I love reading memoirs! Today, I have a memoir that shares personal moments from WWII pilot William Hanchett. Check out Disgracefully Easy: A B-24 Pilot's Letters Home, learn about the authors and enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post!

A B-24 Pilot’s Letters Home

Memoir/WWII History

Date Published: May 27, 2025

Publisher: Acorn Publishing

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In this posthumously published collection of letters and postal cards, William “Bill” Hanchett shares his candid experiences as a flight-school cadet, and later as an Army Air Forces pilot in command of a B-24 Liberator bomber during World War II.

Through Bill’s first-hand accounts, we learn that mastering the art of flying during wartime is about more than understanding engine throttle and airspeed. It’s about wondering when you’ll be called to fight and if you’ll be asked to betray your ideals. It’s about working hard and documenting the days, dreaming about the future, and longing for home.

An extraordinary primary document, Disgracefully Easy offers us a rare glimpse inside the military in the 1940s, a time when Americans worried about the fate of their great country and looked to the brave and courageous to deliver them from fear. This unique collection will be long remembered as an important addition to the annals of aviation history.

About the Authors

Thomas F. Hanchett

Now retired from federal civil service, Thomas Forster Hanchett holds a bachelor’s degree in government and two master’s degrees, one in history and one in public administration. In 2016, after his father Bill’s death, he found over three-hundred letters Bill had written during WWII. Given Tom’s interest in military history, it seemed only natural that he be the one to edit and present his father’s letters in manuscript form. Tom has also written historical and educational articles for various publications. A native Californian, he resides in North San Diego County.

William Hanchett

William “Bill” Hanchett (1922-2016) grew up in a wealthy family in Evanston, Illinois. His father lost his municipal bond company business during the Great Depression, changing their family’s lifestyle drastically. Bill attended Black Mountain College, but his time there was cut short because of World War II. He enlisted in the Army Air Forces, rising from private to second lieutenant, and then to airplane commander of a B-24 Liberator bomber.  After the war, he continued his education, worked as a civilian historian for the U.S. Air Force, and taught history for over thirty years at San Diego State University. Bill authored numerous articles and historical books, including The Lincoln Murder Conspiracies (1983). He loved living in San Diego, California, where he spent time sailing on the bay.

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Instagram: @historiantom (Thomas Forster Hanchett)

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This morning, we are joining the cover reveal for memoir Shattered Compass by author Lenore Greiner. Check out the cover and learn about the book and author!

A Memoir of Loss, Escape, and Renewal

Memoir

Date Published: June 11, 2025

Publisher: Acorn Publishing

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How does a young woman cope when she cannot speak the truth?

When nineteen-year-old Lenore experiences sexual assault while studying abroad in Italy, her entire world shifts. Survival becomes the focus of her daily life, physical illness grabs control of her body, and no one can free her from her pain. A ghost of herself, she takes the path of denial, believing it’s the only way to protect her loved ones and herself from her harsh reality.

On her journey toward peace, she assumes the expected roles of mother and wife, but a traumatic diagnosis puts her at a crossroads. She must start living the life she wants or roam her days as a victim in the chaos of fear. Lenore’s escape through travel allows her to reconcile the imprisonment she’s suffered over the years.

However, when another family tragedy strikes, Lenore understands she must finally come to terms with the silence she’s kept. But what if one incident that happened decades ago is too destructive, too deep to be excavated? Will she be able to find herself in the rubble? Or will she be lost forever?

About the Author

Award-winning travel writer Lenore Greiner grew up in Marin County where, at thirteen, she began her writing journey as a lifelong journal keeper.

At nineteen, her passion for adventure led her to Italy’s heart to study at the University for Foreigners in Perugia and immerse herself in the language and culture. There, the seeds of her memoir were sown.

Lenore has garnered eight prestigious Solas Awards for Best Travel Writing and was honored in Best American Travel Writing 2013, edited by Elizabeth Gilbert. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, Fodor’s travel guides, and three volumes of Shaking the Tree, an annual anthology curated by the International Memoir Writers Association.     

