‘Who doesn’t love curling up with a good book?  Books can entertain, inform, and most importantly, provide a relaxing hobby for readers alike.  Give someone you love a good book.  You’ll be giving them more than just a story, it’s a gift of serenity and relaxation to escape into the pages of a well written book.  We’ve made it easy to choose by counting down our top 5 Non-Fiction books.’

It All Began With Wilt
by Cecil Mosenson

“At the age of twenty-two, I took a job as a physical education teacher and basketball coach at Overbrook High School, where one of my players was Wilt Chamberlain.” Having coached one of the best basketball players to have ever played the game is a great accomplishment, but Cecil Mosenson has a bigger story to tell. In ‘It All Began with Wilt,’ the reader gets to see the power of a coach, the power of a man, and the power of a friend. Armed with the ability to coach and teach, Cecil worked his way through highly acclaimed and successful coaching positions, awards on every level, administrative opportunities, and, ultimately, into the lives of countless teenagers. His kids still thank him for the impact that he had—in sports and life. His inspiration now extends past the court into a wonderfully wrought memoir. Cecil Mosenson shares his life of coaching—starting with Wilt.”

168 pages – $14.99 (paperback)

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Eden
The Knowledge of Good and Evil 666
by Dr. Joye Jeffries Pugh

“Herein lies a scrupulously documented account of a clandestine agenda by those claiming to be illuminated, which is based on unprecedented access to previously undisclosed documents. Even Leonardo Da Vinci’s hidden code will be revealed right before your very eyes as this research takes you farther than any other prophetic work on the subject has ever gone. The hidden link between the Garden of Eden and the End of Time is an explosive one, thereby making this a riveting exposé which boldly walks the reader right up to Satan’s doorstep and introduces him to you.”

482 pages – $29.99 (paperback)

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Silent Thunder
A Life Story
by Eric Thunander

“Silent Thunder Down, set, hut! Shoulder pads crack, helmets smash together, and Eric Thunander hears nothing.. As a deaf athlete, Eric persevered through many obstacles; however, his life on the football field only begins to tell his powerful and heart-wrenching story. Born into a chronically abusive family, Eric sets out to defy the family tradition through education, perseverance, and forgiveness. Through abuse, neglect, and unimaginable tragedy, he tells his own story. The relationship with his family, moving from school to school, being placed in foster care, and his national championship with the University of Oklahoma in 2000 all work to define Eric as a man of character, humility, and unwavering strength. Although football helped him through some tough times, it dealt him an even bigger blow with his injury. Depressed and broken, Eric hit a nearly fatal low. Seemingly on his last thread, Eric climbed his way up—and lives to tell about it. Silent Thunder is the life of a kid slated by society to fail, and the power of a man determined to fight. Eric Thunander attended OU and was an active part of their championship season in 2000. His academic achievements include being on the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll and the Who’s Who of America Colleges. He travels as a motivational speaker, but resides in Norman, Oklahoma. “A compelling story of a man faced with many trials, none of which could extinguish his dream.” – Bob Stoops, University of Oklahoma football coach “An inspiring story of individual strength built upon a remarkable capacity to love and to forgive.” – David L. Boren, University of Oklahoma president ”

224 pages – $14.99 (paperback)

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Honor Restored
by Denzil D. Garrison

“Using a fast paced narrative style that keeps the pages turning, Garrison sets the stage with an insider’s view of the military justice system, then advances the tale through the gripping story of Randell D. Herrod and his court martial. ”

242 pages – $14.95 (paperback)

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Merkle’s Curse
by Jerry Jacover

“During the summer of 2003, two life-long fans of the Chicago Cubs realized that their favorite team is really cursed. They, and their adult sons, become obsessed with undoing this curse, lest it undermine their team’s march to its first World Series in almost sixty years and its first Major League Championship since 1908. Unbeknownst to them, the curse had its origins in an Old Testament prophecy that has had a profound effect on both the history of the world and the game of baseball. In the process, it traces a dark, forbidding path from the Holy Land, through the Roman Empire, medieval Europe, West Africa, and pre-Columbian America, before leaving an imprint on the United States and its national pastime. A story about friends, family, freedom and faith, the reader won’t know until the very last page whether these die-hard Cub fans were able to solve the mystery of Merkle’s Curse.”

