Play & Book Excerpts
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Below are exclusive excerpts from books written by bestselling and first-time authors
as well as experts in particular fields of interest. Excerpts from community plays are also available here. Thanks to all who shared their work. Click on image to view excerpt. |
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NEW! Excerpt from: Fierce and Delicate: Essays on Dance and Illness by Renée K. Nicholson. Renée's professional training in ballet had both moments of magnificence and moments of torment. In this book, Renée looks back on the often confused and driven self she had been shaped into and finds beauty in the small roles she performed. Moving on due to illness, she discovered that she retained the lyricism and narrative of ballet itself as she negotiated life with rheumatoid arthritis. This is a book about the world of professional dance and living with chronic disease. It's about being shattered yet realizing the power to assemble oneself again in a new way.
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Excerpt from: Reading the Signs: A Schoolhouse Mystery by Bette Ann Moskowitz. This is a gripping mystery about betrayal and love, truth and lies, abuse and power, sound and silence. What are we to do when words push their way past our own determination not to speak them? Taking place in a small beach town on Long Island, New York, Sylvie Fried, an expert reading teacher, comes up against challenges in her personal life and in the work she does in Rose Elementary School and her customary confidence is suddenly not there, yet finding solutions may be a matter of life and death.
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Excerpt from: Stand: A Memoir on Activism. A Manual for Progress. What really happens when we stand on the front lines of change. by Kathryn Bertine. As a former ESPN columnist and professional cyclist, activism wasn't even on her radar in 2008 because she was busy trying to get to the Beijing Olympic Games. She pondered, "Why aren't women allowed at the Tour de France?" With unabashed honesty, irreverence, vulnerability, history, humor and authenticity, Kathryn's memoir-turned-manual on activism takes us behind the scenes of what really happens when we stand up and fight for what we believe.
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Excerpt from: The Sudden Caregiver by Karen Warner Schueler. Karen became a sudden caregiver when her late husband was diagnosed out of the blue with stage IV cancer. In this book, she enters the complicated world of the informal, unpaid, sudden caregiver, offering guidance, resilience, and, yes, a roadmap – a rational approach for planning what is, essentially, unplannable. Karen is also president of Tangible Group, a coaching and consulting firm which focuses on leadership development and caregiver well-being.
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Excerpt from: Joyful, Delicious, Vegan: Life Without Heart Disease by Sherra Aguirre. In this empowering guide to healthy eating, Sherra shares her own story of reversing hypertension and other heart disease symptoms, despite a long family history. She presents current knowledge about the effectiveness of a plant-based diet in reversing disease, and she offers up recommendations from two world-renowned cardiologists who have demonstrated results with patients for many years.
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Excerpt from: Flipping the Bird by Margarita Meyendorff. This is an anthology of 30 short pieces and one screenplay - stories of defiance and impudence in the face of injustice, both public and private. "Reading Flipping the Bird is like a good long sit-down with a fascinating friend. Meyendorff has a light touch, yet her fearlessness extends into deeper waters like mother/daughter alienation and connection and social justice. ~ Ann Craig, Bluestone Press
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NEW! Excerpt from: Fortunate Daughter: A Memoir of Reconciliation (She Writes Press) by Rosie McMahan. This is a story about how the author begins to heal after experiencing childhood sexual abuse. This first-person narrative offers the reader a portrait of misery, abuse and hurt, followed by an examination of the difficult and painful task of healing - a journey that, in the end, reveals the complicated and nuanced nature of true reconciliation.
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Excerpt from: What to Say Next: Successful Communication in Work, Life and Love with Autism Spectrum Disorder (Tiller Press) by Sarah and Larry Nannery. Sarah reflects on her personal experience living as a professional woman with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This guide offers timely advice in for anyone on the autism spectrum looking to successfully navigate work, life and love. However, the advice and tips, particularly those concerning the workplace, may be applied by anyone struggling with office politics, protocol and communication difficulties.
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NEW! Excerpt from: The Red Kitchen: A Memoir (She Writes Press) by Barbara Clarke. This memoir describes the journeys of the author and her mother who ultimately, and in very different ways, come of age, find the loving parts of their early relationship, and start living their best lives. Barbara has been a member of several literary organizations. She lives in Bellingham, WA.
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Excerpt from: Kicking and Screaming: A Memoir of Madness and Martial Arts (She Writes Press) by Melanie Gibson. This memoir shares Melanie's life-changing journey from troubled, lost soul to confident taekwondo black belt. Readers who are interested in learning more can find Melanie's blog at Little Black Belt where she shares life lessons. This is Melanie's first book.
