NATURAL DISASTER: I COVER THEM. I AM ONE. & CHASING HELICITY
BY GINGER ZEE ’02
“Good Morning America”
Chief Meteorologist Ginger Zee opens up to readers about her personal life in her book “Natural Disaster: I Cover Them. I am One.” In hopes of inspiring others to share their struggles in order to heal, she presents a candid account of her personal battle with depression, her complicated romantic history, and her tumultuous professional journey.
Ginger followed up the release of her autobiography with publication of a young adult book, “Chasing Helicity,” which follows the adventures of a young girl named Helicity. For Helicity, weather provides a fascinating escape from her own reality. When she journeys out with her horse one day, she encounters elements she’s not ready for and must make choices that will have an enduring effect on her family and her future.
THE ROAD TO PARADISE: A VINTAGE NATIONAL PARKS NOVEL
BY KAREN BARNETT ’92
Set in Mount Rainier National Park in the 1920s, “The Road to Paradise” is Karen’s fifth published book, all of which are set in the country’s national parks in past eras, where historical details could be spotlighted. Karen considers her novels either Christian-based historical fiction or inspirational romance. In “The Road to Paradise,” the protagonist, Maggie, arrives at Mount Rainier National Park for her new job as a park ranger in awe of her surroundings and green with inexperience. She falls in love with the chief ranger, deals with the return of a former love interest, and fights to save the pristine land. This novel is the first of a collection of five similarly themed novels Karen is writing.
ADVERTISING CREATIVE
BY TOM ALTSTIEL ’74 AND JEAN GROW
Take a deep dive into the exploration of digital technology and its implications for the global advertising landscape with “Advertising Creative.” Currently in its fourth edition, “Advertising Creative” is the first post-digital creative strategy and copywriting textbook where digital technology can be found woven throughout each chapter. The straightforward manner in which this book addresses key principles and presents practical information will benefit both students and working professionals as they seek to communicate effectively in this post-digital age. The personal experiences of Tom Altstiel and Jean Grow offer real-world insights on innovative topics, including global, social media, business-to-business, in-house, and small agency advertising. Tom and Jean have been green-lighted for the fifth edition of “Advertising Creative,” scheduled for publication in 2019.
DISASTER POLICY AND ITS PRACTICE IN THE UNITED STATES: A BRIEF HISTORY AND ANALYSIS
BY ANDREA GAMRET ’04
A practical textbook for those working in or researching emergency management, “Disaster Policy and Its Practice in the Unites States” analyzes emergency management policies and practices that have developed to manage the impacts of disaster on modern society. This text examines the added requirements the U.S. government has placed on local, state, and federal agencies to be better prepared and coordinated to determine if they are being followed and the effectiveness level of each. Through this text, each major piece of legislation and its implications are explored and recommendations for short- and long-term policy needs are made, along with new approaches for managing disasters in the United States.
DESERT SOJOURNER
BY CAROL STEFICEK ’70
Jasper, a man disillusioned with his life and the state of the world, embarks on a journey into the Sonoran Desert with his burro and dog. Initially in search of treasure, such as gold or gems, he spends his time wandering and exploring. He grows in appreciation for the desert and his times of quiet contemplation, leading to new discoveries about himself and his life’s journey and changing his life forever.
LAKE MICHIGAN IN A DUGOUT: THE LOG
BY AMY LUKAS ’11 AND MARY CATTERLIN
This journal chronicles the journey of two best friends, Amy and Mary, who took a dugout sailing canoe, built by Mary, on a 1,200-mile, three-month trip around Lake Michigan in summer 2012. The Log superimposes Amy and Mary’s trip journals next to one another. They both share stories of the amazing people they met and places they stayed through their own unique vision, revealing the significance of the experience in their lives. This inspiring story might spark an adventure in your own life.
