Lessons From The Mountain

“[Not] the typical celebrity memoir . . . as much an account of her decades-long spiritual journey as it is a look back at her TV and movie career.” —Spiritual Pop Culture “Mary is a whole lot more than Erin on The Waltons. This book shows how she’s handled all the highs and lows with grace.” —George Clooney For nine seasons, Mary McDonough was part of one of the most beloved families in television history. Just ten years old when she was cast as the pretty, wholesome middle child Erin, Mary grew up on the set of The Waltons, alternately embracing and rebelling against her good-girl onscreen persona. Now, as the first cast member to write about her experiences on the classic series, she candidly recounts the joys and challenges of growing up Walton—from her overnight transformation from a normal kid in a working class, Irish Catholic family, to a Hollywood child star, to the personal challenges that led her to take on a new role as an activist for women’s body image issues. Touching, funny, sometimes heartbreaking, and always illuminating, Lessons from the Mountain is the story of everything Mary McDonough learned on her journey over—and beyond—that famous mountain. Includes Never Before Published Bonus Chapter! “A fascinating look at what it’s like to grow up in front of and beyond the cameras.” —Eve Plumb “For someone who started out as a sweet little girl afraid to speak up, it certainly is a pleasure to hear her shout from the top of the mountain now!” —Alison Arngrim, New York Times bestselling author “[A] poignant memoir . . . the actress shares intimate, behind-the-scenes memories.” —Smashing Interviews Magazine

‘You empower yourself and then you reach out to others.’ Uplifting life lessons from one of the greatest leaders the world has ever known... through the eyes of the grandson whose life he changed forever. In his book Going to the Mountain, Ndaba Mandela shares the story of his coming-of-age alongside South Africa’s rebirth. It is a remarkable journey, and one that took him from the violent, segregated Soweto ghettos to his grandfather’s presidential home. As a young boy, Ndaba was constantly shunted from place to place. But at eleven years old he was unexpectedly invited to live with his grandfather, Nelson Mandela, even though he had met him only once before, during a prison visit. And, slowly, they built a relationship that would affect both of them profoundly. Ndaba's teenage years were complicated, but as he approached his twenty-first birthday, Mandela decided that Ndaba was finally ready to ‘go to the mountain’ – a test of courage during which you become a man. At the end of this gruelling ritual journey, the elders of the Mandelas’ tribe gathered and Ndaba’s grandfather was there, as ever, to share his greatest life lessons. From Nelson Mandela, Ndaba learned the spirit of endurance, the triumph of forgiveness, the power of resistance and the beauty of reconciliation. And as Mandela grew older, Ndaba had the chance to repay his grandfather’s love and support by demonstrating the ways in which he’d understood all that he had taught him. Intimate and inspirational, Going to the Mountain is a powerful reminder of how one person can impact profoundly on another, and a testament to the awesome power within us to change ourselves and our world.

In July 2008, international business executive Herta von Stiegel led a group of disabled people to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money for charity. The story was captured in the award-winning documentary The Mountain Within—and now the expedition has inspired this remarkable work, which blends the gripping tale with powerful leadership lessons and conversations with many of the world’s most influential business leaders: Kay Unger Sung-Joo Kim Dr. Joachim Faber Baroness Scotland of Asthal Marsha Serlin Dr. Karl (Charly) and Lisa Kleissner Martha (Marty) Wikstrom Sam Chisholm Minister Mohamed Lotfi Mansour Karin Forseke President and Lt. General Seretse Khama Ian Khama Christie Hefner Abeyya Al-Qatami Hon. Al Gore and David Blood Dr. Mohamed “Mo” Ibrahim Life may be full of obstacles, but it is the mountain within that most often needs to be conquered. No matter your challenges or where you are on your climb to the top, this unique work helps you become a resilient leader capable of guiding your team to achieve even the most challenging goal.

Inspirational autobiography of the African-American talk show host.

A United States general describes his command of the deployment of U.S. troops and supplies to the Persian Gulf in the war with Iraq and recommends his methods of leadership and resource management for use in the business world.

