Nonfiction Books

Listen to Author Interview with Noah Asher

Why did you choose to read this book description? Maybe it's the cool cover or because the word "Chaos" perfectly describes your life right now. Or perhaps you’re feeling overwhelmed by stress. Many people face hard times: anxiety, incarceration, loss, addiction, divorce, sickness, and more.How do we overcome these overwhelming times? I don't have all the answers, but I know Who does. His Name is Jesus. He brings unexplainable peace in the midst of chaos. Whether you're reading this behind prison bars, in a hospital room, at a funeral home, or online, I hope you choose to read this book.Chaos is inevitable, but there is hope. Where the enemy comes to destroy, God comes to rebuild, restore, and bring life and joy. This book isn’t just a self-help guide or an autobiography. It’s a collaboration of real people experiencing real pain and learning to overcome the overwhelming. Jesus is the beginning, middle, and end of this book. And spoiler alert: He always wins.

Listen to Author Interview with Cindy Clark!

This book began after Cindy Boling Clark's beloved Christian mother passed away while she was holding her hand, singing "I'll Fly Away." Cindy wanted to honor her mother, a virtuous woman like the one in Proverbs 31, by compiling stories from friends and family about how faith in God helped them through difficult times. Each chapter includes Bible verses and thought-provoking questions that aided them during these struggles.

Despite almost stopping due to grief and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, a church member encouraged Cindy to write devotionals for the ladies' Bible class, some of which are included in the book. Cindy credits God for her writing, as she often struggles with spelling and isn't an avid reader except for the Bible. Like Esther, she never expected to be a writer, but she loves sharing about God's love and blessings.

This book has been a blessing to Cindy and others, showing how God carries and plans lives differently than imagined. Cindy's prayer is that the book will bring readers closer to God, increase their faith during hard times, and encourage those who doubt or don't believe in Him to find faith through the Bible verses and stories shared.

Listen to Author Interview with Pamela Topjian! 

Pamela, a 60s American woman, shares her life full of neglect, betrayal, abuse, grief, and loss. Her traumatic experiences culminate in a breakdown after an attack by her abusive husband, leading to an awakening and realization of true love, peace, and freedom in her 50s. Trigger warnings include poverty, neglect, rape, sexual assault, and physical abuse. Pamela aims to show others that no matter what they go through, they can do more than survive and exist. She wrote this for therapy and to share her story, bringing hope and inspiration to others. Thank you for your interest and support.

Listen to Author Interview with Liz Long

A guide to finding peace, love, freedom, and joy.

When life gets tough, the voice you listen to determines if you'll land in Victimtown or Freedomville. In Navigating Shitstorms, Liz Long shares her battle with the fear-driven voices of Victimtown and encourages you to follow your heart voice, leading to Freedomville.

Liz, who spent over fifty years in Victimtown due to her family member's unsolved murder, knows its landmarks well. She reveals that while brief visits can teach and heal, extended stays bring trouble. This framework will help you:

• Start healing conversations about mental health,
• Reframe negative inner dialogues, and
• Find your path to Freedomville through self-love.

With Liz's candid, humorous style and relatable stories, Navigating Shitstorms guides you to understand your journey and find your true path.

Recommended Memoir About Grief: 

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Party of One is a memoir by Sheila Kamuda, a woman who experienced loss and was left alone. The memoir serves as a guide for those who have lost their partner and are now alone. Kamuda shares her journey, which left a hole in her heart and emptiness. Sheila's journey serves as a reminder to be kind and patient with oneself as they navigate life on their own. The book is organized into four sections: Honor Yourself, Believe in Yourself, Be Yourself, and Find Yourself. Each section features one-page vignettes describing a memory, followed by a reflection or insight. The memoir serves as a companion for those struggling to find their way back, as they learn to live again as a "party of one."

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Autism is often misdiagnosed as a male condition, but it is actually more common in women and girls who mask their autistic characteristics. This can lead to a more accurate diagnosis. Dr. Marsh's "Five Fictional Female Figures" provides a perspective on how autism manifests in gendered ways, allowing for more accurate diagnosis. The "Behind the Mask" section offers questions to ask during the autism assessment process to help professionals recognize autism even when it has been successfully masked. Each chapter also features "In Her Own Words," written by autistic women who share their personal journeys from masking to diagnosis. Recognizing autism in women and girls can help them stop hiding behind a mask and open doors to success.

