biography & autobiography / religious

After five major concussions, NFL tight-end Ben Utecht of the Indianapolis Colts and Cincinnati Bengals is losing his memories. This is his powerful and emotional love letter to his wife and daughters?whom he someday may not recognize?and an inspiring message for all to live every moment fully.

A reflection on what it is to be a Muslim in America today. It is also the story of many journeys: from Pakistan to the United States in an arranged marriage that becomes a love match lasting forty years; from secular Muslim in an Islamic society to devout Muslim in a society ignorant of Islam, and from liberal to conservative to American Muslim; from master's candidate to bride and mother; and from an immigrant intending to stay only two years to an American citizen, business executive, grandmother, and tireless advocate for interfaith understanding. The author undercuts stereotypes and offers the refreshing view of an American life through Muslim eyes. She recounts an immigrant's daily struggles balancing assimilation with preserving heritage, overcoming religious barriers from within and distortions of Islam from without, and confronting issues of raising her children as Muslims--while they lobby for a Christmas tree.

"Mark Rothko was not only one of the most influential American painters of the twentieth century; he was a scholar, an educator, and a deeply spiritual human being. Born Marcus Yakovlevich Rotkovitch, he emigrated from the Russian Empire to the United States at age ten, already well educated in the Talmud and carrying with him bitter memories of the pogroms and persecutions visited upon the Jews of Latvia. Few artists have achieved success as quickly, and bythe mid-twentieth century, Rothko's artwork was being displayed in major museums throughout the world. In May 2012his painting Orange, Red, Yellow was auctioned for nearly $87 million, setting a new Christie's record. Author Annie Cohen-Solal gained access to archival materials no previous biographer had seen. As a result, her book is [a] ... detailed portrait of Rothko the man and the artist, an uncommonly successful painter who was never comfortable with the idea of his art as a commodity"--Provided by publisher.

Bethany Haley Williams shares her story of healing and how she built Exile International, a non-profit foundation that nurtures child soldiers rescued from the LRA (Lord's Resistance Army). Once the children escape or are rescued, they have to find a way to live again. Exile International uses art and expression therapy to help with the healing process. Once these children learn to face their pasts, they are given hope for a future and a vision for making a difference in their country as peace-makers.

Chronicles the life of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, an Albanian-born nun who was beatified after her death by Pope John Paul II, discussing her early life, and detailing her efforts to help victims of war-torn Beirut, her work with the Missionaries of Charity, and other related topics.