Collection Of Creative Works Of Thoughts In Words By Children

The Motherhood Club

From the sheer exhaustion of multiple middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes to the exasperation of a colicky baby, most women are completely unprepared for the reality of life as a new parent. No matter how hard they labored in the delivery room, the real work begins when they take their babies home. In today's mobile society, many women live far from their families and often have no help past the first week or two postpartum. Until now, books read by mothers-to-be focus on the infant not the mother. In this fascinating book, new mothers share their most intimate thoughts on the joys and challenges of one of life's most precious and rewarding roles.

The Motherhood Club contains candid, reassuring stories by first-time moms from all walks of life as they adjust to motherhood. Their accounts will inspire, uplift and support new mothers as they learn to find their own way. Included are essays about loneliness, fear of putting baby into daycare, the trials and tribulations of breastfeeding, a changing body image, and the many moods of postpartum depression. At the end of each chapter, coauthors Shirley Washington and Ann Dunnewold, a licensed psychologist specializing in women's reproductive issues, dispel many myths of new motherhood with Dunnewold offering solid clinical analysis and advice.

Faith It Till You Make It

Since September 11, 2001, there has been a resurgence of people seeking comfort and solace and searching to define or redefine their faith. Reverend Monserrat maintains that this is quite possible, since faith is not a quality of mind or personality, but a skill that can be learned. In Faith It Until You Make It, he shows readers how to develop their faith so that they can overcome any adversity and accomplish their dreams.

Based upon years in the church, Reverend Monserrat has developed this nondenominational book of practical spirituality based upon an Evolution of Faith Matrix which shows the four stages of faith: Natural, Lost, Educated and Enlightened. Using inspiring and provocative stories from other people who have discovered or regained their faith, he devotes a chapter to each stage, showing readers how to work their way through their own matrix to develop an enlightened faith, regardless of their past or issues they're confronting in the present.

In addition to practical exercises in each chapter, Reverend Monserrat explains how to develop a lifestyle of faith-building; how to develop a personal faith philosophy; what to do when faith is lost; how to learn through intuition and wisdom; and how to live and enjoy life's goodness.

Addictive Relationships

Dedicated to the claiming of your own personal boundaries, this book deals with our addictive or destructive relationships not only centered around our spouse or lover, but also around our children, our friends or our parents. If we have lost ourselves along the way, we have probably given ourselves away. This book examines where we are, where we want to go and how to get there. We will move addictive loving styles to find the true love of ourselves and reclaim our selfhood.

This is a positive step-by-step process for recovery using affirmations and exercises for inner growth.

It's Not That Complicated

While standing in the checkout line at one of the nation's largest discount stores, author Doug Peine observed the antics of a toddler defying his exasperated mother by refusing to put back a candy bar and throwing an all-out temper tantrum. It is a scene played out in stores and homes all across America every day: children manipulating their parents who haplessly try to fix the behavioral problems with misguided attempts at discipline culled from an endless parade of "experts." In this simple yet eloquent book, Peine shows readers that, in spite of the vast wealth of knowledge on childrearing and child psychology, parents are more confused than ever because much of the material is too complicated and often contradictory.

A parent himself, Peine provides two simple truths: 1) there is at work among those who parent well, a fundamental common sense; and 2) this common sense can be briefly stated and readily grasped by anyone. He has most readily observed these truths while waiting in line, where mini dramas in the parent-child struggle are often played out. The same obvious parenting mistakes occur as sure as the moon follows the sun. In It's Not that Complicated readers will learn twelve easy-to-follow rules that just might make their jobs easier. They include: mean what you say; do not force your child to make decisions; and read to your child every night before bed. These are simple truths that we usually forget.

All parents want the same things: for their kids to be happy, disciplined and compassionate toward and respectful of others. Busy, stressed-out parents will find solace in the simplicity of this book and learn that the most effective way to deal with their children is often in their own hearts.

Ravenous

Ravenous is the eagerly anticipated sequel to Insatiable, nominated for Best Books for Young Adults 2002 (Booklist). Ravenous depicts the wide range of difficulties in growing up in America by exploring the journeys of three young women and two young men.

Phoebe, the size-sixteen dreamer, finally gets a boyfriend and readers witness her euphoria and her fear during a particularly fragile time of life. Samantha, the anorexic perfectionist, faces difficult challenges with both her boyfriend and her father, and continues to struggle with an inability to eat more than lettuce and apples. Hannah, the bulimic lesbian, has a romantic awakening inviting readers to observe ways in which she holds back and ways in which she grows. Billy and Scott, two young men who appear briefly in Insatiable, play more prominent roles in Ravenous. Eating and body-image still play a part of the story, but are by no means its major focus.

In Ravenous, the courageous young heroines and heroes are faced with a broader range of concerns-they face struggles with boyfriends, girlfriends, betrayal, parents, even themselves.

Ravenous will be irresistible to any young person who has ever endured a night of loneliness, suffered the trauma and pain of rejection or a crushing disappointment, or despaired over the fear of never fitting in. It is both timely and timeless.

Chicken Soup for the Soul of America

Most American heroes aren't in our history books, nor do they have monuments erected in their honor. Their names aren't in the headline news or memorialized in song. The true hero is simply someone who makes a difference-large or small-in the lives of others. They battle disease, crime, poverty and human rights violations. They clean up environments, mentor neglected children and truly care about others. Most importantly, anyone can be a hero in the eyes of another.

In Chicken Soup for the Soul of America, everyday heroes are celebrated. Heroes have always been in our midst, but the recent terrorist attacks on American soil have revealed many more heroes who have given their lives, love, time and strength to those in great need. In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 events, Americans have found courage and inspiration from so many heroes, and this book pays tribute to them all, as well as those who appear every day in our lives.

At a time when so many are in pain, these unique stories will touch readers with love and wisdom, the cornerstones of the American people and the hallmark of the well-loved Chicken Soup series.

Dare To Forgive

Forgiveness is not a sign of weakness but of strength. It's also healthy, brave, contagious—and it sets you free. Everyone needs to forgive, whether it's your parents, your neighbors, your dog, the man who cut you off in the traffic this morning or the criminal who murdered your loved one. In this clear, concise and inspiring book, bestselling psychiatrist Dr. Edward Hallowell shows you how.

In his typical lively and engaging stle, bestselling author Dr. Edward Hallowell leads you through a series of definitions and situations to an understanding of the true nature of forgiveness. He shows how and why forgiveness is the basis of a happy and healthy life, and then gives you a practical four-step program to create more of it in your own life.

