Most Popular Books by Bret Witter

Susan Spencer-Wendel’s Until I Say Good-Bye: My Year of Living with Joy is a moving and inspirational memoir by a woman who makes the most of her final days after discovering she has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). After Spencer-Wendel, a celebrated journalist at the Palm Beach Post, learns of her diagnosis of ALS, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, she embarks on several adventures, traveling toseveral countries and sharing special experiences with loved ones. One trip takes Spencer-Wendel and her fourteen-year-old daughter, Marina, to New York City’s Kleinfeld’s Bridal to shop for Marina’s future wedding dress—an occasion that Susan knows she will never see. Co-written with Bret Witter, Until I Say Good-Bye is Spencer-Wendel’s account of living a full life with humor, courage, and love, but also accepting death with grace and dignity. It’s a celebration of life, a look into the face of death, and the effort we must make to show the people that we love and care about how very much they mean to us.

The inspiring, instructive, and ultimately triumphant memoir of a man who used hard work and a Master Plan to turn a life sentence into a second chance. Growing up in a tough Washington, D.C., neighborhood, Chris Wilson was so afraid for his life he wouldn''t leave the house without a gun. One night, defending himself, he killed a man. At eighteen, he was sentenced to life in prison with no hope of parole. But what should have been the end of his story became the beginning. Deciding to make something of his life, Chris embarked on a journey of self-improvement--reading, working out, learning languages, even starting a business. He wrote his Master Plan: a list of all he expected to accomplish or acquire. He worked his plan every day for years, and in his mid-thirties he did the impossible: he convinced a judge to reduce his sentence and became a free man. Today Chris is a successful social entrepreneur who employs returning citizens; a mentor; and a public speaker. He is the embodiment of second chances, and this is his unforgettable story.

As narrated by Tuesday, Tuesday Tucks Me In is a day in the life of this service dog extraordinaire and tail-wagging ambassador for all things positive and uplifting in the world. The book takes us through a typical day of adventures, starting with Tuesday waking military veteran Luis Carlos Montalván in the morning and greeting him with dog breath in the face, and then ending with Tuesday cuddling up to Luis on their bed, the last moment they spend together before sleep.

There is nothing stronger than a mother’s love . . . except a good glass of moonshine. The mountains of North Carolina are rich—lush with the greens and blues of the seven-mile views and bursting with a culture where the ways of Old Appalachia meet the new South. This is the heart of moonshine country, where they practice an art passed down from generation to generation, crafted not only out of pride and ingenuity, but also out of a daring to push the boundaries of the law to create a product that has come, in many ways, to symbolize America. Troy Ball is a classic Southern belle, with an easy charm, impeccable manners, a wide smile, and golden-blond hair. But beneath that crisp white blouse and strand of pearls is a streak of tenacity a mile wide. In the early 2000s, Troy and her husband, Charlie, left their native Texas for the up-and-coming town of Asheville, North Carolina, because the climate was better for the health of their two severely ill, special-needs sons. Troy found there something the dedicated mom never expected: time for herself. And then along came Forrest Jarrett, an Appalachian raconteur with a pickup truck, a thousand stories to tell, and a sip or two of white squeezings, aka moonshine, to share with the newcomer. What followed was a surprising friendship and a five-year journey into the heart of distilling old-fashioned corn whiskey. Stretching back to Colonial times and forward to today and the Byzantine laws Troy had to navigate to become the first female legal moonshiner in the history of the South, this a true moonshine-making odyssey that will touch your soul. When the real estate crash wiped out her family financially and threatened the safety of her children, Troy realized that moonshine was more than a hobby . . . her world-class whiskey (and newfound friends) could save her family, too. Pure Heart is a story of dedication, inspiration, and days spent in a run-down shack in the company of some of the finest and funniest good-old boys you’d ever want to meet. It is the story of how a strong woman used grit and determination to launch a thriving business, and what a mother will do to help her children. It is also about sharing a drink with friends—and all that is great about the South.

Tom Locke goes inside ISIS territory in this military action thriller. Tom Locke is on the run from Apollo Outcomes, a private military corporation run by the treacherous Brad Winters. While working undercover on the frontline of ISIS-infected Iraq, he is approached by a middleman looking to find a missing Saudi Prince. What Locke doesn''t know is that the young Prince may be carrying a secret agreement made with the Pakistanis in the 1960s, and that his father may be trying to topple the Saudi government. Who is the mysterious Saudi who hired Locke''s team? Is the prince''s disappearance personal or political? And all the while a duplicitous adversary much closer to home waits for his chance to strike... A compulsive and explosive thriller, Deep Black is perfect for fans of Rob Sinclair, Daniel Silva and Tom Clancy. Praise for Sean McFate ‘I was blown away... simply one of the most entertaining and intriguing books I''ve read in quite some time’ Mark Greaney, #1 New York Times bestselling author ‘Persuasive, unsettling and nonpolemical’ Publisher’s Weekly, Starred Review

