BookTrib’s Bites: Heartfelt, Heroic and High-Stakes Reads
(BookTrib)
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“The Heart of It's a Wonderful Life” by Jimmy Hawkins
In this special book, Jimmy Hawkins helps us focus on the true meaning behind the classic holiday movie. It’s not just about the message or its many famous lines, but about the motivation behind the film’s creation and director Frank Capra’s unrelenting vision for what it should be.
As a boy, Jimmy played George Bailey’s youngest son, Tommy. And he has spent the eight decades since living out the heart of the story and becoming arguably the world’s foremost expert on the movie. Filled with unpublished facts that the author has collected about the cast and crew, this book gives a clearer understanding of what they all brought to the scripted pages.
Through excerpts from the screenplay, never-before-seen photos, and a lifetime of friendship with both Frank Capra and the movie’s stars, Hawkins guides us to discover why this story still touches the spirit generations after its release.
Purchase at https://amzn.to/3XdKqUo.
“Quinn Goes to the Farm” by Mary Mueller
Featuring pure, clean storytelling, “Quinn Goes to the Farm” is a simple, heartfelt story about a little boy bonding with his grandmother on a fun adventure. The author used to pick strawberries with her family at a local farm near her home in Minnesota. She recalls that experience through Quinn, who is dropped off at Grandma Mary’s house for a strawberry-picking expedition.
Mueller captures the boy’s excitement and details the dialogue between grandson and grandparent, as well as the events that will define their day. As they head to the farmer’s wagon, they discuss, for instance, the many ways they like to eat strawberries — as a jam, with peanut butter, even on ice cream.
Sometimes, it’s pleasure enough to recount a warm, charming experience using fundamental words and comforting pictures and let young readers smile with wonder. That’s what this charming book is all about.
Purchase at https://amzn.to/4otZ8lx.
“Journey to the Land of Integrity” by Bruce Beck
In a land of secrets, courage is the only way forward.
Isaiah, a young teen haunted by a hidden past, is unexpectedly transported to the mystical Land of Integrity — a realm where danger lurks, and truth is elusive. There, he is called to the role of a journeyman and mentored by Iswa, a wise old watchman with deep knowledge of the land. Alongside him is Ohtara, a fearless girl known for defending the helpless and fighting for justice, her bravery already revered as legendary.
As Isaiah journeys through a world filled with mystery and peril, long-buried truths begin to surface. When everything he thought he knew is challenged, Isaiah faces a decision that could have dire consequences. Will he have the strength to do what’s right, even if it costs him everything?
Purchase at https://amzn.to/3JKsjSY.
“Wings of Madness” by R. John Dingle
A third body is discovered in a field outside a small New England city on the day that FBI agent and profiler Gus Wheeler and his partner arrive to investigate a string of murders. The killings seem random, yet each victim was last seen in a club in the city’s Music Row, a scene Gus is uniquely qualified to navigate.
Camera footage shows the most recent victim flirting with the moody bassist of a popular cover band. Gus knows the former prodigy from his time in the New Orleans jazz scene, but the suspect’s memory is hazy. Complicating their inquiry, there’s no record of any of the victims leaving the clubs — with the bassist or alone. So where were they taken and how?
A serial killer’s at work, but as they circle their suspect, the killer strikes first, making it personal for Gus. And with time running out, Gus is forced to play a madman’s game.
Purchase at https://amzn.to/3XdJKyk.
- Until now, one of the most widely used Internet of Things (IoT) networks has operated quietly behind the scenes, powering smart cities, tracking shipments, and protecting public spaces. For years, it has connected the world around us and now, the same technology that powers smart cities is starting to enter your home.
- On December 2nd, the world came together for Giving Tuesday—a day of generosity and impact. At Marine Toys for Tots, Giving Tuesday transformed into Giving TOYSday—the perfect day to support the Program’s mission of delivering toys and hope to children in need.
- As autonomous vehicles (AV) continue to evolve, consumers may be on the cusp of a new age of autonomous mobility, according to experts at the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), a nonprofit and nonpartisan initiative with a goal of making recommendations to strengthen America's long-term competitiveness in AI.
- Social interaction is more than just a nice-to-have, it’s key to aging well.
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“God Storys” by Victorya Wright
“Reflections on Life’s Illusions” by Jane Gallagher
“Souls Adrift” by Max MacCaigh
“Touch Me” (Dark Sides, Book One) by Lynn Crandall
- Let’s face it, a cracked windshield or shattered window never comes at a good time. Between work, errands, and upcoming holiday travel, most people just want to get it fixed fast… without stretching their budget.
Because life happens. And sometimes, so do cracked windshields!
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“Slices of Life: A Comic Montage” by Qu
“From Doctor to Healer” by Erica M. Elliott, M.D.
“Maya, Dead and Dreaming” by Lana Sabarwal
“If Today You Hear His Voice” by Irene Lynch
- November is Prematurity Awareness Month, a time to focus on the more than 380,000 babies born too early in the U.S. each year. For families whose little one arrives weeks or months earlier than expected, understanding advances in premature infant nutrition can help reduce complications during the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) journey.
- Veterans face higher lung cancer risk from military exposures. Early screening and clinical trials save lives. Honor their service this month.