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Make It Reality: Create Your Opportunity, Own Your Success
by Cris Abrego PitbullThe creator and producer of several mega-hit television series, including The Surreal Life, Flavor of Love, Rock of Love, and Charm School, shares his incredible journey of making it to the top--and how you can too. "No one paves the road for you. You have to create your own path. If you believe in your dreams, embrace what makes you different, and bet on yourself, the destination will be greater than you ever imagined."--Cris Abrego From carrying camera gear on the sets of MTV's Road Rules, to pioneering the celebreality genre by creating such breakout hits as The Surreal Life and The Flavor of Love, and now as one of today's most prominent figures in the television industry--Cris Abrego's career has been nothing short of extraordinary. As a young boy growing up in L.A., Abrego spent his formative years glued to his family's TV set, forging his dream of one day working in television. With unrelenting drive, he overcame countless obstacles to build his own reality TV production company in his garage, which, by his mid-thirties, he sold to one of the world's largest television production companies, before being tapped as their co-CEO. In Make It Reality, Abrego provides practical and motivating lessons collected from almost twenty years on the frontlines of television, including: how to visualize and your goals and work tirelessly to attain them; when to take risks and push boundaries; and how to continually raise the bar for yourself and realize there are no limits on what can be achieved. Success isn't about your pedigree or your connections: it's about vision, leadership, and courage. Abrego's story is unforgettable, full of heart, and inspiring to anyone seeking to transcend all obstacles and achieve true success.Foreword by PitbullFrom the Hardcover edition.
Make It Scream, Make It Burn: Essays
by Leslie JamisonFrom the "astounding" (Entertainment Weekly), "spectacularly evocative" (The Atlantic), and "brilliant" (Los Angeles Times) author of the New York Times bestsellers The Recovering and The Empathy Exams comes a return to the essay form in this expansive new book. <P><P>ONE OF THE FALL'S MOST ANTICIPATED BOOKS: Time, Entertainment Weekly, O, Oprah Magazine, Boston Globe, Newsweek, Esquire, Seattle Times, Baltimore Sun, BuzzFeed, BookPage, The Millions, Marie Claire, Good Housekeeping, Minneapolis Star Tribune, Lit Hub, Women's Day, AV Club, Nylon, Bustle, Goop, Goodreads, Book Riot, Yahoo! Lifestyle, Pacific Standard, The Week, and Romper. <P><P>With the virtuosic synthesis of memoir, criticism, and journalism for which Leslie Jamison has been so widely acclaimed, the fourteen essays in Make It Scream, Make It Burn explore the oceanic depths of longing and the reverberations of obsession. <P><P>Among Jamison's subjects are 52 Blue, deemed "the loneliest whale in the world"; the eerie past-life memories of children; the devoted citizens of an online world called Second Life; the haunted landscape of the Sri Lankan Civil War; and an entire museum dedicated to the relics of broken relationships. <P><P>Jamison follows these examinations to more personal reckonings -- with elusive men and ruptured romances, with marriage and maternity -- in essays about eloping in Las Vegas, becoming a stepmother, and giving birth. <P><P>Often compared to Joan Didion and Susan Sontag, and widely considered one of the defining voices of her generation, Jamison interrogates her own life with the same nuance and rigor she brings to her subjects. The result is a provocative reminder of the joy and sustenance that can be found in the unlikeliest of circumstances.