Maybe you're letting the small insults of daily life pile up and cause you stress.
Dr. Hallowell will show you how his own frustration over a Porsche stealing his parking spot on a busy street led him to do something reckless.

Maybe you're hurt by the thoughtless actions of those you love.
Dr. Hallowell shows how a lack of forgiveness has stunted a marriage and how it has torn a family apart--even after all the family members have long forgotten what they disagreed about.

Maybe you're feeling let down by your own thoughts or deeds.
Dr. Hallowell shows how finally forgiving himself transformed an accidental killer into a productive member of society.

Or maybe something truly terrible has happened that, over the years, has eaten a hole in your soul. Maybe you're one of the people who think they can never forgive. . .

"This might be the most important book you will read this year. The absence of forgiveness in our lives cripples us and it is crippling our society. Ned Hallowell does not gloss over how hard it is to forgive. Yet through his deep insight, practical steps and rich stories, he invites the reader into the sweetness of forgiveness. This is a graced achievement!"
- The Rt. Rev. M. Thomas Shaw, SSJE, Episcopal Bishop of Massachusetts

"Why forgive? And how do we go about it? Dr. Hallowell addresses this age-old question with tremendous wisdom and heart. He is a compelling and generous storyteller, and he provides the reader with not only tools, but also a larger sense of hope and possibility."
- Harriet Lerner, Ph.D., Author, The Dance of Anger

"Ned Hallowell is a healing writer. He possesses the most inspiring and optimistic voice emerging from the medical community today… Dr. Hallowell brings his scientific knowledge and his generous heart to bear on the problems that afflict our lives and those of our children, and we are better for his unique vision."
- Michael Thompson, Ph.D., Author, Raising Cain and Best Friends, Worst Enemies

Own Your Health

Almost everyone is concerned about health these days, but the more information that is available, the more confusing it all becomes. Conventional medicine? Millions of people are dissatisfied with the care they receive from their doctors, including: The lack of personal attention; drug side effects; contradicting advice on diet, cancer treatments and hormone replacement, the list goes on.

Alternative medicine? Millions have turned to it: yoga, vitamins and herbs, traditional Chinese medicine and others. But are they safe?

So what really works-and what doesn't? How can we live longer, healthier lives? How can we draw on the best from both alternative and conventional medicine and, yes, own our health? The answers are here in one volume that breaks through the confusion of how to reduce stress, prevent heart disease, treat chronic pain or illness, combat depression, fight cancer, manage menopause, and much more.

Written by an award-winning medical writer and the distinguished physician in charge of one of the first complementary medicine programs supported by the National Institutes of Health, this is an indispensable resource for understanding the best of both approaches. Containing interviews with-and stories from-more than 100 doctors, practitioners and patients, and filled with practical advice, easy-to-follow tips, reference sources and Web sites, this is the one book on health every family needs.

We Are Not Afraid

Today, fear affects even the strongest of us. Sometimes it's immediate, caused by a sense of imminent danger-the kind we felt after terrorists destroyed the magnificent World Trade Center, tore a giant wound in the Pentagon and killed thousands of people. But sometimes fear becomes a normal way of life.

In his best-selling memoir October Sky (aka Rocket Boys), Hickam introduced us to the rugged town of his youth, Coalwood, West Virginia, and the people who took on the hazardous and often brutal enterprise of coal mining. To survive and prosper, these people relied on an approach to living that would get them through hard times with an almost unnatural resilience. Over a lifetime, they learned to take on these attitudes:

These attitudes are summed up in the Coalwood Assumption:

Through poignant memories of his youth, best selling author Homer Hickam helps lead you beyond fear to find the courage and strength to live more happily and look toward to future with optimism.

Live Aware, Not in Fear

Since September 11, life in America has been turned upside down. As frightening as it is for adults, for teens it is overwhelming. Donna Wells and Bruce Morris, public-safety professionals with years of firsthand experience, offer teens a book that will help them navigate uncharted waters and will also provide invaluable advice and reassurance.

Presenting first the myths then the facts, this guide also offers teens chapter-by-chapter question-and-answer sections, space to journal their feelings and reactions, and suggestions on how they can help themselves, their families and the communities in which they live.

Chapters include: The Home of the Brave (what terrorists target and why); Worried Sick (the truth about bioterrorism); Dollars and Sense (potential family economic impacts); The Land of the Free (school and community); From Sea to Shining Sea (travel); Instant Mess[age] (communications, entertainment, media).

Designed to be a handbook that teens can keep with them at all times, Live Aware is compact and chock full of important, easy-to-understand information. A reassurance to parents and teens alike, Live Aware is destined to become a huge hit-a unique book that respects teens' intelligence and powers of reasoning and empathizes at their levels.

This is a must-have for every teen concerned about safety, courage and community spirit.

Chicken Soup for the Volunteer's Soul

Deep within each one of us lies the ability to step up and care for those in need, even though we often feel overwhelmed by a complex world. In fact, more than 200 million people throughout the world offer their time and love to volunteering.

The stories in Chicken Soup for the Volunteer's Soul highlight the efforts of everyday people in the United States and around the globe who volunteer with the American Red Cross, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Habitat for Humanity, the Peace Corps, Points of Light, Rotary and many, many other nonprofit organizations. Lovingly chosen from more than six thousand stories, poems and cartoons, these tales will inspire readers to do everything in their power to help those in need. Chapters include: The Rewards of Volunteering, Giving Back, Making a Difference, New Appreciation, Love and Kindness, Defining Moments, A Matter of Perspective, Overcoming Obstacles and On Wisdom.

Readers will cherish the story of a community that rallied together to send warm winter coats to refugee families in Kosovo. They'll be moved by the tale of a woman with a "smiley voice" who made audiotapes for the visually impaired despite a losing battle with cancer. They'll never forget the eight-year-old boy without arms or legs who fearlessly wielded a tennis racquet to propel a ball down the length of a room. And they'll be charmed by a rabbit named Cadberi who brings boundless joy to residents of a nursing home.

Children of Trauma

Imagine what it would be like to become the healthiest person you could be.....

This is the inherent right of each individual but when lingering emotional trauma from our childhood blocks the normal developmental process, we get struck. As each of us strives to become the healthiest person we possibly can, we will have to come face-to-face with emotional fears that may be the result of traumatic childhoods. Although that journey may be paved with the paid of unresolved grief and unrecognized loss, this book will serve as the map to guide you and help you rediscover your discarded self...

...the best self you were always meant to be.

Chicken Soup for the Christian Woman's Soul

Christian women who make God and family a priority in their life will love Chicken Soup for the Christian Woman's Soul, an affirming collection of stories that share the miracles that are possible when their hearts are open to God.

