IT’S NOT TOO SOON TO ORDER FOR CHRISTMAS …
… Hanukkah and New Year’s Giving
READ ALONG WITH SOMEONE YOU LOVE—For more than a decade, our motto has been, “Good media builds healthy communities.” We have welcomed dozens of authors who feel the same way. As November begins this week, please consider placing an order for books that, first, we know will make perfect gifts and, second, will spread the values of healthy communities a bit further.
This week, our Cover Story is an overview of some terrific gift-giving ideas, whatever your year-end occasion might be! And, please, consider sharing this column with friends. Speaking for our entire family of authors: We all hope you’ll join us in encouraging Peace on Earth!
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HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS
ALLHALLOWTIDE, SAMHAIN, DIA DE LOS MUERTES—Are you already preparing for this cluster of holidays at the end of October? Stephanie Fenton’s column has all the background, fresh ideas—and a dozen helpful links to find DIY projects and great recipes.
DIWALI—Coming in November is India’s popular festival of lights, called Diwali.
In recognition of the triumph of light over darkness, Diwali bears great significance for Hindus, Jains and Sikhs alike. As awareness of Indian culture spreads, major celebrations now are hosted around the world.
Want to see all the holidays? www.InterfaithHolidays.com
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SHARE HOPE AND UNDERSTANDING
IN THE WAKE OF TRAGEDY
WE HAVE THE ANSWERS—The horrific shooting spree in the heart of a Jewish community this week was fueled by an extremist who had immersed himself in hateful social media full of outrageous lies about our Jewish neighbors. As a counter to such lies, the writers and editors at the Michigan State University School of Journalism continue to produce helpful guidebooks about minorities living in the U.S.
Our motto for this series: “We answer the questions everyone is asking, but no one is answering.” Yes, there are countless book-length histories of Judaism and other standard reference books. However, these short MSU guides zero in on the kinds of questions that often wind up sparking twisted answers in online groups. These books were designed as pro-active information to help all of us counter the kinds of issues that may pop up over coffee—or around an office water cooler—with neighbors and co-workers.
Do a good deed this week. Order a copy of MSU’s book on American Jews, then read it yourself before passing it along to someone else. Counter lies with truth!
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Click the photo to read Suzy’s column.
SURVIVING & THRIVING
GOD SIGNS—This week, columnist Suzy Farbman introduces us to Ali Weitz, a 30-year-old mother preparing to have more children who suddenly got a call that she had cancer. Ali gathered family, friends and physicians to make a plan and, even though she was deeply discouraged at some points along the way, this loving network saved her life. Ali talks about the pillars of strength, all around her—and her own determination to survive. It’s a good-news story to share with others.
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AMERICA AS A CRADLE OF CIVILIZATION
EYE-OPENING VISTAS—The ambitious new PBS series, The Americas, aims at nothing less than a historic transformation of our attitudes toward ancient American civilizations. In a collaboration between scholars and Native peoples, these filmmakers introduce us to wonders that most of us have never imagined. Our review also includes links to the PBS homepage, where you’ll find a host of additional resources, including an interactive map and video clips.
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FRONT EDGE PUBLISHING
HOW ARE BOOKS SORTED?
In our weekly Front Edge Publishing columns, our team has been exploring Metadata 101, illuminating the many mysteries involved in preparing for the professional launch of a new book. This week, we look at a topic most readers have never encountered—the system used to sort books in online bookstores. Susan Stitt writes this week’s column about the creation of these special codes for sorting books. If you’re an author, this is a column you definitely should read. If you are a book lover, this column will explain one way that Amazon and other online bookstores automatically organize your search results.
Want to learn more about publishing today? Please, share this home address with friends: www.FrontEdgePublishing.com
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FAITH & FILM: Ed McNulty
Click the movie still to read Ed’s review.
ED McNULTY, for decades, has published reviews, magazine articles and books exploring connections between faith and film. Most of his work is freely published. Ed supports his work by selling the Visual Parables Journal, a monthly magazine packed with discussion guides to films. This resource is used coast-to-coast by individuals who love the movies and by educators, clergy and small-group leaders.
Among Ed’s free reviews and columns are:
- CHANGE IN THE AIR—When a mysterious, unattached woman moves into a small town, neighbors begin to wonder at the huge sacks of mail she receives. What’s her story? Ed says it’s a terrific movie. (4.5 out of 5 stars)
BAD TIMES AT THE EL ROYALE—Ed writes, “Drew Goddard’s bloody neo-noir crime film surprised me almost as much as Quinten Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction by the emergence of the theme of grace and repentance at the conclusion.” (4 stars)- LITTLE WOMEN—Ed writes, “The new Little Women is more of an ‘inspired by’ version of Louisa May Alcott’s classic than the many previous film adaptations.” (4 stars)
- 3100 RUN AND BECOME—This is the reason our regular readers love Ed’s coverage of Faith & Film! You may have completely missed this inspiring 5-0ut-of-5-star documentary about runners in an amazing challenge of personal (and spiritual) endurance.
- GENERATION WEALTH—Another can’t-miss-it documentary is Lauren Greenfield’s thought-provoking project, both in book and cinematic forms. (4 stars)
- A STAR IS BORN—You may be wondering whether it is worth seeing this newest version of the Hollywood chestnut. Ed says he was very impressed with Bradley Cooper’s new approach to remaking this classic tale. (5 stars)
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