Make Life Beautiful
by Syd and McGeeConfidence in your craft is built by learning from one experience at a time. Now you can sharpen your skills, focus on your goals, and achieve your dreams with the inspirational, behind-the-scenes story of Syd and Shea McGee, the stars of the new Netflix series Dream Home Makeover. For the one million-plus followers who turn to Syd and Shea McGee for advice on building a beautiful home and life, Make Life Beautiful is be a behind-the-scenes look into how the couple transformed Shea&’s small room of fabric samples and big dream of becoming a designer into one of the most successful and fastest-growing interior design businesses in the country.Both long-time and new fans will not only gain insight into how the McGees built such a successful company but also be inspired to apply design principles to their lives. Inspirational topics to help readers build an authentic life includeRenovate your lifeVisualize the outcomeListen to your gutElevate the everydayWant to live the best version of your life? Read this book to follow Syd and Shea&’s lead and learn how to Make Life Beautiful.This is an essential book for:EntrepreneursInterior DesignersWorking ParentsCouples Building Family and CareerSelf-Startersand Anyone Chasing Their DreamsPraise for Make Life Beautiful:"Make Life Beautiful is a necessary reminder there is inherent beauty and warmth in all moments. Shea and Syd invite us into endearing conversations filled with wit, humor, creativity and an honesty shining light on the couples beautiful focal points." - Alyssa Rosenheck, interiors and architectural photographer, stylist, and author of the New Southern Style&“In a world of picture perfect, Syd & Shea are a much needed breath of fresh air. It takes courage to admit that things aren&’t always perfect. I applaud them for authentically sharing their story with the world.&” - Mikel Welch, interior designer, lifestyle expert, and TV show host"Make Life Beautiful is raw, honest and motivating. A captivating read as Shea & Syd navigate us through the early days of their relationship, family and growing business. A form of a modern day romance success story. I enjoyed reading about their compelling journey that shaped their design empire we know as Studio McGee. Truly inspiring in every way.&” - Monika Hibbs, Founder and Creative Director of Monika Hibbs and author of Gather at Home"There&’s nothing more beautiful than taking a leap and devoting your life and your heart and your work to helping other people enjoy beauty in their own homes. We&’ve all come to know and love and yearn for the Studio McGee look but hearing the humble &“how's&” behind the empire is even more moving and motivating. This isn&’t about just making your home beautiful—this is about making your LIFE beautiful. Shea and Syd are talented (obviously) but they&’re also dreamers and supporters and risk-takers and pioneers and somehow, still completely down-to-earth. My heart is warm and I&’m now taking notes on more than just mixing patterns.&” - Julia Marcum, Co-Founder of Chris Loves Julia, Good Influnce_r and Proper Tee
Make Me Even and I'll Never Gamble Again: A Novel
by Jerrold Fine“A rip-roaring yarn of baseball, poker and Wall Street told with humor and humanity, and a loving rendering of Wharton in the seventies” (Geoffrey Garrett, Dean, The Wharton School). Rogers Stout has the gambler’s gifts—a titanic brain, an uncanny ability to read people, and a risk-taker’s daring. As an apathetic high school student who loves baseball but lacks a ninety-mph fastball, he knows that the game does not begin until the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand. But his life needs direction. Everything changes the summer he is invited into the boisterous environment of an investment bank’s trading room, and to a gambling hall dive where he immediately wins big at poker, capturing the attention of his co-workers with his card-playing skills. Intrigued by trading markets, Rogers’ intellectual curiosity takes him to Wharton and then Wall Street, where he faces challenges as an outsider who thinks and acts differently from the white-shoe establishment. As Rogers plays his career hand, life plays another. Should he follow the temptress Elsbeth and her ravishing beauty, or Charlotte, his high-spirited first love? An intriguing look at human aspiration and the interplay of honor, greed, fear, and individuality, the novel Make Me Even and I’ll Never Gamble Again reveals a time when a new generation upended the status quo on Wall Street and forever changed investing. “By turns hilarious, insightful, and touching, Fine has written a coming-of-age story for the ages.” —Peter Lattman, vice chairman, The Atlantic “[An] absorbing story of an aspiring Wall Street trader.” —Kirkus Reviews
Make Me Even and I'll Never Gamble Again: A Novel
by Jerrold Fine&“A rip-roaring yarn of baseball, poker, and Wall Street told with humor and humanity, and a loving rendering of Wharton in the seventies.&” —Geoffrey Garrett, dean, The Wharton School Rogers Stout has the gambler&’s gifts: a titanic brain, an uncanny ability to read people, and a risk-taker&’s daring. As an apathetic high school student who loves baseball but lacks a ninety-miles-per-hour fastball, he knows that the game does not begin until the ball leaves the pitcher&’s hand. But his life needs direction. Everything changes the summer Roger is invited into the boisterous environment of an investment bank&’s trading room—and to a gambling hall dive where he immediately wins big at poker, capturing the attention of his coworkers with his card-playing skills. Intrigued by trading markets, Rogers&’s intellectual curiosity takes him to Wharton and then to Wall Street, facing challenges as an outsider who thinks and acts differently from the white-shoe establishment. As Rogers plays his career hand, life plays another. Should he follow the temptress Elsbeth and her ravishing beauty or Charlotte, his high-spirited first love? An intriguing look at human aspiration and the interplay of honor, greed, fear, and individuality, Make Me Even and I&’ll Never Gamble Again reveals a time when a new generation upended the status quo on Wall Street and forever changed investing. &“By turns hilarious, insightful, and touching, Fine has written a coming-of-age story for the ages.&” —Peter Lattman, vice chairman, The Atlantic &“[An] absorbing story of an aspiring Wall Street trader.&” —Kirkus Reviews
Make Me a Mother: A Memoir
by Susanne Antonetta<P> A woman unexpectedly finds her best self through a sleepy bundle handed over at the airport in this heartfelt and surprising memoir. <P> In Make Me a Mother, acclaimed memoirist Susanne Antonetta adopts an infant from Seoul, South Korea. After meeting their six-month-old son, Jin, at the airport—an incident made memorable when Susanne, so eager to meet her son, is chased down by security—Susanne and her husband learn lessons common to all parents, such as the lack of sleep and the worry and joy of loving a child. They also learn lessons particular to their own family: not just how another being can take over your life but how to let an entire culture in, how to discuss birth parents who gave up a child, and the tricky steps required to navigate race in America. <P> In the end, her relationship with her son teaches Susanne to understand her own troubled childhood and to forgive and care for her own aging parents. Susanne comes to realize how, time and time again, all families have to learn to adopt one another.
