-
To Then and Back Again: A Memoir Part One A Collection of Uh-Oh’s, No No’s and A Few OMG’S
Price range: $3.99 through $19.99To Then And Back Again is a memoir written in two parts. It’s a book for those who enjoy the trials and tribulations of real-life people and feel they can or would like to relate to those whom they are reading about. It’s a memoir about only those richest, most interesting details concerning my life…or so I would like to think. It was written to convey those sometimes simple, sometimes complex, but many times emotionally charged experiences I’ve had during my life. Whether these emotions were elicited by the harsh realities of adversity that I, like many, have faced and overcome, or by the personal triumphs achieved through perseverance, and at times, through sheer willpower alone is for the reader to decide. I will, however, try to express them in such a manner as to allow the readers the chance to decide for themselves. We will embark on a journey to then and back again; an odyssey that will encompass a multitude of adventures that are at times disturbing and chaotic, and at other times fascinating and humorous. These adventures will range from overcoming desperation and loneliness as a result of a hidden identity, to the anguish of a best friend and his suicide that served absolutely no purpose nor had any meaning; a suicide that gained nothing for anyone…especially himself. From an insidious monster’s theft of a child’s innocence to things that just happen; catching you unaware, then kicks you right square in your pearly whites. The journey will certainly run the gamut of human experiences and emotions, and I will share my life with the reader if they wish to take the ride. And of which I’m also certain, if I do it suitably, then they will vicariously become the reader’s adventures as well. The first part is about my life from the time I was about eight years old, when our family home was destroyed by fire to when I was just out of high school and first went out to live on my own. The second part will be about my life from when I was about twenty until I was thirty something. It will begin when my dad and I built my first home until I finally moved from my hometown to go off to medical school.
-
Lenin: A Soldier – A Story of Survival
Price range: $3.99 through $11.99Shortly after basic training, United States Army Private Lenin Patino was shot in the head point blank by a fellow soldier. Lenin’s nightmare begins as he finds himself lying in a hospital’s critical care unit in a body, he cannot move listening to everyone say he is going to die. Overcoming all odds, Lenin survives. In this book, he walks the reader through the events that led to the shooting and describes his daily activities, friendships, and struggles faced by him and other patients as he journeys through the Veteran’s healthcare system. During his hospitalization, Lenin witnessed many tragedies and struggles faced by himself and other patients. He saw some deplorable conditions inside Nursing homes and hospitals as families abandoned their ill.
-
The Story of a Warrior Who Broke Free from Mental Anguish: A Memoir
Price range: $3.99 through $11.99“The Story of a Warrior Who Broke Free from Mental Anguish” is not just a book-it’s a lifeline, a love letter to the wounded heart, and a testimony to the strength that rises from broken places.
The Story of a Warrior is more than a personal memoir-it’s a blessed offering-a reflection of what it means to survive the things meant to break us. To sit in the ache of unanswered questions and still rise. To love, to lose, and to somehow find ourselves again-sometimes in pieces, always in truth. This book is both a mirror and a map-a companion for anyone walking through grief, wrestling with identity, or searching for a deeper sense of self.
If you’ve ever felt unseen…
If you’ve ever questioned your worth…
If you’ve ever longed to feel whole again-this is for you. -
Victims of Ineptitude: An Insider’s Account of Injustice within the World Health Organization
Price range: $3.99 through $14.99For years, critics have demanded reform of the World Health Organization. Its management structure in particular is said to be archaic, its staff deeply demoralised. But, since WHO like other UN bodies, is accountable to no-one but itself, it dodders along unchanged. It is left to the ground staff of International Civil Servants to grapple with the real difficulties the ivory-tower academics pinpoint in long winded reports. The work of these International Civil Servants in distant lands among foreign cultures is often hazardous and lonely, and requires good management by those at the centre if it is to succeed. Instead, as this story shows, there is often lack of support and callous disregard which matters deeply because, if staff are as a result, unable to meet the extremely difficult challenges they face, no blast of grand talk at a conference, no high flying plan on plush paper, will save millions of dollars donated by the developed world from sinking like water into the sand. The individual human story related here reveals weaknesses in this great Organization which, multiplied over the region, help to explain why Africa remains the most disease-ridden continent on earth.