"Should appeal to all rugged individualists who dream of escape to the forest."—The New York Times Book Review Sam Gribley is terribly unhappy living in New York City with his family, so he runs away to the Catskill Mountains to live in the woods—all by himself. With only a penknife, a ball of cord, forty dollars, and some flint and steel, he intends to survive on his own. Sam learns about courage, danger, and independence during his year in the wilderness, a year that changes his life forever. “An extraordinary book . . . It will be read year after year.” —The Horn Book

For nine seasons, Mary McDonough was part of one of the most beloved families in television history. Just ten years-old when she was cast as the pretty, wholesome middle child Erin, Mary grew up on the set of The Waltons, alternately embracing and rebelling against her good-girl onscreen persona. Now, as the first cast member to write about her experiences on the classic series, she candidly recounts the joys and challenges of growing up Walton...In this strikingly honest book, McDonough shares the story of her overnight transformation from a normal kid in a working class, Irish Catholic family, to a Hollywood child star. She reveals intimate memories of life in and around that idyllic Virginia farmhouse (really a Warner Brothers back lot in Burbank)-sneaking off to steal candy from Ike Godsey''s store; developing crushes on guest stars; trying to crack up cast members during takes; and most of all, forming a tight-knit second family who played, worked, hugged, and squabbled together. But in the years that followed the show''s long run, as McDonough tried to reinvent herself, she found herself battling depression and personal insecurities amplified by her celebrity. Gradually she gained the courage to stand up not just for herself, but-in true Waltons tradition-for others, taking on a new role as an activist for women''s body image issues. Touching, funny, sometimes heartbreaking, and always illuminating, Lessons from the Mountain is the story of everything Mary McDonough learned on her journey over-and beyond-that famous mountain. Advance Praise for Lessons from the Mountain"I can''t wait to read my Walton sister Mary McDonough''s memoir! Her intelligence, wit and insight guarantee that she will tell her story and ours in a moving and delightful way. Also, her status as a successful child performer qualifies her on the fascinating subject of children in show business." Richard Thomas"She''s a radiant woman whose truth comes from within...if I had to pick one word that described Mary Beth, it would be resilience." --Earl Hamner, Creator of The Waltons"Mary has had the courage to face her fears and pain, and consequently is living a richer, fuller life. That''s Mary, full of life!" --Michael Learned"Many child star stories are about addiction and run-ins with the law. Here is an inspiring story of a young woman who has chosen to take the high road and turn struggles into triumph. Mary''s spirit shines through in all she does; her commitment to work, friends, and difficult personal issues. Waltons fans will treasure an opportunity to see the woman behind the pretty face of one of their favorite family members, and even non-Waltons watchers will cheer her perseverance." --Judy Norton "Mary''s story is compelling for many different reasons; she was raised in a very conservative and religious household, and thrust into ''Hollywood.'' The changes in our society in the 70''s were remarkable and Mary went on a personal odyssey and self-discovery that took her through very turbulent times. I have kept in contact with my ''little sister'' over the years and she always seems to impress me. On a personal side, I like the ''child stars gone good'' story that so many of us are, and Mary is one of my oldest and dearest friends." --Eric Scott"A fascinating look at what it''s like to grow up in front of and beyond the cameras." --Eve Plumb"Somewhere inside that frightened, shy, freckle-faced little girl, who just wanted to please everyone, to just be "good enough," seethed the heart of brave activist, willing to take on all comers in her fight to save women''s lives. Mary starts out writing a heartfelt "love letter" to her Waltons co-stars and fans, (no whining here, there''s not an ungrateful bone in her body!) But no sooner has she finished happily regaling us with her ''behind the scenes'' Waltons tales, and the moral lessons she took to heart along the way, she reveals the terrifying challenges that forced her to become more "Erin Brockovich" than "Erin Walton"! For someone who started out as a sweet little girl afraid to speak up, it certainly is a pleasure to hear her shout from the top of the mountain now! --Alison Arngrim, New York Times Best Selling Author of "Confessions of A Prairie Bitch""Mary is a whole lot more than Erin on The Waltons. This book shows how she''s handled all the highs and lows with grace." --George Clooney

A Time Magazine 100 Best Fantasy Books of All Time selection!​ A Reader’s Digest Best Children’s Book of All Time​! This stunning fantasy inspired by Chinese folklore is a companion novel to Starry River of the Sky and the New York Times bestselling and National Book Award finalist When the Sea Turned to Silver In the valley of Fruitless mountain, a young girl named Minli lives in a ramshackle hut with her parents. In the evenings, her father regales her with old folktales of the Jade Dragon and the Old Man on the Moon, who knows the answers to all of life's questions. Inspired by these stories, Minli sets off on an extraordinary journey to find the Old Man on the Moon to ask him how she can change her family's fortune. She encounters an assorted cast of characters and magical creatures along the way, including a dragon who accompanies her on her quest for the ultimate answer. Grace Lin, author of the beloved Year of the Dog and Year of the Rat returns with a wondrous story of adventure, faith, and friendship. A fantasy crossed with Chinese folklore, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon is a timeless story reminiscent of The Wizard of Oz and Kelly Barnhill's The Girl Who Drank the Moon. Her beautiful illustrations, printed in full-color, accompany the text throughout. Once again, she has created a charming, engaging book for young readers.