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The Oakland Press wants to share book-related news with you, including updates on events and reviews. We want to talk books with you, so feel free to contribute.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Clarkston author to sign "Coffee Quest: One Guy's Journey to Find a Decent Cup of Coffee"

Author Dave Wodnicki Book Signing Event

WHEN: 7-9-11

TIME: 1 - 3 p.m.

WHERE: Pistachio's, 5741 W. Maple Rd., West Bloomfield Township, MI 48322

WHAT: Wodnicki, a resident of Clarkston, MI, will be available to sign copies of his book, Coffee Quest: One Guy's Journey to Find a Decent Cup of Coffee.

Dave Wodnicki is just a regular guy who likes the simple things in life, like a sunny morning and a nice full-bodied cup of coffee. Having spent all of his working life in the high-tech world slurping down countless cups of bad coffee, Dave started looking for something better than just a caffeine fix. A 'flavor' fix was what was needed, and the quest to find it was begun. While on his quest, new pathways were revealed, which led him to the present culture of coffee aficionados. The coffee trail opened up to reveal new views into the world of art and culture. Yet another path led to his awareness and appreciation of agriculture, nutrition, gourmet chefs, and the modern foodie society whose experience and enthusiasm prompted him to pay much closer attention to matters of food and the drink called coffee. This is the story of his adventure through the maze of mediocre mud to the finish line of fantastic flavor. This is the search for the perfect cup of joe...a Coffee Quest.

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Monday, June 27, 2011

How a Jewish kid from Chicago became a respected swami

FYI
Radhanath Swami will be signing copies of The Journey Home, Autobiography of an American Swami at a special booksigning event to be held at The Royal Oak Music Theatre (318 W. Fourth Street, Royal Oak, MI 48067) on June 29, 2011 from 6:30 PM until 8:30 PM. Free Admission and Complimentary Dinner.
RSVP: michigan@radhanathswami.com or by phone: 248-632-0740.
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How did a Jewish kid from Chicago become one of India's most renowned spiritual guides and philanthropists? Radhanath Swami (born Richard Slavin) was brought up in a middle class Jewish family in Chicago. In 1969 at the age of 19, he set out to wander the world in a quest to find his inner self, ultimately leading him on an amazing odyssey from London to the spiritually rich lands of India. Since then, Radhanath Swami has been practicing Bhakti Yoga (devotional yoga) and passionately pursuing a lifelong mission of reducing suffering in the world. His contributions to humanity are so vast they have earned him a celebrity-like status. Yet as a Swami or Monk exclusively dedicated to service, he has taken a vow of a
simple life, celibacy, and abstinence from intoxicants. He has no property, no bank account, and not a penny to his name. But he has found the one thing so many strive to achieve: the path to enlightenment. He now shares his story with as many people as possible to help others achieve the same realization.

Radhanath Swami is highly recognized for his humanitarian efforts and for initiating a number of acclaimed social action programs in India including a hospital, schools, emergency relief clinics and his charity, Midday Meals, which provides more than 260,000 lunches to indigent children daily. Loyal supporters of Radhanath Swami donate millions of dollars each year, all of which is used to head up these highly regarded community service projects in Mumbai, India.

His autobiography, THE JOURNEY HOME, is an inspiring tale of adventure and profound spiritual discovery that follows Richard Slavin through a life-changing journey down the path of enlightenment to his current status. The book is published in over 10 languages and has sold thousands of copies globally.

His story takes us hitchhiking across Europe and the Middle East—through Turkey, Iran,
Afghanistan, Pakistan, and eventually India. He survives multiple near-death encounters including run-ins with drug smugglers, robberies at knifepoint, an attack by a pack of wild dogs, being held captive by a large venomous snake, and nearly suffocating in quicksand. Penniless and half-starved, he arrives in India and climbs to remote regions of the Himalayas where levitating recluses are among the many famous and unknown mystics who train him in the life of a wandering mendicant. He eventually finds himself in a holy forest where his long, matted locks and threadbare garments gain him entrance into the company of renowned yogis and saints. This is where he begins to learn that beautiful things happen in life when we "let go of our own ego". THE JOURNEY HOME is an extraordinary memoir in which the author weaves a colorful tapestry of adventure, mysticism, and love.