A graduate of UC Davis, Lenore married her college sweetheart, and they now call Southern California home. They share two kids, two kayaks, and too many rambunctious grandkids.

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This morning, I have a memoir in featured spotlight spot! Check out Light Behind the Shadow and learn about author Dinorah Briceno DeSola!

Memoir and Personal Development.

Date Published: December 20, 2024

Publisher: ‎ Manhattan Book Group

In this beautifully crafted book that delves into the intricacies of human emotion and resilience, the author takes us on a poignant journey through the memories and experiences that have defined their life. From childhood challenges to moments of profound connection and self-discovery, the narrative weaves together themes of love, loss, and the enduring power of familial bonds. Through heartfelt reflections and poignant storytelling, readers are invited to explore their emotional intelligence and embark on a journey of self-discovery alongside the author. 

This compelling and insightful book promises to uplift, inspire, and resonate with readers seeking connection, understanding, and empowerment in their own lives. Join the author on this transformative journey and discover the beauty and resilience that lies within the human spirit.

About the Author

Dinorah Briceno's academic journey exemplifies her unwavering commitment to education and social welfare. Currently a Ph.D. Candidate in Social Welfare/Social Work at Yeshiva University, she is engaged in pioneering research that addresses the multifaceted challenges facing Latin communities today. In addition to her academic pursuits, she currently works as a psychotherapist and site coordinator in the SBS program at a community-based mental health agency, where she continues to apply her expertise and advocate for vulnerable populations.

Before starting her doctoral studies, Dinorah obtained a Master’s in Social Work from Yeshiva University in 2021, deepening her understanding of the intricate relationship between mental health and social justice. In conjunction with her Master’s degree, she also earned a certificate in trauma, further enhancing her expertise in this critical area.

Her dedication to language education is evident in her pursuit of two additional master’s degrees: one in Teaching English as a Foreign Language from Universidad Europea del Atlántico and another in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language from Universidad Internacional Iberoamericana (UNINI PR). These degrees underscore her belief in the transformative power of language as a means of empowerment and cross-cultural understanding.

With over 16 years of experience in education, Dinorah’s journey began with a Bachelor of Education degree from UCAB - Universidad Católica Andrés Bello in 2009, establishing a solid foundation for her career. She has continuously sought to expand her expertise through specialized training, including a Diploma in Autism Education from the Center for Disabilities Studies (CEPIA) at Universidad Monteavila. Additionally, she holds a graduate certificate in Teaching Formation for Early Education from Universidad Metropolitana (VE), further showcasing her dedication to early childhood education.

Dinorah has gained valuable experience working with children and adults, including those with special needs, individuals struggling with addiction, and those facing mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), borderline personality disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). Her hands-on experience in these areas reflects her commitment to supporting individuals with diverse challenges and enhancing their quality of life.

Dinorah Briceno’s diverse experiences and steadfast commitment to education and social welfare exemplify the transformative potential of knowledge and compassion. Her journey inspires others and highlights the profound impact that education and advocacy can have on fostering a brighter and more equitable future for all.

This morning, I have a memoir to share in our featured book spotlight! Take a few minutes and learn about Grit & Grace and author Deborah Rudell! Read a quick excerpt from the book & be sure to enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post.

The Transformation of a Ship & a Soul

Memoir

Date Published: February 27th, 2025

Publisher: Acorn Publishing

Deborah Rudell’s world unravels when the leaders of her spiritual commune are exposed, arrested, and imprisoned for bioterrorism and attempted murder. Crushed and adrift, she moves her family off the commune to create a sense of normalcy. But when her husband seeks an opportunity to dismantle and rebuild a derelict fifty-foot schooner, Deborah uproots their children once again and joins him in Kauai. For the next five years, she dedicates her life to restoring a boat.