This wonderful new addition is filled with compelling real-life accounts of how women from all denominations were buoyed by their faith during incredibly challenging circumstances: amazing women who maintained faith in God's divine plan instead of succumbing to fear and doubt; caring women who offered compassion instead of criticism when others needed help; and dedicated women who chose the righteous path when there was an easier one to take.

With chapters on God's Healing Power, Friendship, Making a Difference, Challenges, A Matter of Perspective, Miracles, Insights and Lessons and The Love of a Family, this faith-filled collection will encourage Christian women to follow Jesus' example on their walk through life.

Like a favorite passage from Scripture, this book will offer hope, support and inspiration to Christian women.

Gentle Reminders for Co-Dependents

Mitzi Chandler takes the co-dependent and adult child through the year with each day bringing a new quotation to ponder, a message of hope and a positive affirmation to carry you through the day. This book is for those in recovery who seek to enjoy the miracle each day brings.

Drama Games

Experiential therapy is used to locate repressed feelings and re-experience them. Once we feel them in the present, we can come to terms with them and put them in their proper perspective. We can use our energies to truly enter into the moment with all our awareness. The quality of our happiness lies in our ability to experience what is around us. Feelings are often attached to roles. When we experiment with different roles we gain information about our personal history and play with new possibilities for change. Games help us to increase concentration, develop thinking skills and to coordinate thought, emotion and action. They are a way to allow humor and fun to enter into the therapeutic process.

This book is designed to help participants get in touch with and express buried feelings in a safe and structured way and to offer training in the ability to be creative and spontaneous.

Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul on Love & Friendship

Friends. You gotta have 'em, but sometimes they drive you crazy. You love 'em, but sometimes they make you mad. They'll help you through a crisis...unless they are the crisis.

So What's The Deal?

Friends are more than just the people you hang out with. They make you laugh, they keep your secrets, they offer advice (some good, some bad), they give you a shoulder to cry on. Sometimes they move away, or betray your trust, or flake out, but mostly they are the people who are always there for you. And they know you'll be there when they need you most. Because that's what it means to be a friend.

Sometimes friendship is overwhelming, sometimes it's confusing, sometimes you feel like you don't have a friend in the world, buy don't worry, it's like that for everyone. That's what the stories in this book are all about. They're from real teens, and they're about the bizarre, difficult and wonderful things that really happened to them and their friends.

Put that together with weird facts, cool graphics, fun advice and quizzes designed to help you figure what you and your friends are all about, and you've got the real deal on friendship

Chicken Soup for the Sister's Soul

This new Chicken Soup book offers a heartwarming and uplifting collection of stories that celebrate the lifelong bond of sisterhood.

Whether they share this special connection with someone through genetics or the heart, only a sister can understand the complex, deep and dynamic relationship they share with loved ones as they journey together through the stages of life.

For younger sisters who look up to an older one, older siblings who tolerate a younger sister tagging along, or the brother who knows full well that girls can wrestle as well as any boy can, this book celebrates the sisters in our lives. It conveys how sisters influence us during life's most defining moments: helping us face the schoolyard bully; providing wise counsel during our first crush and subsequent comfort after the breakup; and refusing to reveal intimate secrets to parents or friends.

With real-life stories from celebrities and everyday sisters-next-door, chapters include: On Love, Insights and Lessons, Sibling Rivalry, Overcoming Obstacles, The Bond Between Sisters, Sisters by Heart, On Family (Brothers, Too!), and Special Memories and Traditions.

While they may not live under the same roof, act in the same manner or even get along without an occasional spat, nothing creates a more special and lasting bond than sisterhood. Now there's a book to celebrate that bond.

Staying on Top and Keeping the Sand Out of Your Pants

Using surfing as a metaphor for motivational and self-improvement concepts and written in accessible, everyday language peppered with surfer slang, Staying on Top proves that the good life is available right now.

Making these essential lessons fun, cartoon character Surf Master Alva appears throughout the book to dispense nuggets of wisdom that point the way to the good life, illustrating in a humorous and wise way that experts and gurus are not needed to understand and make the most of life. In other words, we don't have to learn how to achieve the good life through retreats, pills, hospitals or programs, nor do we have to wait until we find the "perfect time". In surfer parlance, "Surfz up, dude! Get your board and get to the beach."

Assessing their understanding of prevailing societal values portrayed through surfing metaphors and Surf Master Alva's quirky wisdom, Staying on Top will awaken people to the reality that living life to the fullest requires living in the present. Life right now is all anyone can truly be sure of: The secret to achieving and maintaining balance and serenity lies in accepting and embracing that truth.

For long-term devotees of self-help literature and newcomers to the genre, everyone will delight in this wise yet whimsical journey to enlightenment.

The Truth About Depression

Almost 40 percent of the U.S. population suffers from some form of depression or mental illness yet the causes of mental illness remain largely a mystery. The prevailing theory sees the cause as a trans-generational genetic defect of brain chemistry, which is best treated with medication.

New breakthroughs made by health professionals dislodge this theory, and show that frequently previous traumas are what lead to mental illness.

In this bold new book, renowned physician and psychotherapist Charles Whitfield takes a new look at the common problems of depression, anxiety, addictions, eating disorders, schizophrenia and other mental illness. The Truth About Depression shows the strong and at times causal relationship between childhood trauma and future depression and other mental illness; he explores the risks, side-effects and high cost of treating these disorders with anti-depressant drugs, and; provides an alternative treatment and recovery program for people with depression and a history of childhood trauma.

Dr. Whitfield's book offers hope and help for those who have been held hostage by depression, and provides clinicians with new solutions and alternatives to high-risk medications.

A Taste Berry Teen's Guide to Setting & Achieving Goals

An exciting new volume filled with stories, commentary and advice by teens (ages twelve through twenty) who tell of their experiences and share their ideas about setting and achieving goals! As most taste-berry teens know, goals spell the difference between wishful thinking and making things happen. Setting goals and reaching them are the keys to making teens' lives purposeful, worthwhile and filled with happiness.

For all teenagers-from master goal-setters to beginners with no idea where to start-this step-by-step guide shows how to:

1. Discover what their personality, aptitudes and hobbies reveal about them
2. Determine if they are dreaming "big enough"
3. Identify goals in nine areas of life
4. Set long- and short-range goals for today, tomorrow and the future
5. Develop a plan of action to achieve goals
6. Break goals into manageable monthly, weekly and daily "to-dos"
7. Remove obstacles that stand in the way of achieving goals
8. Learn ways to encourage, coach and inspire themselves to reach their goals

Divided into five units, each opens with A Message from the Authors, followed by a story by a teen. A specific concept or skill is then presented along with a "Virtual Practice" section where teens are given the chance to apply what they've learned-actually identifying, setting and charting out how to achieve their goals. Teens will gobble up this latest volume of taste-berry advice!