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Excerpt from: Sorry I Haven't Texted You Back (Andrews McMeel Publishing) by bestselling author and award-winning activist Alicia Cook. This is a poetic mixtape dedicated to those who struggle or have struggled with their mental health. Divided into two parts, "Side A" holds 92 poems, titled as "tracks," and "Side B" holds the "remixes," or blackout-poetry versions, of those 92 poems. The book includes the evergreen themes of love, grief and hope. Alicia is a guest on the February episode of Sanctuary's Coffee & Conversation (2/18).
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Excerpt from: Young People of the Pandemic (Independently Published) by Nancy S. Nelson. This book presents an intimate glimpse into the psyche of American youth living through the COVID-19 pandemic. A diverse group of young writers from across the country illustrates what it is to be a member of Gen Z in a divided country attempting to conquer the greatest crises of our time. With resilience, bravery, wisdom, honesty, and humor, these young writers tell their stories.
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Excerpt from: Talent: A Novel (Koehler Books) by award-winning author B. Lynn Goodwin. While struggling with the news that her older brother had been listed as MIA in Afghanistan, Lynn's teen protagonist desperately tries to find a way to stand out and fit in while simultaneously dealing with grief. This coming-of-age story takes you through a journey filled with universal challenges and dilemmas that many teens face, no matter what their particular situation has in store.
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Excerpt from: The Positive Mindset Journal: Conquer the Stress of Self-Quarantine (Independently Published) by Camille Hoheb. A daily journaling practice can help you see the best in others, yourself and your world during challenging situations. This journal provides a guided self-discovery journey with thought-provoking prompts and creative exercises to help see your life in a positive light.
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Book Excerpts: 2020
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Excerpt from: Losing the Atmosphere (Greenpoint Press) by Vivian Conan. This memoir is Vivian Conan's riveting account of her journey toward self-understanding and wholeness; her encounters with a string of more and less helpful therapists; and her unconventional relationship with the therapist who was finally able to guide her through the courageous, messy work healing required. This is a never-too-late story about the growth possible for anyone with the guts to pursue it.
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Excerpt from: Eris Rising (Acorn Publishing) by Courtney Ramm. This memoir shows how it's possible to move forward after life-altering "mistakes" and how to recover the true "genius" within. New York Times bestselling author Natalia Rose writes, "Ramm reveals a personal story that could happen to any one of us. While packed with nonstop gripping, dramatic moments, Eris Rising is simultaneously ripe with humor. By the end of her fateful journey, Ramm transforms into a grade-A heroine you'll cheer for and admire!"
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Excerpt from: A Mindful Year (Blackstone Publishing) by Dr. Aria Campbell-Danesh and Dr. Seth J. Gillihan. This is the first book of its kind to join the age-old wisdom of mindfulness with cognitive behavioral science in order to alleviate stress and anxiety. Now, more than ever, the demands of the day can leave us feeling exhausted and uninspired, while alerts and notifications constantly tug at our attention. We fall into unhealthy patterns that can be all too difficult to break. The 365 daily invitations encourage and guide the reader to become more self-aware and more mindful of life's extraordinary gifts.
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Excerpt from: Finishing Up: On Aging and Ageism (DIO Press Inc.) by Bette Ann Moskowitz. This book is a call to action, for all of us to reckon with our own aging by continuing to be in the world, to continue doing what we love, and to continue doing what we can to break down the bars of the cultural cages of ageism. Bette is an award-winning author whose popular blog, Vinegar Mother, is posted every Monday - check it out and start the week with a smile! Other titles by Bette include Do I know You? and The Room at the End of the Hall which were both recognized by the New York State Foundation for the Arts Fellowship for Literary Nonfiction.
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Excerpt from: Whispers of Hope: The Story of My Life (Independently Published) by Bertie Simmons, Ed.D. Her compelling memoir details the life of a young girl born in the deep South during the Jim Crow era. The story culminates with her adventures and challenges as the principal of a “throwaway” high school labeled “a pipeline to prison” and a “drop-out factory.” The reader learns of her 17-year tenure at Furr High School and her innovative approach to building a culture of community and student success that leads to the school receiving the XQ $10 million grant from Laurene Powell Jobs in 2016.
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Excerpt from: A Fierce Belief in Miracles: My Journey from Rape to Healing and Wholeness (She Writes Press) by Anne Reeder Heck. The memoir recounts Anne's experience who, at age 26, was brutally raped after a man stopped her during a bike ride to ask for directions. Her book offers both guidance and solace for those seeking healing and for those ready to explore paths of forgiveness and spirituality. This inspiring story allows the reader to witness the beauty that emerges from darkness, the goodness that is born of ill-guided acts, and the perfection of all that transpires on this path we call life.