-
From Dean’s List to Dumpsters: Why I Left Harvard to Join a Cult
Price range: $3.99 through $15.99Jim Guerra was recruited during his sophomore year at Harvard College into the religious cult known as “Th e Brethren” or “Th e Garbage Eaters”. For the next decade, Jim was transformed from a happy, self-confident Christian college student to a highly controlled devout follower of Jim Roberts, a charismatic leader of a nomadic Bible-based ministry. Forsaking Harvard, family, career aspirations and all his possessions, he departed Harvard to join with a vagabond ministry that subsisted on food from supermarket dumpsters and fast-food restaurants.
This book captures the mind control processes that prolonged his departure from society, alienation from his family, his forced celibacy, and the rejection of all Christian churches outside this small ministry. Jim is careful to chronicle both the growth and the metamorphosis of his mindset as he isolates himself from society for ten-and-a-half years in order to be saved with a small remnant of end-time believers. Follow him from Harvard to the woods and finally back to his family, and experience it through his 20/400 vision. You will see why bright young people are sucked into cults, and how he eventually escaped. -
A Lyricist is Born
Price range: $3.99 through $24.99For more than twenty years, a dedicated lyricist has chased his dream of becoming a recognized artist, pouring his passion into every line and verse. However, as reality sets in like a sunset, he realizes that the bridge to success and greatness is long, challenging—and at times, seemingly impossible.
This memoir reflects on the struggles, setbacks, and quiet moments of doubt that shaped his journey, revealing the resilience needed to keep creating when the dream feels out of reach. More than a personal story, it serves as a reminder to artists and dreamers everywhere that greatness requires consistency, patience, and unwavering perseverance—even when the finish line seems distant.
-
Overcoming Trials With Trust: A Single Mother’s Journey
Price range: $4.99 through $14.99Although no one dreams of becoming a single parent, it is becoming increasingly common across generations. Single parenthood comes with its own set of personal, professional, and relational challenges, making it difficult to care for both yourself and your children. After unexpectedly becoming a single parent and struggling with postpartum depression for several years, I turned back to my faith in God. Through regular Bible reading, prayer, and connecting with like-minded individuals, I experienced God’s restoration. Now, I am sharing some practical tips that may help other single mothers facing similar challenges gain their own restoration.
-
Unusual Attitudes: Flight Instructor Memoirs
Price range: $3.99 through $26.99Captain Ed (Edwin D. Armbruster) lived a fascinating life as he flew thousands of hours over the jungles of Panama and the Caribbean in single engine planes. Over seven hundred students called him their instructor as he piloted them from Atlantic to Pacific over and along the Panama Canal, through Panama, Central and South America. Beginning with the halcyon days of Canal Zone life and navigating more troubled times as the drug wars escalated, adventure calls on every page.
As exciting and spell-binding as the tropical background is beautiful, “Captain Ed” regales and inspires with his stories of crashes and near-misses, student antics, hair-raising escapes and unusual friendships, all as the glory days of the Panama Canal slowly faded into memory.
For those who fly and those who long to fly — this book soars with adventure. -
To Be a Rose
Price range: $3.99 through $23.99Ed is a retired United States Air Force Lieutenant Colonel working for a defense contractor. He has been hired as a Senior Logistics Expert to work with the Afghanistan Ministry of Defense as an advisor and mentor to two senior Afghan officers.
Ed first appears telling an Army Combat Medic he can’t breathe. He is transferred to Camp Phoenix just outside of Kabul for further treatment. Over the next twelve hours, he is treated by a “tag team” of nurses and doctors. During this time he remembers the sights, smells and sounds of Afghanistan and his journey there.
Mr. Mason uses vivid imagery and character portrayals to tell his story from his arrival in Dubai up to the beginning of his eight week dream. Ed describes his day-to-day routine at Camp Eggers, his fellow officers, his family and the dedicated medical teams he encountered on his journey. Ed’s story is straightforward, powerful, yet humorous account of his experiences in Afghanistan and how his battle for survival changes his life forever. -
Dad Only Tried To Shoot Me Twice
Price range: $3.99 through $17.99To save Dad’s business and control his drinking were the doubly impossible tasks I was burdened with.