Make Something Good Today: A Memoir
by Erin Napier Ben NapierFrom Ben and Erin Napier, the stars of the hit HGTV show Home Town, comes Make Something Good Today, a memoir that tells us all to seek out the good in life, celebrate the beauty of family and friends, and prosper within our communities because everything we need in life to be happy, is within our grasp.Long before their hugely popular TV show, an expanding family, or demolition day on their dream home, Erin began keeping a daily online journal to help her stay focused on the positive and count her blessings in life. She never expected that her depictions of small-town life in the tiny swath of Mississippi where she Ben call home would catch the eye of a television producer and set them off on the journey of a lifetime. Make Something Good Today offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of a couple that America has come to know and love for their easy humor, adoring relationship, and ability to utterly transform a place into something beautiful and personal. This is the poignant story of how Erin and Ben took a small, tight-knit town into their own hands (literally) and used ingenuity, community, and authenticity to rebuild a once-thriving American Main Street. And how, by combining Ben’s carpentry skills with Erin’s design eye, Home Town is making it clear to us all that small-town living can feel as big as you make it. Complete with family photographs, Erin’s hand-painted sketches, and never-before-heard personal stories, this inspirational memoir reminds us all not to give up hope that great love stories are possible, big things can bloom in small towns, and there is always magic in the ordinary if you know where to look for it.
Make Trouble Young Readers Edition: Standing Up, Speaking Out, and Finding the Courage to Lead
by Cecile RichardsFrom former Planned Parenthood president and activist Cecile Richards comes the young readers edition of her New York Times bestselling memoir, which Hillary Rodham Clinton called an “inspiration for aspiring leaders everywhere.” <P><P>To make change, you have to make trouble. <P><P>Cecile Richards has been fighting for what she believes in ever since she was taken to the principal’s office in seventh grade for wearing an armband in protest of the Vietnam War. She had an extraordinary childhood in ultra-conservative Texas, where her father, a civil rights attorney, and her mother, an avid activist and the first female governor of Texas, taught their kids to be troublemakers. From the time Richards was a girl, she had a front row seat to observe the rise of women in American politics. And by sharing her story with young readers, she shines a light on the people and lessons that have gotten her though good times and bad, and encourages her audience to take risks, make mistakes, and make trouble along the way.
Make Trouble: Standing Up, Speaking Out, and Finding the Courage to Lead--My Life Story
by Cecile RichardsFrom Cecile Richards, the former president of Planned Parenthood for more than a decade, daughter of the late Ann Richards, featured speaker at the Women&’s March on Washington, and &“the heroine of the resistance&” (Vogue), comes &“an enthralling memoir&” (Booklist, starred review) filled with &“practical advice and inspiration for aspiring leaders everywhere&” (Hillary Rodham Clinton).Cecile Richards has been an activist since she was taken to the principal&’s office in seventh grade for wearing an armband in protest of the Vietnam War. Richards had an extraordinary childhood in ultra-conservative Texas, where her civil rights attorney father and activist mother taught their kids to be troublemakers. She had a front-row seat to observe the rise of women in American politics and watched her mother, Ann, transform from a housewife to an electrifying force in the Democratic party. As a young woman, Richards worked as a labor organizer alongside women earning minimum wage, and learned that those in power don&’t give it up without a fight. She experienced first-hand the misogyny, sexism, fake news, and the ever-looming threat of violence that constantly confront women who challenge authority. Now, after years of advocacy, resistance, and progressive leadership, she shares her &“truly inspiring&” (Redbook) story for the first time—from the joy and heartbreak of activism to the challenges of raising kids, having a life, and making change, all the while garnering a reputation as &“the most badass feminist EVER&” (Teen Vogue). In the &“powerful and infinitely readable&” (Gloria Steinem) Make Trouble, Richards reflects on the people and lessons that have gotten her through good times and bad, and encourages the rest of us to take risks, make mistakes, and make trouble along the way.
