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Story of ''The First Jew of Texas'' Told in New Book

Posted on May 29, 2012 by Bobby Bernshausen | 0 Comments

Jim Novy may not be a familiar name to many, but his story is truly one that surpasses that of most who arrived in the United States during the peak of the Eastern European Jewish immigration wave. The remarkable tale of this formerly unsung figure in Texas history is laid out in great detail in a new book from Virtualbookworm.com Publishing entitled “The First Jew of Texas: The Life of Jim Novy,” edited by David Chapin. Narrowly escaping his small Polish village to land in Galveston, Texas with his brothers in 1913, Jim Novy's first few years in America involved numerous attempts to make a start in the business industry. As a teenage immigrant in a strange new world, one can assume he had no idea as to the outstanding and prosperous future that awaited him on this nation's shores. Ultimately becoming the owner of an Austin-based scrap metal business, which would grow exponentially as the economy called for a higher demand of his product, Novy achieved a wealth greater than he could have imagined upon leaving Europe. Although not literally the first Jew to arrive in the State of Texas, he received the title "First Jew of the State of Texas" from the editors of the Texas Jewish Press in 1942 after they released a series of articles telling his life's story. From here, his success would grow even further, extending to links within the White House and a personal friendship with President Lyndon B. Johnson. David Chapin compiled parts of this work from the archives of Elaine Shapiro, but the text also includes information culled through a wide variety of sources, from the LBJ presidential library to interviews with the Novy family to the oral and written history of the Congregation Agudas Achim (the synagogue to which Jim Novy belonged during his lifetime). These accounts of Novy's life and endeavors come together to form a compelling success story that will leave readers with a desire to strive for excellence in their own lives.

"The First Jew of Texas: The Life of Jim Novy" is available in softcover (ISBN 978-1-60264-991-0), hardcover (ISBN 978-1-60264-992-7), and ebook (ISBN 978-1-60264-993-4) from Virtualbookworm.com, Amazon.com, and Barnesandnoble.com. This book can also be ordered from most bookstores around the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom. More information can be found at www.jimnovy.com .

Posted in Authors and the Media, Press Releases

Appreciation of Diversity is the Message in New Children's Book, "Friends It Is!"

Posted on May 22, 2012 by Bobby Bernshausen | 0 Comments

Barn yard animals demonstrate they have much to teach us about friendship in the innovative children’s book “Friends It Is!” by K.B. Bateman.   There are many diverse farm animals living at Skylark Farm, however they live in harmony treating one another with respect and kindness. When a new animal is brought into their lives, they are initially surprised by his unique appearance. Despite their differences, the animals are kind and accepting of him, quickly forming new friendships.   K.B. Bateman’s mission is to promote peace in the world. She believes diversity is not something to fear, but rather something to value. In order to depict this viewpoint, Bateman created a story where the characters teach by example by showing respect to those in their world who are different. When Bateman lived at her much loved Skylark Farm, she witnessed this in practice every day between her animals, creating the inspiration for her ground-breaking work. Bateman states, “If only we were all fortunate enough to live in a place like Skylark, where everyone is kind and gets along nicely regardless of their differences. What a marvelous world that would be!”

“Friends It Is!” is available in softcover (ISBN 978-1-62137-013-0) from Virtualbookworm.com, Amazon.com, and Barnesandnoble.com.

