Non-Fiction - Words Matter Publishing

Before the BADGE

Dominick Izzo has been a thorn in the side of Police Command since his first Police Department when he refused to accept the status quo of allowing village officials and police commanding officers to operate with the falsehood that they were above the same law he swore to uphold. Having served as a police officer from 2001 until 2016. He served with full distinction and full disobedience for corruption. Izzo took on the challenges of the command of all three of the departments he was sworn to serve, never sitting by and watching the politics of the system work against the citizens or the officers who were subject to such corrupt members. From refusing to sleep with a village official, to exposing the abuses of power of a village mayor and his father to the sacrificing of his career to take on the most corrupt police chief and his actions, Dominick Izzo honored his oath to the Constitution and those he swore to protect. Before the Badge is all about just that. Doing what is right, no matter the cost to you personally or professionally. Your name and integrity are what matters the most in a profession of sharks who'll eat their own, proving that the Thin Blue Line is stuff movies are made of when it comes to any officer who challenges those who threaten the ideals law enforcement is held to. Considered an emotional "how-to" for the street cop, Before the Badge is a must-read for anyone who is a cop, knows a cop or has dreams of becoming a cop and wants their badge to shield and protect their own heart.

$17.99

Bigger Than Jussie: The Disturbing Need For A Modern-Day Lynching

When Jussie Smollett took Bola Osundairo under his wing, grooming him for greater roles in Hollywood, the UNTHINKABLE happens… Bola Osundairo couldn’t believe his luck when actor, Jussie Smollett, took an interest in him. He barely knew the man when he was hired to be an extra on the hit show Empire. Within a short time, thanks to Jussie’s assistance, Bola became a stand-in. His star was on the rise. Ola Osundairo became an extra on Empire before Bola. Soon he was in a picture with the creator of the show that was posted on Instagram. His acting career was blasting off. When Jussie asks for a favor, Bola is only too happy to help. At first, when he heard Jussie’s plan, he thought it was a joke. Why would Jussie need a modern-day lynching? Jussie assured him things like this were normal in Hollywood. When Jussie asked if Bola knew of someone who could help, Bola knew his brother, Ola, would be perfect. Things didn’t go as planned, at least the brothers didn’t think so. Ola was instructed by Jussie to place one of the ‘props’, a rope made into a noose, around Jussie’s neck. But that didn’t happen. Ola got spooked and ran off before doing so. When word got out about the modern-day lynching, the brothers learned when Jussie reported the ‘crime’ he wore the noose. Why did he put the noose around his own neck? No man would ever willingly put a noose on themselves, much less a black man! Suddenly, Bola and Ola find themselves outcasts in Hollywood, dropped by a major casting agency, and their lives totally turned upside down. Who are Ola and Bola Osundairo? They are so much more than the ‘attackers’ in Jussie’s modern-day lynching hoax. Get to know the American-Nigerian brothers. Find out why Jussie knew Bola would agree to help him before he ever asked him to. The truth of this hoax comes to light through text messages, emails, and never-before-seen evidence that removes all doubt of the brother's involvement and explains why Bola and Ola agreed to take on this role. Was Jussie really trying to help the Osundairo brothers, or was he preparing them for the acting role that would prevent them from ever acting again? Take a deep dive into the Smollett case, with a special emphasis on the biographical elements. As Bola and Ola strive to rise from the ashes, they are troubled by unanswered questions which leads to their quest for the truth. What they learn brings to light one controversial question that when combined with historical facts leaves one to think, was there a political need for modern-day lynching? Was the real motive Bigger Than Jussie?

$21.99 – $39.99

Building Brains with Music

Anyone who has a child in their life, whether as a parent, family member, teacher, or someone else involved in the child’s care, should read this book. The information contained will change how you view music. It will not only have a positive, direct impact on the child; it will have an impact on you, the reader, as well.

Every parent or teacher has the capability of using music. Would more of them take the time to sing and dance if they knew how valuable taking the time was? If one of the basic tools for building a brain was music, would you use it? I am handing you that tool right now with this book.

Come join me as we begin Building Brains with Music.

$19.99

Confidence Unleashed: Be the Unstoppable Hero of Your Own Heart

Be the unstoppable hero of your own heart.

Have you ever felt the crippling weight of self-doubt overshadowing your abilities?

Have you forgotten your innate power and the divine blueprint of your existence?

Join Lanie D’Souza on a transformative journey, with over two decades of experience empowering thousands of women to embrace self-trust and body love. This path unveils the proud strength of self-compassion, the beauty of gratitude, and the revelation of your authentic self. Embrace the transformative trinity of kindness in your words, thoughts, and actions. Trust in the process as the struggle paints the portrait of your higher self. At its core, gratitude nurtures mind, body, and spirit. It's time to take the first ride to embrace your past, build your confidence, and unleash your true beauty.