Make Way for Sam Houston (Unforgettable Americans)
by Jean FritzA compelling biography of the man who as commander-in-chief of the Texas army, first president of the Texas Republic, and later governor of the state, was truly one of the Founding Fathers of Texas. With humor, candor, and a fresh approach that are her award-winning trademarks, Jean Fritz weaves a fascinating portrait of colorful Sam Houston into the story of Texas's fight for independence from Mexico, and the turbulent history of Texas's annexation to the Union and later secession. Readers will be amused by the theatrics of Houston, who liked the limelight so much that he dressed for every occasion as though he were playing a role on stage--from adopting an Indian name and wearing a queue when he lived among the Cherokees as a young man to appearing in a George Washington costume at an inaugural ceremony. And what was Houston doing in the years before he got to Texas? Fritz tells us that by the age of thirty-nine, he'd already been wounded in battle, been elected a governor of Tennessee, a United States Congressman, and had dropped out of civilization twice. During his lifetime he acquired friends, enemies, and a variety of nicknames: the Big Drunk, the Old Dragon, the Great Designer, the Hero of San Jacinto. (Jean Fritz counts herself a staunch friend.) Capturing his sense of humor and humanness, Jean Fritz makes Sam Houston not just a figure, but a personality, set against the dramatic backdrop of our country in pre-Civil War times.
Make Way: The Story of Robert McCloskey, Nancy Schön, and Some Very Famous Ducklings
by Angela Burke KunkelA beautiful and fascinating picture book biography that follows the lives of Robert McCloskey, creator of Make Way for Ducklings, and sculptor Nancy Schön, whose famous bronze ducks grace Boston Public Garden.In the beginning, there was a boy named Robert McCloskey, growing up in Ohio, his hands always moving, always creating. Many years later, after attending art school in Boston, he would reflect on his days wandering through Boston Garden and write the classic picture book Make Way for Ducklings.In the beginning, there was also a girl named Nancy Schön. She grew up in Newton, Massachusetts, working in her father's greenhouse, twisting wire and boughs into wreaths. Many years later, Nancy would look at Robert's drawings in Make Way for Ducklings and get the seed of an idea. That seed became the beloved bronze sculptures of Mrs. Mallard and her eight ducklings that stand in Boston Garden today.This stunning and clever picture book biography intertwines the lives of two phenomenal artists--who were contemporaries and friends--and reveals the extraordinary impact they've had on generations of children.
Make Your Mark: Lessons in Character from Seven Presidents
by Mark K. UpdegroveThe award-wining author of Second Acts and The Last Republicans draws on interviews and conversations with seven presidents to identify the essence of character, leadership and legacy that has defined each of them and the modern American presidency.Throughout his career as an author, journalist, television commentator, and head of a presidential library and foundation, Mark Updegrove has had the privilege of getting to know seven U.S. Presidents, from Gerald Ford to Barack Obama. In Make Your Mark, he offers incisive, compelling sketches of these modern presidents and the character trait that made each suited to his moment in the Oval Office and underlies his most significant accomplishments.Gerald Ford’s instinct to do the right thing in the wake of Watergate;Jimmy Carter’s mission to do good in the areas of peace and human rights during his presidency and throughout his post-presidency;Ronald Reagan’s optimism, restoring the nation’s confidence and pride after a sustained period of demoralizing national setbacks;George H.W. Bush’s humility, helping to ensure a peaceful end to the Cold War that had seethed between the superpowers for over forty years;Bill Clinton’s resilience and determination to keep working for the good of the American people in the face of political and personal obstacles;George W. Bush’s charge to give back as the deadly AIDS epidemic spread unchecked throughout much of the developing world;and Barack Obama’s grace as the first African American to hold the country’s highest office. Make Your Mark reveals that there is no one-size-fits-all model for leadership. We all have our own set of strengths and weaknesses. But drawing on these presidential examples, we can ask ourselves how our character reflects our leadership, and be inspired to find the very best in who we are to make own unique marks as leaders.
