Service Alert
Website maintenance April 24 10pm ET
On Wednesday April 24 at 10pm ET the CELA website will be unavailable for about 15 minutes for planned maintenance.
On Wednesday April 24 at 10pm ET the CELA website will be unavailable for about 15 minutes for planned maintenance.
Showing 1 - 20 of 5554 items
By Holly Trantham. 2024
A beautiful, full-color guide to living with money, not for money, packed with fun, tangible advice from the women behind…
The Financial Diet. &“Beyond Getting By will make you feel better, not worse, about your money and your life.&”—Tiffany &“the Budgetnista&” Aliche, New York Times bestselling author of Get Good with MoneyThe girlboss came in many forms, and she struggled valiantly against our increasing exhaustion at her brand of pinkwashed-capitalism-as-liberation—but it&’s time to put her to rest. Yes, money is essential to life, and managing it well can be the difference between freedom and constraint. But once you have enough, the focus should be on converting it into things that are meaningful to you: more time with the people you love, more creativity, more days to just vibe on the couch.In Beyond Getting By, the women behind The Financial Diet teach you how to create (and pay for) a life you truly enjoy—and that you can be proud of. They show you how to push beyond what society tells you will make you happy to determine what you actually want, with specific advice and interactive exercises on • how to define your own budget philosophy by no longer chasing fast fashion and instant gratification, instead allowing the unlikely duo of Sigmund Freud and Elizabeth Warren to guide your budgeting• how the idea that we have equal opportunity is bullshit—and how to start a self-advocacy journal in order to kill it in that next raise negotiation• how to stave off burnout by valuing your personal life with as much care as your career, in addition to figuring out the true worth of your time Beyond Getting By is for the woman interested in a life where money is simply a tool and never a reflection of her worth. It&’s for the woman who understands the limits of gamifying personal finance, and that following trends isn&’t the same as creating a sustainable, wealth-generating plan for the future.By Sophie Grégoire Trudeau. 2024
Sophie Grégoire Trudeau invites readers on a deeply personal journey toward self-knowledge, acceptance, and empowerment, drawing on the expertise of…
top psychologists, psychiatrists, scientists, and thought leaders.As a passionate advocate for mental health, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau believes that in order to know and accept ourselves fully, we need to understand why we think and feel the way we do, and recognize the experiences, attitudes, and patterns that may be holding us back. And yet, all of us are capable of growth and positive change, if we're willing to stay open and curious throughout our lives.In Closer Together, Sophie shares moments from her own journey: from her childhood, through her struggles with an eating disorder in her teens and early adulthood; from a career as a speaker and television host to de facto "first lady" and mother of three. Above all, Sophie is a warm and empathetic connector, and her book is enriched by exclusive interviews with experts such as Gabor Maté, Liz Plank, Terrence Real, Catherine Price, Harville Hendrix, and Helen LaKelly Hunt—to name just a few—as she delves into the science behind brain health and our unique emotional signatures. She explores the questions that matter the most for our individual and collective growth, and in how we interact with others:How does the way we were raised contribute to our sense of self?How can we better prepare ourselves to deal with big emotions?What do we need from our relationships, and what can we contribute to them?What role do physical activity and creative pursuits play in mental health?How can we let go of what doesn&’t serve us and nurture what does?Drawing on her own mindfulness and yoga practices, Sophie also offers journalling prompts and other tools that will guide readers as they explore these questions in their own lives. In creating a space for openness, playfulness, and creativity, Sophie inspires us to see that there are more things that bring us together than separate us, allowing us to stand in the light of our true potential.Find a deeper sense of wellness fueled by self-care, nurturing routines, healing foods, and herbal remedies—for women of any age.Learn the…