THE JOURNEY HOME Grosse Pointe War Memorial Book Signing Event:-
Radhanath Swami will be signing copies of The Journey Home, Autobiography of an American Swami at a special booksigning event to be held at The Grosse Pointe War Memorial on June 28, 2011 from 6:30 PM until 8:30 PM. Free Admission and Complimentary Dinner.
RSVP: michigan@radhanathswami.com or by phone: 248-632-0740.


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Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Reviews on "A Motion for Innocence ... And Justice for All"

FYI — Visit www.amotionforinnocence.blogspot.com


"A Motion for Innocence ... And Justice for All?" by Shaun Webb of Waterford Township is number 11 on the Amazon.com books list under nonfiction.
Based on a true story, Sean and Nikki West are trusted and longtime employees at St. Pauly Parish in Black Pond Township. Little did they know that their lives were about to change.
Sean meets the janitorial team responsible for the cleaning of the school building. David Carowitz, Sara Joan Radison, Bonnie Radison and 15-year-old Blair Radison. When supplies begin disappearing, Sean's allegations of theft initiate a chain of unfortunate events. These people would turn his otherwise happy and quiet existence upside down.
Sean finds himself facing charges of criminal sexual conduct with a girl he hardly knows. Are you really innocent until proven guilty? How do you prove something did not happen when no evidence exists? Can Sean and Nikki overcome the odds that are stacked against them? Will he, with Nikki's help, bring out the truth before it's too late?
This story shines a bright light on false allegations, the legal system and incarceration here in the United States. Is it fair? Is it corrupt? Listen to the story and you decide. All Sean and Nikki seek is the truth. It is their burden, their cross to bear, it is emotional, disturbing and moving.
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Author Shaun Webb is a 45-year-old resident of Waterford Township who maintains that he was falsely accused and wrongly convicted of a sex crime in 2005. He wrote this book to illustrate step-by-step of his journey through a cruel and corrupt criminal justice system. From the initial allegation to the trial, jail and aftermath, he tries to capture the incessant efforts of county prosecutors to get a conviction at any cost necessary.
He said that lying, deceit and a poor defense contributed to a perfect storm against me and my family. He also writes about a judge, who he maintains treated him unfairly.
All names and locations have been changed to protect the innocent ... and guilty alike.
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Reviews for "A Motion for Innocence ... And Justice for All?"

"This book scared the S**T out of me!" David of Troy

"A scary book. It goes to show how easy it is to be accused of and even convicted for a crime you didn't commit. A very serious and sincere read." Anne-Marie of Commerce

"This well-told story is a harrowing description of one man's journey through our justice system after a vengeful false accusation destroys his previously calm, happy life. It's a nightmare scenario that will make you think twice the next time you read a news story about an arrest or conviction. The trial scenes made me want to scream at the incompetent lawyer and the judge, and make me wonder how many people are currently behind bars because the jury didn't see the whole story. Some of the jail scenes are just as shocking. If even half of the things in this book actually occur in real life, we should all be out protesting our court and prison system right now. Despite all the negatives, the unwavering support of family and friends gets Sean (the lead character) through his ordeal, and provides some lightness to the book. I like how the author varied his narrative - mostly first person, but also court transcripts, newspaper articles, police reports, etc. Good read, page turner, I recommend this book." McB of Raleigh, NC

"This is a book about an ordinary man named Sean whose life is unalterably changed when a school girl accuses him of sexual misconduct. The book is a very personal and raw account of the events that unfold after young Blair reports Sean to the authorities.
"Sean's passion to prove his innocence translates superbly into text. We are right there with him, feeling and living this horrifying and surreal experience. Sean draws us in with his experiential understanding of the injustices of our legal and penal system. We are appalled and enraged. A Motion for Innocence exposes the unbelievable insanity and brutality of a system out of balance. A system that needs and must be changed. Men everywhere should be "up in arms."
What might have been a crippling experience for others, Shaun Webb transforms into a work of art. He pours his heart and soul into this amazing account, which in turn raises awareness and potentiates change. He gives a voice to all those who have been unjustly accused, shunned and judged. Perhaps he gives a voice to those who are guilty as well. Our justice system is shockingly corrupt and inhumane." Vicki of Ferndale

