2014 Books List

EDUCATION FOR MISSION

Awake: Doing A World of Good One Person at a Time by Noel Brewer Yeats
Many of us enjoy a quality of life that much of the world couldn’t imagine, and we live unaffected by the world’s injustices and impossible realities. We want to help, but where do we start? This compelling, story-driven book urges us to open our eyes to the needs of a hurting world and to get involved in realistic, positive change. 176 pp.

A History of the Romani People by Hristo Kyuchukov
A thousand years ago, a group of people driven out of India took to traveling the world, adopting cultural customs and religious beliefs from those they encountered. They integrated these beliefs with their own and created the unique Romani culture. This book takes us deeper into their lives, past and present, helping us understand and appreciate their distinctive culture. 32 pp.

On this Spirit Walk by Henrietta Mann
What sets this resource for small-group study apart is the list of Native American United Methodist writers who contributed to the work. This diverse group, including activist and human rights advocate the Rev. Liberato Bautista, embraces a cross section of tribes and nations, ages and life experiences, and provides a powerful depth of vision to these voices. 128 pp.

Radio Shangri-La by Lisa Napoli
A chance encounter gives journalist Lisa Napoli the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to move halfway around the world to the ancient, deeply spiritual Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. Napoli soon realizes that her own perspective on life is challenged as she discovers the sense of purpose and joy she has been yearning for in one “of the happiest places on Earth.” 320 pp.

A Twist of Faith (BONUS BOOK) by John Donnelly
Carpenter David Nixon knew nothing about Malawi. But after learning about his church’s efforts to aid its impoverished citizens, he decided to raise money to build an orphanage. He discovered, however, that what he thought was good for the Malawians was not what they needed and ended up building a school and feeding center that supports children orphaned by AIDS. 200 pp.


LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Back to Zero: The Search to Rediscover the Methodist Movement by Gil Rendle
How can United Methodists join in common mission to change the world? What must we risk? How can we challenge current practices? One way of framing the issue is to distinguish between members and disciples, consumers waiting for the Church to care for their needs and citizens willing to commit to and be held accountable for the whole community. 114 pp.

Grace and Grit: My Fight for Equal Pay… by Lilly Ledbetter
In 1979, Lilly Ledbetter became one of the first women hired at management level at Goodyear. Although she faced daily discrimination and harassment, she pressed onward, believing that eventually things would change. This is the courageous story of the historic discrimination case that inspired the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Restoration Act and her fight for equal rights in the workplace. 288 pp.

King Peggy by Peggielene Bartles
Bartels, an American secretary, suddenly found herself king of Otuam, Ghana. Arriving for her crowning ceremony, she discovered the dire reality—no running water, no doctor, no high school. In the end, this deeply traditional town was uplifted by the ambitions of its headstrong, modern female king. 368 pp.

Women, Spirituality and Transformative Leadership by Kathie Schaaf
This empowering resource invites you to come with curiosity into this living community of spiritual women and to listen as they share personal stories of how their spiritual journeys have shaped them as leaders. Through the diverse voices of North American women, you will be inspired to new expressions of your own personal leadership. 250 pp.


NURTURING FOR COMMUNITY

100 Simple Things You Can Do to Prevent Alzheimer’s and Age Related Memory Loss by Jean Carper
Did you know that vitamin B12 helps keep your brain from shrinking? That surfing the Internet strengthens aging brain cells? Medical journalist Jean Carper discovered 100 simple, scientifically tested ways to reduce the odds of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. 336 pp.

Please Look After Mom: A Novel by Kyung-Sook Shin
So-Nyo has disappeared among the crowds of a Seoul subway station. As her family searches for her, long-held secrets and private sorrows begin to reveal themselves, forcing her children to wonder how well they actually knew the woman they called Mom. 272 pp.

Simply Salsa: Dancing Without Fear at God’s Fiesta by Janet Perez Eckles
Bolivian immigrant Janet Perez Eckles might be the last woman you would expect to dance for joy. She lost her eyesight at 31, suffered financial devastation and endured infidelity and the incomprehensible anguish of the murder of her son and his killer’s acquittal. Yet with God’s grace, she has learned to triumph and dance. 160 pp.