ancient wisdom of Ayurvedic living through 60+ recipes and practices, including 50+ photos.The ancient science of Ayurveda brings us back into relationship with the rhythms of our lives, streamlining our daily habits and attuning our activities by time of day and seasons. Everyday Ayurveda for Women's Health delivers insights into personal health, hormonal balance, and connection to nature, all from the simplest practices: what we eat. Food and herbs are medicine for body, mind, and soul. Kate O'Donnell empowers women of any age to become intimate with their body, how it works, how it changes over time, and how to listen to its messages. Her practical guide will inspire you to experience radiant health from the inside out. With Everyday Ayurveda for Women&’s Health you can: • Reclaim your health by adopting a more healing diet • Balance your hormones by choosing foods, herbs, and healing practices that are right for your constitution—60+ recipes, including herbal ghees, shatavari, beneficial oils, and more • Become more luminous and empowered with divine feminine and lunar energy, the subtle body, and more • Understand your current season of life—whether it involves menstruation, pregnancy, infertility, perimenopause, or menopauseThe traditional Ayurveda wisdom in this book is accessible for all and will help you navigate any stage of life with grace.By Amy Tan. 2024
A gorgeous, witty account of birding, nature, and the beauty around us that hides in plain sight, written and illustrated…
by the best-selling author of The Joy Luck Club • With a foreword by David Allen Sibley&“Unexpected and spectacular&” —Ann Patchett, best-selling author of These Precious Days"The drawings and essays in this book do a lot more than just describe the birds. They carry a sense of discovery through observation and drawing, suggest the layers of patterns in the natural world, and emphasize a deep personal connection between the watcher and the watched. The birds that inhabit Amy Tan&’s backyard seem a lot like the characters in her novels.&” —David Allen Sibley, from the foreword Tracking the natural beauty that surrounds us, The Backyard Bird Chronicles maps the passage of time through daily entries, thoughtful questions, and beautiful original sketches. With boundless charm and wit, author Amy Tan charts her foray into birding and the natural wonders of the world.In 2016, Amy Tan grew overwhelmed by the state of the world: Hatred and misinformation became a daily presence on social media, and the country felt more divisive than ever. In search of peace, Tan turned toward the natural world just beyond her window and, specifically, the birds visiting her yard. But what began as an attempt to find solace turned into something far greater—an opportunity to savor quiet moments during a volatile time, connect to nature in a meaningful way, and imagine the intricate lives of the birds she admired.By Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino. 2024
An inspirational guide for visualizing and actualizing success on a personal and professional level.Author Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino, master life coach and…
founder of The Best Ever You Network has long espoused that we must redefine success for our authentic selves—a one-size fits-all-concept is not only outdated but unworkable. Success is so much more than data or the dollars in our bank account. True success is reflected in the smiles that brighten our faces and the peace that settles in our hearts. It's the gratitude we seek in all things and the intention and actions being our very best in each moment. In The Success Guidebook, readers will find inspiration, motivation, and a pathway to live their best, most fulfilling life. By implementing Elizabeth&’s unique Ten Factors of Success—the behaviors consistently exhibited by people who stand out and behave with world-class excellence—readers will learn how to finally overcome the stubborn obstacles that have stood in their way and harness the power to move forward with clarity, a renewed purpose, and the personalized confidence to build a life of bold, brave, and infinite possibilities. Included are profiles of 20 people who exemplify these principles. Here&’s the secret: You don&’t need to be on a national or international platform to be world-class. You can have it right in your own home, to be and feel successful in each and every moment of your life. This book will help you learn how to tap into world-class behaviors and get the results you desire—at last.By Newt Nguyen. 2024
Newt's relatable charm and uproarious cooking videos have taken the internet by storm and now, he invites you to step…