An electrifying thriller – the first in a blistering series for readers of Brad Thor, Tom Clancy and Daniel Silva. Tom Locke is an elite warrior working for Apollo Outcomes, one of the world’s most successful private contracting firms. Pulled out of a mission in Libya, he is tapped for an unusual and risky assignment: a top secret black op in Ukraine. Given one week to rescue an oligarch’s family and pull off a spectacular assault, he soon realises his mission has repercussions for this imperiled Eastern European nation and the world. What Locke doesn’t know is that the operation comes with a dangerous complication: his enigmatic and ambitious boss, Brad Winters. One misstep could cost Locke – and the region – everything. Written by an army veteran with deep military expertise, Shadow War is an explosive and unputdownable thriller. Praise for Shadow War ‘I was blown away’ Mark Greaney, #1 New York Times bestselling author ‘Ex-mercenary Sean McFate has produced a first novel that''s assured, authentic, timely, gritty, and most of all real’ C.J. Box, New York Times Best-selling Author of Badlands and Off the Grid ‘Shadow War has pace like a catapult, sudden and fierce, and it will hit readers straight between the eyes’ Ted Bell, author of Patriot

A heartwarming and inspirational fable from the Radio City Christmas Spectacular Santa based on his own personal journey of discovering the magic of Christmas. Every year, over a million people attend the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, where they have the pleasure of seeing Charles Edward Hall don a red suit and become the world’s most famous Santa Claus—a role he has played for over thirty-five years. But Hall wasn’t always such a jolly old soul. Believe it or not, this Santa was once a Scrooge—literally. For the first time, Charles tells the inspiring story of his own transformation, from a wide-eyed child who once caught a glimpse of Santa through a frosty windowpane, to a young man who lost his faith in jolly old Saint Nick. It wasn’t until fate intervened, in the form of an unexpected role, a stage malfunction, and hundreds of letters from children, that Charles rediscovered his Christmas spirit. Ultimately, he discovered two life-changing lessons: this was his life’s work, and that Santa is real. When Charles needed him most, Santa was there, with kind words and a special gift. As this delightful true-life fable proves, he is there for everyone. All it takes is a good heart, an honest joy, and a belief in the magic of Christmas.

The New York Times bestselling memoir of the 27-year-old Boston Marathon bombing survivor and the basis of the major motion picture starring Jake Gyllenhaal. When Jeff Bauman woke up on Tuesday, April 16th, 2013 in the Boston Medical Center, groggy from a series of lifesaving surgeries and missing his legs, the first thing he did was try to speak. When he realized he couldn''t, he asked for a pad and paper and wrote down seven words: "Saw the guy. Looked right at me," setting off one of the biggest manhunts in the country''s history. Just thirty hours before, Jeff had been at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon cheering on his girlfriend, Erin, when the first bomb went off at his feet. As he was rushed to the hospital, he realized he was severely injured and that he might die, but he didn''t know that a photograph of him in a wheelchair was circulating throughout the world, making him the human face of the Boston Marathon bombing victims, or that what he''d seen would give the Boston police their most important breakthrough. In Stronger, Jeff describes the chaos and terror of the bombing itself and the ongoing FBI investigation in which he was a key witness. He takes us inside his grueling rehabilitation, and discusses his attempt to reconcile the world''s admiration with his own guilt and frustration. . Brave, compassionate, and emotionally compelling, Jeff Bauman''s story is not just his, but ours as well.

The former homeless man featured in a viral YouTube radio-voice video shares the complete story of how he lost his successful career to a crack addiction, tracing his journey through homelessness and crime before finding love and redemption.

UNTIL TUESDAY is the story of how Tuesday, a service dog, helps to heal a shattered soldier. Luis Carlos Montalván is a 17-year veteran and retired captain of the US Army. Even after suffering stab wounds, a traumatic brain injury and three broken vertebrae, Captain Luis chose to remain at his post on the Iraq-Syria border. In his mind, he had come this far, now wasn''t the time to abandon his comrades. However, when Luis returned home, the pressures and injuries proved too much to bear. Physical disabilities, agoraphobia and crippling PTSD drove him to the brink of suicide. And that''s when he met Tuesday. UNTIL TUESDAY entwines Luis'' story of courage and bravery with that of his trusted dog, Tuesday, and shows how a brave soldier who fought tirelessly for his country, found a way back from the devastation of being injured in action, with the help of his canine friend.