Chicken Soup for the Romantic Soul

Everyone has their own idea of romance-a candlelight dinner, a stroll on the beach or a sprinkling of rose petals on a bed. Now, Chicken Soup for the Romantic Soul brings brand new inspiration to expressions of romance.

This heart-stirring collection is the perfect token of affection for a new paramour, anniversary gift for a beloved spouse or shower gift for an excited bride-to-be. With stories from celebrities and ordinary people who share extraordinary emotions, this fantastic new volume covers the full spectrum of romantic magic, including the unmatched beauty of an old relationship that has been rediscovered and renewed.

Chicken Soul for the Romantic Soul includes chapters on: Finding True Love, Marriage, Memories, The Flame That Still Burns, Mending the Heart and more.

This is a book for everyone who believes that romance is not simply for special occasions.

A Gift to Myself

This is a gentle and effective workbook and guide to Healing the Child Within. It can be used with or without having already read Healing the Child Within.

Using numerous experiential exercises that the reader can do at their own pace, physician and author Charles Whitfield takes us on a healing journey into our inner and outer life. Once a reader starts this book, the healing process begins -- even if they rarely do any of its exercises.

One of the highlights of this book is the clear description of age regression, one of the most crucial concepts in healing and recovery.

Chicken Soup for the Working Woman's Soul

Whether she is a corporate executive or a factory worker, an entrepreneur or a "mompreneur," today's woman is an integral part of the workforce and the American Dream. Women have made inroads in many professions that were once the domain of only men while juggling the many demands of work and family. From the woman who manages a staff of fifty, to the mother who choreographs the comings and goings of a family of five, women are the ultimate multitaskers. This collection celebrates the diversity and special contributions of women in the world of work-their hopes, their dreams and aspirations, and their accomplishments.

This very special book also acknowledges the important and often unappreciated women in the homeplace through stories of stay-at-home moms for whom raising children was their most important task. These tales recognize the vital contributions of women who find their reward in devoting their lives to their families instead of collecting a paycheck.

Chapters include: All in a Day's Work; Balancing Work and Family; Teamwork; Special Moments, and more, and each shares the trials of working women and the special joys that achieving career dreams can bring. Readers will laugh, cry and nod in agreement as they connect with women who are not just making a living, but making a life.

Teen Ink: Written in the Dirt

After five successful books, Teen Ink: Written in the Dirt offers a startlingly different collection that presents teens’ innermost thoughts. These teen-authored fictional stories are filled with incredible character development, gripping plots, imagination and, of course, insight into the human condition. Their poems sing, soar and capture the essence of teen life.

Consistent throughout this smash series, teens who have written for Teen Ink magazine candidly share their real voices, while poignant photography and artwork also capture their extraordinary talents and thoughts.

Get Off the Fence!

It's easy enough to tell ourselves "Don't sweat the small stuff," but let's get real-it's not all "small stuff."Sometimes we have to face tough decisions. Should we move to a different city? Get a divorce? Change religions? Terminate life support? Quit our jobs? Have children? Get Off the Fence! covers all of these life-transforming decisions, and much more.

This is not an ivory tower textbook on decision theory-it's a step-by-step handbook for guiding people through the process of making difficult choices. Mother/son authors Rhoda and Jeffrey Makoff bring years of personal and professional experience to the table-they have made hundreds of "big decisions"in their successful careers and counseled thousands of people through difficult choices. The Makoffs present ten steps to effective decision-making, but they also recognize another essential component-the role of emotional issues in making the best decision possible. This crucial eleventh step is where the "gut," "heart" or intuition comes in. Get Off the Fence! also includes fascinating stories about people who have made major life decisions.

Get Off the Fence! will help people take control of complex situations instead of feeling helpless and paralyzed by indecision. It will prevent them from making poor decisions that create a lifetime of regrets and self-recrimination.

The Angel and the Dragon

On November 1, 1996, Charley Aurthur leapt to his death from a freeway overpass in Santa Monica, California. He was twenty-three years old. It was the culmination of five years of heartache for Charley and his family, as he struggled with severe mental illness, numerous hospitalizations and several other suicide attempts. Despite his family's love, intensive therapy and numerous medications, in the end, nothing could save Charley from his own encroaching sense of exhaustion and isolation.

Tragically, Charley's story could be anybody's story. In the United States, more than 30,000 people commit suicide every year; it is the eighth leading cause of death overall and the third among young people aged 15-24. But the effects of suicide are even more far-reaching: Its impact on the family is frequently devastating and lifelong.

Author Jonathan Aurthur knows this firsthand. His account of his son Charley's short life and death is both riveting and compelling. Charley's own letters, poems and journal entries demonstrate the terrible complexity and multidimensionality of mental illness and suicide. In the process, the author addresses his own search to understand mental illness and the inability of many medical treatments to help troubled people like Charley. He also offers an alternative treatment plan known as the "psychosocial rehab" model, which seeks to "treat the person, not the disease." This page-turner will stay with readers long after they've heard Charley's story.

How to Be Like Women of Influence

What do Oprah Winfrey, Sandra Day O'Connor, Margaret Thatcher, Marie Curie and Sojourner Truth have in common? Not only are they some of the world's most influential women, their life lessons are now revealed in the latest book by Pat Williams.

Williams blends the personal accounts of each influential woman with the contemporary and historical insights of others, what emerges is an intimate portrait of each great person-her motivations, her aspirations, her personal challenges and the qualities that made her so successful at her calling. An added bonus is life lessons at the end of each chapter, which provide remarkable motivation for women who are blazing a new career trail, building a strong family or struggling to "have it all".
This exceptional book highlights a diverse group of women, from activists, businesswomen and humanitarians to athletes, explorers and scientists-it will appeal to any reader regardless of age, occupation or creative pursuits.

Profiles of women of influence include: Eleanor Roosevelt, Rosa Parks, Mary Kay Ash, Helen Keller, Anne Frank, Amelia Earhart and others. This is not a history book-it is a perfect blueprint for creating a successful life.

Affirmations for the Inner Child

All of us need positive affirmation throughout our lives. As children, these powerful messages helped us to know that we were worthwhile, that it was all right to want food and to be touched, and that our very existence was a precious gift. The messages that we received from our parents helped us to form decisions that determined the course of our lives.