into his world, where cooking is an adventure. His debut cookbook is for everyone, with more than 75 beginner friendly, hugely satisfying recipes.Best known for putting out hilarious cooking videos of bussin recipes to his more than 15 million followers online, Newt actually comes from very humble beginnings. His journey, from his tiny mobile-home kitchen, equipped with just a plug-in toaster oven and gas burner, to becoming a major TikTok sensation, is a testament to his unwavering belief: everyone, regardless of kitchen size, budget, or culinary experience, cook a mouthwatering masterpiece. If you're not already following Newt, you're missing out—but you can catch up with his cookbook of more than 75 flavor-packed recipes. You’ll find not some of Newt’s favorites and greatest and most viral hits, all shared with Newt’s signature humor and constant encouragement: Opening Acts: Starters and sides, like Bang-Bang Shrimp, Cheesy Garlic BreadFine, I’ll Eat My Vegetables: For the nutrition, like Chili Oil BroccoliniFried Chimken: A chapter dedicated to Newt’s first love, fried chicken.Put Down the Chopsticks: Foods you can eat without any utensils, like Spam Musubi or Quesabirria TacosMe Hangry: Quick yet filling meals, like Chicken Adobo and Beef Udon Kiss the Chef: Rizzed up date-worthy fare, including Red Wine Braised Shortribs Missing Home: Vietnamese dishes Newt grew up eating, like Pho and Braised Fish (Ca Kho To).Room for Dessert: “Not too sweet” ends to the meal, like Vietnamese Coffee Tiramisu Justice for the Support: Basic kitchen staples no one should go without, like Garlic Confit and Orange Salsa (Very Spicy)As Newt instructs, instead of relying on cup ramen to survive, take his hand. Walk through these recipes with him and learn how to cook.By Emmett Rensin. 2024
An unflinching, rare account of living with severe mental illness that is also a bold commentary on how we misunderstand…
this often debilitating disease.The Complications is an intimate portrait of what it’s like to live with schizoaffective disorder of the bipolar type as well as a biting, revelatory critique of America’s mental health culture. Emmett Rensin has written and edited articles for major national media outlets, and taught writing and literature at prestigious schools. But he has also lost jobs and friends, been hospitalized and institutionalized, and cycled through a daunting combination of medications. With scorching honesty, he reflects on his messy, fragile attempt to live his life, his periods of grace, and his near misses with disaster and death.Going beyond the usual peans against “stigma” and for “understanding”, Rensin confronts the dysfunction in current mental health narratives, contrasting what he calls mental illness “high culture”—in which we affirm the prevalence of anxiety and encourage regular therapy, insisting that the “mentally ill” aren’t dangerous or even weird—with even progressive society’s inability to contend with people with more severe forms of mental illness: those people we pass on the street talking to themselves, those caught in a loop between hospitals and prisons, or even those who we cannot tolerate in our own schools, offices, and lives, including himself. With raw honesty, Rensin invites us into every aspect of his life, from what it’s like see four different psychiatrists in one year and the nature of psychotic breaks to a harrowing diary that logs exactly what happens when he stops taking his medication and the unexpected kinship he discovers with an incarcerated spree killer with schizophrenia. Going beyond pure memoir, he reflects on the uncertain “science” of diagnosis, the nature of art about and by the insane, political activism, and the history of madness, from the asylum to the academy. A compelling, often devastating, blend of memoir, cultural commentary, and history, The Complications elevates the conversation around mental illness and challenges us to reexamine what we think we know about what is to go insane.By Desiree Nielsen. 2024
From bestselling author Desiree Nielsen comes over 100 deeply flavourful and wildly delicious recipes for everyone who wants to eat more…
plants and feel good.In Plant Magic, Desiree shares approachable ways to incorporate plants into your meals, along with how to dial up your pantry andtricks for coaxing the best out of simple foods like beans, grains, and vegetables. Plant-based cooking doesn&’t have to be expensive, time consuming, or restrictive. Whether you&’re craving morning things, stuff on bread, one pot (or pan) dishes, salads, tasty noodles, really good sweets, or everyday tonics and potions, Plant Magic makes cooking and eating joyful. Get ready to make Earl Grey Breakfast Loaf; An Easy, Cozy Lasagna; Lemony Chickpea and Potato Stew; Cumin Lime Black Bean Burgers; Sunshine Panzanella; Black Olive and Za&’atar Focaccia; Tempeh Nachos; Rocky Road Blender Brownies; Carrot Cake with Cashew Frosting; and Hibiscus Lemonade. Featuring gorgeous photography throughout, Plant Magic shows you just how delicious plant-based food can be and that sometimes, healthy eating looks like a kale salad and sometimes, it looks like cake.By Scott Galloway. 2024
