In a smart and funny novel by the award-winning author of the critically acclaimed “big-hearted, charming” (The Washington Post) Small Admissions, a family’s move to New York City brings surprises and humor. Allison Brinkley—wife, mother, and former unflappable optimist—discovers that her decision to pack up and move her family from suburban Dallas to the glittery chaos of Manhattan may have been more complicated than she and her husband initially thought. New York is more unruly and bewildering than she expected, defying the notions she developed from romantic movies and a memorable childhood visit. After a humiliating call from the principal’s office and the loss of the job she was counting on, Allison begins to accept that New York may not suit her after all. When she has a fender-bender, witnessed by a flock of mothers at her son’s new school, she is led to the penthouse apartment of a luxurious Central Park West building and encounters a spoiled, hungover, unsupervised teenager who looks familiar. It doesn’t take long to recognize him as Carter Reid—a famous pop star who has been cast in a new Broadway musical. Through this brush with stardom, Allison embraces a unique and unexpected opportunity that helps her find her way in the heart of Manhattan. “A tribute to Broadway, teen celebrity life, and a mother who has now seen it all, this work is tough love at its finest and a great read for those wanting a ride on the wild side” (Booklist, starred review).

The Ivy League is a place where basketball is neither a pastime nor a profession. Instead, it is a true passion among players, coaches, and committed sports enthusiasts who share in its every success and setback. Outside the Limelight is the first book to look inside Ivy League basketball and at the boundless enthusiasm that defines it. With painstaking reportage, Kathy Orton vividly captures the internal fervor of the personalities who champion their gameùall the triumphs and disappointments of an Ivy hoop season. Scholarships for student athletes? None, and this is the only Division I conference that does not offer them. The TV spotlight? It barely shines, despite the passion, talent, and commitment of the players. Megadollar contracts from the NBA? Rarely does a player receive an offer. These age-old institutions are better known for turning out presidents, not point guards, and CEOs and captains of industry, not centers on the court. Orton weaves together the stories of coaches and players as they move from fall practice through an entire season and ahead to the NCAA tournament. From Harvard to Penn, Princeton to Cornell and beyond, playersùperhaps more accustomed to pomp and circumstanceùface leaky gyms, endure long bus rides, rigorous courseloads, and unbearable exam schedules. Why? Just to prove they can hang with the big boys despite juggling multiple non-athletic responsibilities? Maybe. But more importantly, for the sincere love of the game. Outside the Limelight provides frontcourt vision for college basketball fans everywhere to achieve an appreciation of this captivating conference and for diehard enthusiasts to gain greater insight into what brings Ivy League basketball to center circle.

Linda Ugelow is a seasoned performer who is now focusing on helping other women feel comfortable on the stage. But she wasn't always comfortable being in the limelight--she used to have a real fear of public speaking. Now she wants to teach other women how to embrace public speaking, because if you hold yourself back from speaking or enjoying it, you'll not be able to make the impact you dream of. Linda learned how to make lasting change to help her move past her anxiety and fear, so she could become a successful broadcaster and podcaster. She realized it wasn't a quick fix, but a deep, personal transformation. Now Linda works with entrepreneurs to love their on-camera presence so they can spread their message far and wide. She works with authors and experts to stand on the stage delighted to be with their audience after a lifetime of avoiding it. And she helps professionals overcome the plaguing feeling of not being good enough no matter what successes they've had. Ready to delight in the limelight? Let Linda Ugelow be your guide.

"A great tortured rockstar read. Highly recommend!" - Colleen Hoover I’m unpredictable. A genius and underachiever. I’m the song, the voice, the passion, the pain. I am failure, because the music chose me. I’m its victim, not its gift. She destroyed my career. Ruined my life. Pushed me from the shadows and exposed my lies. She’s an all-consuming fire, and now her flames are aimed at me. She loves to watch me burn, but the part we never saw coming? Maybe I needed a fire to claw my way out of the dark. (Please note this book addresses mental illness and addiction in a compassionate, realistic manner.)