Bøger udgivet af Ballast Books

Two aviators making history. Two Americans serving their country. One incredible story spanning fifty years and two generations. Ben Smotherman, a B-17 pilot in World War II, valiantly fought in the European Theater of Operations before being shot down over Holland in July 1943. After enduring twenty-one months as a prisoner of war, he was finally reunited with his loved ones and was able to start a family. Years later, after perusing his Wartime Log, his daughter Jan made discoveries about her father's experiences that shed light on her own life path. As a Space Shuttle astronaut, Jan Davis went through intensive training, flew NASA jets, and completed three spaceflights, spending over 673 hours on orbit. Her experiences and emotions during her launches and space travel echoed those of her father during his combat missions, highlighting the unshakable bond between father and daughter. With Air Born, you can join in on a flight through history as Jan Davis relates her father's heroic service and draws connections between his combat missions and her own spaceflights. Discover the ins and outs of pilot training in the 1940s alongside Ben Smotherman and bear witness to his harrowing capture, interrogation, and imprisonment at Stalag Luft III. Rejoice with the POWs as World War II finally ends and the prisoners are returned home to continue pursuing their life's goals. Shadow Jan Davis as she expertly navigates a career characterized by space exploration, scientific experimentation, and phenomenal feats of engineering. And draw inspiration from the intersection of two completely different yet uniquely connected worlds brought together by a common link of family and flying.

Believe in yourself--even when no one else does. It's hard. We are told so many things throughout our lives. People form opinions that make us think we are a certain way, and when we are told these things over and over, we start to believe them. But we need to remember that when we hear that voice, it isn't our own. It is the voice of others projecting their impressions--accurate or not--upon us. It does not define who we are. We define who we are, and we can be so many things: silly, smart, kind, and so much more. Too Fat to Be Fit shares my journey of overcoming the onslaught of negative opinions that chased me from childhood to adulthood and from my family life to my fitness career. This book explores my struggles, my feelings, my acknowledgment, and my breakthrough--and it wasn't a straight line to get there. Like everyone else, my path has had many twists and turns, but I have discovered my true value along the way. Join me on my journey to recognize your own self-worth and potential for success!

Real estate is a topic that is daunting for many, but it doesn't need to be. When Ryan started his real estate journey, he was frustrated by the myriad of real estate books that were either lacking or overly presumptuous. So, he resolved to develop his own experience and expertise to share meaningfully with others getting started in the industry. After traveling to nearly forty countries, Ryan has determined that the key to success is a combination of knowledge and opportunity--with knowledge being more within one's control. Master of Leverage stands apart by providing aspiring investors the knowledge they desire to take advantage of their presented opportunities. With the knowledge gained from this book, you'll understand how to confidently navigate rising interest rates, hyper-competitive seller markets, high housing prices, tenant horror stories, and a number of concerns many have about the industry.

Americans live in an era of increasing political turmoil where tensions are heightened and conflict is the new normal.Having grown up in this environment, millennials know nothing different. Their experiences have driven them toward disillusionment and frustration with the political norm. In sum, they have caught a case of the Bellwether Blues. The resulting skepticism has brought out the worst in those who engage in political dialogue, only adding fuel to the fire.In an era where the political world is ablaze with hatred, Bellwether Blues offers a highly effective antidote. Rather than allowing the ends to justify the means, Jonathan Jakubowski encourages conservatives to rethink their approach to reaching the millennial generation. Fight or flight might be the natural response to conflict, but there is a third option for conservatives if they choose: Make friends. This counterintuitive approach is gleaned through the stories of seven millennials in Wood County, Ohio who changed their voting preferences from liberal to conservative.