$24.99

Don’t Touch That Box

He lived with a box in a closet for five decades. A box he told them not to touch. During those years their lives were consumed with the tragedies of death, mental illness, a house fire, the Great Depression, and war. In this true story, Author Karin Wargel delves into the lifetime of the strong, talented genius who was the father of twelve children and her grandfather, Paul Schultetus. She discovers how they were able to carry on; by teaching the constellations from blankets in the yard on starry nights; by teaching a foreign language at breakfast; by having the rare library and radio in the neighborhood; and by making home-made ice cream in an old sorghum can. The family was still able to find much joy and happiness that was provided every day by hard-working, loving parents. Karin also visited Germany and acquaints herself with the lives of her ancestors and the well-known historical events they surmounted. They fled France during the routing of the Huguenots. They lived under the scourge of Communism. Her greatest discovery was the genes they possessed and sent to America that affected the lives of their descendants. What secrets does the mysterious box hold? Who finally has the strength to go against their beloved father and look inside this box after fifty years?

$37.99

Finding Constance

Growing up in small town America in the shadow of the great depression, Constance uses humor, sarcasm, and wit to tell her captivating stories of innocence, illness, romance, broken dreams and finding peace.

$17.99

How To Enter A Writing Contest and Win

Are you an aspiring author who has been writing a short story, a novel, or a children’s book? Maybe you’ve written a recipe guide, business guide, or a fitness book? You can make your journey to becoming an author more comfortable by participating in some writing contests. DARE to subject your work to careful scrutiny and expert review by entering contests. If your work is accepted, you will take the first giant step towards a successful career as an author!

$9.99

I Was Ten Years Old When I Went for A Walk

Diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, John Anderson shares his uplifting story of God's constant gifts and how we need to keep our eyes and hearts open to them, especially during times of trial. John faces his diagnosis with his loving family, friends, and God's presence each day.

$15.99

I’ve Finally Lost It

When Nick Dewhurst experienced the ending of a friendship, he felt a great sense of loss and grief. With I’ve Finally Lost It, Nick takes a look at many different types of grief that often go overlooked. Many books will focus on the loss of a parent or loss of a spouse, while this book covers those topics it also dives into some very personal stories regarding the loss of a job, a pet, a best friend, faith and even an entire identity.

Nick leverages all his experiences as a United States Navy chaplain, firefighter, youth pastor, father, and husband to demonstrate that many types of grief and loss are common to everyone. Instead of reading this book through the eyes of a counselor or psychiatrist, you can read it as if you’re on a journey with a new friend.

These emotionally written short stories combined with humor and scriptural truth use a personal touch to help anyone experiencing all types of loss know that they are not alone as they walk their path of grief.

$15.99

Impact: From Crash to Coma to Comeback

On April 29, 2022, at 10:02 PM, Amber’s life was irrevocably changed when a street racer, speeding at 109 miles per hour, collided with her vehicle. The violent impact left her with severe brain injuries, and she was immediately put into a coma. After stabilizing at a local hospital, Amber was flown to a Level One trauma facility. For several days, it was touch and go. Neurosurgeons and neurology specialists were uncertain if she would ever wake up. After five harrowing weeks in a coma and multiple surgeries, Amber began to slowly emerge. Her family and friends were overjoyed by her progress, but the road to recovery was fraught with uncertainty. As a young woman engaged to be married, the questions loomed large: Would she ever walk again? Would she ever talk again? Would she be able to work, drive, or return to the life she once knew? Impact: From Crash to Coma to Comeback is a poignant and inspiring story of resilience, love, and the indomitable human spirit. Follow Amber’s journey as she battles against all odds, overcoming each obstacle with courage and determination. This compelling narrative will touch your heart and remind you of the incredible strength that lies within us all.

$29.99

In Between Mourning and living

Cancel Culture is not only a hot topic, but it is incredibly divisive. On one side, you have people who cut others out of their lives because they won't affirm their own beliefs. The days of agreeing to disagree seem to be long gone. And on the other side, you have those who have been cut out and are left reeling wondering why. This book takes a look from the third perspective with a Kingdom mindset. The viewpoint of the black sheep if you will. Those who have genuinely tried to make it work but somehow find themselves mourning the loss of what was. Within these pages, you will find my experience of navigating this special Hell on Earth while remembering this is not my home. My prayer is that you find comfort in knowing you are not alone.

