land and where we all go when we dream. He claims he and his shapeshifter brothers send dreams to humans to help them cope with life. He also claims I agreed to help him break a curse keeping him imprisoned in the dream realm. Thing is I don’t remember him. In fact, I think he’s crazy, even though he’s crazy sexy, but I’m trapped with him and will do anything to find a way out. The only problem is I’ve done something really stupid, and now the Erobos are after me. If Seth’s right, these guys not only send nightmares, they can steal a person’s soul. If I’m not careful, they’ll take mine. If I don’t discover a way to beat them, they’ll come for yours next. Think magic doesn’t exist in our world? Think again… Weaver of Dreams is an upper Young Adult urban fantasy romance with a kick-butt heroine readers of the Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare, Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead, and the Shadow Demons Saga by Sarra Cannon will enjoy. There are mild sexual situations and mild language.







Journal of Delinquency


Book Description