BookTrib’s Bites: Four Fantastic Winter Reads

(NewsUSA) - Face the Storm by C.D. Kreger

This is the author’s intimate and courageous memoir of growing up and surviving an environment of mental illness, religious zealotry, and sexual abuse. She tells an extremely compelling story, recounting her experiences with those around her who should have been trustworthy and protected her. She digs deep into her past and shares what shattered her life most, then uses it to uplift other victims of such heinous crimes into a space of healing.

CD Kreger has bravely and boldly faced storms in coming forward sharing her story. The devastating fact is that it isn’t just her story, but is the story of too many women, men, and children. If the author can find the inner strength to publicly share her story, then perhaps we the readers can stand with her and other survivors, so no one must Face the Storm alone. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3AcUgy0.

Escape From Appalachia by Mary Frances Barron

Above all else, this book shows how a resilient spirit — undervalued, abandoned, and betrayed — can be restored

Told in its just-released audiobook as well as traditional formats through the eyes of a witty, outgoing, and curious little girl, Francie beautifully weaves together personal narratives and historical information about the ever-present American tragedy known as Appalachia. She peels back layers of her early life while walking us through the patches where coal miners and their families once lived, the impact of surviving in a contaminated environment, and the everyday threat of pollution, addiction, toothlessness, chronic depression, and abuse. An area where drugs and alcohol numb the pain of reality.

Francie portrays the mindset and brokenness of the people and the hopelessness that can come from living in isolation and poverty. It’s a story that brings the reader to laughter and tears and showcases an irrepressible drive to escape the grip of Appalachia on its sons and daughters. Purchase at https://bit.ly/4elmG75.

Cycling for a Cause: A Cross-Country Adventure by Joe Matthews

Are you ready for a heartwarming adventure that reminds us of the goodness in the world?

Joe Matthews is a retired New York City firefighter whose life takes an unexpected turn when he undergoes bilateral knee replacement surgery. As Joe navigates the challenging road to recovery, he finds himself shaken by the turmoil of a horrific world event — the invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February 2022.

Fueled by a desire to make a difference, Joe goes on an inspiring journey: bicycling across America to raise funds for those affected by the crisis in Ukraine. From the highs of overcoming physical challenges to the lows of battling anxiety and insomnia, Joe's roller coaster ride captures the resilience of the human spirit. Through this journey, he discovers unexpected kindness in the generosity of strangers and the support of newfound friends.

All proceeds to be divided among six favorite charities. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3UJoEHf.

The Misconceived Conception of a Baby Named Jesus by Bill Burkland

A religious satire — a fast-paced comedic reimagining of the events surrounding the birth of Jesus, with sensibilities similar to The Book of Mormon and Monty Python's Life of Brian.

Mary and Joseph rendezvous in a secluded Nazarene garden where they get to know each other well — very well. Months later, when Mary's pious mother sees that her young unwed daughter is pregnant, she and a pompous High Priest devise a plan to characterize the pregnancy as divine, of God's seed. Mary refuses to go along with their plan, insisting Joseph is the true father. Joseph and Mary battle her parents for the fate of their newborn baby.

As news spreads through Bethlehem, unscrupulous shepherds, rakish Wise Men, an earnest but malodorous peasant, and an aging cat with a penchant for prophecy all try to determine whether the baby is truly the Son of God. Purchase at https://amzn.to/4fUphGl.