Posted in Press Releases

One Man's Spiritual Journey to Find Healing

Posted on May 22, 2012 by Bobby Bernshausen | 0 Comments

Throughout the course of American history, a great number of Native American traditions have been forgotten. However, there are those who have sought to preserve these belief systems and continue to incorporate them into their everyday lives in modern society. Author Salvatore Gencarelle is one such man, and shares the principles and practices he has learned in his time as the assistant of a Native American medicine man in his new book, A Man Among The Helpers..   The path that led Gencarelle to have such a passion for Native American healing practices was not only a journey of knowledge, but one of intense spirituality. At the age of 15, he began ceremonial training under a Lakota Sioux medicine man who would one day become his father-in-law, and who also happened to be a direct descendent of the medicine man “Chipps,” who served the ever-famous Chief Crazy Horse of the Lakota Tribe. Not your typical learning experience, completion of his goal to become a Native American healer required 17 years, during which time he performed whatever tasks necessary to earn this high honor among the people he had come to love.   A paramedic with over 16 years of experience under his belt, Salvatore Gencarelle is also a photographer, artist, freelance writer, and musician. He travels extensively not only across the North American continent, but around the world to share his experiences and wisdom with those who have the desire to glean the rewards of traditional healing practices. He hopes this book will somehow help each and every reader to “find their own Vision.”

“A Man Among The Helpers” is available in softcover (ISBN 978-1-60264-939-2) and e-book (ISBN 978-1-60264-940-8) from Virtualbookworm.com, Amazon.com, and Barnesandnoble.com.  This book can also be ordered from most bookstores around the United States and United Kingdom.  More information can be found at the author’s website, www.salvatoregencarelle.com.

Posted in Press Releases

Author Encourages Readers to Embrace Spiritual Encounters

Posted on April 12, 2012 by 1 | 0 Comments

A great deal of debate has surrounded the idea of “otherworldly encounters” for some time; however, down through the centuries, many religious groups, such as the ancient Celtics, have had very specific theories and teachings regarding these experiences. The Celtics referred to these encounters as “thin places,” or “otherworldly experiences where ‘close encounters of the spiritual kind’ happen.” In his new book, Have Faith In The Good, Dr. Herb Thomas attempts to help his readers recognize these experiences and “get in touch with those nearer to The Holy Presence.” Dr. Thomas believes that, while few may realize it, all have been touched by some form of spiritual encounter, and that it is important that we learn to recognize these beings when they are presented to us. Dr. George B. Wirth, a personal friend of the author and Senior Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, Georgia, said of Thomas’ book, “This book is beautifully written from the heart and soul… …you will enjoy reading every chapter of this remarkable and inspiring journey.” Herb Thomas has spent time as a psychiatrist in both the Michigan and Pennsylvania systems, and also as a Park Avenue therapist in New York City. His world travels have taken him to Tuscany, Jerusalem, and other parts of Israel. He currently resides in Ithaca, New York with his wife, Barbara. “Have Faith In The Good”  is available in softcover (ISBN 978-1-60264-382-6), hardcover (ISBN 978-1-60264-425-0), and ebook (ISBN 978-1-60264-449-6) from Virtualbookworm.com, Amazon.com, and Barnesandnoble.com. This book can also be ordered from most bookstores around the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom. More information can be found at the author’s website, www.hthomasbooks.com.

Posted in Press Releases

Ride Lap by Lap in New Children’s Book, Fredi’s Ride”

Posted on April 12, 2012 by 1 | 0 Comments

A young girl named Fredi is determined to learn how to be a successful racecar driver in the new children’s book, “Fredi’s Ride,” by Geri Johnson. Fredi knows many professional drivers hone their skills using Go-Karts. So she begins using her homemade version and its unaltered, five Horsepower engine. She soon learns the hard lessons that sometimes life is not fair and you just have to do your best with what you have. Follow Fredi as she makes it to the regional race, where the lucky winner will have a starting point to a successful racing career. Geri Johnson developed the idea for this children’s book by watching her husband race on their local dirt track for ten years. This book evolved out of all the excitement, disappointment, hopes and dreams they encountered. Johnson resides in Westfield, MA with her husband, Tim, and their dogs. “Fredi’s Ride” (ISBN: 978-1-60264-918-7) is available in softcover from Virtualbookworm.com, Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com and numerous other online sites. The book can also be purchased in eBook format (ISBN: 978-1-60264-919-4). More information can be found at the books official website, www.gjohnsonbooks.com or you can e-mail her at author@gjohnsonbooks.com.

Posted in Press Releases