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Mother’s Day may have been a week ago, but the celebration of Mom continues. This week’s nonfiction selections tell stories — some humorous, some heartbreaking — of mothers from all walks of life. The week’s non-fiction selection continues the theme in a sequel of the bestseller, “Where Are the Children?” The Frank Sinatra classic, “My Way,” could have been the musical version of another choice, this one depicting one man’s unusual rise in the world of journalism. And sports fans can learn how a star athlete and television commentator became a champion at both endeavors. A second sport selection suggests that, like books, one should judge by cover or reputation.
“The Ball in the Air: A Golfing Adventure,” by Michael Bamberger (Avid Reader Press / Simon & Schuster)
After writing for years about professional golf and professional golfers for the Fire Pit Collective, Michael Bamberger, described by Golf Magazine as “the poet laureate of golf,” turns his attention to the game as it’s played and enjoyed by most people — the rank amateurs. He writes that golf, “despite its elitist reputation, levels playing fields as few sports do.” “Somewhat awkward at first, the narrative eventually takes on a crisp, smooth rhythm, sparkling with details, as Bamberger goes deeper into each person’s life,” writes Kirkus Reviews. “The author provides more details than some readers will want, but the stories are heartwarming and affecting.” (Nonfiction)
“So God Made a Mother,” by Leslie Means (Tyndale Momentum)
If you know a mother, were raised by a mother, or are a mother (which should take in everyone), you’re bound to enjoy this book. No two moms are alike, because no two mom’s life stories are the same. Leslie Means, the founder of the website Her View From Home, put together in “So God Made a Mother,” an emotional group of real-life, straight-to-the-heart essays from moms of all ages and stages of motherhood. “The stories range from unspeakable loss to overwhelming joy and all of them will tug at your heart,” said Amanda Anderson for Good Reads. “I would suggest this for anyone wanting to be a mother, any new mother, any long-time mother, and any grandmother. This book will be a blessing in any mother’s life.” (Nonfiction)
“Talk of Champions: Stories of the People Who Made Me,” by Kenny Smith (Doubleday)
Kenny Smith, a co-host of TNT’s “Inside the NBA” and broadcaster for CBS/Turner’s coverage of March Madness, knows something of champions — he’s a two-time NBA champion and therefore knows what goes into the making of one. In this memoir, Smith reveals the often humorous stories of his relationships with coaches, star players and other mentors who helped shape his career both on the court and in front of the camera. Smith recalls his first season playing for the Sacramento Kings with the late Bill Russell, who won 11 NBA titles as a player. “He taught me to be a professional and showed me what it looked like to be a strong, self-assured Black man.” (Nonfiction)
“Uneducated: A Memoir of Flunking Out, Falling Apart, and Finding My Worth,” by Christopher Zara (Little, Brown and Company)
Described as a “hilarious and heartbreaking…must-read memoir” by Publishers Weekly, this memoir depicts how Christopher Zara became a journalist and senior news editor at Fast Company the hard way. At age 16, significant behavioral problems got him kicked out of his New Jersey high school and into a psychiatric hospital. Within the next six years of his bumpy ride to find himself and his calling he’d become a college dropout and a heroin addict. Publisher’s Weekly says “Zara’s tale is perfectly paced, told with powerful prose and invigorating candor.” (Nonfiction)
“Where Are the Children Now?,” by Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke (Simon & Schuster)
Of the 56 bestselling novels Mary Higgins Clark, dubbed the “queen of suspense,” has written, “Where Are the Children?” has remained the definitive work of the No. 1 New York Times bestselling author. This one is the long-anticipated follow-up to that 1986 modern classic. Kirkus Reviews calls this one “An expertly twisted sequel fully worthy of its celebrated original.”