A must-have guide to optimizing your life for wealth and success, from bestselling author, NYU professor, and co-host of the…
Pivot podcast Scott Galloway.Today's workers have more opportunities and mobility than any generation before. They also face unprecedented challenges, including inflation, labor and housing shortages, and climate volatility. Even the notion of retirement is undergoing a profound rethink, as our life spans extend and our relationship with work evolves. In this environment, the tried-and-true financial advice our parents followed no longer applies. It's time for a new playbook.In The Algebra of Wealth, Galloway lays bare the rules of financial success in today's economy. In his characteristic unvarnished, no-BS style, he explains what you need to know in order to better your chances for economic security no matter what. You&’ll learn:How to find and follow your talent, not your passion, when making career decisionsHow to ride and optimize big economic waves (hard truth: market dynamics always trump individual achievement)What small steps you can take that pay big returns later, including diversification and tax planningHow stoicism can help you minimize spending and develop better financial habitsBursting with practical, game-changing advice from one of the world&’s most popular business school professors, The Algebra of Wealth is the practical guidebook you need to win today&’s wealth game.By Keyshawn Hudson. 2024
The debut cookbook from social media star, Chef Keysh, featuring 100 family favorites.Since embarking on his public cooking journey in…
2021, Keyshawn Hudson has charmed his loyal following across social media platforms with his charisma and a whole lot of heart. Known for his catchphrases, like "Save this one for later" and "Cook it with a smile", Keysh's infectious warmth is captured in every piece of content he posts, and his fans eat up every bit.Keysh is not formally trained, but he credits the influence of his Jamaican roots with sparking his love of cooking. These days, he's found his true element, sharing his joy with others and inspiring them to get into the kitchen. This book will showcase Keysh's incredible talent for creating craveable and doable family meals-whether that be for a busy weeknight or a larger gathering with loved ones. With dishes like Sweet Potato Cornbread, Oxtail Tacos, and Buffalo-Lemon Pepper Wings, Chef Keysh always has the right recipe to pair with the moment.Chicken on a beer can? You bet! When Steven Raichlen, America's barbecue guru, says it's the best grilled chicken he's…
ever tasted, cooks stop and listen. An essential addition to every grill jockey's library, Beer-Can Chicken presents 75 must-try beer-can variations and other offbeat recipes for the grill. Recipes such as Saigon Chicken with Lacquered Skin and Spicy Peanut Sauce, Root Beer Game Hens, Beer-Can Turkey (uses the 32-ounce Foster's), Stoned Chicken (it's grilled under a brick), Dirty Steak, Fish on a Board (Salmon with Brown Sugar Glaze), Mussels Eclade-grilled under pine needles, Grilled Eggs, Wacky Rumaki, Rotisseried Garlic Rolls-even Grilled Yellow Pepper Soup will have your mouth-watering. Whether on a can, on a stick, under a brick, in a leaf, on a plank, or in the embers, each grilling technique is explained in easy-to-follow steps, with recipes that guarantee no matter how crazy the technique, the results are always outstanding. So pop a cold one and have fun.The acclaimed author of The Happiness Track maps a bold and fresh, science-backed path to break the bonds of self-destructive…