If we were raised with consistent, nurturing parents, we conclude that life is meaningful and that people are to be trusted. If we were raised with parents who were addictively or compulsively ill, we determine that life is threatening and chaotic--that we are not deserving of joy. These are the crucial decisions that impact our lives long after we have forgotten them.

Unfortunately, childhood judgments don't disappear. They remain as dynamic forces that contaminate our adulthood. When childhood needs are not taken care of because of abuse or abandonment, we spend our lives viewing the world through the distorted perception of a needy infant or an angry adolescent. The more we push these child parts away, the more control they have over us.

This collection of daily meditations is dedicated to those adults who are ready to heal their childhood wounds. It is through this courageous effort that we will move from a life of pain into recovery.

Gossip

Evil speech can destroy friendships, break up marriages and ruin businesses. Gossip-negative talk, put-downs, rumors, accusations-not only hurts the person being talked about, it also hurts the person speaking and the person listening. In short, gossip has a negative impact on everyone. Yet, despite these negative consequences, gossip has been around since the beginning of humankind and continues to be a popular but destructive pastime.

Throughout this timely and enjoyable book, readers will learn what the Bible and Jewish wisdom have to say regarding speech and how their teachings relate to our world today. Readers will also learn via real-life examples how to break the gossip habit and how to teach others to do the same. Gossip will help people develop skills to improve their lives by getting along better with others; mending old hurts and reclaiming lost relationship; keeping good relationships from going bad through hurtful words; and strengthening relationships they already have by speaking in a more encouraging and productive manner.

The purpose of this book is to extinguish the fire of evil speech and help us live in a gossip-free environment. The result? Positive interactions with the people around us, the healing of relationships and a more complete self.

Chicken Soup for the Grandparent's Soul

Today's grandparents aren't content to sit in their rockers doing needlepoint or whittling wood-modern grandparents are healthy and active. Grandma may be traveling the world, writing a book or taking dance lessons and Grandpa might be camping with the grandkids, playing a golf tournament or skydiving! Nana may have entered the family by marrying Grampa later in life, or Pop-Pop may be a beloved family friend who's always there when someone needs him. Families are finding that the meaning of "grandparent" has changed tremendously but that grandparents continue to be treasured members of our families.

In this latest addition to the Chicken Soup family, children and grandchildren will relive memories of their parents and grandparents as they read stories of love, humor and wisdom. Each touching tale will inspire them to make the most of the time they still have together and encourage them to seek deeper experiences. Grandparents will learn the value of their contributions to and realize what an honored position they hold within their circle of loved ones. Every reader will gain a new appreciation of the benefits of a close and connected family.

This is a perfect gift to show grandparents how much they are loved.

Chicken Soup for the Ocean Lover's Soul

All of us, at one time or another, find ourselves inexplicably drawn to the sea. For some, it's a place for reflection or romance. For others, it's the thrill of watching surf crash against a sandy white beach or studying the kaleidoscope of life among a tropical coral reef. This ability of the ocean to change our lives, to inspire us and to fascinate us is what led us to create Chicken Soup for the Ocean Lover's Soul, a collection of stories from around the world that celebrate the magic of our ocean planet.

The sea, from the beginning of time, has inspired great art and amazing stories. Our relationship with the ocean lies deep within our consciousness and, in fact, is in each of us. Chicken Soup for the Ocean Lover's Soul has captured some of these great stories to warm your heart and touch your soul. This book has amazing stories of swimming eye to eye with great whales, sharks and manatees, as well as legends of dolphins saving man.

So get ready to dive in with Jack, Mark and Wyland, the world's most acclaimed marine-life artist, as they guide you on a journey of discovery and stories that will lift your spirit and awaken your senses like the healing sea itself. At last, a Chicken Soup for the Soul book for ocean lovers like you!

A Dignified Life

Four million Americans currently suffer from Alzheimer's disease and experts estimate that 22 million people around the world will be so afflicted by 2025. Far too many families are struggling with the emotionally and physically draining responsibility of redefining their relationship with, and caring for, someone who not long ago was a vibrant member of society, yet may not know their own name today.

A Dignified Life helps combat the burnout and frustration that often accompany the task of caring for an Alzheimer's patient. Author David Troxel, an Alzheimer's expert and executive director of the California Central Coast Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, maintains that at its simplest this approach is based on treating the person like a best friend and working from their strengths, not their weaknesses. He explains: "As family members, caregivers and professionals, we have to try to connect with them. People with this disease in some way need someone to be . . . attentive and empathetic--someone who really tries to walk a mile in their shoes."

A Dignified Life goes beyond the typical tips offered by most books and takes advantage of readers' instinctive desire to build friendships and taps into the intuitive aspect of caregiving that is part of our very nature. It provides a complete model for care built around creative and effective communication and meaningful activities and includes touching stories that demonstrate how the Best Friends method continues to improve the lives of both those who have Alzheimer's disease and those who care for them.

Chicken Soup from the Soul of Hawaii

All over the world people have a word for paradise: Hawai'i. Now there's a book that captures that magical place for its millions of residents, the 7 million visitors who make a pilgrimage there each year, and the millions more who long to feel the magic of Hawai'i on cold winter mornings.

While the Hawaiian landscape is unparalleled-sun-drenched beaches, wild waves, snow-capped peaks, cascading waterfalls and dramatic volcanoes-the true spirit of Hawai'i lives in its people and their experiences. Now, the people of Hawai'i and those who love it share its special magic in this beautiful collection of stories. From celebrities including Bo Derek, Clint and Dina Eastwood, Don Ho, Regis and Joy Philbin and Kelly Preston, to native storyteller Nalani Olds, activist and teacher Kanalu Young, and world-class surfers, athletes, hula masters and master chefs, this book brings the gifts of Hawai'i to the world.

Whether readers remember Hawai'i as the place where they fell in love or celebrated their honeymoon, the place they yearn to visit or the place they call home, this book exudes the aloha spirit with every turn of a page.

Teen Ink

After publishing four successful books in the groundbreaking Teen Ink series, this fifth-and possibly best-installment takes a close and compelling look at what's really important to today's teens. Partnering with the worldwide Laws of Life Essay Contest, a program of the John Templeton Foundation, this collection offers a unique tapestry of teen expression. Many of the haunting questions of all time are tackled by voices that sing with hope and the reality of being a teenager in the 21st Century.