Vicki Myron follows up her #1 New York Times bestseller Dewey with stories of cats who inspire their owners and includes two brand-new Dewey stories! Dewey''s Nine Lives offers nine funny, inspiring, and heartwarming stories about cats—all told from the perspective of "Dewey''s Mom," librarian Vicki Myron. Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World was a blockbuster bestseller and a publishing phenomenon. It has sold nearly a million copies, spawned three children''s books, and will be the basis for an upcoming movie. No doubt about it, Dewey has created a community. Dewey touched readers everywhere, who realized that no matter how difficult their lives might seem, or how ordinary their talents, they can-and should-make a positive difference to those around them. Now, Dewey is back, with even more heartwarming moments and life lessons to share. The amazing felines in this book include Dewey, of course, whose further never-before-told adventures are shared, and several others who Vicki found out about when their owners reached out to her. Vicki learned, through extensive interviews and story sharing, what made these cats special, and how they fit into Dewey''s community of perseverance and love. From a divorced mother in Alaska who saved a drowning kitten on Christmas Eve to a troubled Vietnam veteran whose heart was opened by his long relationship with a rescued cat, these Dewey-style stories will inspire readers to laugh, cry, care, and, most importantly, believe in the magic of animals to touch individual lives.

In the tradition of Marley: A Dog Like No Other, this is the story of a cat who was more than a pet, and the amazing effect he had on the people around him. This middle-grade adaptation of the Grand Central bestseller Dewey features an 8-page photo insert, including exclusive, never-before-seen photos of the Dew! Now everyone''s favorite library cat can inspire a new audience of young readers with his story of courage and love. Abandoned in a library book drop slot in the dead of winter, this remarkable kitten miraculously endured the coldest night of the year. Dewey Readmore Books, as he became known, quickly embraced his home inside Spencer''s public library, charming the struggling small town''s library-goers, young and old. As word of Dewey''s winning tail, or rather his tale, spread, the library cat gained worldwide fame as a symbol of hope and proof positive that one small cat could change a town, one reader at a time.

Een achtergelaten katje inspireert de bezoekers van een bibliotheek, en steelt de harten van elke dierenliefhebber: het waren dé ingrediënten voor een internationale bestseller. Het aandoenlijke verhaal over Dewey ging de hele wereld over, en overal werden mensen geraakt. Het deed mensen beseffen dat hoe groot alle ongeluk in de wereld ook kan zijn, één positief verhaal bij iedereen een glimlach teweeg kan brengen. Dewey''s wereld gaat verder met wat Dewey, de bibliotheekkat zo succesvol maakte: inspirerende, grappige en hartverwarmende verhalen over ondeugende maar onweerstaanbare katten, verteld vanuit het perspectief van ''de moeder van Dewey''; bibliothecaresse Vicki Myron. Naast nieuwe verhalen over de avonturen van Dewey, zijn er ook zeven verhalen over andere bijzondere katten en hun eigenaren in het boek gebundeld.

Le nuove avventure del gatto da biblioteca che ha commosso il mondo e dei suoi amici: storie commuoventi e buffe, per invogliarvi ad abbracciare il vostro cucciolo e dirgli grazie.

En una Europa convulsionada por la guerra, un grupo de personas, en su mayoría no militares, se lanza al rescate del patrimonio cultural de la humanidad. Esta crónica narra un pasaje poco conocido de la historia del siglo XX. Se trata de la extraordinaria odisea emprendida por un grupo de hombres y mujeres que, en plena Segunda Guerra Mundial y durante los primeros años de la posguerra, fueron comisionados para localizar y rescatar importantes obras de arte, incluidos cuadros de Miguel Ángel, Leonardo da Vinci, Van Dyck y Vermeer, las cuales habían sido robadas por los nazis. El autor se apoyó en una amplia investigación durante la cual consultó documentos de primera mano. El libro ha dado lugar a una producción fílmica producida, dirigida y protagonizada por George Clooney, con un gran elenco.

En junio de 2011, Susan Spencer-Wendel se enteró de que tenía esclerosis lateral amiotrófica (ELA, o mal de Lou Gehrig), una enfermedad irreversible que destruye sistemáticamente los nervios que rigen a los músculos. Tenía cuarenta y cuatro años, un esposo fiel y tres hijos menores de edad, y solo le quedaba un año de movilidad. Susan decidió vivir ese año con alegría. Dejó su empleo como periodista y pasó tiempo con su familia. Hizo siete viajes con las siete personas más importantes en su vida. Y escribió este libro, tecleando letra por letra en su iPhone usando solo su pulgar derecho, su último dedo aún en funcionamiento. Se trata de un libro a veces triste, por supuesto, pero también lleno de optimismo, alegría de vivir y sentido del humor. Un libro sobre la vida, no sobre la muerte. Un libro que, como la propia Susan, hará sonreír a todos.