The effects of alcoholism tore my family apart. I was shocked by his alcohol consumption. The longer he drank, the less responsible he became.
Facing Dad, with his gun aimed at me, are images I will never forget.
-
This is My Song, This is My Story: I’m Not Who I Used To Be
Price range: $3.99 through $16.99The powerful, personal story of how a woman whose entire identity was rooted in homosexuality and poverty thinking became transformed and set free into her true identity as a beautiful, strong woman through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
When life turns upside-down, who do you turn to? And when you turn to God, what do you do when His very presence in your life disrupts everything you thought was true about yourself, your relationships, and your sexual identity?
That was the challenging, yet ultimately freeing place that music-lover Terrie Broom found herself facing. With the unexpected, untimely death of her brother due to complications from AIDS, Terrie began seeking answers to her grief…which miraculously led her to an encounter with God.
The only problem? Her long-term, same-sex partner didn’t want to come along on that spiritual journey. Terrie’s entire world suddenly turned upside-down as she lost her beloved home, her pets, many friends, and her income.
Facing grief, loss, a dramatic breakup, financial struggles, and loneliness, Terrie had no choice but to double down on her faith in God, no matter what. With each season, she gained valuable insights into God’s love for her through devotional time, the help of godly people supporting her journey-and music that spoke to her struggles and provided powerful encouragement to continue to walk in faith.
Part memoir, part devotional, part homage to all kinds of music, Terrie’s inspiring, open-hearted, authentic story of change and freedom is a powerful reminder of how God can truly transform anyone and everyone-no matter what you’re going through. You’ll be encouraged to open your life to God’s transforming power, trusting as Terrie did, that all things work for our good-and all for His glory.
-
I Survived My Childhood: Yes, Miracles Still Happen!! (A Guide for Parents of Accident-Prone Children)
Price range: $3.99 through $13.99Claiming simply to be a mischievous child, as this author grew up, he managed to get himself into enough mischief to fill a book with hilarious, delightful tales of childhood intrigue.
I Survived My Childhood: Yes, Miracles Still Happen!! is a memoir that highlights the many adventures and mishaps experienced as an accident-prone child growing up in the ’60s and ’70s. Included at the end of each chapter are parental tips based upon the author’s education and experiences. The author hopes that by sharing these memories and tips, he provides humor as well as insights into the mind of an accident-prone child, along with nuggets of wisdom to aid parents as they contend with the various emergencies associated with raising an accident-prone child.
-
Decisions Matter: Ninety-Three Years of Experiences, Surprises, and Joys Beginning in Poverty on a Primitive Pioneer Farm: Ninety-Three Years of Experiences, Surprises, and Joys Beginning in Poverty on a Primitive Pioneer Farm
Price range: $3.99 through $19.99THE FIRST NINETY-THREE YEARS!
This is a true and inspiring story of one woman’s quest not only to survive against the formidable odds of her pioneer beginnings but to rise to relative prosperity and is looking forward to the day when she will meet her Savior! She shares her life learnings and adventures, including:
- How she rose from great poverty as a pioneer as an orphan at a young age in extreme backward condition during the great depression in Northern Saskatchewan to relative prosperity and very comfortable retirement years.
- How a child of Canadian immigrants became a successful citizen of both Canada and the United States.
- Why she switched from being a Roman Catholic to becoming a Protestant.
- How she struggled, having married a devout Christian who became an ardent agnostic believing principally in reason; and finally, after fifteen years, returning to his faith.
ENDROSEMENTS OF BOOK REVIEWERS
“You story shows what can be accomplished in spite of great odds when a clear goal is pursued with determination and sincerity and with unwavering commitment to a clear and specific standards.”
“This is fascinating! I love how it’s history, an autobiography, and a testimony all at once.”
“All future generations should read this si they understand how difficult life can be and how one may overcome those difficulties. I can’t wait to read the finished book. I am so proud of you, especially having written this at age ninety-three.”