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Erika Beeson's debut book offers readers a journey of self-empowerment, aiming to awaken their purpose and stir their soul. The book provides insight into a new lens that leads to the path they were meant to be on, focusing on happiness, purpose, and path. Beeson's soulful, touching, and sometimes hilarious book is sure to stir something inside of readers, reviving their inner voice and self. Often, seeking validation from others can lead to a loss of self, as societal pressures and cultural conditioning can lead to a sense of unsureness about one's true identity and path. The book encourages readers to embark on a journey towards clarity, confidence, and courage to live life on their own terms.

AUTHORS ALCOVE TOP PICK! 

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Amanda, a loving housewife and hard-working husband, found herself caught up in the criminal world of sex trafficking minors. Her husband, the father of her children, was a criminal. When their marriage fell apart, Amanda was left with the pieces. This book is written for women left in the shadows and the aftermath, as well as spouses and partners who lose everything in an instant but still navigate through complex legal systems. Quick pulls back the curtain on what happens to those left behind once the perpetrator is caught. The book is not just a memoir but also a beacon of light and hope for others in similar situations. Amanda's message is simple: every person has the power to choose differently, and it is time to shake off the shackles of the past and trust oneself. This definitely should be in your list of memoirs and nonfiction inspirational books to read. 

AUTHORS' ALCOVE TOP PICK

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Anthea McCarten, a 30-year-old from Kent, experienced sexual abuse by her grandfather between the ages of 7 and 12. The abuse left her with no confidence, identity, or hope. At 15, she revealed the abuse to her family, who believed her. Anthea was expected to forget and forgive. For 15 years, she struggled and was hospitalized after her suicide attempt. After 12 years, Anthea found her identity and voice, and trained to become a therapeutic counselor. Today, Anthea is a confident, empowered woman, sharing her story of mental pain and the healing process. Her memoir is both devastating and inspiring.

This book is for chronic pain sufferers and their caregivers, offering proven techniques to clear pain and live a life free from suffering. Author Elizabeth Kipp, who lived with chronic pain for over four decades, shares her experiences and insights using nonpharmaceutical techniques. The book covers chronic stress, its impact on pain, methods for healing, such as a healthy mindset, focus, mindfulness, Ancestral Clearing, meditation, and breath work, and the importance of daily self-care.

Terrina Troy's father was a brilliant, fearless, and reckless high school dropout who defied authority at every turn. In her memoir, All But Six, Terrina shares a raw and moving account of their lives, capturing the saddest, scariest, and funniest moments of their complex bond.

Her father's relentless quest for autonomy and rebellious spirit shaped his path and taught her to be strong and brave. His words and actions inspired her humor and independence, making him her hero and mentor. However, his alcoholism and contrarian ways led to many confrontations, resulting in a long estrangement.

A chance for redemption reconnected them, as his humility and introspection bridged their worlds. Terrina's unwavering commitment to a better life and her father's final lesson on unconditional love and respect profoundly changed her.

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Delve into the mysteries that lie beneath the surface of an ordinary existence with "An Apparently Normal Person." Bonnie Armstrong's poignant memoir takes readers on a profound journey, exploring themes of trauma, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit.

In the midst of a successful career, Bonnie is confronted by a mysterious illness that hints at a forgotten suicide attempt from her past. This revelation propels her into a quest to uncover the secrets buried within her psyche, revealing a hidden world of dissociation—a coping mechanism born from unimaginable suffering.

Through her candid narrative, Bonnie offers solace and inspiration to the countless individuals who have endured childhood trauma. More than just a personal account, "An Apparently Normal Person" is a testament to the transformative power of healing, illuminating the path from darkness to wholeness.

Raw, courageous, and ultimately uplifting, this memoir stands as a beacon of hope

Authors Alcove Top Pick!!

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Dr. Mark McNear, who experienced abuse, addictions, and rehab, shares his journey of finding hope through Jesus while overcoming anxiety and depression. He believes that God loves and accepts everyone, regardless of their life's messiness. McNear encourages others to seek help and begin their healing journey. His book, Finding My Words, shares his story of redemption and encourages readers to seek help and begin their journey towards healing. Definitely one of my top memoirs and nonfiction inspirational books to read

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From the Wilderness to the Narrow Path is a thought-provoking book that explores the two paths we face: the wide path and the narrow path. Author Chastity Dawn confronts the false narrative that finding a good church leads to growing in relationship with God. Her candid, relatable writing is a guide for those feeling lost in the wilderness or needing a course correction on their spiritual journey.

Companion Journal Here!!! 