With eloquent prose, insightful poetry, art and photography, these teens present timeless values through their own experiences and explore principles such as, "It's better to give than to receive," "If at first you don't succeed . . ." and "Honesty is the best policy." In Teen Ink: What Matters, you'll find fresh and honest interpretations of these and other ideals that we all try to live by. In addition, teen authors and artists journey into waters filled with forgiveness, generosity, courage, love and bravery through personal expressions about tough challenges, family, friends and everyday events.

Young people from as far away as China and Ukraine reveal fascinating insights in this selection from over 88,000 submissions to the Laws of Life Essay Contest. Teen Ink: What Matters is an uplifting book of hope, reflection and inspiration that will resonate with teens.

My Soul Said to Me

In the mid 1980s, Bob Roberts was a successful dentist, stunt flyer and racecar driver. While undergoing marital counseling he was fascinated by the psychological process and pursued his own doctorate in psychology.

Intrigued by the community-building work of M. Scott Peck, Roberts' doctorate research consisted of applying and testing Peck's community-building model in an environment where it seemed only a distant possibility-the prison system. It was there, in Louisiana's Dixon Correctional Institution, where Roberts' life was forever transformed, as would the lives of hundreds of inmates and former offenders. What started as a literacy program evolved into sessions of shared soul searching, group therapy and a celebration of the prisoners' roots.

Although prison officials sabotaged his project, Roberts went on to found Project Return, the most successful aftercare program for former offenders in the country. Aimed at breaking the cycles of addiction, crime and violence, Project Return is the only prisoner rehabilitation program in the country funded by the U.S. Department of Justice.

This memoir is Roberts' adventure into his heart and his conscience. It explores the darkest terrain of violence and human suffering, and the brightest terrain of redemption, human dignity and hope. It will leave readers deeply inspired, encouraged and impassioned-in awe of the human capacity to survive and recover from cruelty and hardship.

Yoga and the Wisdom of Menopause

Hormone Treatment Is Called Harmful-Washington Post, 7/10/02
Estrogen Use Linked to Higher Cancer Risk-Boston Globe, 7/17/02

31.2 million women facing menopause in America are concerned by these headlines. Most women today will live over one-third of their lives post-menopausal, but what about the age-old solution of hormone replacement therapy? In 2002 the U.S. government halted a major study of hormone therapy because it increased the risk of invasive breast cancer. Now, millions of women are left wondering whether they should approach menopause without hormones, suffering from hot flashes and low sex drive or take hormones and live in fear of being another statistic. Suza Francina has a simpler solution: Yoga.

In this practical book, Francina, a leading yogi and author of The New Yoga for People Over 50, shows how yoga can be a powerful tool to help women turn menopause into a positive and empowering experience, both physically and spiritually. Included are easy-to-follow, indexed photos of yoga poses that alleviate key menopausal problems including: hormonal changes; hot flashes; irregular bleeding; fibroids; stress and anxiety, mood swings, depression and fatigue; bone loss; heart disease and cancer.

Francina delivers a timely and truly heartening message to women: you don't have to get weaker or depressed when facing menopause, it can truly be an empowering, restorative time.

Happiness Is.

In this highly entertaining and literate book, Shawn Christopher Shea takes us on a provocative journey into the world of practical philosophy, applied spirituality and everyday psychology. Calling upon more than twenty years of clinical experience, fifty years of navigating life's ups and downs, and an array of thinkers and pop icons - from Alan Watts to Albert Einstein, Billy Graham to Bob Dylan, the Dalai Lama to the English mystic Julian of Norwich - he weaves a gentle compassion and a tart wit into this compelling look at human nature and our never-ending quest for happiness.

Not content with traditional stereotypes of happiness, Shea is on a search for a tougher happiness that is present and revitalizing even during times of stress, loss, and pain. He begins with the intriguing twist that happiness is not so much a feeling as it is both an attitude and a feeling. He shows how to distinguish between success and happiness, emphasizing the importance of embracing life as a series of moments to savor as opposed to a series of goals to achieve.

For Shea happiness is determined within each moment by five interacting processes - our biologies, our perspectives, our relationships, our environments, and our spiritual quests. These five interacting, constantly shifting processes, give happiness its fluid nature; change one factor, and you change them all. This "matrix effect" explains why happiness is often elusive and fleeting. It need not be so.

Using the human matrix, Shea shows what it is that limits our ability to find happiness and what it is that allows us to transcend those very same limits. Shea demonstrates how an understanding of this human matrix can be used to forge a resilient and enduring attitude of trust and a resulting feeling of confidence and compassion - a combination we call happiness.

Written with elegance, wit, and a disarming playfulness, Shea's surprising answers to difficult questions are not so much things to do as they are creative ways of thinking, fresh manners of conceptualizing and innovative approaches to understanding human nature - all of which are invaluable tools for finding our own unique answers to the puzzle of happiness.

"A bold, dazzling, and wonderfully fresh antidote to the simplistic platitudes so common in the self-help books of today! Shawn Christopher Shea pulls on everything from his clinical practice to arcane philosophy to pop culture as he poignantly answers a most modern question: If we're so successful, why aren't we happier?

The end result is deeply affecting, often funny, and always instructive. Destined to inspire an entire generation with the excitement and happiness to be found in the nurturance of compassion and the quest for meaning. "
-Paul Farmer, M.D., Ph.D.
Harvard Medical School

"Following in the groundbreaking footsteps of M. Scott Peck's The Road Less Traveled, Shawn Shea guides us down the road to happiness in his insightful and engaging book. I found it very compelling. "
-Jack Canfield
Co-creator of Chicken Soup for the Soul®

"This book is in a very special group of works that, springing from clinical experience and wisdom, moves to expand with wondrous insights the life of all those it touches."
-Juan E. Mezzich, M.D., Ph.D.
President-Elect, World Psychiatric Association

"A remarkable achievement that is a wonderful blend of science, philosophy, clinical wisdom and personal anecdote. Using a writing style that is enjoyable, engaging and incredibly effective, Shea has crafted a book that will have an impact and make a difference in many, many lives. It will stay with you, challenge you and change the way you look at the world. "
-M. David Rudd, Ph.D.
ABPP Baylor University
President, American Association of Suicidology

"A moving book, filled with touching and insightful stories, containing much wisdom and the practical methods of applying them to our lives to help us find happiness, meaning and a successful life. "
-Bernie Siegel, M.D.
Author of Prescriptions For Living and 365 Prescriptions For the Soul

Change Almost Anything in 21 Days

Ruth Fishel knows that almost any negative habit can be changed in 21 days. While struggling with a drinking problem, Ruth discovered the power of affirmations and transformed her life. She now counsels others about this powerful form of life change.

