Staff Picks
At FriesenPress, we celebrate each and every book we help our authors publish. Here are some of our team’s recent favourites – happy reading!
Leaving La-La Land
Escape to Reality by
Robert K. Bosscha
Rob is working on renovating his condo when his life is turned upside down. One fateful day, his contractor hears him collapse from the other room. When Rob awakens in the hospital, little does he know, his life—and brain—have changed forever . . . . Leaving La-La Land is the astounding memoir of a man afflicted by a rare brain condition known as encephalopathy. Over the course of his three-month hospital stay, doctors speculate all kinds of hypotheses for what Rob might be dealing with, which shows itself through both psychological and physical symptoms, putting him through a barrage of tests. Meanwhile Rob, who has lost his sense of who or where or when he is, and his abilities to accomplish even the most basic bodily functions, finds himself afloat on a sea of encephalopathic dreams that try desperately to make sense of his new reality. Through these remembered dreams, in which he believes himself to be part of a secretive muay thai tournament or the head of a family and husband to a resentful wife in Japan, Rob’s hospital experience is half-revealed to him, while medical staff’s scrupulous note-taking helps fill in the blanks. Against all expectations, Rob will eventually find himself able to partially recover from his encephalopathy, regaining a life of relative independence, though he will never be the same. Imaginatively told, at times harrowing, and always profoundly illuminating, Leaving La-La Land is a story of survival and perseverance in the face of incredible odds.
Worlds Sundered
by
James W. Lackie
Two men. Two worlds. Two fates . . . Alexander Ganainmh is two men now. The aspects of dark and light that once warred within him have been fractured and made flesh, the product of a metaphysical schism and the machinations of immortal, god-like avatars. In Seteris, a world ravaged by the chaos of broken timelines, Val Feidhlim leads an army of heroic warriors of all races in an epic struggle against the nightmare forces, and wanton destructive ambitions, of Val Ciarawn. Epic battles drench the landscape in blood, but the horror of war is merely a backdrop to the fight against Saelen—the avatar bent on universal domination—and both Val Feidhlim and Val Ciarawn are inexorably drawn into the tangled web of the gods. In Lloryca, Alexander Cadeyrn has disappeared—now merely a villain of legend. The Bryn’Meadhn clans have mostly unified under the leadership of Seamus Domhnal, a man with two adopted sons: Wendell and Cillian—Feidhlim and Ciarawn reborn. Wendell, a shy outcast, has spent his youth bullied and tormented by his twin brother, the cruel and charismatic Cillian. While Wendell seeks only peace and the affections of his unrequited love, Cillian and his friends plot to bring the world to its knees. In the epic struggle of light versus dark, which can truly conquer the other . . . and what will remain of that which survives? Worlds Sundered, the second book in the Reflections of Shadow trilogy, continues the epic fantasy journey that weaves a multi-dimensional exploration of sociopathy into elements of classic myth, visceral horror, and cosmic/elemental power.
Harris and Me
Living with Fragile X Syndrome by
Cari Forteath
In 1980, Cari Forteath and her husband George welcomed their first child, Harris, into the world. They instantly fell in love with their son, whose first few months were peaceful. Soon, though, Cari and George recognized that Harris wasn’t hitting the developmental markers for his age. It was five years before Harris was diagnosed with Fragile X Syndrome, a genetic disorder that was little-known at the time. Armed with newfound knowledge, Cari and George helped Harris grow and thrive. Today, Harris is an inspiration to his community, from his place on the local hockey team to his job at Canadian Tire. He is proof that someone with disabilities can contribute and make a difference to others and the world around him. Harris and Me is both a family memoir and a support guide to help others whose children are living with disabilities. The book chronicles the family’s four decades “living with Fragile X,” with hilarious and heart-warming anecdotes from Harris’ first steps to his more independent adulthood. The book helps parents gain a better understanding of the challenges and joys ahead and reminds us never to give up on our children — or on ourselves.
My 20 Little Teeth
by
Dr. Joy Nehme
One more little push, We're almost through. Hello little baby, I'm tooth 1 and that's tooth 2! A baby's first tooth is an exciting time for parents. Many wonder which tooth will erupt first—and which teeth are to follow. My 20 Little Teeth guides parents and children on the sequence of tooth eruption, using fun rhymes and vibrant illustrations to chronicle the order of new teeth that will appear. A charming educational tool for parents and children alike, this book shares everything parents can expect for their little ones’ dental journey. After the story, additional educational details teach parents about tooth eruption expectations and oral hygiene requirements for children.
Knock Out
by
Jaden Noble
Zena James has spent her life running—from a father who betrayed her in the cruellest ways and the shadows of her painful past. But when she stumbles upon a gritty boxing gym and its compassionate owner, Matt, she finds more than a place to hide—she finds a family. With every punch she throws, Zena grows stronger, reclaiming her power and voice. Then, just as she is celebrating her first hard-earned victory in the ring, a chilling threat shatters her newfound peace. A shadowy figure knows her secret and threatens to expose her location to the man she fears most . . . unless she pays a steep price. Determined to fight back, Zena enrolls in university to study hacking and hunt down the person pulling the strings. Along the way, she meets many people, including tough and mysterious Veronica, whose own dark secret brings their stories crashing together in unexpected ways. When Zena’s father’s message lands like a blow, promising his return and wrath, she must decide: keep running or stand her ground. With the unshakable support of her gym family and friends, she prepares for her most dangerous fight yet—the fight for her freedom and future. Will Zena uncover her blackmailer before time runs out? Can she stop her father once and for all? This gripping tale of resilience, trust, and triumph will leave you breathless. Knock Out is an empowering rollercoaster ride for anyone ready to find the strength to face their own battles.
Winter Wonderland?
Poetic Form in Service of the Modern Experience by
Kevin Girard
A fairy tale that does unfold a red carpet, on which we are actors trying to live other people’s lives. It is meaning that we are losing as we try to just survive. Madness of the medicated, it’s all a violation of the question, “What is it to be human?” There is no order except what’s on the menu of the corporate fast-food line. In stark relief to the snowmen and cozy fires of its eponymous song, Winter Wonderland? is an unflinching look at the implications of modern Western philosophy and mores on our ability—or inability—to live an integrated and meaningful life. This poetic journey also takes in the author’s encounters with psychiatry and the systems that drive therapy, and ranges from the depths of despair to freedom from the confines of the mind, and even a consideration of romantic love.
If I Were A Crayon
by
Jenna Victoria Seguin
When a young budding artist's favorite crayon goes missing, it leads to a whimsical search filled with imaginative possibilities! Join Janey on an adventure as she ponders, "If I were a crayon, where would I hide?" From treetops to pirate ships, discover the colourful places a crayon might wander in this delightful tale of creativity and determination. Create a wonderful bonding experience and engagement as this enticing book offers wonderful literary knowledge for young readers. Providing a great learning experience, and opening up a world of questions at home or in any classroom. A must read for teachers of every kind!
The Chameleon
by
JP Robinson
Born into a working-class family in England, Paul Robinson moved to Canada as a teenager. After training as a hairdresser, he soon owned a chain of popular salons in Victoria, BC, with his wife, Deborah, and travelled the world as an educator in his field while volunteering tirelessly in his own community. But suddenly, at the peak of success, he lost everything. When an outreach centre for homelessness and addiction opened next to his business, violent incidents made his staff and students afraid to come to the school. Robinson had no choice but to close down, selling the family home to pay off the debt. Now homeless themselves, he and his wife and their two teenage daughters were forced to start over from rock bottom. As their own lives spiralled out of control, they learned how to triumph over adversity while maintaining compassion for those less fortunate.