Small Things With Great Love: Adventures in Loving Your Neighbor by Margot Starbuck
This book will open your eyes to the people around you and the huge impact you can have on them through small acts of love. “Small things happen when I learn the name of my daughter’s school bus driver … when I listen to the dreams of a woman who lives in a group home on my block,” Starbuck writes. Includes a study guide, list of resources and a six-week adventure challenge. 240 pp.

Up: A Mother and Daughter’s Peak Bagging Adventure by Patricia Ellis Herr
Up recounts the exhilarating and harrowing adventures of a mother and daughter’s climbs up all 48 of New Hampshire’s highest mountains. It’s an emotionally honest account of a mother’s determination to foster independence and fearlessness in her daughter and to teach her “that small doesn’t necessarily mean weak; that girls can be strong; and that big, bold things are possible.” 256 pp.


SOCIAL ACTION

Break the Cycle: Healing From an Abusive Relationship by Tracy Deitz
Author Tracy Deitz, a trained advocate for survivors of domestic violence, tells the story of Lydia, a survivor who offers a lifeline to anyone who feels trapped in a destructive dynamic. This book is certain to offer anyone crucial clarity on this complex emotional struggle and to give a survivor new confidence and hope. 216 pp.

Dear White America: A Letter to a New Minority by Tim Wise
There are times when it is difficult to talk about the sometimes explosive topic of race, as this volume does. Author Tim Wise acknowledges this and hopes that his words may allow you to discuss subjects on race more confidently during those difficult times. This amazing “letter” includes history, facts and insight into the disturbing phenomenon of institutional racism. 190 pp.

Finding Higher Ground (BONUS BOOK) by Amy Seidl
How are you adapting to life with climate change? In Finding Higher Ground, Seidl brings us stories of adaptation from the natural world and human communities. She offers eye-opening examples of how plants, insects, birds and mammals are already adapting both behaviorally and genetically by adjusting their mating, breeding and growing cycles to fit the changes in their environment. 216 pp.

A Place at the Table by Chris Seay
Would you eat and drink like the poor for 40 days and donate the money you save to a project that serves the impoverished? This book invites you on a journey of self-examination, discipline and renewed focus on Jesus that will change your life. It also includes chapters for each of the 40 days with scripture, reflections, prayers and encouragement. 240 pp.

Year of Plenty by Craig Goodwin
In this tale of exploring the intersections of faith, environment and everyday life, Pastor Goodwin and his family embark on a yearlong experiment to consume only what is local, used, homegrown or homemade. They stumble onto the cultural cutting edge of locavores, backyard chickens, farmers’ markets, simple living and going green. 224 pp.


SPIRITUAL GROWTH

A Faithful Heart: Daily Guide for Joyful Living by Sally Dyck
es and the faith of Mary to encourage you to grow and share your heart. Eight words, simple on a page, when lived out daily can change your heart and the hearts of those around you. 240 pp.

Silence and Other Suprising Invitations of Advent by Enuma Okoro
Okoro invites us to look at the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, which is filled with deep sorrow and heartfelt longing. Okoro’s tough yet tender wisdom acknowledges the wounds we endure and the blessings we receive, the grief we bear and the joys we’re given. Her poetic and poignant daily meditations will echo long after the Christmas season has passed. 128 pp.

Strong Was Her Faith: Women of the New Testament by J. Ellsworth Kalais
In this book, Kalas looks into the life and times of 11 different women such as Elizabeth, Mary, Dorcas and Mary Magdalene and examines the scriptures to see what we can learn about these women, what we can learn from them and how each woman fits into—as well as shapes—the New Testament story. A discussion guide is included. 176 pp.

You’re Already Amazing: Embracing Who You Are… by Holley Gerth
Women feel enormous pressure to be perfect, and under all that pressure we’re carrying burdens we were never meant to carry and suppressing our dreams. In this book, popular blogger Gerth helps women understand that we don’t need to do more, be more and have more—because we’re already amazing just the way God created us to be. 224 pp.