Make Your Mark: The Empowering True Story of the First Known Black Female Tattoo Artist
by Jacci Gresham Sherry FelloresA picture book biography celebrating the first known Black female tattoo artist in the U.S., Jacci Gresham, co-authored by Jacci herself, and with stylish, accessible artwork by David WilkersonHow to make your mark? Express yourself: From coloring outside the lines to creating her own clothes, expressing herself through art made Jacci Gresham feel confident. Keep an open mind: When Jacci started out, women getting tattooed was considered distasteful. Women giving tattoos was unheard of. And a Black woman tattoo artist? Jacci was the first. Practice every day: Jacci studied her craft. She developed new inking techniques for Black and brown skin. And she welcomed everyone into her New Orleans shop, including women of every color, shape, and size. Stand up for what you believe: From art class to artist, Jacci Gresham pushed boundaries, and she never took no for an answer. Jacci made her mark. How will you make yours?&“Part autobiography, part advice book . . . Inspiring." —Booklist"Informative and inspirational." —Kirkus
Make Your Mind Up: My Guide to Finding Your Own Style, Life, and Motavation!
by Bethany MotaFrom tips on life, love, and everything in between; to original DIYs, recipes, and style hacks; to the incredible story of a girl next door turned Internet sensation, Make Your Mind Up is the ultimate guide to rocking your look and ruling your world—from inspirational YouTuber, designer, entrepreneur, and digital influencer, Bethany Mota.When Bethany first propped her camera on a stack of books and pressed record on her family’s handheld camera in 2009, she didn't realize her life was about to change—forever. After uploading her first video to YouTube at just thirteen years old, Bethany quickly became one of the Internet’s go-to beauty, style, and lifestyle vloggers. Since then, she has filmed countless room tours and tutorials, traveled the world, experimented with hundreds of DIYs, designed her own clothing line, gone on an international tour, competed on Dancing with the Stars, and created health, beauty, and wellness content for multiple platforms. But before Bethany found her #MotaFam online, life wasn’t looking so great: After being intensely bullied in school, the already shy Bethany retreated further into her shell, suffering from crippling anxiety and a lack of self-confidence she just couldn’t shake. From growing up on a dairy farm in small-town Los Banos, California, to figuring out how to overcome anxiety and find her voice, to finally breaking out of her shell and learning to forge her own positive path, Make Your Mind Up is more than just a heartwarming memoir or lifestyle guide—this is a portrait of Bethany’s life, exactly how she lives it.
Make Your Own History: Timeless Truths from Black American Trailblazers
by Joseph H. HollandCelebrating the vast breadth and scope of Black excellence, Make Your Own History shares success principles exemplified by 120 Black unsung heroes who have blazed trails throughout American history. One hundred and twenty Black leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs share their wisdom and experience across the centuries in Make Your Own History, an inspiring collection of exemplary Black voices—past and present, familiar and unsung—which have the power to guide us today. Make Your Own History gathers together motivational quotes, historical contexts, and enlightening precepts from Black trailblazers spanning the eighteenth century to the present. These insights encompass twelve central themes: courage, self-discipline, compassion, perseverance, teamwork, integrity, industriousness, self-reliance, optimism, purposefulness, civility, and faith. These vigorous virtues will: *Deepen your courage through journalist Ida B. Wells&’ strategic activism in the face of professional and personal peril . . . *Fuel your perseverance through tennis superstar Serena Williams&’ journey to 23 Grand Slam singles titles . . . *Spark optimism through poet Langston Hughes&’ work as an artistic and intellectual catalyst for the Harlem Renaissance . . . Through these perspectives and so many more, Make Your Own History serves not only as an uplifting historical resource, but also as a spiritual road map for the life-long journey of purposefully setting and meeting personal goals. These pioneers are more than historic examples of Black excellence; their unique lives highlight universal truths that will inspire all readers to achieve great success and make their own history.