patterns and beliefs and live a fuller, more authentic life."Sovereign is one of the most influential books I have read in years. It's loaded with ideas that will recharge your life and change the way you think and act right away. By far the most highlighted book in my library!"— Tom Rath, #1 New York Times best-selling author of How Full Is Your Bucket? and Strengthsfinder 2.0In the post-pandemic era of war, polarization, and economic and environmental challenges, is it any wonder that we&’re questioning a lot of things we thought we knew? We&’re ready to reevaluate what&’s important and rethink how we are living our lives. We need a new perspective—and acclaimed psychologist Emma Seppälä offers one.Sovereign delivers a radically new and enlightening message, made for this age of suffering and confusion. It&’s a manifesto that awakens us to all the areas in our life where we have subjugated ourselves to self-destructive beliefs and tendencies. And it&’s a roadmap to reclaim our full psychological sovereignty so we can live free, happy, and authentic lives.Seppälä&’s voice is raw and honest, laugh-out-loud funny, and deeply reflective, delving into topics ranging from the nature of self-loathing to the nuances of relationship as she shows us how to unbind ourselves in every area:In our working life and our family life In our physical health and our emotional well-beingIn our minds, our spirits, and our connection to our very selvesBacked by psychological data, neuroscience, and empirically validated methodologies, Sovereign takes us further along the path of personal transformation than we may ever have ventured before—and gives us the true freedom to live life to our fullest potential.By Keila Shaheen. 2023
Join more than a million readers around the world in this journey to self-discovery, healing, and inner transformation—new, expanded edition…
with added tips and exercises curated by therapists! Are you ready to transcend your shadows and journey toward deeper self-awareness and inner peace? The first step is to confront the shadows that have been holding you back for years. The Shadow Work Journal, a smash hit on TikTok, is an empowering and compassionate tool to help you face and overcome the obstacles and limiting self-beliefs that are holding you back from achieving your true potential. Based on highly effective therapeutic practices, this interactive journal guides you on an exploration through the hidden aspects of your psyche, to help you confront and embrace your shadow self. Whether you&’re struggling with anxiety, depression, loneliness, or confusion, you&’ll find plenty of tools to help you here. Using insightful prompts, thought-provoking exercises, and reflections, you&’ll discover a path to develop greater self-awareness, cultivate self-love and acceptance, and find a deeper connection with your authentic self. Join the millions of people whose lives have been transformed through The Shadow Work Journal and experience the healing you deserve. Benefits of Shadow Work: -Strengthen friendships, relationships, and everyday interactions with others -Heal generational trauma -Become &“un-stuck&” -Set personal boundaries -Build compassion for yourself and those around you -Process the world around you with clarity and insightFinancial Times Best Business Book of the Month April 2024An essential guide to protect yourself from burnout by learning to…
develop and master key emotional intelligence skillsWhy do some people in the world’s most stressful careers avoid burnout while countless others are overwhelmed by the demands of ordinary jobs? What can we learn from these resilient role models who seem to be naturally resistant to the psychological hazards of work?After extreme stress caused a life-threatening health crisis in her own life, Dr. Kandi Wiens dedicated herself to understand why work was leaving millions of us sick, exhausted, unmotivated, and feeling stuck and ineffective. In her research, she discovered something remarkable: Despite dangerous levels of work-related stress, some people seemed to be naturally “immune” to burnout.So what did these people have that Dr. Wiens and millions of others did not? Regardless of their role, industry, or experience, all these professionals exhibited a high degree of emotional intelligence (EI). EI is the ability to clearly perceive, understand, and productively manage emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in service of one’s overall well-being and performance. The people with burnout immunity were relying on specific EI skills to successfully cope with stressful work environments and experiences. The result is that they were more productive; had happier careers and lives; and were free from the physical and mental ravages of exhaustion, negativity, and inefficacy that characterize burnout.The good news is that everyone can build and boost emotional intelligence and use EI-based skills to manage workplace stress before it leads to breaking down or burning out. Burnout Immunity shows readers how to:Build self-awareness to identify what makes you vulnerable to burnoutManage your stress triggers and response, and tap into moments of good stressRegulate your thoughts and emotions to remain effective in the midst of stressDevelop healing connections to keep burnout at bayRecover from moments of burnout, reconnect to things that bring you joy, and reimagine a new way forwardBolstered with research, exercises, self-assessments, and real-life stories from people with natural burnout immunity and those who’ve cultivated it, Burnout Immunity teaches workers how to positively cope with stress and to enjoy healthier and happier relationships with work.By Matthew Hussey. 1974