Todas las mañanas, Tuesday ayuda a Luis a ponerse los zapatos, primero uno y luego el otro. Le recuerda tomarse las medicinas y le acerca el bastón. Pero he aquí lo curioso: Tuesday no es una persona, ¡es un perro de asistencia! Cuando Luis regresó a casa después de la guerra, todo cambió completamente y las cosas más corrientes lo asustaban. Por suerte, tenía a Tuesday, que se mantenía a su lado ayudándolo paso a paso. Dondequiera que Luis vaya, Tuesday está a su lado, listo para proteger a su amigo. Y no es solamente Tuesday quien cuida a Luis. Luis también cuida a Tuesday. Lo lleva a pasear al parque, le limpia las patas ¡y hasta le cepilla los dientes! Del autor de su libro de memorias, Hasta Martes: Un guerrero herido y el Golden Retriever que lo salvó, nos llega una historia de amor eterno entre en soldado veterano de guerra y su inseparable amigo, Tuesday.

"There was a huge public outpouring to the recent articles in The New York Times about Family Foundation School, a last-resort institution for troubled teens in upstate New York. It described the near 50% death rate of alumni-including many by suicide-and how the survivors lived with their trauma in the years after leaving the school. A follow-up piece this January covered the shocking facts that came to light through multiple lawsuits and the continuing fight for justice on behalf of the survivors. No one would know this story without Liz, known around the world as Survivor993, and this searing memoir-for readers of works like Girl, Interrupted, Finding Me by Michelle Knight, and The Boy Who Was Raised by a Dog by Bruce Perry-shares the story of her years at Family Foundation, and her rage and recovery in the years after she left. Liz refused to live a quiet life after what she had been through; this is her story of pointing fingers and fighting back. Her hashtag #Iseeyousurvivor has been shared 237 million times. In a narrative reminiscent of Erin Brockovich, Liz and her group of "troubled teens" shut the Family Foundation School after testifying in Congress, and they went on to shutter The Agape Boys Ranch and Circle of Hope, two abusive Christian homes in Missouri. I SEE YOU, SURVIVOR, is about what really happened at The Family and the thousands of facilities like it, about how destroying a child through "tough love" is abuse, and the abuse of children has consequences. This book will challenge your faith, break your heart and make you cry-but this is not a dark book. It is an inspiring book. Because it''s not a book about trauma, it''s about triumph, and Liz''s critical message for every survivor she sees: "You are not broken. You are not unlovable. And you are not alone. There are millions of us. And I come with a message, for you, for them, for everyone: They act strong, but we are stronger. We are worthy. We are not alone. Speak, and we will be there for you. Speak, because there is power in your testimony. Speak, and we will win.""--

Какие переживание может вынести животное? Сколько жизней у кошки? Как получилось, что несчастный котенок - подкидыш сделал маленькую библиотеку местом встречи окрестных жителей и центром притяжения для туристов

Uma história ainda pouco divulgada é resgatada por Robert M. Edsel em Caçadores de obras-primas. Trata-se do trabalho realizado pelos Monuments Man, soldados que tentaram dificultar ou impedir o “maior roubo da história” cometido por Hitler durante a Segunda Guerra Mundial. Estima-se que o Führer e seus homens tenham se apossado de mais de 5 milhões de objetos culturais. O objetivo era criar o maior acervo de obras-primas do mundo em terras alemãs. De início, o trabalho dos Monuments Man era mitigar os danos cometidos a acervos públicos. Com o avanço das tropas de Hitler, o foco voltou-se para a localização de obras de arte móveis e outros itens culturais roubados ou perdidos. O trabalho, iniciado na metade da guerra, em 1943, estendeu-se até 1951. As histórias relatadas no livro baseiam-se em extensa pesquisa em diários de campo, agendas, relatos de guerra e, especialmente, nas cartas escritas pelos soldados às famílias. Edsel também coletou informações em entrevistas exclusivas com os próprios Monuments Man. O livro concentra-se na atuação de oito deles, mas, a partir de suas histórias, o autor traça um amplo panorama do trabalho desempenhado silenciosamente por esses homens e mulheres – ao todo, eles somavam 350 soldados de 13 diferentes países. A trajetória desses homens dedicados à arte mostra uma nova visão sobre um episódio vital na história mundial recente. Somente com esse empenho foi possível às gerações seguintes contemplar inúmeras obras de arte. Na última década, o trabalho desses homens e mulheres começou a ser reconhecido. Os resultados da extensa pesquisa de Edsel não poderiam chegar em melhor hora. O livro ganhou adaptação para cinema em 2014 com estrelas como George Clooney, Matt Damon, Bill Murray e Cate Blanchett.