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Winner of the 2024 Rubery Book Award for Nonfiction, Little Avalanches by Ellis captures a daughter’s journey to understand her father’s trauma and her own haunted childhood. In this sweeping memoir, Ellis reflects on growing up with a father scarred by his service as a Timberwolf night fighter in WWII—a unit facing staggering losses and horrors he never spoke of. Only at ninety does he begin to share his story, leading Ellis on an intense path of interviews and research. Together, their stories reveal the generational weight of trauma and the healing power of truth shared.

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From leaving her life behind to meet Mother Teresa in Calcutta to building a secure family despite a turbulent childhood, Kim's spirit has always urged her beyond her comfort zone. By healing past wounds, she learned to cultivate self-love, pursue her dreams, and align with her spirit’s guidance.

Kim combines her powerful story with transformational tools, soul psalms, and photography to inspire others seeking guidance. Her honest exploration encourages readers to follow their own spirit’s callings.

In "Spirit Embraced," you'll find guided questions, meditations, and activities to help you release limiting beliefs, listen to your inner voice, manifest your dreams, and nurture your heart and relationships. This book is a practical guide to self-transformation, helping you bring your most authentic self into the world.

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Liesl Herbst, Austrian National Tennis Champion, and her husband David escaped the Nazis in 1939. They arrived in Britain and Liesl competed at Wimbledon. She later took part again, this time with her daughter Dorli, becoming the only mother and daughter to ever do so. The story is told by Liesl's granddaughter, Dorli's daughter, who has meticulously researched it to ensure the family history is never lost. Illustrated with family photographs and original documents, it is an inspiring tale of resilience and hope.

Authors' Alcove Top Pick!!! 

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This book is a memoir about overcoming anxiety and depression. Author James Francis shares a candid journey, providing tools for personal mental health, relationship dynamics, and readings on healing. The book offers a reality check on each person's journey and encourages readers to use their past to create a healthier future. It starts with overcoming struggles and embracing the uniqueness of each person's journey. Definitely should be on your list of inspirational books to read! 

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In the Heart of an Extraordinary Home…

Inside the walls of a grand Victorian house, young Kevin's life unfolded in a setting unlike any other. His bedroom shared space with a stage once alive with orchestras, while downstairs, an electric organ played next to caskets in the family mortuary business. It was a childhood marked by contrasts, where joy met grief, and life danced with death.

A Journey Through Time and Memory…

Step back to the lively '20s and move forward to the colorful '80s as Kevin shares his enthralling story. Through touching letters exchanged among family members, witness the intersection of the death business with the magic of family ties, faith, and celebration.

Embark on a Journey Through Time and Memory…

Open the pages of Two Floors Above Grief and let the magic of storytelling transport you to a world where every moment, however ordinary, is filled with extraordinary possibilities.

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Urban Nomad: A Memoir by Freddie Kelvin is a compelling journey through identity, resilience, and rediscovery. Born in England to Jewish parents who narrowly escaped Nazi Austria, Kelvin’s life traverses continents and cultural boundaries as he seeks to reconcile his heritage with his personal aspirations. Through stories of love, loss, and self-exploration, Kelvin candidly reflects on breaking from his faith, embracing new paths, and ultimately finding pride in his roots. With humor, heart, and the wisdom of a world traveler, Urban Nomad invites readers to explore what it truly means to belong—and to be free.

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In the mid-90s, outside Chicago, Chris's life spirals as his family is torn apart by alcoholism. Struggling through high school, he faces unforgettable challenges, from chasing his drunk mother to rehab to winning a cruise where he pretends to be older and makes reckless decisions. This gripping memoir, both heartbreaking and uplifting, chronicles Chris's tumultuous journey through suburbia as he searches for normalcy amidst chaos. "We Are All Made of Scars" is a raw and honest account of addiction and resilience from a teenage boy’s perspective.

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Esther, a young woman residing in a kibbutz in southern Israel, embarks on a poignant quest to reconnect with her biological mother, who left her at birth in Paris. Driven by a deep-seated longing for answers and a yearning to fill the void within, Esther sets out on this emotional journey.

In You ARE Allowed, the narrative unfolds with meticulous detail, guiding readers through the turbulent fragments of Esther's life story. From her formative years in France to a tumultuous relationship with an Israeli woman entangled in a world of crime and peril, Esther's path is marked by unexpected twists. An unplanned pregnancy adds complexity to her journey, leading to a seemingly tranquil existence in Israel shadowed by concealed truths and unresolved wounds.