This expanded edition includes more than five hundred affirmations, indexed by topic. Finding a meaningful affirmation on almost anything is easy: Worried about a job interview? Look up Fear, Confidence or Career. Want to lose weight? Look up Food or Addiction. Other key topics include: Anger, Balance, Creativity, Exercise, Forgiveness, Grief, Health, Money, Trust, and more.

Change Almost Anything in 21 Days shows readers how to use affirmations effectively and includes five suggestions for ensuring success, as well as how to overcome barriers to change and how to tell when it's best not to make a change.

With endearing and timeless illustrations by Bonny Van de Kamp, this book makes a wonderful gift for any occasion-it also comes with a 21-day personal journal.

How to Be Like Jesus

No one can be like Jesus yet we can all be like Jesus. In all of history there has never been--and never will be--anyone like Him.

In this extraordinary book, devout Christian and internationally acclaimed speaker, author and sports executive Pat Williams reveals the pure essence of Jesus. Although Christianity teaches that Jesus is God, most people lose sight of His humanity. Through the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Williams helps us understand who Jesus really was--His mind, His wisdom, His love, His humility, His courage and His goodness. The story of Jesus' life is told powerfully and dramatically and the meaning of his teachings is compellingly brought home through contemporary stories of people who exemplify what it means to be like Jesus.

The Jesus of this book is truly the Jesus who lived and identified with us and with whom we also can identify. Williams provides persuasive and provocative insight on how to truly be like Jesus through His teachings and this living example of genuine love, forgiveness, prayer, obedience, service, humility, integrity, leadership, and more.

This uncomplicated and fascinating work will enable readers to learn from Jesus' life, understand his words and build his traits and character qualities into their lives. The quintessential book on how to live a better life and create a positive and lasting effect on the lives of others, How to be Like Jesus may be the discovery of a lifetime.

Lifeskills for Adult Children

From the author of the New York Times bestseller Adult Children of Alcoholics -- a wonderful book that affirms and encourages AcoAs by developing skills for living.

Imagine how good you would feel if:

• You could stand up for yourself without losing your temper
• You could make a decision without second guessing yourself
• You didn't have that sense of worthlessness every time someone criticized you
• You could learn how to say no and stick with it

In Lifeskills for Adult Children you can learn how to do these things and more. This book is designed specifically for Adult Children and teaches skills to make your complex adult life easier, while improving your sense of self-worth. Examples are provided to help clarify the lessons and exercises are given to help you practice your new skills.

So, if you have difficulty:

• Asking for what you want
• Solving problems
• Handling criticism
• Saying no

read Lifeskills for Adult Children - you'll be glad you did.

Shame & Guilt

"It is my feeling that debilitating shame and guilt are at the root of all dysfunctions in families," says Jane Middelton-Moz.

A few common characteristics of adults shamed in childhood:

Understanding Co-Dependency

• What is co-dependency
• How does co-dependency happen?
• Who is affected by co-dependency?
• What can be done for a co-dependent?
• Am I a co-dependent?

Understanding Co-dependency answers these questions and develops a scientifically based framework for separating the person and their past from their current disease or disorder. It places our past history and present environment (marriage, job, personal life) in their proper perspectives and shows us how to build a happy, healthy life.

The time has come for a book that establishes the fundamentals of co-dependency and Understanding Co-dependency is that book.

The Magic of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is not an event, it is a process. Forgiveness is most powerful when a woman reaches midlife: a natural time for reflection when she stands at a biological and emotional crossroads. In this groundbreaking book-the first of its kind for women-acclaimed therapist Tian Dayton shows women how assessing their lives and forgiving old wounds is as essential to their well-being as proper nutrition and retirement planning.

In forgiving, we must work through layers of issues, pain and resentment. Because of this, the process is of great psychological, emotional and spiritual benefit. Left unresolved, past hurts wield their power from within and can contribute to depression and anxiety, undermining the immune system and ultimately opening the door to a multitude of diseases. And harboring resentment prevents us from engaging in deep, meaningful relationships.

Through solid research, poignant case studies and personal examples, Dr. Dayton guides women through the sometimes painful but healing process to provide the comfort that may have eluded them for years.

This beautifully written book will open women's eyes to the liberating power of forgiveness and provide the ability to find true joy.

Chicken Soup for the Soul Cartoons for Moms

Because "a picture is worth a thousand words," Chicken Soup for the Soul offers this very special book that takes a humorous look at motherhood from the perspective of internationally syndicated and award-winning cartoonist John McPherson. So much of the joys and frustrations of motherhood cannot be adequately expressed in words, and that's where this book fills the bill. A departure from all other books in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, this collection is 100% cartoons and guaranteed to make every mom laugh out loud.

This mirth-filled gem depicts everything from pregnancy to empty nest and all points in between, in a tribute to motherhood that is filled with as much laughter as love. Every mother will enjoy the 200 John McPherson original cartoons that fill these pages, and wherever she may be on the journey of motherhood, this book will strike a chord, elicit a smile and bring forth a laugh.

Chicken Soup for the Soul Cartoons for Moms, like the perennial best-seller Chicken Soup for the Mother's Soul, is destined to become the series' next blockbuster!

Chicken Soup for the Soul Cartoons for Dads

After the resounding success of Chicken Soup for the Soul Cartoons for Moms, the authors decided to take a humorous look at fatherhood, again from the perspective of internationally syndicated and award-winning cartoonist, John McPherson. So much of the joys-and frustrations-of fatherhood cannot be adequately expressed in words, and that's where this book fills the bill. A departure from the rest of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, this collection is 100 percent cartoons and guaranteed to make every dad grin, chuckle and laugh out loud.

This mirth-filled gem will depict the years from expecting the first to the empty nest in a tribute to fatherhood that is filled with as much laughter as love. All fathers are sure to enjoy the 200-plus cartoons-each a John McPherson original-and will doubtless turn to this book again and again for a welcome smile or laugh.

Chicken Soup for the Christian Teenage Soul

For teens who make God an integral part of their lives, teens who are sorting through doubts about whether God really cares about them, and teens who don't know God at all, Chicken Soup for the Christian Teenage Soul may be one of the most influential books they'll ever read.

These stories about love, friendship, forgiveness, making a difference, courage, dating (and lots more) show how God is at work in teenagers' lives. Teens share stories about how God has given them the courage to cope with the tough stuff, the joy to live a fulfilling life, the strength to persevere when they feel alone, and the love and confidence they need to feel good about themselves. This very special volume will also help them to use other teens' experiences to build a stronger relationship with God.

