NON-FICTION

 

A Walk in My Past — This illustrated collection of poetry has selections from decades ago, mixed with more recent additions. Divided into categories, “A Walk in the Past” revisits the author’s early views on nature, love, and other topics. Includes both uplifting and tragic subjects.

It opens with blank verse, but this isn’t the only type of poetry represented. This collection of poetry includes both the whimsical and the haunting. The last section has the author’s poetic views on aging and women’s issues. The author has included images from her original art. Universal Book Link | Order Direct
#poetry #art

Building Your Handmade Business — Starting a creative company needn’t cost you everything. If you agree, then you’ll find wit and wisdom in this book for creative entrepreneurs. Author, artist, and graphic designer Patricia Arnold presents her best tips for starting a handmade business with this initial volume in her Creative Entrepreneur series. After starting a decade-old business with a shoestring budget and then founding a second business six years later, Patricia Arnold has a lot to say about building creative businesses from scratch. With her works selling locally as well as globally, Patricia has authored this book in a manner that addresses the dilemmas of the creative entrepreneur. Those wishing to follow her lead and build their own creative company or sell their handmade art will find inspiration in this audiobook. Told from the author’s standpoint, based on years of creativity and experience, it offers her creative story and includes the lessons she’s learned along the way. Prior to embracing handmade once more, Patricia learned traditional commercial art methods in the 1980’s classroom and digital design during the 1990’s and 2000’s. Patricia’s creative journey has been an interesting one, and it will have the listener ready to take their own ideas to the next level. Universal Book Link
#handmade #crafts #business

Strictly G.I. — This book is a view of WWII enlisted life from the WAC perspective. Strictly G.I. is a historical account of World War II from one of the first female soldiers. Created from an actual collection of letters and Vmail. Wanda served in the 149th WAAC Post Hq. Co., the first group of Womens Auxiliary Army Corps (WAAC) during World War II to be sent overseas. “Strictly G.I.” is a phrase Wanda used to describe herself. She advanced quickly in the ranks, and shared her proudest moments in the letters, beginning with her initial training in Des Moines to marches before the general in North Africa. She also shares more humorous moments and interesting observations.

Here is a quote from one Vmail:

“We have a radio in our “room” and whenever we get a short wave station from the states, it makes a person stop and think. You don’t know – you can’t possibly know what war really is – in all reality.”

The letters document Wanda’s training in 1942 at Fort Des Moines, Iowa to the dispatch of her unit overseas to French North Africa. Wanda’s portrayal of life as a teletypist is lively and descriptive. Also unfolding in the letters is her concern for her male counterparts, and her growing affection for one special soldier. Women in America will be inspired Wanda’s wit and resilience. Unlike servicemen, the auxiliaries could not receive overseas pay or government life insurance. If they became sick or wounded, they would not receive veterans’ hospitalization. If they were killed, their parents received no death gratuity. Enjoy this first person account of WWII from the perspective of a hard-working and very human female soldier. Universal Book Link #memoir #military