$12.99 – $22.99

Just One Guy’s Stories

People have a lot of experiences throughout their lives. Some are good, some are bad, and most have taught us valuable lessons about life and made us who and what we are today. One of the most enjoyable times in a person’s life is sitting around talking with their old friends or family members and sharing their favorite life experiences. Everyone will laugh and cry and feel a special comfort in their souls knowing they shared these fond memories together. When my friends and family members read my stories, I know it will bring them this comfort because they lived it with me. When those who don’t know me read my stories, I believe they will feel comfort, too, because I’ve always felt everyone has had similar life experiences and will relate to mine somehow. There are so many people in the world, but no matter who you are or where you live, when you share your stories with someone, you share your life and at least a small part of your heart and soul. That’s what I hope I’ve done with mine.

$15.99

My Brother’s Keeper Relearning to live with PTSD

Being ambushed and shot changed me. The event and the experiences after made me question some of my most tightly held beliefs about who I was and what I believed. I felt as though I was a stranger onto myself. My motivations for this writing are as much selfish as they are altruistic. I do not promise anything more than an account of my experiences and the emotions surrounding those experiences. I found a path I believe we all can use to find peace. I hope others can use my experiences to find their individual path to healing. If we can reach just one…

$17.99

My Mom Marni

Two Lake County Major Crimes Task Force Officers entered the room. They introduced themselves and then the first thing they asked each of us was the most shocking question we could ever imagine. “DO YOU BELIEVE YOUR MOTHER IS CAPABLE OF MURDER?”

$21.99

Red Wings Through The Forest

The book Red Wings Through the Forest details my 40- year hike through the Missouri Ozarks as a Forester and subsequently every state west of Missouri as a Wildland Fire Fighter. My monthly activity reports detailed the stories of me wading through creeks and stomping out fires. I chose the most interesting stories over that period of time compiling this book. I let my boots do the talking and I take the reader along on this hike as we travel through the woods, fight fire, and meet some amazing folks along the way.

$19.99

Remembering Missouri’s Lookout Towers – A Place above the Trees

For half a century Bob Frakes pursued his “Forest Lookout Tower” hobby. All the time he collected papers, pictures, stories and friends. He was urged to put his memories down in a book and not let them be forgotten. “Remembering Missouri’s Lookout Towers – A Place above the Trees” is finished. It contains history. What preceded and created a need for the towers? It has stories. What is the goat doing on the top steps? It has technical information. What is the difference between an LS-40 and a MC-39? It has interviews. Those who worked the towers remember. It has submissions. Individuals who lived the life share their thoughts on themselves, what it was like and relatives. Others share their technical knowledge on fire finders, dispatch maps, the forest today, map projects, dozers, etc. And of course, there are the pictures. The book contains over 300 images. Some are archival and one of a kind and many are in color. You can take a tower trip and never leave your living room. You will also find tower names, towers moved, Bucksnort Foodstand, tower mysteries, Smokey Bear, the Royal Order of Squirrels, wood towers, steel towers, lookouts not towers, drone shots, and much more. Missouri is often cited as the nation’s #1 conservation success story. Come examine this part of the story as to how it got that way.

$31.99

Rich Herrin A Head Coach Ahead of His Time

The story of how Rich Herrin spent his life influencing young lives and transforming a small coal mining community into a basketball powerhouse.

Doug Collins (NBA Coach, '72 Olympian): "When I was growing up...I wanted to be Coach Herrin. Think about it...He was tough, fair, and honest. I never heard him say a swear word...he was just a good Christian man. I wanted a family like Coach Herrin...a wife like Sue. I wanted to coach and teach and give back like Coach Herrin." Rich Yunkus (Georgia Tech All-Time Leading Scorer): "Coach Herrin never expected anything out of you that he didn't expect himself. He had an unbelievable work ethic and led by example. He cared for you as a person and not just an athlete." Dick Corn (Pinckneyville High School Coaching Legend ): "As great a coach as he was and as passionate as he was toward basketball...his greatest achievements were as a husband, dad, grandfather and dearest friend to many."

$49.99

Selfish is a Superpower

In a powerful twist, Jessica Dennehy demonstrates that getting SELFISH can enable you to fearlessly pursue your happiness, create a dynamic brand, and live the life of your dreams. Discover how you can dominate in business, family, and finance all by embracing the fact that Selfish is a Superpower.

$15.99 – $24.99

The Battles at Patterson and Fort Benton

In The Battles at Patterson and Fort Benton, readers are taken deep into Missouri's Civil War experience-a fierce struggle within the broader conflict. Known for having one of the highest numbers of Civil War skirmishes per state, Missouri witnessed brutal fighting, particularly in and around the Patterson and Fort Benton areas. The book not only delves into the historical backdrop of these lesser-known battles but also brings a personal connection to the forefront. Set on land that would later become the author's family farm, this narrative intertwines ancestral memories with war relics plowed up by the author's grandfather, whose findings bridge the past to the present. Through maps, photographs, and firsthand accounts, The Battles at Patterson and Fort Benton sheds light on the untold stories of a divided state, preserving a remarkable story of conflict, heritage, and discovery.

