Best Independent Books December 19
We are delighted to recommend the following books from the independent publishing sector.
FICTION
The Story of Someone
by Beau Bernstein
In this illustrated contemplative tale, the protagonist has a journey of self-discovery and transformation as the person navigates the winding roads of life. Rich with reflection and introspection, this book invites readers to ponder their own paths and the destinations they seek.
With each sunrise and sunset, the person moves closer to uncovering the essence of existence and what it means to truly find oneself. Along the way, moments of doubt, enlightenment, joy and sorrow are encountered, each experience being a stepping stone towards greater understanding.
Bernstein's eloquent prose and thought-provoking narrative weave a story that is both universal and deeply personal, urging people to consider the journeys that shape their lives and the distances they travel in search of meaning. This is a moving exploration of the human spirit and the relentless quest for understanding and connection.
Honors: seen on MarketWatch
Category: Children's
ISBN: 978-1662912221
Saint Richard Parker
by Merlin Franco
This story follows Richard Parker, an ace businessman, writer and investigative journalist, who loses his job after exposing the vegetarian CEO of his newspaper as a beef exporter.
Forced to retreat to his village, Richard embarks on a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment. Navigating through market streets, ballrooms, tantric retreats and pristine jungles, he encounters a dark witch named Isakki and her menacing buffaloes. He consults an astrologer, who predicts his destiny lies in the exotic East. Along the way, he must prove he is not a con artist, child snatcher or Man Friday material. Amidst running for his life, he discovers his true love and the path to enlightenment.
This witty cross-genre satire tackles issues such as racism, prejudice and commodified spirituality in South Asia and Southeast Asia.
The globetrotting, vibrant, culturally rich adventures of Richard Parker are hard to resist. — KirkusHonors: seen on MarketWatch
Category: Humor & Satire
ISBN: 979-8223473961
Camilla Learns to Shine
by Elizabeth Connell Lewis and Mark S. Lewis
Camilla is no ordinary cuttlefish. She looks different from the others and cannot swim as fast as the cuttlefish and squid around her. Worried about her appearance, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery.
Along the way, Camilla learns to appreciate her special body type and unique abilities as she meets new friends near her ocean home. As she navigates the vibrant underwater world, she encounters various sea creatures who teach her valuable lessons about self-acceptance and the importance of embracing one’s uniqueness. Through her interactions, she discovers that her differences make her special and that true beauty comes from within.
This charming tale not only entertains but also educates young readers about marine life, fostering a love for the ocean and its inhabitants. Camilla’s heartwarming story celebrates diversity, resilience and the joy of helping others.
Honors: seen on MarketWatch
Category: Children's
ISBN: 978-1637353219
NON-FICTION
Leadership DNA: Shaping A Thriving Business Culture
by Alinka Rutkowska, Deepak Bhootra, Brandon C. Blewett et al.
This book showcases the real stories, insights and strategies of successful leaders across industries. This compelling anthology explores whether great leaders are born or made and provides practical examples of how they overcome adversity to inspire change.
It features contributions from entrepreneurs, corporate executives and industry visionaries. Insights include how an entrepreneur revived her business by focusing on mental health and fostering resilience within her team, illustrating the importance of well-being in leadership. Another contribution tells how a co-founder scaled his startup from zero to $1 million in just six months by leading with adaptability and purpose, offering key lessons in rapid growth. One of the leaders describes how she broke through barriers in male-dominated industries, transforming challenges into opportunities with inclusive leadership, offering invaluable insight into overcoming adversity. The book also explains how corporate leaders turned disengaged teams into high performers, using empathy and values-driven leadership to create positive cultures that boost engagement and success.
This anthology brings together a diverse range of leadership experiences and real-world examples, offering readers actionable insights and tools for fostering innovation, navigating complex challenges and creating thriving business cultures.
Honors: seen on MarketWatch
Category: Business
ISBN: 978-1637353493
Why Brave Women Win
by Jill Bausch
In this book, the author shares her story as a woman who used bravery to tackle imposter syndrome, find joy in failure, and transform into a real-life hero.
This book is intended for women aiming to achieve all types of wins. The author explains why it’s important to learn to mirror confidence until it is natural and how to do it. She discusses different levels of listening and how they bring people closer to reaching success. She describes the habits that have helped make women highly successful. She underlines what it takes for a woman to package herself in a way that produces maximum impact without compromising individual integrity or authenticity or voice and how to be a lasting leader during turbulent times.
The author’s story doesn’t start with her on a direct path to success. She’s proof that any woman can be a hero with a little bit of bravery.