388 pages – $19.99 (paperback)

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Well, I’m proud to be… ‘true’ or ‘transplanted,’ Okies celebrate life in Muskogee.

 
 Tate Publishing author says there is no better place for her than here.  There is no place in the world Donna Pendley would rather live than Muskogee.

 

Pendley’s family moved from Oklahoma City to Muskogee County when she was a child. Pendley said she slid right into the country life and never looked back.

 

Growing up on a ranch near Warner, Pendley engaged in activities commonly enjoyed by a country girl.

 

“ My sister and I both showed livestock,” said Pendley, who showed steers, hogs and lambs. “That’s a big thing when you grow up in the country.”

 

After graduating from high school, she began taking college classes and later accepted employment at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office in Muskogee.

 

“ I got married, and we moved closer to Muskogee,” Pendley said. “The people here are friendly and willing to help out those that need it. I have not moved from Muskogee because this is my home — It is where my church is, my family lives and my friends are.”

 
For Donna Pendley, going to school has become somewhat of a hobby.

 

After she graduated from Warner High School, Pendley enrolled in classes at Connors State College. She earned an associate’s degree eight years later.

 

“ That is the family joke — that I took eight years to graduate from a two-year school,” Pendley said. “But at the time, I was attending class at night, I was working full time and raising a young family.”

 

Pendley recalls those eight years at Connors as “a course study in patience and determination.” But she didn’t let that slow her down. Pendley later enrolled in classes at Northeastern State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in speech pathology and audiology in two years’ time.

 

In order to put her education to work after earning her second undergraduate degree, Pendley taught five years at Okmulgee County Special Ed Co-op. In 1990, Pendley returned to her job at the Veterans Affairs office in Muskogee.

 

But Pendley heard her name ringing through the halls of academia again. Now she is pursuing her master’s degree, studying English with the hope of teaching college-level night classes.

 

“ I don’t really have a hobby,” Pendley said. “I don’t quilt. I don’t bowl. I would like to teach some night courses — I just hope I am not too senile to teach when I finally get this degree.”

 

Working with vets makes her day

Pendley’s career path has meandered a bit, but for most of her professional life she has worked as a a decision review officer with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at its regional office in Muskogee.
“ I look at claims of disability and see if their service records show any previous treatment for that type of injury,” Pendley said of her job description. “Anytime you can grant service connection and get a veteran some help, you really feel like you’ve done something that day.”

 

Pendley said she has worked with thousands of veterans during her career, and has heard all kinds of stories. Their stories stir Pendley’s emotions. They also set Pendley to thinking.

 

“ I thought there may be a lot of people out there who just don’t understand what these soldiers go through,” Pendley said. “Even if they are not physically injured, some of them come back, and they don’t really act the same as they did when they left.”

 

With that thought, Pendley set a course for a new career path in writing. She recently had her first project — a children’s book about veterans — published.

 

Writing book about veterans a logical step.

 

Along with her ongoing educational endeavors and working at the Veterans Affairs Regional Office, Pendley decided to try her hand at writing.

 

Her compassion for veterans and their stories proved to be a spark that kindled the idea for her recently published children’s book. The topic, Pendley said, is about veterans.

 

“ A Visit With Victor the Vet” not only captures Pendley’s admiration and devotion to the veterans she has known while working for the Department of Veterans Affairs, it also tells the story of a man who proud of his service to America.

 

The story is told through the eyes of the classroom teacher’s husband, “an injured soldier who is very proud and privileged to defend the freedom of his country in battle.” Pendley’s book was published by Tate Publishing, an Oklahoma- and a Christian-based, family-owned organization with a mission to discover and market unknown authors.

 

“ I have been busy trying to promote it with book signings,” Pendley said about her book, which she will be promoting soon in Fayetteville, Ark., and in Fort Smith, Ark. “Getting a book published is way, way harder than writing it.”