“I thank you for writing this slice of North American history. Quite thrilling.”
“You story and writing are amazing!”
“My summation of your book: “An inspiring story of faith, struggle, and determination to never give up.”
“Your story is captivating! What you’ve achieved in writing your story is quite an accomplishments! Congratulations.”
“We wonder what will be the next for her.”
“IT’S A PAGE-TURNER. I JUST LOVE IT.”
-
God Shall Wipe Away All Tears: A Mother’s Journal of Caregiving, Tragedy, and Hope
Price range: $3.99 through $27.99“God Shall Wipe Away All Tears is a fascinating look into the life of a courageous woman who suffered unimaginable personal tragedies. Readers will find insight, inspiration and strength from Colleen’s faith-based perspective on confronting difficult life problems. To those who have a loved one with an immunodeficiency, her story will show that you are not alone. Her non-sense chronology sheds light on very rare medical condition.”
–Ulrike Ziegner, M.D., PhD., Allergist/Immunologist
“Thank you for your wonderful book! Your insight into life and death, and your terrible experiences from which you have learned patience and understanding, will help us all to become better people.”
–Paula Bjornn, Registered Nurse
It was dusk as my husband and I entered the small cemetery to place flowers on the three graves-Jonathan, our firstborn son who died at eight months from a rare pneumonia; Michael, our violinist son who left us at age sixteen due to pancreatic cancer; and Seb, a loving son who trained hawks and suffered blindness and neurodegeneration after thirty years of immunodeficiency. As the sun set with crimson colors. I placed bright summer flowers on each grave. ‘Help me to do what I should do with my life,’ I said to my sons. It was clear what my path should be. I could not let their lives be lost in vain! I should write stories of struggle, love, and faith. “They are doing work now in heavenly spheres, and I must do mine while I still have time!” I said to myself. It all seemed so clear.
This powerful memoir describing Colleen Openshaw’s frequent encounters with illness and death will convey important insights when we experience these unwanted sorrows in our own lives. Losing her parents to cancer and old age, a sister in a car accident, her husband to organ failure and Alzheimer’s, as well as her three precious sons to hyper-IgM Syndrome-has given Colleen unusual understanding in facing end-of-life issues. Relying on her faith in God as well as her own grit and determination, her experience can give us a unique comprehension of how to confront these inevitable trials common to all mankind.
-
A Life Not Expected: But A Journey Worth Taking
Price range: $3.99 through $12.99Born in her grandparents’ bedroom on October 11, 1925, Violet Grayson says of her writing, “At the age of fourteen, I wrote a poem and a rather dismal short story. I sent the short story to Collier’s magazine, where it was immediately rejected. I redeemed my pride by later winning a school-wide essay contest at Cumberland High School and becoming an at-large reporter for our school paper, The Chronicle. As a senior, I was named literary editor of our yearbook. My English teacher, Mr. Skahan, suggested I switch to the college course since he saw me as scholarship material, but that was too much of a reach in those Great Depression years. After graduating in 1943, I worked in an office, married in 1949, and became a mother in 1950 and then a single parent in 1952. My writing would have to wait until January 1986 when, at the age of sixty, I launched my literary career.”
Violet has had twenty-four personal-experience stories, articles, how-to pieces, and short stories published. She also wrote a column for the Foxboro Reporter in her former home of Foxboro, Massachusetts. In California, since 1993, she contributed to “Two Cents,” an opinion column in the San Francisco Chronicle maintained by a pool of citizens. She is an active member and Secretary of Writers West of Alameda Inc.
This is her fourth book. The first, In the Village Lonsdale, was published in 2006. Her second, A Gossamer Cord, was published in 2011. Her third, Jeremy’s Cottage, was published in 2013.
-
Freddy B: My Last Encounter With the Law Got Me A Trip for a One Year Stay at a Department of Corrections Facility
Price range: $3.99 through $22.99I believe Freddy B will open the eyes of young men and women-“There are consequences to your actions in life.” My hope is this book will continue his ministry to others. His struggle may help parents realize, no matter how difficult, to find a way to break the wall of silence that teens frequently suffer when they think their parents do not understand.