$19.99

The Greatest Comeback

Sharing his life story for the first time, renowned psychotherapist Dr. Darryl Wheat tells of his early years of trauma, parental abandonment, and being left to live with his grandmother. His defiance led him into numerous jails, detention houses and reform school. Young, brash and reckless, Darryl racked up over 40 arrests, 12 institutional escapes, and endless parole violations. He is seemingly destined for an early death, when miraculously, his loving grandmother intervenes. “Nanny” instills wisdom, which, at age 19, results in turning her grandson’s life completely around. Darryl then sets out to accomplish what people tell him is impossible. This is his unbelievable, yet true story.

$17.99

The Greatness Chair Solution

Are you a parent, teacher or therapist who is overwhelmed by the challenges faced in guiding children despite your best efforts? Do you find it hard to handle your own reactions in the face of intense children? Are you trying to stay connected despite physical and emotional exhaustion? Or are you just looking for a way to notch up your success?

The Greatness Chair Solution: A Guidebook for Parents and Teachers is a revolutionary eight-week program to bring out the unique strengths of children and adults with a simple yet profound set of skills based on positive psychology, neuroscience, somatic experience, and the emerging field of neurocardiology. This is a fun, interactive method that is strength-based and meets the objectives of social-emotional learning, so vital for success in today's world. Weekly activities for both children and parents/teachers rapidly build stronger relationships, inner emotional strength, and resilience.

$25.99

The Miracle of Maddie

First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes the baby in the baby carriage...but what happens when that baby is just out of reach? Kevin and Mariah are no strangers to grief but they never thought they would be facing so much on their journey to become parents. Follow Mariah and Kevin's journey through infertility treatments as they candidly and some times a little too openly recount the ups, downs, sorrow and grief and learn to find true JOY in their journey to parenthood.

$21.99

The Renaissance of Birth

Dr. Susan Highsmith is an enlightened renaissance grandmother! She is a seeker of truth and spiritual wisdom, a lover of science and knowledge, a caring mother and grandmother, and a qualitative researcher. The Renaissance of Birth is the culminating tapestry of her perspectives as she leads us through a deeply meaningful quest to understand how we bring in our children-how we conceive, carry and birth our babies-past-present-future. We are at a crossroads in our world view paradigm, our understanding of babies and what they need to thrive from the beginning of life, restoring balance between science and feminine wisdom, and how we all, as stewards of the next generation, can help make a difference. For parents-to-be and all of us, I recommend this book! Wendy Anne McCarty, PhD RN Founding Chair/Faculty of Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology Graduate Programs, SBGI Project Director, 12 Guiding Principles - PPN: Nurturing Human Potential from the Beginning of Life Author, Welcoming Consciousness: Supporting Babies' Wholeness from the Beginning of Life

$18.99

The Stoic Cop

There's no doubt that law enforcement comes with its immense stress. Sometimes it feels like our world is nothing but chaos; chaos at home due to stressors at work, chaos at work due to the stressors at home, but mainly the chaos we make for ourselves from unnecessary, falsely perceived stress. But what if you could control all that by simply adopting the virtues of the stoic philosophy? Stoicism teaches how to find inner peace amid the chaos of our perceived external world. With a mixture of stoic aphorisms and personal stories, The Stoic Cop explains how it is possible to handle the daily stress and chaos of law enforcement with a little mind control. Learn to bridge the gap between police and citizen relationships, deal with difficult people, navigate department politics, and more. Learn to control your perceptions, opinions, and emotions and become a better, more virtuous police officer. Most importantly, control your perceived chaos.

$17.99

This Joy That I Have: Life After the Storm

When we rid ourselves of negative thinking, people, habits, and proclivities, we feel cleaner, lighter, happier, more grounded, and soulful. When we forgive others, move on, and love ourselves, it frees us to walk in the joy and fulfillment God has designed for us. Take a journey through your life to learn and manifest your life of joy and soulfulness. Discover how to overcome the pain of rejection, failure, insecurity, and doubt. Discover who you are at your core and learn to embrace the beauty of you. Your maximum life of joy awaits you! Let’s begin our journey together. DISCOVER HOW TO

Release the pain you have been holding onto Overcome the setbacks in your life Find forgiveness for yourself and others Discover who you are at your core Experience your best joy-filled life

No matter what you have been through A joy-filled life is waiting for you!

$12.99 – $19.99

Your Daughter’s Journey

When the journey is long, and the road is hard you need a moment of inspiration to make it through. These quotes will empower, strengthen and uplift you in your darkest moments. You will be inspired and encouraged as you read and reflect on the quote and its interpretation

$14.99

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