Here are some of the new adult nonfiction books available for check out at Ellinwood School/Community Library:
How to Stitch an American Dream: A Story of Family, Faith and the Power of Giving by Jenny Doan
Over the last decade, the Doan family business, the Missouri Star Quilt Company in tiny Hamilton, Mo., has grown from Jenny’s corner shop – with one quilting machine and two bolts of fabric for sale in the back – to become the largest supplier of pre-cut quilting fabric in the world. And the deep connection felt by the company’s millions of loyal fans and customers boils down to one thing: their love for Jenny, the mother of seven (and grandmother to 22 and counting) whose humorous, easygoing, down-to-earth quilting tutorials have been viewed more than 200 million times. Now, Jenny is ready to give her fans, the business world, and moms of all ages (and grandmas too!) what they’ve been asking for: the full story of her journey, from her humble beginnings as a home-schooling mom, to founding MSQC in her 50s, through the remarkable success and inspiration she’s so well-known for today. “How to Stitch an American Dream” is about something more than the chance to get to know Jenny Doan. It’s an opportunity for readers to have their lives changed by one woman’s remarkable story – an inspirational story of overcoming hardship and finding abundance through family, faith, and the power of giving.
American Spirit: Profiles in Resilience, Courage, and Faith by Taya Kyle, Jim DeFelice
Life leads us through difficult terrain. But what happens if you use challenge as an opportunity to discover your purpose? These Americans did and are changing the world. After losing her husband, “American Sniper” Chris Kyle, bestselling author Taya Kyle entered a period of deep grief. And yet the experience served as a catalyst for profound growth. Taya found her own reserve of strength with the help of the generous love and support of family and friends – and also many strangers across America, who selflessly shared their own stories of suffering, survival, and triumph. Inspired by her experience, Taya discovered her calling: spreading a message of how love, passion, and service can combine to help us persevere over personal pain and heal our communities.
Giannis: The Improbable Rise of an NBA MVP by Mirin Fader
As the face of the NBA’s new world order, Giannis Antetokounmpo has overcome unfathomable obstacles to become a symbol of hope for people all over the world, the personification of the American Dream. But his backstory remains largely untold, and Fader unearths new information about the childhood that shaped “The Greek Freak”—from sleeping side by side with his brothers to selling trinkets on the side of the street with his family to the racism he experienced in Greece. Antetokounmpo grew up in an era when Golden Dawn, Greek’s far-right, anti-immigrant party, patrolled his neighborhood, and his status as an illegal immigrant largely prevented him from playing for Greek’s top clubs, making his rise to the NBA all the more improbable. Fader tells a deeply-human story of how an unknown, skinny, Black-Greek teen, who played in the country’s lowest pro division and was seen as a draft gamble, transformed his body and his game into MVP material.
Debbie Macomber’s Table: Sharing the Joy of Cooking with Family and Friends: A Cookbook by Debbie Macomber
She’s welcomed you to the Rose Harbor Inn in Cedar Cove, and now the beloved author invites you to take a seat at her table in a new cookbook featuring her favorite recipes. For Debbie Macomber, food means family – recipes and holiday traditions are passed down through generations, and meals provide opportunities for everyone to gather and share their love. In this treasure trove you’ll find one hundred delicious dishes that have become Debbie Macomber’s staples.
Lost Animals: The Story of Extinct, Endangered, and Rediscovered Species by John Whitfield
Lost Animals brings back to life some of the most charismatic creatures to inhabit the planet. It captures the imagination with more than 200 incredible photographs, artworks of fossils, and scientific drawings of charming creatures like dodos, paraceratherium (the largest land mammal), spinosaurus (the biggest carnivorous dinosaur), placeoderm fishes (the sharks of their day), and more!
The Women of the Bible Speak: The Wisdom of 16 Women and Their Lessons for Today by Shannon Bream
The women of the Bible lived timeless stories – by examining them, we can understand what it means to be a woman of faith. People unfamiliar with Scripture often assume that women play a small, secondary role in the Bible. But in fact, they were central figures in numerous Biblical tales. It was Queen Esther’s bravery at a vital point in history which saved her entire people. The Bible contains warriors like Jael, judges like Deborah, and prophets like Miriam. The first person to witness Jesus’ resurrection was Mary Magdalene, who promptly became the first Christian evangelist, eager to share the news which would change the world forever.
Sheri Holmes is the director of library and media services for the Ellinwood School and Community Libraries. She can be reached by email at sholmes@usd355.org.