Adventure and growth. That's what has defined the life of Ashton Pienaar, star of Below Deck.From quitting his steady corporate job without a backup plan to moving to France to kickstart a yachting career to becoming a fan favorite, then villain, on Bravo's hit reality show, Ashton has approached each new phase of life with his mantra: "Find security in the unknown." While this has presented some challenges, it has also helped him become a happier, more confident person--someone who thrives in uncertainty and makes the best of every situation.Now, Ashton has captured his bold and passionate pursuit of purpose in his gripping memoir, Knots, Lines, and Life. This tale of self-discovery and self-improvement offers a no-holds-barred reflection on Ashton's experiences, good and bad, in his own words. With unflinching candor and raw intensity, he invites the reader into his experiences with substance use and alcoholism--then takes them on a journey of healing and transformation as he shares his road to sobriety and his ongoing success as an entrepreneur and business owner.Most memoirs are inspiring, but this is a story that goes a step further. Knots, Lines, and Life will incite positive action in readers, prompting them to forgive themselves and others for their mistakes, embrace every opportunity to learn and grow, and, of course, find security in the unknown.

Climb in the cockpit and join a Marine attack helicopter pilot in this authentic and compelling firsthand account of the opening days and nights of the Iraq War. Experience the sights, smells, and sounds of the Cobra, hanging on tight as you're hurled into the chaos of night combat operations. Step through an otherwise closed door and explore the emotions, physical danger, and successes that would shape a generation of aviators. Author Eric Buer lived to fly the Cobra, delivering incredible firepower and devastating America's enemies in the aircraft that would become both his home and office. Wherever Marines fought and whenever their commanders needed support, he and his fellow Cobra aircrew were there. In Ghosts of Baghdad, you can be there too. Feel these pilots' frustrations, experience their exhaustion, and lament alongside them in the face of tragedy. Ultimately, you will come to understand how a sense of duty, service, and shared sacrifice develops into an unbreakable trust and bond. Strap in--this true story will take you inside the Cobra for a heart-pounding, fist-pumping, adrenaline-rush-filled thrill ride!

I Am Machine is an intriguing exploration of what it means to be human--and whether we truly have free will. This thought-provoking narrative will ignite your imagination while causing you to question what drives your own actions and decisions. Whether you're interested in philosophy and science fiction or simply curious about the human experience, I Am Machine will engage your brain in a way unlike any other book in your personal library.Written from the perspective of an alien visitor to Earth named Ramona Black Hole, I Am Machine rationalizes human existence in the context of a universe filled with life. Throughout the book, Ramona, leader of the globular cluster Messier 13 galactic exploration team, describes life on Earth in the context of her prior planetary experiences, including those with other extraterrestrials she's encountered.Although Ramona isn't human, she has a lot of the same questions about life that humans have grappled with since their evolution on Earth. What does it mean to be alive? How much control do we truly have over our lives? What else is out there? Are there parallel universes and alternative realities that we aren't aware of? Just what is possible in infinite space? Ramona has traveled broadly in our galaxy, the Milky Way, and shares her hypotheses about life and free will, but it's up to you to decide what you think the universe holds.

Few people manage to make a true impact on others the way Mike Adams did during his life.As a professor, columnist, and friend, he left an indelible mark on nearly everyone he met, moving them to become the best versions of themselves through his witty yet thought-provoking remarks. Although Mike passed away in 2020, his legacy lives on through the insights he shared in his writing--the greatest examples of which have been carefully compiled by his surviving brother, David. These narratives serve to map out the major events of Mike's life while shining a light on the positive influence he had on those he encountered along the way.A touching testament to someone who was loved by many, Life and How to Live It tells the story of a life well lived by a man transformed--from a D student to an A student, from an atheist to a Christian, and from a liberal to a conservative. It honors a beloved leader who devoted himself to educating and inspiring others in life and who continues to do so now that he's gone. With Mike's trademark humor and wisdom leaping from every page and David's commentary providing meaningful context, this book is sure to ignite a desire in every reader to examine their beliefs and consider how to make a lasting difference in the world.

A Midshipman's Journey: Plebe to Officer at the United States Naval Academy Through a Graduate's Eyes and Painter's Brush explores the United States Naval Academy experience through paintings and prose. With a focus on the human moments of an institutional process, this book reflects the essence of the transformation from plebe to officer through impressionistic paintings and honest writing. Paintings and words by Kristin (Otterson) Cronic, United States Naval Academy class of 2011.