An essential set of tools and principles for healing your heart, finding love, and loving life.Finding love can be hard.…
Being single can feel even harder. In Love Life, world-renowned coach and New York Times bestselling author Matthew Hussey provides a practical roadmap for letting go of past relationships, overcoming the fear of getting left behind, and finding the love we want.Sometimes it feels like life and love are working against us. Just finding someone we like can be a struggle. Even when we do, we often find they’re not ready, or they want different things. Then there are the internal fears and anxieties that lead us to self-sabotage—that make us indulge the wrong behavior in others, hold back from expressing our needs for fear of losing someone, or overinvest in people and lose ourselves in the process. Love Life sheds light on these common patterns and how to overcome them, by showing us how to adopt new standards, elegantly communicate them, and develop the deepest levels of confidence that underpin them. Like many of us, Hussey has gone through major life changes over the past decade, and he opens up about his experiences, vulnerabilities, and mistakes.Love Life is about doing love better. More than a book about romantic relationships, Love Life shows us how to take control of each of the major relationships in our lives: our relationship with others, our relationship with ourselves, and our relationship with life itself.Our love lives have the power to elevate or eradicate the adjacent joy in our lives. Love Life sets you on the path to finding the love of your life, while deepening your love for life.By Nicola Nice. 2024
Meet the hostesses who have shaped cocktail history, and learn how to make the drinks they loved. Throughout American history,…
women have helped propel what we know as classic cocktails—the Martini, the Manhattan, the Old-Fashioned, and more—into popular culture. But, often excluded from private clubs, women exercised this influence from the home, in their cocktail parlors. In The Cocktail Parlor, Dr. Nicola Nice, sociologist and spirits entrepreneur, gives women their long-overdue spotlight in cocktail history and shows how they still impact cocktail culture today. Journeying through the decades, this book profiles a diverse array of influential hostesses. With each historic era comes iconic recipes, featuring a total of 40 main cocktails and more than 100 variations that readers can make at home. Whether its happy hour punch à la Martha Washington or a Harlem Renaissance–inspired Green Skirt, readers will find that many of the ingredients and drinks they’re familiar with today wouldn’t be here without the hostesses who served them first.By Adam Gopnik. 2024
From New Yorker staff writer Adam Gopnik, a slim, elegant volume presenting a radical alternative to our culture of relentless…
striving. Our society is obsessed with achievement. Young people are pushed toward the next test or the “best” grammar school, high school, or college they can get into. Adults push themselves toward the highest-paying, most prestigious jobs, seeking promotions and public recognition. As Adam Gopnik points out, the result is not so much a rat race as a rat maze, with no way out. Except one: to choose accomplishment over achievement. Achievement, Gopnik argues, is the completion of the task imposed from outside. Accomplishment, by contrast, is the end point of an engulfing activity one engages in for its own sake. From stories of artists, philosophers, and scientists to his own fumbling attempts to play Beatles songs on a guitar, Gopnik demonstrates that while self-directed passions sometimes do lead to a career, the contentment that flows from accomplishment is available to each of us. A book to read and return to at any age, All That Happiness Is offers timeless wisdom against the grain.By Stef Ferrari. 2024
A FOOD & WINE BEST NEW BOOK Capture the magic of Italian happy hour with over 100 stunningly-photographed recipes for…
