Special: Stop Being a Doormat

Ladder of Years tells the story of Delia Grinstead, a Baltimore housewife who abruptly walks away from her family during a summer vacation. She finds herself in a small town where she begins a new life, working as a caregiver for an elderly woman. Delia's sudden departure forces her to confront her past and re-evaluate her relationships with her husband and children. The novel explores themes of identity, family dynamics, and the search for personal fulfillment. Tyler's writing is characterized by her insightful portrayal of ordinary lives and her ability to find humor and poignancy in everyday situations. Delia's journey becomes a meditation on the choices we make and the paths we choose to follow.

In 'Five Minutes' Peace', Jill Murphy tells the story of Mrs. Large, a mother elephant who yearns for a brief moment of solitude from her energetic children. However, her attempts at finding peace are constantly thwarted as her children follow her everywhere, creating chaos and humor along the way. The book is a relatable and entertaining portrayal of family life, appealing to both children and parents.

In this book, Gavin de Becker argues that every individual should learn to trust their gut instinct when it comes to situations of danger or potential violence. He highlights the predictability of violence by identifying pre-incident indicators (PINS) such as forced teaming, charm and niceness, too many details, typecasting, loan sharking, and the unsolicited promise. De Becker also discusses his MOSAIC Threat Assessment Systems and provides practical advice on how to spot danger signals, handle threatening situations, and manage fear effectively. The book is particularly valuable for women and others who may be at higher risk of violence, offering strategies to enhance situational awareness and personal safety.