BLOOD OF THE SHEPHERD
BY SYLVIA CLARKE ’60 STRAUB (PEN NAME S.A. CLARKE)
The Reverend Greg Petersen, a former Navy SEAL, arrives for a late-evening meeting with Senior Pastor Walter Renault at Good Shepherd Church in Washington, D.C. He finds Walter in the sanctuary, lying in a pool of blood.
As he mourns his friend and mentor, he realizes that parishioners will not feel safe unless the killer is arrested soon. He needs to help the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) find the murderer, but he needn’t do it alone. Annie, Walter’s daughter who’s come home with a Ph.D. in music, joins him in his hunt for suspects. Their investigations keep Greg and Annie running around Washington and even lead to some interesting discussions while in France for Pastor Walt’s interment.
Was it the French countryside, the shared investigation or something else that sparks romance in their hearts? No one will never know, but through Greg and Annie’s combined efforts a killer will need to be caught before he strikes again.
BIBLE STORIES ACCORDING TO TUFFY TURTLE: A ROMP THROUGH THE OLD TESTAMENT
BY JONI LUNDIN ’65 MCNAMARA
In her first published book, “Bible Stories According to Tuffy Turtle,” Joni is sure to delight, educate, and entertain all, no matter the age. Tuffy Turtle and his family of “Spiriturtleluses” are gifted with faith from the time of Creation, and it is their duty to share this faith and knowledge in the Creator with all the other animals. There is one small problem, a skeptical rabbit named J.R. and his family of skeptics, the “Skeptirabbituses,” who cannot seem to understand the idea of faith in a God that cannot be seen or touched. These two families travel together throughout the history of the Old Testament, creating and sharing interesting and insightful discussions on the meaning of faith and trust in God. Joni’s second book on Tuffy Turtle, “The Gospel According to Tuffy Turtle: The Life of Jesus,” was published in 2018.
BUSINESS VALUATIONS AND THE IRS: FIVE BOOKS IN ONE
BY MICHAEL GREGORY ’77
After retiring from the IRS, where he headed up business valuation, Michael founded Michael Gregory Consulting LLC in 2011. Michael has written 11 books and more than 30 articles. In his latest publication, “Business Valuations and the IRS: Five Books in One,” Michael provides the reader with the most comprehensive book ever written for business valuers who prepare appraisals for federal tax purposes. Written in five parts, this book contains practical pointers, real-life stories from Michael’s personal experiences, and much more!
MASTERING JOKER WILD VIDEO POKER: HOW TO PLAY AS AN EXPERT AND WALK AWAY A WINNER
BY DAVID HENKE ’69 (PEN NAME BRADLEY DAVIS)
In 1989, a Las Vegas casino posted a sign that claimed two of their slot machines had the potential to pay back 101.1 percent of money invested. After uncovering that the casino was referring to their two joker poker machines, David, equipped with specialized knowledge of computer programming and statistics, developed a computer program that generated an optimum strategy for this 101.1 percent version as well as 18 additional game variations. Now in its second edition, “Mastering Joker Wild Video Poker” provides insights and winning strategies to play as an expert.
FINDING FELICITY
BY STACEY BARNES ’97 KLEMSTEIN (PEN NAME STACEY KADE)
An accomplished writer of young adult novels and a couple adult romances, Stacey has published her 10th book, “Finding Felicity.” Calling it her love letter to the Valparaiso University experience, Stacey wrote this contemporary novel as she vehemently searched for such a story when she was 17. “Finding Felicity” is the story of a girl, Caroline Sands, who made up a fictional social life in high school to satisfy her worried mother using the late ’90s television show Felicity as a guide. Never quite comfortable being herself, Caroline is determined to reinvent herself in college. She attends a small liberal arts college in Iowa, where she finds a tight-knit community of friends quite similar to Stacey’s own experience at Valpo.