 

Q&A

 

HOW DID YOU COME TO BE AN OKIE FROM MUSKOGEE?
My mom and dad were living in Oklahoma City and wanted out of the rat race of a big city. They bought a ranch in Warner and moved us to the country life. There is no better life for me than living in a country atmosphere, and northeast Oklahoma is a very nice place to live.

 

WHAT DO YOU DO WITH YOUR FREE TIME?
When I am not at work, church, or school, I like to spend time with my family. There is nothing better than to be around those you love and those that care for you. Also, I have written a children’s book about veterans, and it has recently been published.

 

HOW DO YOU MAKE A LIVING IN MUSKOGEE?
I work at the Department of Veterans Affairs and have worked there for the last 18 years. Maybe I am partial, but it is hands down the best place in Muskogee to work. We get the privilege to serve those that served our country. That is a very special honor, indeed, in my opinion.

 

NAME AN OKIE FROM MUSKOGEE YOU ADMIRE AND EXPLAIN WHY YOU LOOK UP TO THEM.
The person I most admire in Muskogee would be my pastor, Brother Monty Baggett. He practices each day what he preaches and teaches. He patterns his life after Biblical teachings, and he is always doing something for others, whether they are part of his congregation at Southeast Baptist or just someone that needs a kind word or deed performed. He loves people, and it shows in his caring attitude. He makes church fun with his sharp wit and contagious smile. He is a man that loves God and wants everyone to know that God loves them. I am proud to call him my friend and pastor.

 

IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT COULD BE DONE TO MAKE MUSKOGEE A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE?

Author says there is no better place for her than here.

 

I would like to see people in Muskogee do random acts of kindness — It is a great feeling to do something for someone, even if it is just letting someone with a few items get in front of you in the check out at the store. There are many senior adults that could use a helping hand, even if it is asking if you can take their shopping cart to the cart rack for them. It may even be as simple as picking up an item that a young mother who has her hands full has dropped and has no clue it is missing. You know, just doing everyday gestures that may go totally unthanked, but will make the person that did the unselfish deed feel great. After traveling in different regions of the country, Muskogee is truly a friendly place, and I would like to see its kindness and graciousness right up there with its Southern hospitality.

 

WHAT IS THE MOST MEMORABLE THING THAT HAS HAPPENED TO YOU SINCE YOU HAVE LIVED IN MUSKOGEE?
I have had a really good life here in Muskogee, but probably losing my parents is something I will remember the most. I never realized what it was like to not have your mom and dad in your daily life.

 

HOW WOULD YOU SUM UP MUSKOGEE IN 25 WORDS OR LESS?
It has the potential to become one of Oklahoma’s most progressive cities if we, as its citizens, will allow it to happen.

 

Meet Donna Pendley
AGE: 55.

 

HOMETOWN: I was born in Oklahoma City, and we moved to Warner when I was 8 years old. I have lived in and around Muskogee ever since.

 

CAREER: I began working at the Veterans Affairs Regional Office in 1973, quit in 1983 to go to school full time, and returned to VARO in 1990 after teaching a few years at Okmulgee County Special Ed Co-op.

 

FAMILY: Husband, Bill, and children Billy (Misty) Pendley, Jarrod (Traci) Pendley, Michael Jon (Tina) Scott, Codye Miller, Joel (Jenny) Scott, and Kyle Pendley

 

HOBBIES: Going to church and taking classes at Northeastern State University in Broken Arrow in pursuit of a master’s degree is my main focus currently.

 

Learn more about “A Visit with Victor the Vet“

Author tells story of seeing eye human

 

Maryland author Jennifer A. Carle tells the true story of a rescue dog that needed a second chance in her new book releasing nationwide titled Seeing Eye Human: How an Overprotective Dog Came to Need Protection.

 

Published by Tate Publishing and Enterprises, Carle’s book follows her journey as she sets out from her childhood home only to return and find companionship from an unlikely source, a former rescue dog named Winsome, or Winn.

