Sweet Relief

Shortlisted for the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize "A magnificent debut filled with characters so vivid, strange, and richly imagined, you emerge feeling changed." —Sarah Shun-lien Bynum In New York City, a girl called Lenora vanishes without a trace. Years earlier and miles upstate, Goldie, a wild, negligent mother, searches for a man to help raise her precocious son, Paul, who later discovers that the only way to save his soul is to run away. The Sweet Relief of Missing Children is a suspenseful novel about the power of running and the desire for reinvention. It explores the terror and transcendence of our most central experiences: childhood, parenthood, sex, love.

Sweet Relief is the remarkable story of how twenty-eight-year-old Marla Ruzicka took on the US government, changed the world, and made the ultimate sacrifice. Marla Ruzicka was a free spirit, a savvy political operator, a wartime Erin Brockovich. Fiercely determined to improve the lives of the less fortunate, the twenty-something blonde was instrumental in convincing the U.S. government to pass historic legislation aiding civilian victims of war. Sweet Relief recounts Marla's journey from an idyllic childhood in a small California town, through Latin America and Africa, and finally to the war zones in Afghanistan and Iraq. Whether she was Rollerblading the halls of Congress to secure funds for civilians in Iraq or throwing parties for journalists in Kabul to raise awareness of her cause, no one who came within a hundred yards of Marla missed her. Her friendly smile and indefatigable pose were ubiquitous in Afghanistan and Iraq where Marla managed a door-to-door effort to identify war victims. While Marla worked tirelessly to care for others, in many ways she neglected herself. A diagnosed manic-depressive, Marla battled extreme emotional lows and an eating disorder. And although she brought love into the homes of the aggrieved, she often struggled to find a love of her own. Marla gave the invisible victims of war a voice and, in the process, helped to win them millions of dollars in unprecedented aid. Tragically, Marla was killed by a suicide bomber on Airport Road in Iraq in April 2005. Weeks later, the US government named the program she fought so hard to establish The Marla Ruzicka Fund. Her life and legacy are an inspiring reminder that love and determination can conquer all.

Two seemingly separate stories from different points in time interconnect and provide clues to the disappearance of a missing New York City girl.

Grieving Hearts in Worship offers an in-depth opportunity to answer challenging questions concerning a growing disconnect between how we grieve and how we worship God. Through the use of stories, poetry, creative worship services and thought-provoking discussions, Landon shares his unique understanding of the nature of our need for rituals in worship as a beneficial part of our journey towards healing. By exploring major thoughts and writings on grief, he identifies common threads, weaving together a living tapestry that expresses the depth of personal and communal experiences of grief. Reading this contemplative approach to discussing grief and its place in worship will open your eyes to a new way of seeing God's love for the grieving. The book's practical suggestions offer church leaders and members a blend of topics, worship services, and reflection questions that include:  Attitudes About Death and Grief  Annual Remembrance Services  Finding Hope in Brokenness  Anger and Vulnerability in Worship  Rediscovering Joy  Walking the Labyrinth  When A Church Dies

An extraordinary account of the life of unknown club boxer, Frank Steele, who sparred with legendary boxing greats like Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, Joe Frazier and Ernie Shavers. Impoverished from birth and poorly educated, Frank did the best he could to parlay his boxing prowess and brute strength into fame and fortune. Hired as Foreman's chief sparring partner to help prepare the champ for the Ali "Rumble in the Jungle" fight in Africa, he was fired after doing his job too well -- beating up Foreman and knocking his headgear into the audience. When Ali heard about the incident, he paid Frank $3,000 for the secret to defeating the unbeaten and seemingly invincible champion. This is the untold story of what lead to the greatest upset in boxing history.

This is a one-stop resource for people who want to finance their education or career. Classic, indispensable advice for college students and their parents and also for actors, musicians and other artists! The whole process of applying for loans, scholarships, grants, fellowships, tuition waivers and other forms of financial aid is clearly laid out. The book gives tips on finding sources of funds, filling out applications, writing entrance essays, receiving award disbursements, repaying loans and everything in between. Especially on how to stand out from the crowd.

Are your relationships at home or work causing you more distress than happiness Do the words "healthy partnership" sound ironic? If so, you might be involved with a narcissist-a self-absorbed spouse, family member, friend, boss, or coworker. Most of us don't realize it, but we encounter narcissists every day, in every walk of life. Surprisingly, even the people we hold nearest to our hearts could be narcissists. If you are in a difficult relationship, it's time to step back, get perspective and make healthy changes in your life. Sweet Relief is the book that shows how to put your feelings first, take charge of your emotional health, and make room for positive growth and emotional success in your life. Whether your problems happen at home or at work, Sweet Relief gives you guidance and tools to: - Learn how to spot narcissism - Identify unsatisfying relationships - Cope with any confusing feelings - Overcome fear or avoidance of conflict - Take care of your emotional needs - Improve your relationships - Move forward with confidence and compassion