Richie Small finds himself living in a dilapidated trailer with his mother transplanted to rural Michigan from Kentucky and attending a new school. His small physical size, thick black-rimmed glasses, and quiet nature make him the obvious target for the school bully, the gargantuan Clarence Goodfellow. If that were not enough to place a bull's-eye on his back, Richie is an avid reader, smart enough to be termed a geek or a nerd if anyone should find out. While trying to make himself invisible to Clarence and the others around him, Richie is befriended by a stray dog that becomes his first true friend and a fifth-grade teacher that discovers and shares his passion for the written word. Although poor and different, Richie and his dog, Lady, capture the heart of a community that will eventually call him a hero. This book takes an honest look at the issues and situations students face in any school and in any community. It is a heartwarming story that highlights the love shown by a hardworking single mother, the influence of a caring teacher, a coach that recognizes heart, a fellow student who needs help, and the influence of a dog that seems to know it all. Hopefully, not only will it encourage younger readers to appreciate the written word but also be enjoyed by anyone who enjoys a heartwarming story of a young man befriended by a dog.
Nine riveting stories filled with twists and turns that keep the reader enthralled and wanting to read another. Something ideal for that long flight or that evening read, each story offering actual settings and strangely familiar facts because they are based on actual events and criminal cases in the life of the author. Two accounts-"Respect" and "Liar, Liar"-closely chronicle criminal cases easily recognizable to those involved and setting forth the gritty realism of investigations and criminal trials and the resulting effects on those involved. "Something Remembered" is a touching story of lost loves that bring forth the feelings that scar the human spirit, but that somehow makes us whole. "Hidden," "Alibi," "Mountain Man," and "A Coincidence" are intriguing stories that are wound into twisting plots that keep the reader guessing until the very conclusion. Each of these four stories incorporates actual occurrences and events, some recognizable to the public, and some known only to the few involved that brings suspense and intrigue to each in a unique way. "The Widow" is a touching story based on lost love set in a dying town and in the bleakness of winter. The setting for each of these stories is in Northern Michigan where the events actually occurred and incorporated the authentic and hardy attitudes of those who inhabit the backwoods, villages, and towns in the great forests and around the deep lakes well north of Detroit or Grand Rapids. "African Doctor" is loosely based on events in Eastern Africa involving a dedicated doctor in a refugee camp and the CIA operative assigned to rescue her. The distinct story line in each of these nine selections offers the reader a kaleidoscope of characters and plots that make this book appealing form cover to cover.
As Christians, we can encapsulate our faith with the thirty words set forth in John 3:16 of the Bible. That is why this verse is displayed in the end zone of televised football games and hung as banners from expressway overpasses. The message is clear and simple, yet we as Christians, those growing in Christian faith and those seeking what Christianity has to offer, cloud these simple words with all types of questions and doubts. This book attempts to deal openly and honestly with questions we have that divide us rather than bring us together and into the outstretched hands of a loving God. I am not a pastor or theologian, nor have I had a near-death experience. I am just like you, somewhat ordinary and struggling to understand. Why do I find it difficult to be an evangelist? How do I deal with science? Is there a limit as to who will be in heaven? Catholic or Baptist, Methodist or Mormon, Jesus can be for all. Why is my relationship with God sometimes a roller-coaster ride? The eighteen chapters in this book deal with questions and issues like these. And while the descriptions I give and the answers I offer may not be cloaked in theological jargon, they are honest and poignant, offered by an ordinary person who has experienced the fantastic highs in life and the sting of tremendous loss. If it brings but one person to a closer relationship with God, then it will have been a success.
This will help us customize your experience to showcase the most relevant content to your age group
Please select from below
Login
Not registered?
Sign up
Already registered?
Success – Your message will goes here
We'd love to hear from you!
Thank you for visiting our website. Would you like to provide feedback on how we could improve your experience?
This site does not use any third party cookies with one exception — it uses cookies from Google to deliver its services and to analyze traffic.Learn More.