OPRAH’S BOOK CLUB PICK • A revealing personal life story like no other—enlightening, entertaining, surprising, empowering—and a testament to the world-making power of Black motherhood“You are Celestine,” she said. She squatted to push the hair off my face and pull leaves off my pajama legs. “Like my sister and my grandmother.” And there, under the pecan tree, as she did countless times, that day my mother told me stories of the mothers and daughters that went before me.Tina Knowles, the mother of iconic singer-songwriters Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Solange Knowles, and bonus daughter Kelly Rowland, is known the world over as a Matriarch with a capital M: a determined, self-possessed, self-aware, and wise woman who raised and inspired some of the great artists of our time. But this story is about so much more than that.Matriarch begins with a precocious, if unruly, little girl growing up in 1950s Galveston, the youngest of seven. She is in love with her world, with extended family on every other porch and the sounds of Motown and the lapping beach always within earshot. But as the realities of race and the limitations of girlhood set in, she begins to dream of a more grandiose world. Her instincts and impulsive nature drive her far beyond the shores of Texas to discover the life awaiting her on the other side of childhood.That life’s journey—through grief and tragedy, creative and romantic risks and turmoil, the nurturing of superstar offspring and of her own special gifts—is the remarkable story she shares with readers here. This is a page-turning chronicle of family love and heartbreak, of loss and perseverance, and of the kind of creativity, audacity, and will it takes for a girl from Galveston to change the world. It’s one brilliant woman’s intimate and revealing story, and a multigenerational family saga that carries within it the story of America—and the wisdom that women pass on to one another, mothers to daughters, across generations. Read more

"Get this for your pregnant friends, or yourself" (People): a hilariously candid account of one woman's quest to bring her post-baby marriage back from the brink, with life-changing, real-world advice.Recommended by Nicole Cliffe in SlateFeatured in People PicksA Red Tricycle Best Baby and Toddler Parenting Book of the YearOne of Mother magazine's favorite parenting books of the YearHow Not To Hate Your Husband After Kids tackles the last taboo subject of parenthood: the startling, white-hot fury that new (and not-so-new) mothers often have for their mates. After Jancee Dunn had her baby, she found that she was doing virtually all the household chores, even though she and her husband worked equal hours. She asked herself: How did I become the 'expert' at changing a diaper? Many expectant parents spend weeks researching the best crib or safest car seat, but spend little if any time thinking about the titanic impact the baby will have on their marriage - and the way their marriage will affect their child. Enter Dunn, her well-meaning but blithely unhelpful husband, their daughter, and her boisterous extended family, who show us the ways in which outmoded family patterns and traditions thwart the overworked, overloaded parents of today. On the brink of marital Armageddon, Dunn plunges into the latest relationship research, solicits the counsel of the country's most renowned couples' and sex therapists, canvasses fellow parents, and even consults an FBI hostage negotiator on how to effectively contain an "explosive situation." Instead of having the same fights over and over, Dunn and her husband must figure out a way to resolve their larger issues and fix their family while there is still time. As they discover, adding a demanding new person to your relationship means you have to reevaluate -- and rebuild -- your marriage. In an exhilarating twist, they work together to save the day, happily returning to the kind of peaceful life they previously thought was the sole province of couples without children. Part memoir, part self-help book with actionable and achievable advice, How Not To Hate Your Husband After Kids is an eye-opening look at how the man who got you into this position in this first place is the ally you didn't know you had. Read more

“A Limited Run is an incredibly gripping story, with a delicious edge of creepiness. I couldn’t stop reading it—” – Author Freida McFaddenTwo million dollars each. It seems too good to be true.Meri Wetzel’s acting role on the TV show A Little Slice of Haven is an experience she’d like to forget and she’s not the only cast member to feel that way. She’s spent the last two decades avoiding her TV husband, Jeff, while the actors who played their children each harbor grudges of their own.But when billionaire Felix Worthington invites the five cast members to recreate their roles twenty-five years later, she’s intrigued but skeptical. It’s an unusual request, even for a self-professed superfan like Felix.Living in a recreated version of the 1940s town in a warehouse in Montana has its appeal, even knowing they’ll be filmed with hidden cameras as they improvise with other actors playing the townspeople. And the clincher? The promised two million dollars, on the condition they stay ten days and remain in character the entire time.One by one, they set aside their hesitations and agree to the terms. Eventually, Meri decides to join them. After all, with that much money a person would be set for life, and really, what could go wrong?“I devoured this book!” – Goodreads Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"Different from anything you've ever read, with a fantastic twist that you're not going to get until it happens...” - Amazon Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Read more

INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER An Instant Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Indie Bestseller“This book is for any parent who has ever struggled under the substantial weight of caregiving—which is to say, all of us. Good Inside is not only a wise and practical guide to raising resilient, emotionally healthy kids, it’s also a supportive resource for overwhelmed parents who need more compassion and less stress. Dr. Becky is the smart, thoughtful, in-the-trenches parenting expert we’ve been waiting for!”—Eve Rodsky, New York Times bestselling author of Fair Play and Find Your Unicorn SpaceDr. Becky Kennedy, wildly popular parenting expert and creator of @drbeckyatgoodinside, shares her groundbreaking approach to raising kids and offers practical strategies for parenting in a way that feels good.Over the past several years, Dr. Becky Kennedy—known to her followers as “Dr. Becky”—has been sparking a parenting revolution. Millions of parents, tired of following advice that either doesn’t work or simply doesn’t feel good, have embraced Dr. Becky’s empowering and effective approach, a model that prioritizes connecting with our kids over correcting them.Parents have long been sold a model of childrearing that simply doesn’t work. From reward charts to time outs, many popular parenting approaches are based on shaping behavior, not raising humans. These techniques don’t build the skills kids need for life, or account for their complex emotional needs. Add to that parents’ complicated relationships with their own upbringings, and it’s easy to see why so many caretakers feel lost, burned out, and worried they’re failing their kids. In Good Inside, Dr. Becky shares her parenting philosophy, complete with actionable strategies, that will help parents move from uncertainty and self-blame to confidence and sturdy leadership.Offering perspective-shifting parenting principles and troubleshooting for specific scenarios—including sibling rivalry, separation anxiety, tantrums, and more—Good Inside is a comprehensive resource for a generation of parents looking for a new way to raise their kids while still setting them up for a lifetime of self-regulation, confidence, and resilience. Read more

It’s true what they say, you really are wiser when you’re older, because I’ve hated my younger self for years. After leaving behind the girl that I spent my entire life loving from afar, younger me deserves the hate, though. But when her dad told me I was ruining her life, I let my own insecurities consume me and knew I had to set her free.Now, I’m a defenseman for the New England Bay Sharks, living my dream. At least, that’s what everyone thinks. Inside, I’m haunted by past mistakes, wishing I had a clock to turn back time and right my wrongs.Just as I lose hope that she’s ever coming back, she shows up in Portland, bruised and battered—claiming she was in a car accident. She isn’t the same strong-willed girl with the bright eyes she was before. No, replacing that girl is a woman in pain. A woman who’s scared. And a woman who really hates my guts.Right away, I knew there was no car accident. No…those bruises were put on her perfect body by a monster. One that was supposed to care for and love her till the end of time.Worried for her safety, I craft a plan to keep her safe. One that includes her living in my house while pretending to be my girlfriend. After what I did to her all those years ago, I’ll do anything to earn her forgiveness.I may have promised her that it’s all for show and that I have no motive for wanting to keep her so close, but the truth is…I never stopped wanting her, and that’s not about to change now.𝘍𝘰𝘰𝘭 𝘔𝘦 𝘖𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘧𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴. 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘥. 𝘛𝘞 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘥𝘦: 𝘱𝘩𝘺𝘴𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 & 𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘣𝘶𝘴𝘦, 𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩, 𝘴𝘦𝘹𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦. Read more

On the evening of April 19, 2013, Samantha and Gianna Rucki disappeared. Two of five children born to David Rucki and Sandra Grazzini-Rucki, the teenage sisters vanished in the midst of their parents’ divorce. The girls’ father, David Rucki, worked tirelessly with law enforcement to search day and night for his two missing daughters, following every lead while raising three remaining children at home. Their mother, Sandra Grazzini-Rucki, used her newfound freedom to vacation around the world, abandoning her children. And as the investigation intensified, catching the attention of the media, Sandra also disappeared. The Girls Are Gone is the true story of two sisters who went missing, the father who kept searching, and the adults who conspired to keep the truth hidden. Read more

If you grew up with an emotionally immature, unavailable, or selfish parent, you may have lingering feelings of anger, loneliness, betrayal, or abandonment. You may recall your childhood as a time when your emotional needs were not met, when your feelings were dismissed, or when you took on adult levels of responsibility in an effort to compensate for your parent’s behavior. These wounds can be healed, and you can move forward in your life.In this breakthrough book, clinical psychologist Lindsay Gibson exposes the destructive nature of parents who are emotionally immature or unavailable. You will see how these parents create a sense of neglect, and discover ways to heal from the pain and confusion caused by your childhood. By freeing yourself from your parents’ emotional immaturity, you can recover your true nature, control how you react to them, and avoid disappointment. Finally, you’ll learn how to create positive, new relationships so you can build a better life.Discover the four types of difficult parents:The emotional parent instills feelings of instability and anxietyThe driven parent stays busy trying to perfect everything and everyoneThe passive parent avoids dealing with anything upsettingThe rejecting parent is withdrawn, dismissive, and derogatory  Read more