Embraced by God: Celebrating Who and Whose You Are by Babbie Mason
In the pages of this heartwarming, thoughtful and life-affirming 21-day journey, Mason reminds you that when you know you’re loved by God and that you’re in God’s eternal plan, you’ll never again wonder if your life matters. Women of all ages and walks of life will discover the height, depth and breadth of God’s great love and acceptance. 432 pp.


EM = Education for Mission
LD = Leadership Development
NC = Nurturing for Community
SA = Social Action
SG = Spiritual Growth


LARGE PRINT

EM- The Dressmaker of Khair Khana by Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
When the Taliban seized control of Kabul, Kamila Sidiqi’s life changed overnight. Although she had a teaching degree, she was banned from school and confined to her home. After her father and brother fled, she became the sole breadwinner for her five siblings. Armed only with grit and determination, she picked up a needle and thread and created a thriving business. 287 pp.

LD- Lord, I Love the Church and We Need Help by Virginia O. Baseford
Is hope lost in The United Methodist Church? Have we been consumed with ineffectiveness, mediocrity and burnout? Is there another way? Bassford believes there is a simple, straightforward yet challenging path and gives you the opportunity throughout this book to ponder questions from within yourself. You are encouraged to embrace the questions—not wrestle with the answers. 112 pp.

NC- The Power of Serving Others by Gary Morsh
Morsch and Nelson show that everybody has something to contribute and that the ability to transform our lives by transforming the lives of others is within our reach. Offering step-by-step advice, they address the common mental blocks that keep us from discovering the joy and power of serving others. They will teach you how to establish meaning through daily service. 130 pp.

SA- An Invisible Thread by Laura Schroff
Schroff was a successful ad sales representative in Manhattan. Maurice was a homeless 11-year-old panhandler. He asked for change; she kept walking. Then something stopped her, and she went back. She continued to go back again and again, forming a friendship that has spanned almost three decades and brought life to an overscheduled professional and hope to a desperate boy. 335 pp.

SG- Jesus: A Biography From a Believer by Paul Johnson
Few figures have had such an influence on history as Jesus of Nazareth. Here, Paul Johnson distills the life of this complex subject into a highly readable work. The result is an accessible biography and an insightful analysis of how Jesus remains important today. 245 pp.


YOUTH BOOKS

EM- Growing Up Muslim by Sumbul Ali-Karamali
Growing up Muslim in Southern California, Ali-Karamali found herself answering questions from her friends and schoolmates about her life and her religious practices. This book is an introduction to one of the world’s major religions. It provides young readers with essential information about Islam in the everyday context of Muslim life in America, encouraging tolerance and acceptance. 224 pp.

LD- A Native American Thought of It by Rocky Landon
Discover more than 70 items and ideas that were crucial to native survival and celebrate the resourcefulness of North America’s native inhabitants. This book explores how native people’s creativity and ingenuity combined to make the most of woodlands, prairies, deserts and ocean coasts. 48 pp.

NC- Wonder by R. J. Palacio
Born with a facial deformity, August “Auggie” Pullman is about to enter fifth grade at Beecher Prep, and if you’ve ever been the new kid, then you know how hard that can be. Auggie is just an ordinary kid with an extraordinary face. Can he convince his new classmates that he’s just like them despite appearances? 320 pp.

SA- Which Side Are You On? By George Ella Lyon
This is the story behind the classic song written in 1931 by Florence Reece, whose husband was a coal miner and union organizer in Kentucky. She wrote it during an attack on their home by thugs trying to stop him from forming a union. This book introduces youth to the issues of working conditions, workers’ rights and economic and social justice. 40 pp.

SG- Esther by John Piper
Piper captures our imagination and hearts as he introduces us to Esther the poor orphan and Esther the Persian queen, creatively musing about what could have been in the midst of what really was. Piper’s poetry awakens wonder as we experience the beginnings and endings of Esther’s life and see throughout the purposeful hand of God. 64 pp.