"This is a great read, by a first-time author. The story is compelling and quite frightening to see what happens to a family when one of it's members is unjustly accused. The story is told in a way that makes you feel like you are sitting with him talking over a cup of coffee. I recommend this highly!" Jill of Minneapolis, MN

"I couldn't put the book down once I started reading it. I shed tears of frustration and disbelief as I followed Sean and Nikki through their ordeal. It is just beyond my comprehension how some of the people who are supposed to be making our justice system work are so inept, uncaring and corrupt. I have law enforcement in my family whom I KNOW are good and caring people, who are there to protect the innocent. I pray that the people Sean and Nicki dealt with are definitely the minority ... I pray that Sean and Nikki will someday find the peace in their lives that they deserve." Anonymous Reader

"I haven't been able to put the book down since I got it. Heartwrenching. Terrible how one man's life has been ruined." Joanna of Waterford

A Motion For Innocence deals with the backlash of false allegations levied against someone. It seems to be a pretty serious problem in the USA and this book deals with it in no uncertain terms. It is a work of fiction, but mirrors what it must be like to be falsely accused, convicted and sent through the criminal justice system.. I liked writing it, it was a pretty good read with a little funny, a little sad, and a lot shocking." Shawn of Pittsburgh, Pa

Visit:
http://www.amazon.com/Motion-Innocence-Second-Shaun-Webb/dp/1456418114/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1304108330&sr=1-2

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-motion-for-innocenceand-justice-for-all-shaun-webb/1031147029?ean=2940012975003&itm=2&usri=shaun%2bwebb

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Monday, June 13, 2011

Rochester and Rochester Hills

Celebrate the History of Rochester
Local authors release new book featuring stunning collection of vintage photographs

Rochester and Rochester Hills
By Meredith Long, Madelyn Rzadkowolski
Images of America series
Price: $21.99
128 pages/ softcover

Book signing:
Book signing from 1 to 3 p.m., Saturday, June 18 at Costco on Telegraph in Bloomfield Township

Authors:
Meredith Long is curator and Madelyn Rzadkowolski is curatorial assistant at the historic Meadow Brook Hall in Rochester Hills. Combining forgotten anecdotes and dynamic photographs from local collectors, families and companies, they illustrate a past often undervalued in this modern age.


New from Arcadia Publishing's Images of America series is Rochester and Rochester Hills. In over 200 vintage photographs, local authors Meredith Long and Madelyn Rzadkowolski share the history of the area.
Rochester and Rochester Hills grew in a territory of three rivers, abundantly fertile pastures and rolling oak forests on land once considered uninhabitable. Though only 30 miles from Detroit, official government reports of swampy and barren land deterred settlers.
In 1817 the Graham family disregarded these reports instead following the advice of Native Americans to reach a territory governed by a triumvirate of creeks which were forceful enough to power several mills yet gentle enough to support thriving farms. Only 20 years later every plot in Rochester had been sold. Later the village was made a stop on the network of Michigan railroads, cementing its fate as a vigorous and popular community.
With a past boasting such illustrious citizens as auto baron John Dodge and internationally prominent obstetrician Dr. Bertha Van Hoosen with corporations like Parke-Davis and philanthropic organizations such as Leader Dogs for the Blind, Rochester remains a source of innovative leadership as well as a model for successful suburbia.
Available at area bookstores, independent retailers, and online retailers, or through Arcadia Publishing at (888)-313-2665 or www.arcadiapublishing.com.
Arcadia Publishing is a leading publisher of local and regional history in the United States. Visit www.arcadiapublishing.com.

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Tuesday, June 7, 2011

For Father's Day

Author Dave Moore Book Signing Event


Just in time for Father's Day, Ypsilanti author Dave Moore will be available to sign copies of his inspirational memoir, "The Father's Love: Amid A Frantic Search For His Son, A Father Finds His Faith."
Confronting depression, fatigue, and evil, Dave Moore goes on a cross-country search for his missing son.
Becoming increasingly desperate and having done all that is humanly possible without results, what will he do? Who will he turn to?
In this amazing true story, you will experience Dave Moore's anguish in going through a father's worst nightmare—a missing child.
Through his fear, Dave confronts his soul's emptiness and learns the heavenly father's love.
The signing will be at 3 p.m., Sunday, June 12, at Nicola's Books, 2513 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor.


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