Pouring herself into the work at hand can only distract her so much as disillusionment about the cult’s lies and manipulation slowly rises to the surface. While she grapples with emotional turmoil and contemplates a new life path, Deborah sets out to accomplish something she never thought possible: sailing across the Pacific to the Olympic Peninsula. Will the dangers that come with navigating the ocean be too much to bear, or will she find resolution and fortitude in the turbulent adventure?

Grit & Grace: The Transformation of a Ship & a Soul is one woman’s account of conquering overwhelming challenges with tenacity and ingenuity and ultimately discovering her inner strength.

Read an Excerpt

“You really are new, aren’t you?” The red-clad, pony-tailed sannyasin laughed kindly
when I asked her what ‘drive-by’ was. I was eating lunch with two thousand other
devotees in the cafeteria on my first day at the communal Ranch in the fall of 1982.

     “Bhagwan drives by on the road every day after lunch, and we line up along the edge
and sing and dance and wave to Him. It’s a daily celebration,” she explained.

I followed the crowd out the door and back onto and off a bus, jostled and nudged into a
line along the well-maintained gravel road. People stood quietly, some talking softly. My
mind and heart were in turmoil. I had just left my home, family, and career to follow a
spiritual path with a living master. While I had read His books, listened to His
audiotapes, and watched His videos, I had never seen Him in person. What would it be
like?

     Eventually I saw a car in the distance and then the line of disciples came alive,
clapping, singing and swaying to the songs from a group of musicians half a block
away. Bhagwan drove slowly, one hand moved up and down, as He celebrated with us.
His dark eyes scanned the thousands of happy faces lined up to greet Him.

     Standing amongst strangers, my eyes wet with tears and shining with emotion, I
watched the car Bhagwan was driving follow the road lined with disciples, getting closer
and closer. The last vestiges of angst, the self-doubt, the wondering what I had done by
giving up my life as I knew it, all disappeared as I looked in His eyes. I felt my body
dance, and my hands clapped. 

     It was as if we were all One. Unity at last, all consumed by our love for the Master,
the Enlightened One. The One who had gone before us in realizing the true nature of
this world. The One who could give us glimpses of our own promise, our own abilities to
transcend the density and illusion of material existence to bring peace, joy, and love
from heaven above down to the Earth.

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Meet the Author

A college professor in San Diego, California, Deborah Rudell participates in her city’s vibrant writing community. She is a graduate of Hay House Writer’s Workshop and the Certificate in Memoir Writing program at San Diego Writers, Ink. Her work has been published in the International Memoir Writers Association’s anthology, Shaking the Tree: I Didn't See That One Coming.

Deborah lives with her black cat in a tiny house built in 1906 by a retired sea captain, who carved a sailing ship into the front door. This is her first book.

Connect with the Author

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 Enter the Giveaway

I love finding new memoirs to share! I think memoirs compete equally with mysteries as my favorite book genre. Today, I have a memoir from author Deborah Rudell. Check out Grit & Grace, learn about the author & be sure to enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post.

The Transformation of a Ship & a Soul

Memoir

Date Published: February 27th, 2025

Publisher: Acorn Publishing

Deborah Rudell’s world unravels when the leaders of her spiritual commune are exposed, arrested, and imprisoned for bioterrorism and attempted murder. Crushed and adrift, she moves her family off the commune to create a sense of normalcy. But when her husband seeks an opportunity to dismantle and rebuild a derelict fifty-foot schooner, Deborah uproots their children once again and joins him in Kauai. For the next five years, she dedicates her life to restoring a boat.

Pouring herself into the work at hand can only distract her so much as disillusionment about the cult’s lies and manipulation slowly rises to the surface. While she grapples with emotional turmoil and contemplates a new life path, Deborah sets out to accomplish something she never thought possible: sailing across the Pacific to the Olympic Peninsula. Will the dangers that come with navigating the ocean be too much to bear, or will she find resolution and fortitude in the turbulent adventure?

Grit & Grace: The Transformation of a Ship & a Soul is one woman’s account of conquering overwhelming challenges with tenacity and ingenuity and ultimately discovering her inner strength.