David Sedaris, the “champion storyteller,” (Los Angeles Times) returns with his first new collection of personal essays since the bestselling Calypso Back when restaurant menus were still printed on paper, and wearing a mask—or not—was a decision made mostly on Halloween, David Sedaris spent his time doing normal things. As Happy-Go-Lucky opens, he is learning to shoot guns with his sister, visiting muddy flea markets in Serbia, buying gummy worms to feed to ants, and telling his nonagenarian father wheelchair jokes.   But then the pandemic hits, and like so many others, he’s stuck in lockdown, unable to tour and read for audiences, the part of his work he loves most. To cope, he walks for miles through a nearly deserted city, smelling only his own breath. He vacuums his apartment twice a day, fails to hoard anything, and contemplates how sex workers and acupuncturists might be getting by during quarantine.   As the world gradually settles into a new reality, Sedaris too finds himself changed. His offer to fix a stranger’s teeth rebuffed, he straightens his own, and ventures into the world with new confidence. Newly orphaned, he considers what it means, in his seventh decade, no longer to be someone’s son. And back on the road, he discovers a battle-scarred America: people weary, storefronts empty or festooned with Help Wanted signs, walls painted with graffiti reflecting the contradictory messages of our time: Eat the Rich. Trump 2024. Black Lives Matter.   In Happy-Go-Lucky, David Sedaris once again captures what is most unexpected, hilarious, and poignant about these recent upheavals, personal and public, and expresses in precise language both the misanthropy and desire for connection that drive us all. If we must live in interesting times, there is no one better to chronicle them than the incomparable David Sedaris. Read more

'Tantalisingly toxic. A fantastic debut with an OMG ending!' Lauren North'Taut and compelling - The Girl Beyond The Gate is an extremely impressive debut' William ShawWelcome to Kensington Grove, the safest place to call home...Jodie Madison can't think of a better place for a fresh start than the exclusive, gated community of The Grove. But from the moment she passes through the wrought iron gates, she starts to suspect she's made a mistake.Despite her vow to keep apart from the other residents, Jodie can't help but feel drawn to her unnerving neighbour, Norah Williams, and terminally ill daughter, Lacey. Jodie knows she should stay away, but something draws her in.When a murder shocks The Grove, Jodie vows to do everything in her power to save Lacey from her mother. But as more secrets emerge from Norah's shadowy past, Jodie is faced with the unthinkable - Norah's not so different to herself, and neither woman is innocent.The past won't stay hidden forever. And The Grove will be an unforgiving witness.Praise for The Girl Beyond the Gate:'The Girl Beyond The Gate is the type of book that demands your attention' SV Leonard'A remarkable debut. Becca Day is definitely an author to watch!' Lesley Kara'A sharp and tense debut that made me gasp out loud.' Jo Jakeman'A very atmospheric book' NetGalley Reviewer'It had enough twists and turns to keep me hooked' NetGalley Reviewer'A brilliantly addictive book' NetGalley Reviewer'A thrilling book which had me gripped all the way through' NetGalley Reviewer Read more

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ONE MILLION COPIES SOLD#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLEROur earliest experiences shape our lives far down the road, and What Happened to You? provides powerful scientific and emotional insights into the behavioral patterns so many of us struggle to understand.“Through this lens we can build a renewed sense of personal self-worth and ultimately recalibrate our responses to circumstances, situations, and relationships. It is, in other words, the key to reshaping our very lives.”—Oprah WinfreyThis book is going to change the way you see your life.Have you ever wondered "Why did I do that?" or "Why can't I just control my behavior?" Others may judge our reactions and think, "What's wrong with that person?" When questioning our emotions, it's easy to place the blame on ourselves; holding ourselves and those around us to an impossible standard. It's time we started asking a different question.Through deeply personal conversations, Oprah Winfrey and renowned brain and trauma expert Dr. Bruce Perry offer a groundbreaking and profound shift from asking “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?” Here, Winfrey shares stories from her own past, understanding through experience the vulnerability that comes from facing trauma and adversity at a young age. In conversation throughout the book, she and Dr. Perry focus on understanding people, behavior, and ourselves. It’s a subtle but profound shift in our approach to trauma, and it’s one that allows us to understand our pasts in order to clear a path to our future—opening the door to resilience and healing in a proven, powerful way. Read more