Keep evolving. Have empathy. Spend time in nature. Smell the roses. Be like Eugene. No matter who you are, where you're from, or what you believe in, there's one place that's sure to welcome you with open arms: Eugene, Oregon. That's what Dee discovered when she found herself in this quirky town after realizing she needed a big change in her life. The second largest city in Oregon, Eugene is a charming and genuine place full of character and characters. Not only is it home to several colleges and historical locations, but it's known for its cultural diversity, artistic edge, local establishments, and natural beauty. Friendly and inclusive, Eugene became a safe haven for Dee--and for countless other individuals who have discovered purpose and acceptance there. Part memoir and part field guide, Eugene and Me captures the numerous stories and idiosyncrasies of Eugene, Oregon, highlighting what author Dee has seen and heard since moving there. It is, in essence, a love letter to the town and all those who have made it the unique place that it is. A quick but compelling read, this special narrative is sure to help you feel like you've found home in Eugene as well.

The tracks on the excavator go round and round, round and round, round and round. The tracks on the excavator go round and round, all through the site. You've heard The Wheels on the Bus--now, make way for The Tracks on the Excavator! This engaging story, set to the classic tune, appeals to kids' interest in all things construction. From teaching the reader about the different parts of an excavator to highlighting the various roles on a construction site, this catchy book is sure to keep children entertained time and time again.

What would you be willing to risk to simply do the right thing? In his debut book, Adam DeMarco chronicles his journey from his early childhood days to his call to arms after 9/11, from the deployments to southwest Asia to the highs and lows of the political campaign trail, and from picking up the pieces of failure after failure to finding his renewed sense of purpose. He also gives a no-holds-barred firsthand account of three of the most significant events to occur in recent American history: the protests at Lafayette Square, the Capitol insurrection, and the fight to save Americans and allies in Afghanistan. With his characteristic flair and love of history, Adam provides a detailed account of his journey of discovering his true inner self through his military and public service, all the while openly battling invisible wounds

Nonfiction Book Awards 2023 Silver Winner ​ Author Kyle Cozad--retired US Navy Rear Admiral and current President and CEO of the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation--tells his own personal story following a service-related spinal cord injury while he was on active duty. Insightful, honest, and frank, his account describes how he bounced back from a debilitating spinal cord injury with one overarching motivation: to "give back" and make a positive difference for others. His leadership as a senior Navy two-star admiral serving on active duty, and his current role as President and CEO of the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation exemplify his grit and resilience and a commitment as a societal change agent. Relentless Positivity is a must-read for anyone facing personal adversity in their lives. It is an inspirational personal story of toughness and resilience from which Wounded Warriors, their families, and anyone who has faced major trauma in their lives will be encouraged in overcoming incredible odds.

According to General Jim Mattis, former US Secretary of Defense, Wounding Warriors is "an unflinching appraisal...a must-read for those committed to caring for our Veterans who have borne the battle." Indeed, Wounding Warriors: How Bad Policy Is Making Veterans Sicker and Poorer is a transformational effort of research into the Department of Veterans Affairs and the US military. Authors Daniel Gade--retired US Army lieutenant colonel, professor, public policy leader, and former US Senate candidate from Virginia--and former Wall Street Journal Reporter Daniel Huang interviewed dozens of veterans who saw the perverse structure of incentives within the VA from the inside. The authors also combed through years of literature and compiled a wealth of data that demonstrates beyond all reasonable doubt that our system of caring for veterans, post-military, is broken. As former US Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis said in his review of the book, it is "an unflinching appraisal" of how the Department of Veterans Affairs rewards disingenuity and dishonesty. Wounding Warriors, however, does more than identify flaws in how veterans are cared for after their time in service is up. It also outlines solutions that would move veterans to take a healthy approach to post-military life. Wounding Warriors is a must-read for veterans, their families, and anyone who has felt subjected to a corrupt system of bad incentives.

Diving into the experience of American service members fighting in a conflict that has spanned two decades, The Twenty-Year War explores the challenge veterans face reintegrating into a society where less than 1 percent of the American populace has served in the conflict. The veterans featured in The Twenty-Year War open up about their call to service, the sobering reality of combat, their transition post-military, and what it's like to find their mission again--in life.