Buy the Book

Amazon

B&N

About the Author

A college professor in San Diego, California, Deborah Rudell participates in her city’s vibrant writing community. She is a graduate of Hay House Writer’s Workshop and the Certificate in Memoir Writing program at San Diego Writers, Ink. Her work has been published in the International Memoir Writers Association’s anthology, Shaking the Tree: I Didn't See That One Coming.

Deborah lives with her black cat in a tiny house built in 1906 by a retired sea captain, who carved a sailing ship into the front door. This is her first book.

 Connect with the Author

Website

Facebook

Instagram

 Enter the Giveaway

Today, I have a historical memoir to share in this audiobook spotlight! Check out about Vaccines & Bayonets: Fighting Smallpox in Africa Amid Tribalism, Terror and the Cold War and learn about author Bee Bloeser, buy the book on Audible & be sure to enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post.  

Fighting Smallpox in Africa amid Tribalism, Terror and the Cold War

Historical Memoir

Publisher:  Audiobook Empire

Narrator: Claudia Dunn

Run Time: Estimated 9.5 hours to 10 hours

Step into the heart of a turbulent era with Vaccines & Bayonets, a gripping historical memoir that chronicles one woman’s extraordinary journey through Africa. In this vivid recounting, Bee Bloeser unveils the raw reality of her family’s part in the mission to eradicate smallpox, revealing the triumphs and trials faced along the way.

As a young wife, Bee Bloeser followed her husband, Carl, to Africa, driven by ideals and a sense of duty. In Nigeria the ravages of civil war and the plight of starving Biafran children captured global attention. Amidst the chaos, she witnessed the horrors of smallpox and leprosy, yet found moments of beauty in the vibrant local culture.

Their journey continued in Equatorial Guinea, a nation newly independent but plagued by the terror of a brutal dictatorship. In this land where secrecy shrouded the people, Bee Bloeser confronted a world far removed from her idealistic expectations. Forbidden from forming connections with locals and surrounded by a landscape of oppression and suspicion, she documented her experiences in hidden notes, capturing the essence of a desperate struggle.

Through her eyes, listeners experience the intense battle against a relentless virus and against tyranny. This memoir is not just a story of medical triumph but also a poignant reflection on humanity’s capacity for courage—the indomitable spirit of those who risk everything for a better future.

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About the Author

Bee Bloeser has lived and worked in Africa, the Middle East and Native American nations with her husband’s global public health work and her career in speech-language pathology. An award-winning author, she is a sought-after public speaker on topics related to her historical memoir. She lives and writes in California.

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This morning, I have a self help, personal development themed memoir in our book blitz spotlight! Check out The Light Behind the Shadow and learn about author Dinorah Briceno Desola, MSW!

Memoir and Personal Development.

Date Published: December 20, 2024

Publisher: ‎ Manhattan Book Group

In this beautifully crafted book that delves into the intricacies of human emotion and resilience, the author takes us on a poignant journey through the memories and experiences that have defined their life. From childhood challenges to moments of profound connection and self-discovery, the narrative weaves together themes of love, loss, and the enduring power of familial bonds. Through heartfelt reflections and poignant storytelling, readers are invited to explore their emotional intelligence and embark on a journey of self-discovery alongside the author. 

This compelling and insightful book promises to uplift, inspire, and resonate with readers seeking connection, understanding, and empowerment in their own lives. Join the author on this transformative journey and discover the beauty and resilience that lies within the human spirit.

Buy the Book

Amazon

B&N

  About the Author

Dinorah Briceno's academic journey exemplifies her unwavering commitment to education and social welfare. Currently a Ph.D. Candidate in Social Welfare/Social Work at Yeshiva University, she is engaged in pioneering research that addresses the multifaceted challenges facing Latin communities today. In addition to her academic pursuits, she currently works as a psychotherapist and site coordinator in the SBS program at a community-based mental health agency, where she continues to apply her expertise and advocate for vulnerable populations.