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'I often promised myself late at night that I'd definitely stop reading at the end of the chapter, only to find I was completely unable to do so!' Reader reviewOne dinner table. An unlikely group of guests. A recipe for disaster?Lucy's infamous dinner parties were always the talk of the town, but after her husband's death, they've become few and far between. When she gets engaged to her new fiancé, Mike, she decides what better way to introduce him to her friends than by reinstating their supper club.But a lot has changed in the last six years.Lucy's best friend, Maggie, must face sitting at the dinner table with her husband's new model girlfriend in tow.Now a mother, so much of Chrissie's life revolves around changing nappies and mindless baby TV that she worries if she'll still be good company.The only single one of the group, Jenny is not interested in finding a man and wishes her older sister would stop trying to set her up with the handsome new neighbour.Perhaps Lucy has bitten off more than she can chew with these dinner parties, but what's a little wine among old friends anyway?A hilariously entertaining and engaging read that is perfect for fans of Fiona Gibson, Carmen Reid and Tracy Bloom.Readers are LOVING The Supper Club!'Behind the humour - and there's plenty of that - is poignancy, pathos and several secrets. I loved this book and the characters' Reader review'Utterly relatable and told in such a way that you couldn't help become totally invested in each of the couples' lives' Reader review Read more

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NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Over a million copies sold! “An eminently practical guide to an emotionally intelligent—and long-lasting—marriage.”—Daniel Goleman, author of Emotional Intelligence The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work has revolutionized the way we understand, repair, and strengthen marriages. John Gottman’s unprecedented study of couples over a period of years has allowed him to observe the habits that can make—and break—a marriage. Here is the culmination of that work: the seven principles that guide couples on a path toward a harmonious and long-lasting relationship. Straightforward yet profound, these principles teach partners new approaches for resolving conflicts, creating new common ground, and achieving greater levels of intimacy. Gottman offers strategies and resources to help couples collaborate more effectively to resolve any problem, whether dealing with issues related to sex, money, religion, work, family, or anything else. Packed with new exercises and the latest research out of the esteemed Gottman Institute, this revised edition of The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work is the definitive guide for anyone who wants their relationship to attain its highest potential. Read more

Spur Award Winner for Best Western First Nonfiction Book • Spur Award Finalist for Best Western Contemporary Nonfiction • IPPY Silver Award for Best Memoir • Next Generation Indie Award for Best Memoir (Overcoming Adversity) • International Book Award for Best True Crime • Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal, Nonfiction DramaA violent ex-con forces his son to commit crimes in this unforgettable memoir about family and survival.Growing up on the Navajo Indian Reservation, David Crow and his three siblings idolized their dad, a self-taught Cherokee who loved to tell his children about his World War II feats. But as time passed, David discovered the other side of Thurston Crow, the ex-con with his own code of ethics that justified cruelty, violence, lies—even murder. Intimidating David with beatings, Thurston coerced his son into doing his criminal bidding. David’s mom, too mentally ill to care for her children, couldn’t protect him.Through sheer determination, David managed to get into college and achieve professional success. When he finally found the courage to refuse his father’s criminal demands, he unwittingly triggered a plot of revenge that would force him into a deadly showdown with Thurston Crow. David would have only twenty-four hours to outsmart his father—the brilliant, psychotic man who bragged that the three years he spent in the notorious San Quentin State Prison had been the easiest time of his life.Raw and palpable, The Pale-Faced Lie is an inspirational story about the power of forgiveness and the strength of the human spirit.“Cinematically gripping.”—Kirkus Reviews“Empowering missive about the long shadow cast by an abusive parent.”—Publishers Weekly“For fans of Tara Westover’s Educated, The Pale-Faced Lie . . . is a disturbing yet captivating memoir about how one man’s psychotic delusions can imprison an entire family.”—New York Journal of Books Read more