Make Your Own Rules: Stories and Hard-Earned Advice from a Creator in the Digital Age
by Andrew HuangYouTube sensation Andrew Huang offers practical tips and hard-won advice for creatives seeking financial stability while staying authentic.How does a musician with acute hearing loss, a refusal to perform live, and no industry connections carve a path to millions of followers and lucrative royalty checks? In Make Your Own Rules, Andrew Huang shares stories from his two decades as a music industry misfit and offers advice on both the artistic and business sides of working as a creator in our digital era. Beginning with auctioning his songwriting skills on eBay as a teenager, Andrew continuously found new ways to thrive in a music career over the last twenty-plus years. His storied career and hard-won wisdom can help aspiring digital creatives find success as well. Organized by sections on building your creative foundations, growing an audience in the digital age, making money, and staying true to yourself, Make Your Own Rules pairs personal anecdotes with concrete advice applicable to any freelance digital creator. You&’ll learn how Andrew became an early adopter of sharing music online—for free!—and how he leveraged social media to grow an organic following and amass millions of song streams and video views. Additional chapters provide insight into his designing an online course and music production tools that have been used by tens of thousands of people, and how he created revenue streams for himself that didn&’t exist previously. With open-minded perseverance, Andrew made up his own rules for life. His unlikely journey will inspire creators to find opportunity, financial stability, and fun in their pursuits.
Make Your Own Sunshine: Inspiring Stories of People Who Find Light in Dark Times
by Janice DeanThese are the kinds of stories we need right now.While the news is filled with villains and villainy, we do see a few famous heroes now and again. But what about the everyday heroes? The people going out of their way bring a little love into someone else's life? They deserve a time in the spotlight to inspire us all.Life can be tough—but it helps to know other people have come through hard times with a smile on their face. In Make Your Own Sunshine, Janice Dean shares inspiring stories that will lift your spirit and touch your heart. Good people are all around us doing selfless deeds, from a firefighter who bravely battled for his colleague’s health after 9/11 to a good Samaritan who secretly pays for the coffees of everyone in line behind him. You can’t help but smile reading about the teacher who cut her hair to make her student feel better. And you may shed a tear when you hear the story of the dad who never missed writing a napkin note for his daughter, including stashing extra notes in case he lost his batter with cancer. From a young man who makes bow ties for dogs waiting to be adopted to an Uber driver who brightened a new mom’s day by helping her buy baby clothes, the heroes in this story will warm your heart and stick in your mind.Janice has made it her mission to uncover and document these good stories to inspire us and gives us a much-needed boost of optimism. All we have to do is open our minds and our hearts, to look for the light on a cloudy day. Because as she reminds us, if we don’t make our own sunshine—who will?
Make a Difference
by Melvin L. CheathamDr. Mel Cheatham, a successful neurosurgeon with a thriving private practice, found himself at the age of fifty feeling empty. He had it all. And yet he knew something was missing-the peace and joy that comes from showing God's love to others. Then one day he heard Franklin Graham speak about the desperate need for doctors in developing countries, and in that message, Mel heard God speaking directly to his heart. He gave up a private neurosurgery practice and devoted himself to full-time medical relief work and evangelism projects in developing and war-torn countries. Mel Cheatham found out what it means to Make a Difference. In Make a Difference, Mel shares the stories of dozens of people who have risked it all to gain what they cannot lose-people who learned to listen to God and respond to His call to love the world. You'll read about: Karen Daniels, a 31-year-old nurse from British Columbia who heard God calling her to minister through her medical skills in wartorn Sudan, where temperatures often reach 115 degrees and the only "bathrooms" are pit latrines dug in the ground. Marianne Morton, who donated a kidney to a neighbor she barely knew, a Jewish man who was being kept alive only through daily dialysis. Through these and many other stories, and through the use of Scripture, Melvin will help you listen to God's still, small voice, calling you to make a difference, to show His love to a world in need.
Make a Home Out of You: A Memoir
by Ginelle TestaFor readers of Drinking: A Love Story by Caroline Knapp comes an unflinching coming-of-age addiction memoir about one woman&’s journey to overcome her destructive roots to discover her road to recovery.Born to an abusive mother and a drug-dealer father, Ginelle Testa is not exactly set up for success—and her early years are just as troubled as one might expect. By the end of her thirteenth year, she&’s started experimenting with alcohol and drugs, has fallen prey to anorexia, and has been sexually assaulted. And that&’s only the beginning of her spiral down into addiction and disordered eating. As Ginelle progresses into young adulthood, she hits several substance-related bottoms. In her senior year of college, after blacking out and ending up naked in her dorm&’s community shower, she goes to Alcoholics Anonymous and gets sober. But steering clear of drugs and alcohol, she discovers, is not a cure-all—she still has a long way to go before she can truly heal. Raw, relatable, and powerful, Testa&’s is a riveting tale of climbing up from rock bottom—and learning to make a home in oneself instead of in substances and other people.