Before starting her doctoral studies, Dinorah obtained a Master’s in Social Work from Yeshiva University in 2021, deepening her understanding of the intricate relationship between mental health and social justice. In conjunction with her Master’s degree, she also earned a certificate in trauma, further enhancing her expertise in this critical area.

Her dedication to language education is evident in her pursuit of two additional master’s degrees: one in Teaching English as a Foreign Language from Universidad Europea del Atlántico and another in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language from Universidad Internacional Iberoamericana (UNINI PR). These degrees underscore her belief in the transformative power of language as a means of empowerment and cross-cultural understanding.

With over 16 years of experience in education, Dinorah’s journey began with a Bachelor of Education degree from UCAB - Universidad Católica Andrés Bello in 2009, establishing a solid foundation for her career. She has continuously sought to expand her expertise through specialized training, including a Diploma in Autism Education from the Center for Disabilities Studies (CEPIA) at Universidad Monteavila. Additionally, she holds a graduate certificate in Teaching Formation for Early Education from Universidad Metropolitana (VE), further showcasing her dedication to early childhood education.

Dinorah has gained valuable experience working with children and adults, including those with special needs, individuals struggling with addiction, and those facing mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), borderline personality disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). Her hands-on experience in these areas reflects her commitment to supporting individuals with diverse challenges and enhancing their quality of life.

Dinorah Briceno’s diverse experiences and steadfast commitment to education and social welfare exemplify the transformative potential of knowledge and compassion. Her journey inspires others and highlights the profound impact that education and advocacy can have on fostering a brighter and more equitable future for all.

This morning, I have an engaging memoir in our featured book spotlight. Check out Dreaming From the Trunk of an American Car and learn about author Pashko R. Camaj!

Memoir

Date Published: August 15, 2024

Publisher: MindStir Media

The memoir, Dreaming from the Trunk of an American Car, recounts a story shared by many immigrants who are in pursuit of the American dream. Through intertwining his personal experiences with those of his ancestors, the author guides readers through his formative years and journey to adulthood. At the age of twenty, Pashko Camaj and his twin sister, Drita, travel from former Yugoslavia to Mexico with the goal of reaching the United States. They cross the border hidden in the trunk of a large American car into California, seeking freedom and opportunity. Locked in the trunk, memories flood in and dreams begin. Told in beautiful prose, the memoir portrays the heroic spirits of its characters, radiating rays of hope in a harsh world. As a first-generation immigrant, he grapples with feelings of guilt for departing from his motherland, the very land his predecessors had fought and labored for. The weight of his choice to leave lingers, prompting him to question whether he has betrayed his forefathers. Ultimately, he arrives at a resolution that liberates him from the burdens of the past, enabling him to establish a new legacy in his new homeland. 

About the Author

Pashko R. Camaj is a Montenegrin-born author, public health expert, and community leader whose life journey embodies the resilience and determination of the immigrant experience. Born in 1964 in Montenegro, he completed his high school education and mandatory military service before making a daring escape to the United States in 1985. Accompanied by his twin sister, Drita, Pashko crossed the U.S.-Mexico border hidden in the trunk of an American car, a pivotal moment that became the foundation of his powerful memoir, Dreaming from the Trunk of an American Car.

Driven by a passion for education and personal growth, Pashko pursued higher learning, earning a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in environmental and occupational health sciences from the City University of New York. He later completed his Doctor of Public Health at Columbia University, showcasing his dedication to improving lives through research and leadership.

Currently, Pashko serves in senior leadership at MTA-Bridges & Tunnels, a state transportation agency in New York, and as an adjunct professor at William Paterson University in New Jersey. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he actively contributes to the Albanian-American community as Secretary of the Pan-Albanian Federation of America (VATRA), the oldest American-Albanian organization in the United States.

Dreaming from the Trunk of an American Car is Pashko’s debut memoir, a poignant and inspiring story that reflects his journey, honors his ancestors, and celebrates the indomitable spirit of those in pursuit of a better life. When he’s not teaching, working, or writing, Pashko enjoys spending time with his family and engaging in community service.

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