Honors: seen on MarketWatch
Category: Business
ISBN: 978-1637351529
In case you missed the books featured in the last newsletter, here they are again:
FICTION
The Golden Manuscripts (Book Six of the Between Two Worlds series)
by Evy Journey
Clarissa has roamed through seven countries, yearning for a place she can call home. Her journey takes an unexpected turn when an unusual sale of rare medieval manuscripts leads her and Nathan — a doctor who moonlights as an art journalist — into the shadowy world of stolen art. These manuscripts, reminiscent of the picture books her mother once read to her, ignite her passion for art.
Inspired by the true story of an American soldier who stole illuminated manuscripts during World War II, this literary tale weaves together elements of self-discovery, art mystery, travel and love. As they delve deeper into their quest, they uncover clues that whisper of ancient thieves and unravel secrets that prompt more questions than answers about the esoteric and sometimes unscrupulous art world. For Clarissa, each discovery is a step closer to understanding where she belongs.
Clarissa's quest is not just about recovering lost art; it's about finding a sense of belonging and home. Will this journey grant her the peace she longs for, or will it lead to more questions and mysteries?
Expertly blends well-crafted romance and high-stakes adventure... — Self-Publishing ReviewHonors: Silver Medal, Historical Fiction-Medieval, Global Book Awards; Finalist, Cross-Genre Fiction, International Book Awards
Recognition for Author: Gold Medal, Contemporary Fiction, Global Book Awards, 2021
Category: Literature & Fiction
ISBN: 978-0996247498
Laughing Is Forever
by Jason Stocks
This book is a powerful and raw collection of poems. The author’s writing is characterized by its immediacy and unflinching honesty, blending profanity and pop-culture references.
Living in south Florida, the author brings a wealth of life experience to his writing, having worked various jobs before becoming a teacher. He has created a unique voice that is both tender and brutal.
This is a brave and unflinching exploration of the human experience, delivering a punch to the gut while also offering moments of tenderness and insight.
Honors: seen on MarketWatch
Recognition for Author: Finalist, Contemporary Poetry, American Legacy Book Awards, 2024
Category: Literature & Fiction
ISBN: 978-1962987103
NON-FICTION
The Revenue Catalyst: Mastering the Art of Sales
by Geoffrey M. Reid
This book is a compelling exploration of the often-neglected art of sales, positioning it as the crucial fifth dimension of business. The author delves into the evolution of sales strategies and their critical role in business success.
This comprehensive guide covers everything from the psychology of sales and effective team development to leveraging data and KPIs for predictable outcomes. It challenges conventional wisdom and fills the gaps left by traditional business education. The author unpacks the science of sales, helping readers understand the psychology behind decision-making and persuasion. He provides strategies for selecting and nurturing top sales talent to build high-performance teams, utilizing KPIs to enhance predictability and efficiency and leveraging practical insights through real-world applications, case studies and hands-on techniques.
This is more than a book; it’s a strategic tool for anyone looking to excel in modern sales, including proactive business students, inquisitive sales professionals, budding entrepreneurs and seasoned executives.
Honors: seen on MarketWatch
Category: Business
ISBN: 978-1637352793
The Strategy Handbook: The Secret Sauce to Daily Business Success
by Jeroen Kraaijenbrink
This practical handbook provides daily benefits that far exceed the initial strategy and its application. In this granular guide, people are empowered to generate and execute business strategies through user-friendly charts, tools, case studies and a step-by-step process.
Although strategy can be complex, it isn’t reserved merely for the boardroom or academic elite. On the contrary, strategy, if done right, is for everyone and from everyone. The time has come to demystify the stigmas that have traditionally plagued institutionalized strategy.
In this book, the author unpacks the value-added learnings from MBA programs and scholarly textbooks to achieve obtainable results that actually matter, all in a down-to-earth way.
Highly accessible and understandable — GoodreadsHonors: seen on MarketWatch
Category: Business
ISBN: 978-1637352083
Business As UnUsual
by Rick Yvanovich
This book outlines the mindsets, daily habits and skills required to break free from any ruts and get back in the business game. Action today determines success tomorrow.
In this book, the author shows how to organize for long-lasting success. He affirms coaching as a sought-after skill for the 21st century, and outlines its evolving landscape and its opportunities. He teaches the need to align internal purpose with external goals through mindset and habits. He describes unique assessments, tools and exercises to create a game plan. The objective is to establish critical skills for the next decade.
This book offers invaluable insights, practical strategies and actionable steps to adapt, overcome, and succeed in the new normal.
Honors: seen on MarketWatch
Category: Business
ISBN: 978-1637352335
We trust that your readers will enjoy our hand-picked selection.
For more bestselling and award-winning books from the independent publishing sector, please go here.
Warm regards,
Alinka Rutkowska
CEO, LibraryBub
