Book Notes
Compiled and edited by Margie Meyer
Published works by alumni, faculty, staff and students
Submit a Class/Book Note entries are limited to books published within the last year.
Read an excerpt from English faculty member Laura Pritchett’s new book, The Greatest Bear Stories of Colorado.
Karen (Ishiara) Chouinard (MA-72), Golden, and her daughter Holly published a book about grief recovery. Healing Together: An Alphabet Book is presented from the perspective of an adult and a child and encourages thoughtful and meaningful discussions about the journey from grief to healing.
(WestBow Press, April 2012)
Linda (Hoel) Leekley (BS-75), Durham, N.C., wrote The Real Healthcare Reform: How Embracing Civility Can Beat Back Burnout and Revive Your Healthcare Career, a book that arms people with the tools and strategies needed to maintain a culture of civility on the job.
(In the Know, Inc., May 2012)
The Boulder Boys, the Beginning is volume one of a three-part series written by Kirk Relford (MA-77), Greeley. The novel is about a family, a city and a nation, each with dramatic forces of accomplished excellence and unleashed evil. Kirk is a retired law enforcement command staff officer, public administrator and small businessman.
(Mullen & McCotter, May 2012)
Stephen Birchak (BA-78, EdD-92), Gloversville, N.Y., has written his fourth book, The Jerk Whisperer, which shows people how to tap into their best when their best is needed. Stephen has been a professor and administrator in higher education for more than 30 years. He currently teaches Positive Psychology and Graduate Counseling Psychology courses at The College of Saint Rose in Albany, N.Y.
(Royal Fireworks Press, July 2012)
Skeleton Picnic was written by Michael Norman (MA-78, EdD-80), Salt Lake City, Utah. Set in the desert southwest, the mystery centers on a couple who disappear while searching for artifacts. Michael was a professor of Criminal Justice for 25 years and is also the author of On Deadly Ground, Silent Witness and The Commission.
(Poisoned Pen Press, April 2012)
Justin Matott (BS-85), Highlands Ranch, has written 15 children’s books. Four of his books are now available as ebooks: The Gabriel Book of World Records, Go Ask Mom, When I was a Boy…I Dreamed, and When I Was a Girl…I Dreamed. Justin speaks at schools to inspire children to develop a love of reading and writing.
(Skoob Books, November and December 2011)
Rick Karden (BAE-90), Silverthorne, has written Colorado Disc Golf Guide, a resource that includes detailed course descriptions, maps, information, directions and photos of more than 100 courses in Colorado.
(WeDreamcom, April 2012)
Drop the Fat Act & Live Lean, written by Ryan Andrews (BS- 03), Arvada, provides a new set of weight management skills that gives readers the ability to make good decisions on everyday choices for successful weight loss. Ryan is a coach with Precision Nutrition, offering life-changing, research-driven nutrition coaching.
(Book Pub Co, January 2012)
Gregg Akkerman (DA-04), Spartanburg, S.C., has written The Last Balladeer: The Johnny Hartman Story, a biography of the Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist. Gregg is associate professor at the University of South Carolina Upstate and was named editor for the Listener’s Companion book series from Scarecrow Press.
(Scarecrow Press, 2012)
Brandi (Martinez) McWilliams (BA-04), McPherson, Kan., wrote Just a Handful, a children’s book with her son Brady.
(Tate Publishing, May 2012)
Thomas “Dale” Warren (MS-78), Beaufort, S.C., has published his first book, I Won a Life in the Lottery – The Vietnam War Draft Lottery. Inspired by actual events in the lives of Dale’s family, the novel tells the story of a young man who served in the Army and then returned home to live the American Dream. Dale has served more than twenty years in the ministry, won the Paul Harris Award from Rotary International and was appointed by Governor Tom Ridge to serve the community.
(Strategic Book Publishing, August 2012 )
John Evans (BA-71, MA-78), Montrose, is the author of The God Gene, a thriller that imagines the possibilities and perils of increasingly expansive knowledge of genetics. John was a biologist and science educator for more than 30 years in the Denver and Boulder areas.
( Outskirts Press, April 2010)
Janice (Kratochvil) Gibson (BA-89), Aurora, is the author of Spiritually Fit: God’s Workout for You, a self-help book that guides people to find a stronger relationship with God through spiritual exercise.
(Published October 2011)
Nanette Tummers (EdD-97), Manchester, Conn., has written her second book, Teaching Stress Management to Children and Young Adults. The book helps teachers equip students with the stress management skills they need for dealing with pressures now and throughout life. Nanette is a professor of health education at Eastern Connecticut State University.
(Human Kinetics, 2011 )