Make a Joyful Noise: My 25 Years in Gospel Music
by Bobby Jones Lesley SussmanDr. Bobby Jones, a leading figure in the gospel music industry, offers a revealing look at his career and friendships with other celebrities.Jones is the host and executive producer of the world's number one gospel television program with a viewership exceeding five million. He shares with readers his own personal journey from an impoverished childhood where his love of education and Christian music played a major role in his becoming a prominent award-winning leader in the gospel music world. Jones counts many of gospel's most beloved celebrities as his friends, including Aretha Franklin, Shirley Caesar, Kirk Franklin, the Winans, and Barbara Mandrell. His book provides intimate and inspirational details of these friendships.
Make a Pretty Sound: A Story of Ella Jenkins—The First Lady of Children's Music
by Traci N. ToddOnce upon a time, children's music was just Mother Goose, nursery songs, and lullabies. And then came Ella Jenkins.Ella Jenkins is an American folk singer and living legend dubbed "The First Lady of Children’s Music." For nearly 70 years, she has been writing and performing music that has entertained and engaged generations of young listeners. In Make a Pretty Sound, Ella’s life and legacy are captured in vibrant sights, sounds, and stories that leap right off the page. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, and raised in Chicago, Ella grew up loving music of all kinds—the call-and-response of Cab Calloway, the exciting rhythms of Moroccan and Indian records spun in a local record shop, the bluesy notes her uncle teased from his harmonica. She listened to music from around the world, and no matter what language it was in, she could feel what it meant—the bridge in understanding and feeling that music offers from one heart to another. When she began working with children, she knew just what to do. She knew music would offer children a kinetic learning experience that engaged them physically, verbally, and empathetically, creating community out of song. Soon, she was recording her own albums and became an international star. In these beautifully illustrated pages, Ella’s journey—from the gritty streets of Chicago to the classrooms where she found her calling to an opportunity to raise her voice for freedom alongside Martin Luther King, Jr., to the spotlight of the world’s stage—is rhythmically, joyfully, brilliantly illuminated. For readers familiar with Ella Jenkins or new to her work, this nonfiction picture book offers a treasury of inspiration that touches on American history, civil rights, cultural awareness, and the incredible power of music.A LIVING LEGEND: Drawing on personal interviews the author conducted with Ella and her manager, this is Ella’s story told in her own words. For all who have felt the impact of her work in children's programming, in classrooms, and in their homes, this is a wonderful opportunity to explore the legacy of an artist who offers children the gift of music and the gift of knowing that another human heart reaches out to theirs. LYRICAL TEXT AND ART: Rhythmic text and colorful illustrations celebrate the musicality of Ella's life and convey the singular joy that is found in the sharing of music! BEAUTIFUL GIFT BOOK: With extraordinary writing and beautiful art, this book makes a perfect present for any young reader who loves music, biographies, or both.Perfect for: Fans of Ella Jenkins Parents, teachers, and caregivers of children who love music Teachers and librarians looking for a great picture book biography Anyone interested in multicultural music for kids Readers who enjoy the Little People, BIG DREAMS and Who Is/Who Was biography series Gift givers looking for a children’s music book for birthday, holiday, or any celebratory occasion
Make a Wish for Me: A Family's Recovery from Autism
by LeeAndra ChergeyIndie Reader Discovery Awards Winner for Parenting National Indie Excellence Award Finalist Hollywood Book Festival 2016 Honorable mention in general non-fiction Bookvana 2016 Finalist in Parenting/Family Bronze Medal Winner Inspirational Memoir-Female Living Now Book Awards-Books for Better Living When LeeAndra Chergey is told that her son, Ryan, is no longer considered &“normal,&” she and her family are forced into a new way of handling the outside world. Together, Chergey&’s family and a team of carefully chosen therapists put in years of hard work, and eventually teach Ryan to speak and express emotions. Through it all, Chergey follows her heart—and in the process, she learns that being &“normal&” is not nearly as important as providing your child with a life full of joy, love, and acceptance. Tender and candid, Make A Wish For Me is a story of accepting and tackling a disability stigmatized and misunderstood by society.
