The Shack
By William P. Young

Missy, (Mack's daughter), is abducted during a family vacation to Wallowa Lake, Northeastern Oregon. And like so many others, her disappearance
ends with unfortunate news. Her body is never found. But evidence of the brutal murder is discovered in an abandoned shack.

Grief-stricken Mack, who in the aftermath continues to live in the shadow
of his own sadnes—manages to get by. Until a mystical encounter with a
large, earthy, African-American woman known as “Papa”, brings him—face
to face with his own unanswered questions. The Shack (Windblown Media)
is a fictional account of fascinating conversations between Mack and Papa
and other believable, angelic characters. In this his first novel, Young, offers
profound answers to some of life's tough questions—such as, where is God
in a world so filled with unspeakable disappointments, pain and despair?
The answers will not only surprise you but also elevate your faith as it did
Mack’s. “The Shack” is filled with humor, insight, and hope—some of life's
critical elements in the face of human suffering.
A Note from Katie

By definition, risk taking
involves some exposure
to danger or the idea that something unpleasant or unwelcome could happen.
But without it, everyday inventions or new advances
in modern science and technology would not
give way to today's most innovative findings. Recently,
I had the pleasure of chatting with Dr. Ben Carson, Chief
of neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins University Hospital, about his new book “Take
the Risk”. In our interview,
we talked about the reasons
why as a society we are so
risk averse and the price we
pay for it. For our booklinks, three distinctive looks in to
the lives of risk takers support his findings. Among them, William P. Young, author of
“The Shack”—who's manu-
script was turned down by
every publisher it was sub-
mitted to. But latter, with the
help of family and friends
self-published it for a merely
$300! Although considered
by many in Christian circles
a controversial read—today,
with more than 2 million in
sales, the little book that
could—went on (for seven weeks) to become #1 on the New York Times best sellers
list and has been in-reprint
several times. Actor Sidney
Poitier one of American
cinemas most respected
figures, shares from his latest
memoir “Life Beyond Measure”
a fascinating look into a life
well lived and insightful
stories sure to inspire you.
And last but not least
coinciding with the film
release of Sue Monk Kidd's
“The Secret life of Bees”,
I though it appropriate to
revisit the literary gem. The
inspirational story of 14-year-
old Lily, who risked every-
thing she knew to find truth
and a better life. Remember. . .
risk takers change the world,
live fuller lives and obtain
God's promises. So, read
on! kml@famfe-media.com

AMAZON: Books

Family Entertainment

Life Beyond Measure:
Letter to My Great-Granddaughter
By Sidney Poitier

Getting to the hospital was not an option; her water had broken—but
luckily, her husband located a midwife just in time. Evelyn Poitier's
premature baby was given-up for dead. However, after a visit to a
soothsayer, she's told that he will live and thrive despite the odds.

A diary of rich heritage and humble beginnings from the town of
Cat Island, Bahamas, where there were no mirrors or playmates,
finds young Sydney Poitier—shy, quiet and alone. His best friends
were his shadow the creatures of nature and a vivid imagination. And
After migrating to America at age 16, finds himself again faced with
insurmountable challenges. He did not read very well, got in trouble,
slept on rooftops, made little money and had no intentions of becoming
an actor, but as faith would have it–would go on to become one of
Hollywoods most recognized and respected figures. This elegantly
written memoir chronicles Poitiers personal and professional journey,
written as a set of letters to his beloved great-granddaughter Ayele.
An introspective look into his life struggles with substance abuse,
racism, unemployment and his failed first marriage—makes "Life
beyond Measure" an inspirational and fascinating look into the
complexities of one of American cinemas most beloved figures.
Although written in fluent style, certain parts of the book are clearly
for Ayele only— and the deep meaning of certain rituals remain
hidden. Fortunately, personal accounts of experiences with some
of today's most recognizable figures such as author James Baldwin,
Harry Belafonte, Oprah Winfrey and Nelson Mandela keeps the
focus of Poitier’s life and story in the spotlight.
Utmost Living: Creating and Savoring Your Best Life Now.
By Tim Story

Whatever it Takes: Geoffrey Canada: Geoffrey Canada's Quest to Change Harlem and America.
By Paul Tough

Thank You Power: Making the Science of Gratitude Work for You.
By Richard Young

The Secret Life of Bees
By Sue Monk Kidd

‘Lily's life, on a peach farm with her abusive father T. Ray, has been
centered around one devastating incident—the afternoon she killed
her mother; or at east, that’s what T. Ray always led her to believe.

Set in 1964 Tiburon, South Carolina, a place and time brimming with
social unrest, violence explodes one summer afternoon, and Rosaleen,
Lily’s negro care giver is arrested and beaten by a mob of white men.
The 14 year old is desperate; not only to save Rosaleen, but to escape
her father's abuse. Through quick wit and boundless imagination, she
breaks Rosaleen out of jail and the two become unlikely fugitives,
escaping into what quickly becomes Lily’s quest for truth.

The Secret Life of Bees (penguin press) takes a look into the intricacies
of mother/daughter relationships and the rewards of surrogate mother-
hood. It is an extraordinary coming of age story; about a young woman's
quest for love and acceptance—found in the unlikely midst of three
beekeeping sister's; who dare to build a sisterhood expressing their
holy,unshakable bond and intimacy. It is the kind of story women
share; yet filled with the bravery and strength that men will admire.