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Excerpt from: All of Us Warriors: Cancer Stories of Survival and Loss (She Writes Press) by Rebecca Whitehead Munn. Rebecca paints a realistic picture of the impact cancer has on an individual’s life, and she attempts to demystify the experience by sharing heartfelt stories from twenty survivors and the loved ones of those who passed. This inspirational book provides a positive outlook of strength and perseverance through belief in a higher power, reinforcing the idea that the reader is stronger than cancer and not alone. It offers real strategies that cannot be found in online medical sites.
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Excerpt from: The Paleontologist's Daughter (Ratski Publishing) by Katharine McKenna. This debut memoir is a fascinating, high-spirited and charming story about growing up with one of the world’s preeminent paleontologists, Malcolm C. McKenna. One reviewer states, "She blends the detailed descriptions of her adventures with her own personal reactions, making this a beautifully written, exhilarating read." Katharine is also an acclaimed artist whose paintings have been featured in galleries and private collections throughout the world (showcased HERE).
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Excerpt from: Art Completes You: Transformation through Art & the Science of Completion (Biryukov Academy) by artist, teacher and speaker Shraddha Nithyananda (a.k.a. Elena Zelenina). This book is designed to help you experience deep personal growth through the means of making art. Art Completes You is a revolutionary way to learn to draw and paint while dropping all negative self- talk.
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Excerpt from: A Mother's Grace: Healing the World One Woman at a Time (Health Communications Inc.) by Michelle Moore. Michelle chronicles the compelling stories of heroic women across the country who, despite personal trauma, found grace in difficult times and transformed their personal adversity into pay-it-forward wins by founding nonprofits that help and sustain others, mother to mother. Michelle is the founder of Mother's Grace, a nonprofit organization that addresses the critical needs of mothers and their children in the midst of tragic life events by helping them with housing costs, medication, meals, housekeeping, childcare, transportation, and a host of other immediate needs.
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Excerpt from: Sunrise on Half Moon Bay (MIRA) by New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr. Robyn’s novels have spent nearly 250 weeks on the New York Times prestigious list and have sold over 27 million copies worldwide. This latest novel by the prolific author examines the joys of sisterhood and the importance of embracing change. In recognition of her the significant contributions to the genre, the Romance Writers of America awarded Robyn the 2016 Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award.
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Excerpt from: Saving Sara: A Memoir of Food Addiction (She Writes Press) by Sara Somers. This memoir chronicles Sara's food addiction from childhood to adulthood. As her addiction progresses in young adulthood, she becomes isolated, masking her shame and self-hatred with drugs and alcohol. Decades later, she finally finds her way. Her story lends hope to those who are currently in the throws of addiction. Find an additional interview with Sara HERE.
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Excerpt from: Autism in Heels (Skyhorse) by Jennifer Cook, award-winning author, speaker and autism community advocate. This is an intimate memoir revealing the journey of a woman on the spectrum. At the age of 35, Jennifer was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, and for the first time in her life, things made sense. She exposes the constant struggle between carefully crafted persona and authentic existence, editing the autism script with wit, candor, passion, and power. Her journey is one of reverse-self-discovery not only as an Aspie but - more importantly - as a thoroughly modern woman.
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Excerpt from: Secrets from a Happy Marriage (HQN) by New York Times bestselling author Maisey Yates. As long-held secrets bubble up and their old lives unravel, this family will need all their strength to start again and open their hearts up to the possibility of more. But most of all, they’ll need each other.
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Excerpt from: The Sea Glass Cottage (HQN) by New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne. This novel tells the story of an emotional homecoming that brings hope and healing to three generations of women. RaeAnne's books have won numerous awards. "RaeAnne has a knack for capturing those emotions that come from the heart." (RT Book Reviews).
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Excerpt from: The Country Guesthouse (Mira Books) by New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Robyn Carr. This novel explores the impact of sudden loss and the power of love in its many different forms - from family to friends to romance. Robyn is the author of over 40 novels, which have sold more than 28 million copies. Netflix adapted Robyn's Virgin Rivers books into a 10-episode series which premiered in December 2019.
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Excerpt from: DP: Displaced Person by award-winning writer Margarita Meyendorff. The daughter of a Russian Baron, Mourka (a.k.a. Margarita Meyendorff) was born in a Russian displaced persons camp in Germany – far from the opulence of Imperial Russia which was her birthright. Life then became a series of extraordinary moves. Margarita's journey is thrillingly personal yet universal - the journey we all take, to find our true selves and safe haven. Margarita's short stories have been published internationally.
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