Comes with QR codes that take the reader to behind-the-scenes documents, videos, trial audio and text message threads.

What happens when the devil attacks your strength and shapes it into a weakness? J.D. Danny McCabe maintained a loving relationship with his wife for nearly twenty years before the underpinnings of their marriage, family, and world began to crumble. Their foundation had always been rooted in the mantra that trust is the bedrock of a healthy relationship. Indeed, Erin had always claimed that things wouldn't--couldn't--work without trust. But one day, for reasons Danny could not fathom, Erin became suspicious of his every move. Phone calls, text messages, and work emails were manufactured into proof of infidelity, drug addiction, and a network of lies. She enlisted her mother in her efforts, and together they forged the words of family, trust and honesty into a metaphorical hammer and beat him into the ground. Their accusations accumulated, twisting reality, and eventually resulting in Danny s involuntary hospitalization. Danny was pushed to the edge and was damn near ready to jump. Then, God intervened. Erin s shocking revelation, her Third Gift, lit the blind spots in his marriage that Danny had never been able to reconcile.

When Nathan's father, a decorated Navy SEAL, is killed in combat, he must rely on his father's teammates for direction while learning to become a man. The normal struggles of adolescence are amplified while growing up in the shadow of a war hero, and a young man's future hangs in the balance. No one is safe from the scars of war in this funny, heart-wrenching, poignant novel.

If we knew the causes for the increases in veteran and first responder suicide, miscarriages, birth defects, sickness, disease, and death, you'd think we'd do everything in our power to solve these problems, right? What if we told you, the military and government know the answer, but they're choosing to do nothing about it? In Treason and Betrayal, you'll learn about not only the causes but also the cures that could stop these tragedies in the first place. Meet John Patrick Lyons: former Navy Special Operations Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewman. Throughout his career in the Navy, Lyons showed again and again that he was willing to give his life for his superiors, his government, and his country. What he didn't know was that they had already taken it. In 2014, after retiring from the Navy, Lyons learned some horrifying news: he had been poisoned with lead systematically for years while in the line of duty. After whistleblowing about this and other health risks to not only every person in the Navy but also their families and the surrounding community and environment, he was asked to sign a nondisclosure agreement. Lyons refused. Instead, he set to work researching and writing this in-depth exposé. In Treason and Betrayal, Lyons uncovers a conspiracy that the US military and government have been diligently keeping under wraps for the last fifty years . . . In the United States, employers are supposed to create a work environment that protects its employees from recognized hazards. But, as Lyons reveals, the US military has been failing to do that for the people who already sacrifice so much for their country. In this book, you'll learn how our veterans, their family members, and the surrounding environment have been exposed to 146 hazardous and toxic compounds produced by firearms and weapons of war. Despite the diligent documentation and research explaining just how toxic these chemicals are, the military has not kept up with the proper testing, sanitation, and schedule rotation that could help protect veterans and their families. The result? Sickness, disease, and even death. Yet the military, Veterans Affairs, and government continue to exploit their authority and US law so that our veterans and their families suffer the crushing financial burden from medical bills on their own. Don't believe it? Neither could Lyons until he saw the evidence for himself. He has painstakingly pored over documentation ranging from US government reports, research from the National Institute of Health, and his very own medical records and compiled the evidence in Treason and Betrayal so you can see for yourself.

Two brothers. Two ideas. One big problem. Dylan and Perry are brothers with very different skills and personalities. These differences clash when their father gives them a new project: build a treehouse for the backyard. As disagreements erupt over whose strategy is better, it looks like the brothers will never be able to work together to complete their project. Will Dylan and Perry let their differences hold them back? Or will they learn to rely on each other's strengths to build the best treehouse possible? Adventures of Dylan and Perry: Operation Treehouse is the perfect book to teach important life lessons about working together, compromising, and recognizing other people's strengths. Join Dylan and Perry as they learn the value of teamwork and discover how it plays an important role in getting things done. You may even get a chance to meet the brothers' favorite superhero--Captain Unity!