HOW TO AVOID EMBARRASSMENT & HUMILIATION IN PUBLIC SPEAKING
BY LEAH HOPPES ’94
Public speaking, while often a daunting and intimidating endeavor, can be mastered with the right tools, according to Leah. In “How to Avoid Embarrassment & Humiliation in Public Speaking,” Leah demystifies public speaking and may leave you surprised as she reveals what makes an effective public speaker. Leah brings more than 30 years of public speaking experience to the reader, including the competitive speech circuit, theatre, corporate presentations, conducting workshops, and leading corporate training. This book presents readers with a deeper understanding of why they may fear public speaking and provides practical tips and tools to become more confident and articulate in front of any audience. Written in a modern and conversational tone, this book is perfect for anyone who is intimidated by the thought of public speaking.
DEMONTOWN
BY LAURA CLAY ’91
A fictional, supernatural mystery novel titled “Demontown” may have you seeing more than you bargained for. In her first published work, LW Clay puts the reader in a state of suspense as Noah Greysen works to solve a cold murder case. Noah undergoes an experimental procedure, BETAlasik, and when he awakes he begins to see demons and angels. Using these demons, Noah commits to solving a cold murder case, but will he do so before the illustrious detective Aaron Finn? This and more will be revealed in this novel that explores anxiety, depression, and other inner demons.
TRAVEL DEVOTIONS: REFRESHING YOUR SOUL WITH LESSONS FROM TRAVELING
BY LAURA GATZ ’90 DELANOY
A collection of 34 devotions, each beginning with a Bible verse and ending with a short prayer, “Travel Devotions: Refreshing Your Soul With Lessons From Traveling” was written and designed by Laura Gatz ’90 DeLanoy, who also used her own photography throughout the book. Laura drew inspiration for “Travel Devotions” from her travels around the world throughout the past 20 years. The spiritual lessons taken from Laura’s world travels will guide you in your daily life, bringing you fulfillment through scripture and drawing you closer to Christ.
Prior to “Travel Devotions,” Laura published “Autumn Devotions: Refreshing Your Soul With Lessons From Autumn,” which is based on her life trials. It contains 31 devotions with verses and prayers.
WHEN ETERNITIES MET: A TRUE STORY OF TERROR, MUTINY, LOSS, AND LOVE IN A DISRE-MEMBERED SECOND WORLD WAR
BY MATT ROHDE ’76
“When Eternities Met” is a true story that takes the reader on a historical journey through the eyes of five teenagers, three from America and two from Central Europe. Their perspective, while not found in the great histories, reveals a Second World War of ambiguity and ambivalence. Perhaps, a peek into the war as it was for most. “When Eternities Met” is based off of numerous interviews, hundreds of letters and other personal documents, and archival research in France, Germany, London, and Washington. This wartime chronicle brings a fresh perspective to the war and has notable resonance in the 21st century.
A TRUE TALE OF A CHICKEN-DUCK NAMED CHUCK
ILLUSTRATED BY CARMEN HAMPSON ’94
A children’s story written by Jennifer Meiring, “A True Tale of a Chicken-Duck Named Chuck” is a book about an unconventional family and unconditional love. As the title indicates, the tale is based upon a true story of a hen who found and hatched a duck egg then raised the duckling as her own. From the rhyming story to the fun, eye-catching illustrations, children will be entertained and parents will be touched by this heartwarming story.
A CHANCE TO REGAIN PARADISE: WHAT PRECEDED THE BIG BANG
BY MIKE MCCAREY ’63
Chance takes readers on a fantastic journey through time in search of the meaning of human existence. Along the way, readers meet the Triune God, Satan, Einstein, Lemaître, Mother Teresa, Emperor Constantine, St. Augustine, Saul of Tarsus, and others. Chance makes the case, based on logic and science, that we humans and the beautiful universe that surrounds us are not accidents of nature, but instead, are the handiwork of a powerful creator. And it offers possible answers to questions that have troubled Christians for thousands of years: Why were humans created if they would so soon become estranged from their creator? Why do bad things happen to good people? On Judgment Day, how will God deal with unbelievers who were never baptized and never exposed to Christian teachings? If it does nothing else, Chance will force readers to think about the meaning of their existence, and that is a good thing.