 

According to the publisher, the author employs a warm sense of humor to explain the relationship between a woman and man’s best friend as the roles reverse and the overprotective dog needs protection himself.

 

The book is available at any bookstore nationwide or can be ordered through the publisher at orders@tatepublishing.com, or by visiting barnesandnoble.com, amazon.com or target.com. Audio versions of the book are also available.

 

Learn more about “Seeing Eye Human“

Rick Hathaway Review

 

 

A Fresh Look at Blessing, Morality, Self-Worth and Mentorship

Author: Rick Hathaway
Publisher: Tate Publishing
Available At: Bookstores everywhere
Publishing Date: Available Now
Genre: Nonfiction: Christian Living
Format: Trade paper
Price: $14.99
ISBN-13: 978-1-6024727-7-8
Author Email/Website: http://rickhathawayonline.com/
Reviewer: Joyce Handzo
Rating: 9 Gargoyles

Rick Hathaway knows what it’s like to be abased and to abound. Because of his life experiences and his faith in Jesus Christ, he has also learned to be content with what he has. If these words sound like something the Apostle Paul might have said in the Bible, you’re absolutely right. Rick Hathaway has developed his mindset around the Scriptures, proving their wealth and wisdom in countless ways and for many years.

This book is a collection of his thoughts, as he blows through the smokescreen society has swirling around the current definition of the American Dream. In our real world, where people are struggling in the quicksand of debt and despair, Rick Hathaway reaches out a hand and invites them to sit beside him. His words are honest, thought-provoking and definitely not for those with “itching ears”. These pages are filled with genuine admonitions and advice, the kind of stuff your best friend should be telling you over a cup of coffee.

The book is divided into four parts, with each one exposing another lie. As the author examines such myths as “Blessings Means Having” and “Morality is Relative”, there will be nodding of heads and perhaps some grinding of teeth as well. The author truly understands the current culture and the attraction it presents, but he is also able to show the way of escape — into the boundaries of a loving God whose Word is as profitable as when it was first written. Insightful questions follow each chapter, making this book a great resource to study with a group.

Do you want to be challenged? Do you want a change in your life? A Legacy of Faith gives you something you don’t hear all the time: truth without the sugar coating, just 100% Spirit-filled.

Learn more about “A Legacy of Faith”

Armchair Interviews – Sinister Among Us

 

There is something terribly wrong at Cyprus College, a small Christian college in Copperville, Indiana. The college is in dire financial trouble, at risk of losing its accreditation, plus a number of other more sinister things are happening on campus. The Board of Directors needs to select a man of impeccable ethical and moral standards who can turn around their financial problems–and that man is Dr. Bradley Green.

 

Brad Green is a specialist who has made a career of turning around financially burdened institutions. He agrees to come out of retirement for the challenge. And that is where the trouble really begins. Besides the financial troubles, Dr. Green discovers drugs, prostitution, excessive use of profanity, and unimaginable abuse by faculty. This is more than just bad behavior; this has a pervasive sense of true evil. Could there be a demon mastermind behind all the evil at the college?

 

Sinister Among Us is truly a one-of-a-kind, totally engrossing tale of how evil in a small college town and on a small Christian campus can invade multiple aspects of daily life and pervert it. This book is not about people’s Christian beliefs but it does contain a very frank lesson about what the Christian doctrine as well as other historical documents says about demons and demon possession.

 

You do not have to be a Christian to find this a fascinating story, and this book does not preach or try to convert you. If you are a Christian however, you may learn more about what the Christian doctrine really says about demons than you were ever taught at your church, regardless of your denomination.

 

But this is not a dry reading of facts as author Dr. Bradshaw has taken a likable character and placed him in a seemingly real-life situation to relate the message–and does it masterfully! I was so involved with Brad Green as he struggles to solve the mystery of what is going on, and as he faces the possibility that the root isn’t something tangible, that I forgot I was reading a story as it seemed so real!

 

Armchair Interviews says: If you like a mix of reality and possible fantasy of demons–and excellent storytelling, check this out.

 

Author’s Web site: http://www.SinisterAmongUs.com