easy-to-make snacks and memorable sips. From the Tuscan countryside to Sicilian cafes, Italians enjoy their drinks with snacks called stuzzichini ("stoo-zih-ki-ni"). These small bites, skewers, dips, toasts, pastries and more are provided at no extra charge by the restaurant or bar and served alongside Negronis and Aperol Spritzes at aperitivo hour. Let this magical tradition of hospitality inspire your spread the next time you&’re tempted to assemble a cheese board for a gathering or put out a bowl of chips for a snack. Discover Stuzzichini in all of its many mouth-watering iterations: Crunchy bites from Sage & Brown Butter Popcorn to Farfalle Chips with Parmigiano Reggiano Cream Finger foods like Classic Tuscan Crepes with Ricotta and Honey and Prosciutto Cups with Melon and Burrata Filling Fried bites like Ascolana Style Fried Olives or Crab Fritters with Strega Citrus Vinaigrette and a mix of classic and new aperitivo cocktails, from the classic Americano, to a Hibiscus Ginger Spritz and, of course, the mysterious Negroni Sbagliato It's time to relax like an Italian. Stuzzichini is your guide to elevated snacking and recreating that sun-soaked piazza energy, chilled Spritz in hand!By Deesha Dyer. 2024
Without credentials or connections, community college student and advocate Deesha Dyer navigated her imposter syndrome, landing one of the most…
exclusive positions in the White House. From the most unlikely person to end up as a senior official to President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama comes a candid, incredible, and inspiring story. Moved by the election of the country&’s first Black president, Deesha Dyer applied for a White House internship in 2009 as a thirty-one-year-old part-time community college student, taking a leap that carried her into a permanent full-time position, followed by three promotions landing her at the epicenter of politics. In spite of the little voice in her head telling her she didn&’t deserve to be there, Deesha thrived and rose to the highly coveted role of White House social secretary, giving her a front-row seat to defining moments in history while curating some of the flyest parties 1600 Pennsylvania has ever seen. Yet, with humor and realness, she peels back the curtain, revealing the hard truth about why she spent years trying to hide behind it. Undiplomatic is a deeply personal narrative about combating self-doubt while being on top of the world. Deesha reflects on how imposter syndrome threatened her self-esteem, proven aptitude, and survival until she realized that it was neither her fault nor her responsibility. In this vivid portrayal from a true &“around the way girl&” on the personal impact of the Obama presidency, Deesha shares her road map from imposter to impact. In Undiplomatic, she invites you on a journey of self-discovery where she overcame doubt, unearthed true love for herself, and learned that your unique worth is not something to be earned, but something inherently deserved. Uplifting, funny, and sincere, Deesha&’s story shows you about authenticity at all costs, and the joy and freedom that awaits on the other side.By Kimberly Stuart. 2024
A funny, thought-provoking memoir-in-essays about learning to understand—again and again—that we can&’t earn God&’s love no matter how many rules…
we follow or boxes we check, and learning to accept the grace that is freely given. Growing up, Kimberly Stuart got really good at strapping on her spiritual tap shoes and trying to be a star for Jesus. She could sing all the songs, ace the sword drills, and know all the right theology. From earning creepy Jesus paperweights in her church&’s faux Girl Scout program to trying to calm an actual storm on the Mediterranean, she was doing her best… and still found herself longing for something more. She didn&’t mean to completely ignore the most beautiful tenets of her faith—the unwavering grace and tenacious love of God—but she did. Which, of course, was the problem. Her best was lackluster, and God wasn&’t looking for a star performer anyway.Star for Jesus (And Other Jobs I Quit), is an invitation for readers to spot unvarnished, amazing grace when they see it. With her trademark wit and transparency, Stuart brings readers through both big and small moments that teach us to cling to the fierce love of God instead of the flimsier versions we find elsewhere. With unflinching honesty and relatable humor, Stuart encourages readers to take another look at unrelenting grace; why, contrary to the cultural narrative, we are not actually enough, and that&’s good news; how we always, remarkably, have all the grace we need; and why this moment in history is the perfect time to extend no-strings-attached grace to an emotionally bedraggled, wary world. .