For teens tempted to use drugs, alcohol or other substances, Chicken Soup for the Christian Teenage Soul can be a lifeline to God. They will know that God cares what they think when it feels as if no one else does, and that He loves them no matter what.

365 Days of Taste-Berry Inspiration for Teens

The Taste Berries for Teens series has always brought teens valuable insights and provided inspiration for making the most of life. Just as the taste berry convinces the taste buds that all food-even distasteful food-is delicious, so the inspiration in this book will sweeten teens' lives with a special thought and affirmation for each day of the year.

The desire to be a greater taste berry-to live a richer and more meaningful life-is both natural and noble. This book supports teens as they "Go for it!" each day. Filled with cherished affirmations from the six previous Taste Berry books, each day's message offers encouragement, inspiration and direction-powerful reminders that support teens as they strive to achieve their personal best. In these pages, teens will be reminded of the power of love, friendship, integrity, compassion, service, forgiveness, and many other traits and qualities that will inspire them to live with meaning and purpose. These easy-to-remember affirmations are gems of truth and wisdom-powerful remedies for distraction, discouragement or confusion.

Uplifting, loving, motivating and practical, these taste-berry morsels will instill in teens the highest ideals and inspire them daily to achieve self-fulfillment.

Faces of Hope, Babies Born on 9/11

September 11, 2001, will forever be etched into our memories as a day of tragedy and despair. Yet, in spite of the fact that so many lives were lost in an instant, there is hope for our future. It lives in the innocence and beauty of newborn babies; proof that life is a circle and that hope always exists, even in the direst of circumstances.

In this delightful book, Christine Pisera Naman, whose son Trevor was born on that fateful day, has gathered together striking black-and-white photos of her child and forty-nine other babies who share the same birthday. Gathered from each of the fifty states in the union, these shining faces give hope to our nation as its citizens reflect on the anniversary of September 11.

With simple eloquence, the author shares two wishes that she has for each little one, such as:

• I hope that you find good in all people.
• I hope you catch snowflakes on your tongue.
• I hope you always have more than you need and share your plenty.
• I hope you are someone's dream come true.

Through the smiling photos of these precious babies, readers will remember that, even in tragedy, there is always a ray of sunshine. With new life, there is always hope.

A portion of the proceeds from this book will be donated the Twin Towers Orphan Fund Charity.

Chicken Soup for the Horse Lover's Soul

Our connection to the horse is ancient and visceral. These humble creatures are mentioned in the earliest samplings of the written word, which illustrates how the human/equine bond transcends cultural and economic barriers. The horse's integral role in man's evolution, society's development and the growth of civilizations is unquestioned; they have been immortalized by Hollywood, cherished by little girls and mourned by warriors.

Chicken Soup for the Horse Lover's Soul is filled with inspiring stories of rescue and rehabilitation, heartbreaking losses, dedication and commitment, and positive messages of responsibility and unconditional love. Readers will enjoy uplifting and humorous stories that depict the horse's intelligence, versatility and intuitiveness; they will discover the horse's healing powers, marvel at the graceful performance of a Grand Prix Dressage winner, be awed by the stamina and strength of a working horse and the athletic prowess of a champion racer.

In exchange for our love and companionship, horses teach us, heal us, protect us and guide us. Chicken Soup for the Horse Lover's Soul is a worthy celebration of a very noble creature.

Attention Shoppers!

What is it about shopping that makes it at once so appealing and so anxiety producing? The opportunity for self-knowledge is both seductive and frightening. But the same self-knowledge that enables us to choose just the right handbag and leads us to making confident shopping decisions allows us the experience of our own nature and, finally, a sense of being all right.

Therefore, learning how to shop mindfully, in a way that enhances self-awareness-even if only to acknowledge that one's self needs some work-can help a person find the peace that has always seemed just out of reach. This book will show readers how to do just that, and provide encouragement and inspiration every step of the way.

Included are short anecdotes from women interviewed by Eliot, depicting different aspects of the shopping experience, along with suggested practices to help readers stay in the present. Divided into short, easy-to-read sections that cover a wide array of topics, this fits-in-a-purse-size book is jam-packed with useful information and delivered with empathy, wisdom and a loving sense of humor.

By learning to shop more mindfully, readers will discover how to better understand themselves and find fulfillment. They will find ways to connect with that image in the mirror, and know without hesitation how to dress her and furnish her home and celebrate her-and most important, how to trust her. Through that trust, readers will find what they have been shopping for, searching for and longing for . . . increased self-awareness.

For every reader who has thrown up her hands in despair for lack of time or inclination to meditate or practice yoga, this book is a must-read that shows why a jaunt to the mall offers as great an opportunity for self-discovery and soul-enrichment as a Himalayan mountaintop.

Chicken Soup for the NASCAR Soul

Chicken Soup for the Soul has teamed up with NASCAR to celebrate America's fastest growing sport with the release of Chicken Soup for the NASCAR Soul. Their collective efforts are sure to make this the next bestseller!

Michael Waltrip says, "Life is a team sport" and, indeed, auto racing is a metaphor for life. Everyone needs the support and love of their own pit crew to keep them on track and in winning form as they go through their own race every day.

Chicken Soup for the NASCAR Soul features 101 great stories of speed, courage, dedication and overcoming adversity. Buckle up for the fastest moving Chicken Soup for the Soul book ever as many of the sports' biggest names, including Jeff Gordon and Bobby Labonte, take us inside the race car for one inspirational and uplifting story after another.

Chicken Soup for the NASCAR Soul will take the checkered flag when it hits bookshelves in the spring of 2003!

A Teen's Guide to Christian Living

A Teen's Guide to Christian Living takes a refreshing look at real faith in God and how it sustains the younger believer through the ups and downs of life. As teens cope with the pain and fear of divorced parents, broken or abusive relationships, illness, or simply with the pressures of everyday living, this book will help to keep them on solid ground and gain a deeper understanding of their faith through answers to questions like:

• How well does God know me? Does He love me in spite of things I've said and done?
• Is there a best way to pray? How does prayer make a difference?
• Does God watch over my family even if they don't all believe in Him?
• Does loving God mean I can't go to parties, kiss or flirt?
• Should I only associate with people who believe what I believe?
• Can I still be a regular teen with regular friends and a regular life?

A particular strength of this book lies in stories by teens who share how they learned to rely on God during a moment of truth in their lives-stories that will inspire other teens to surmount life's challenges. Each chapter teaches a particular topic and closes with thought-provoking questions that will help teens examine their lives and put Christian principles into practice.