Iconic: Decoding Images of the Revolutionary Black Woman by Lakesia Johnson

Throughout American history, black women have evoked strong reaction from American media and have been imaged in ways that draw on the deep-seated stereotypes.

In Iconic, Lakesia Johnson shows how truly revolutionary black women have not only controlled their own image despite such negative characterizations but done so for a greater good. Focusing on women from Sojourner Truth to Pam Grier and Alice Walker to Michelle Obama, Iconic shows how these icons continue to work to combat social justice and American racial prejudice.

Baylor University Press, $22.95, August 15, 2012, ISBN #: 9781602586444

The Saint Who Would Be Santa Claus: The True Life and Trials of Nicholas of Myra by Adam English

The real story of Santa Claus, and why he became a saint. Religious historian Adam English looks beyond the legends and lore of our red-suit-wearing, toy-making, Coke-drinking Santa Claus to tell the story of the real Saint Nicholas – a fourth-century bishop in modern-day Turkey.

With prose as enjoyable as it is informative, he shows why the life—and death—of Nicholas of Myra so radically influenced the formation of Western history and Christian thought, and did so in ways many have never realized.

Baylor University Press, $24.95, November 1, 2012, ISBN #: 9781602586345

Healing the Sacred Divide: Making Peace With Ourselves, Each Other, and the World by Dr. Jean Benedict Raffa

Healing the Sacred Divide explores the dynamic interplay of two crucial pairs of opposites—masculinity/femininity and psychology/religion—to describe several ways of thinking about God that express deep divisions in our own core and contribute to the dysfunction of our culture. Then it brings forward an emerging way of thinking that may better serve our most urgent personal and social needs—one that helps us discover how to bridge differences and integrate the “other” in ourselves, our personal relationships, and our world at large.

Larson Publications, $18.95, July 30, 2012, ISBN # 978-1-936012-60-2

Clearly Invisible: Racial Passing and the Color of Cultural Identity by Marcia Dawkins

A pioneering work in the study of race and culture, Marcia Dawkins reveals that everyone passes – not just racial minorities – and that passing has been occurring for millennia. Clearly Invisible retells contemporary expressions and historically significant occurrences of individuals called passers. Along the way, Dawkins traces passing’s legal, political, and literary manifestations, questioning whether passing can be a form of empowerment (even while implying secrecy) and suggesting that passing could be one of the first expressions of multiracial identity in the U.S. as it seeks its own social standing.

Baylor University Press, $29.95, August 1, 2012, ISBN #: 9781602583122

Uncle John’s Fully Loaded 25th Anniversary Bathroom Reader by Gordon ‘Uncle John’ Javna

The Bathroom Reader turns 25! Uncle John is celebrating this historic milestone with his biggest all-new edition ever. This behemoth of a book is overflowing with incredible stories, surprising facts, weird news, little-known origins, fun wordplay, and more!

Portable Press, $19.95, November 2012, ISBN #: 978-1-60710-562-6

Better Than Alright: Finding Peace, Love & Power by Ledisi

Essense is pleased to share an incredible new uplifting and empowering voice with its 7.5 million readers and book lovers everywhere. In the tradition of Iyanla Vanzant’s blockbuster 1993 book Acts of Faith: Daily Meditations for People of Color, Essense is pleased to collaborate with powerhouse musician Ledisi for a soulful and enlightening collection of the singer’s inspiring meditations, quotes, and anecdotes charting her astonishing transformation as a woman and an artist.

Ledisi, who has been described as having a mix of Tina Turner’s energy, Nina Simone’s brilliance, and Ella Fitzgerald’s range, is a multiple Grammy nominee who has quickly connected with Essense readers because of her authenticity and tenacity to strive for success on her own terms.

How to Pray Effectively, Volume 1 by Chris Oyakhilome, Ph D

With a refreshing blend of sound scriptural exposition and practical anecdotes, best-selling author Chris Oyakhilome, Ph D, in this insightful classic shares with you vital principles of effective prayer. This first volume will establish for you a clear understanding of the rules of different prayers for different situations and how to apply them for your desired outcomes.

Loveworld Publications, $7.95, February 2012, ISBN #: 978-978-53088-0-8

Stress Pandemic — The Lifestyle Solution by Paul Huljich

Discover the natural lifestyle solution to the Stress Pandemic. Designed to empower the body and mind with strength and balance, Paul Huljich‘s uniquely integrated approach to wellness enables readers to survive and thrive.

MWella, July 31, 2012, ISBN#: 978-0-615-48920-9.

Grow Your Handmade Business by Kari Chapin

A complete guide for the creative hobbyist who wants to take the next step and quit his or her day job to make a living from a creative passion. Part coaching handbook, part partical nuts-and-bolts guidebook to developing a business plan that will work and be sustainable.

Storey Publishing, $16.95, July 2012, ISBN #: 9781603429894

The Habit by Susan Morse

In this fresh, funny, utterly irresistible memoir, Susan Morse offers readers a look at a mother-daughter relationship that is both universal and unique. For anyone who’s wondered how they made it through their childhood with their sanity intact, for every multitasking woman coping simultaneously with parents and children, for those of us who love our parents come hell or high water (because we just can’t help it), Susan Morse’s story is surprising, reassuring, and laugh-out-loud funny.

A beguiling journey of love, forbearance, and self-discovery, The Habit introduces two unforgettable women you’ll be glad to know — from a safe distance.

Open Road Integrated Media, $16.99, November 2011, ISBN #: 978-1-4532-1971-3.

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