Make it Meaningful: Finding Purpose in Life and Work
by Debbie Haski-LeventhalUnorthodox meets Start with Why: how escaping a cult led Debbie Haski-Leventhal to become a &‘professor of purpose&’ and master the art of finding personal meaning in life. When she was five, tragedy prompted her parents to join Kabbalah, a cult-like sect of Judaism. They immersed themselves in it unreservedly – from its peculiar rituals (rolling in the snow naked to purify their sins) to the beauty of belonging to something greater than themselves. She left at eighteen – after years of abuse and living in communes in three countries – devastated and isolated, searching for meaning in her life. Today, that woman is Professor Debbie Haski-Leventhal, who specialises in finding meaning in our personal and professional lives. In this book, Debbie shares her own and other people&’s stories to explore ideas of purpose, impact, values, and resilience. She sheds light on the &‘meaning&’ of meaningfulness, offers frameworks for meaningfulness in life, and suggests ways in which purpose can help make our lives and work more significant and valuable. In the age of &‘The Great Resignation&’, we&’re all trying to discover a more deliberate and rewarding shape to our own lives. Debbie Haski-Leventhal is the perfect companion for the journey.
Make it a Double: From Wretched to Wondrous: Tales of One Woman's Lifelong Discovery of Whisky
by Shelley SackierA witty and immersive look at the history, mythology, science, and magical touch that makes whisky taste like a drop of gold. Braving the &“all boys&” clubhouse of the world of whisky has not been easy, but Shelley Sackier has managed to do just that out of her love for the drink. By turns funny and poignant and filled with vivid insight into this ancient craft, Make it a Double will persuade even a teetotaler to want a wee dram. As a woman whose first sip of whisky created the female doppelganger of a Mr. Yuk sticker, that experience produced a sharp realization that the liquid was foul, poisonous, and needlessly dirtied a previously clean glass. And then she met Scotland. Her curiosity and growing passion lit a fire—igniting a desire to learn more about this craft&’s rich and vivid history and the need to break out of an old life and to become the mother, partner, and woman she has always sought to be. After completing a course in Scotland&’s famed Bruichladdich Distillery, Shelley begins her path of writing about—and working within—the world of whisky. There has never been a better time for Shelley's inimitable voice to shed light on this intoxicating realm. Women are not only impressively contributing to the burgeoning sales of the spirit—making up nearly 40% of the whiskey-drinking population in the United States—but they are also growing in number as they enter in to, train within, and lead the industry with their determined creativity and innovation. In the tradition of Blood, Bones, and Butter, Make it a Double establishes Shelley Sackier as a fresh new voice in the lush world of culinary narrative.
Make the Bread, Buy the Butter: What You Should and Shouldn't Cook from Scratch -- Over 120 Recipes for the Best Homemade Foods
by Jennifer ReeseWhen Jennifer Reese lost her job, she was overcome by an impulse common among the recently unemployed: to economize by doing for herself what she had previously paid for. She had never before considered making her own peanut butter and pita bread, let alone curing her own prosciutto or raising turkeys. And though it sounded logical that "doing it yourself" would cost less, she had her doubts. So Reese began a series of kitchen-related experiments, taking into account the competing demands of everyday contemporary American family life as she answers some timely questions: When is homemade better? Cheaper? Are backyard eggs a more ethical choice than store-bought? Will grinding and stuffing your own sausage ruin your week? Is it possible to make an edible maraschino cherry? Some of Reese's discoveries will surprise you: Although you should make your hot dog buns, guacamole, and yogurt, you should probably buy your hamburger buns, potato chips, and rice pudding. Tired? Buy your mayonnaise. Inspired? Make it. With its fresh voice and delightful humor, Make the Bread, Buy the Butter gives 120 recipes with eminently practical yet deliciously fun "Make or buy" recommendations. Reese is relentlessly entertaining as she relates her food and animal husbandry adventures, which amuse and perplex as well as nourish and sustain her family. Her tales include living with a backyard full of cheerful chickens, muttering ducks, and adorable baby goats; countertops laden with lacto-fermenting pickles; and closets full of mellowing cheeses. Here's the full picture of what is involved in a truly homemade life--with the good news that you shouldn't try to make everything yourself--and how to get the most out of your time in the kitchen.