OVER HALF A MILLION COPIES SOLD A must-have resource for anyone who lives or works with young kids, with an introduction by Adele Faber, coauthor of How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk, the international mega-bestseller The Boston Globe dubbed “The Parenting Bible.”For nearly forty years, parents have turned to How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk for its respectful and effective solutions to the unending challenges of raising children. Now, in response to growing demand, Adele’s daughter, Joanna Faber, along with Julie King, tailor How to Talk’s powerful communication skills to parents of children ages two to seven. Faber and King, each a parenting expert in her own right, share their wisdom accumulated over years of conducting How To Talk workshops with parents, teachers, and pediatricians. With a lively combination of storytelling, cartoons, and observations from their workshops, they provide concrete tools and tips that will transform your relationship with the children in your life. What do you do with a little kid who…won’t brush her teeth…screams in his car seat…pinches the baby...refuses to eat vegetables…throws books in the library...runs rampant in the supermarket? Organized by common challenges and conflicts, this book is an essential manual of communication strategies, including a chapter that addresses the special needs of children with sensory processing and autism spectrum disorders. This user-friendly guide will empower parents and caregivers of young children to forge rewarding, joyful relationships with terrible two-year-olds, truculent three-year-olds, ferocious four-year-olds, foolhardy five-year-olds, self-centered six-year-olds, and the occasional semi-civilized seven-year-old. And, it will help little kids grow into self-reliant big kids who are cooperative and connected to their parents, teachers, siblings, and peers. Read more

Every choice you make carries a consequence. What if your consequence was an unwanted pregnancy?Theresa graciously agrees to share part of her life for a biographical paper being written by two high school students. She surprises her unsuspecting interviewers with stories of a broken childhood, tales of love found and lost, and the strength summoned to make the hardest decision of her life.The sharing of her past not only provides material for Theresa’s students, but also prepares herself for one of the most impactful introductions yet to come.“So many times throughout the book I felt I was in the room feeling the current situation or dilemma as if I were there! It is absolutely a story of a courageous path taken…A delightfully satisfying story to read.” Amazon reviewerRoom For Another is a fictionalized account based on true life events of author Diane M. Dresback’s biological mother. The one thing that Diane learned about her mother was that it didn’t matter if you were blood, step, half, ex, in-law, adopted, or anywhere in-between—everyone was family and she always had room in her heart for another.“Enjoy a heartfelt story that resonates in many ways. You don’t have to be an adoptee, a birth, or an adoptive parent, to enjoy this book.” Amazon reviewer“It talks about decisions, hard decisions to make and live with. It also speaks of hope and kindness.” Goodreads reviewer“I can't believe how great this author can write such a powerful story even as it is real. The way she presented the story it made you feel like you were right there as everything happen.” Goodreads reviewer“It is well written and flows smoothly. I will recommend this book and look forward to reading others by this author.” Goodreads reviewer Read more

"Randis later would testify at a criminal trial against her father, who was sentenced to prison for his crimes [of child abuse]. He was sentenced to up to 16 years in 2004. Her painful -- and ultimately triumphant -- story is recounted in Randis' first novel, "Spilled Milk."-- Stacy, Brown, Pocono Record Newspaper"I read this book in two days, I couldn't put it down."-- Chelsea Deboer, Teen Mom 2"Kelly Randis will [use] her first-hand experience as a sexual assault survivor to educate national leaders at the Pentagon."-- LT Ashley Valanzola, Pentagon Sexual Assault Prevention Coordinator"The honest, raw openness of your writing style is compelling. Your story touched me deeply."-- Juliet Pritner, Actress, Law And Order: SVUBrooke Nolan is a battered child who makes an anonymous phone call about the escalating brutality in her home.When social services jeopardize her safety, condemning her to keep her father's secret, it's a glass of spilled milk at the dinner table that forces her to speak about the cruelty she's been hiding. In her pursuit of safety and justice, Brooke battles a broken court system that pushes to keep her father in the home.Spilled Milk is a novel of shocking narrative, triumph and resiliency. Read more

David Sedaris returns with his most deeply personal and darkly hilarious book.If you've ever laughed your way through David Sedaris's cheerfully misanthropic stories, you might think you know what you're getting with Calypso. You'd be wrong. When he buys a beach house on the Carolina coast, Sedaris envisions long, relaxing vacations spent playing board games and lounging in the sun with those he loves most. And life at the Sea Section, as he names the vacation home, is exactly as idyllic as he imagined, except for one tiny, vexing realization: it's impossible to take a vacation from yourself.With Calypso, Sedaris sets his formidable powers of observation toward middle age and mortality. Make no mistake: these stories are very, very funny--it's a book that can make you laugh 'til you snort, the way only family can. Sedaris's powers of observation have never been sharper, and his ability to shock readers into laughter unparalleled. But much of the comedy here is born out of that vertiginous moment when your own body betrays you and you realize that the story of your life is made up of more past than future.This is beach reading for people who detest beaches, required reading for those who loathe small talk and love a good tumor joke. Calypso is simultaneously Sedaris's darkest and warmest book yet--and it just might be his very best. Read more