New Books and News

Unconventionally Successful:

Out of the Box Thoughts and Actions that Led to Extraordinary Outcomes

Unconventionally Successful is the first book released from a broad grassroots project Christopher Albrecht (2018 New York State Teacher of the Year & 2019 Inductee into the National Teachers Hall of Fame) has published, which uncovers what best practices schools, individuals, and communities need to consider to increase their levels of success. People want our world to be full of successful journeys and results. This book sheds light on many unconventional and potentially unconsidered out of the box thoughts and actions that led to extraordinary outcomes. Entertaining and informative, this novel binds three formats: interview, reflection, and narrative. Albrecht spent three years interviewing hundreds people with a diversity of backgrounds and lifestyles asking them to reflect on their recollections, memories and experiences with teachers and their many impacts on their lives. Focused around eight interviews, the author parallels research on similar historical narratives and reflections. The result is a one of a kind read that uncovers unconventional patterns, unique circumstances, and opportunities, which light the road of joy and happiness that root themselves in our schools and colleges. The patterns Albrecht has discovered and shares in this groundbreaking book have the potential for lifelong effects and impacts on the success of individuals, communities, schools, and the world we live in that are not explicitly obvious. This book is a must-read for all people who enjoy discovering non-linear, unique and creative pathes that lead to innovative ways individuals and groups have found happiness, joy and success.

New Documentary About Mark Twain in Buffalo

Produced with Rise Collaborative

Bonus Commentary

Scribblin' For A Livin':

Mark Twain’s Pivotal Period In Buffalo: Expanded Edition 

by Thomas J. Reigstad

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In August 1869, thirty-three-year-old journalist Samuel Clemens—better known as Mark Twain—moved to Buffalo, New York. At the time, he had high hopes of establishing himself as a successful newspaper editor in the thriving metropolis at the western end of the Erie Canal. 

In this engaging portrait of the famous author at a formative and important juncture of his life, Twain scholar Thomas J. Reigstad details the domestic, social, and professional experiences of Mark Twain while he lived in Buffalo. Based on years of researching historical archives, combing through microfilm, and even interviewing descendants of Buffalonians who knew Twain, Reigstad has uncovered a wealth of fascinating information. 
The book draws a vivid portrait of Twain’s work environment at the Buffalo Morning Express. Colorful anecdotes about his colleagues and his quirky work habits, along with original Twain stories and illustrations not previously reprinted, give readers a new understanding of Twain’s commitment to full-time newspaper work.  

Full of fascinating vignettes from the illustrious writer’s life as well as rare photographs, Scribblin’ for a Livin’ is essential reading for Mark Twain enthusiasts, students and scholars of American literature, and anyone with an interest in the history of Western New York.

A Rooster for Asklepios:

A Slave's Story, Book 1 

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A Bull For Pluto:

A Slave's Story, Book 2 

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A slave without a past. A master without a future. A journey of discovery that will forever change the lives of both men. The ancient world comes alive in this vivid and engaging trilogy by an expert on Roman social history.

What if you suddenly discovered that you were not who you thought you were—that your true family history had been hidden from you since birth? What if the truth about your origins would cause others to despise you? What if the man who had arranged the deception was seriously ill and needed your help? What if you were a slave and that man held your life in his hands—and you his? These are some of the questions explored in the first two volumes of the new historical trilogy, A Slave’s Story.

The story centers on a slave named Marcus who manages the business affairs of a wealthy Roman citizen in central Asia Minor in the first century AD. The first volume, A Rooster for Asklepios, narrates his eventful journey to a famous healing center in western Turkey following a dream in which the god Asklepios appears to promise that his master will be cured there of a nagging illness. The second volume, A Bull for Pluto, relates the aftermath of this journey. 

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Drunk on Sunday

by Ross Warner

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Twenty five years in the making after almost as much time living it, Drunk On Sunday is a coming of age tale that is both familiar and unique.  It’s a story for anyone who tried to find themselves on the road to responsibility without losing sight of who you are.  From Westchester to Rochester to the Upper East Side to the East Village, Drunk On Sunday chronicles the story of Rob Gross and his battles against adulthood.  It’s that, along with a whole lot of strong drinks, good friends, and great times along the way.  Like so many, Rob discovers that his biggest obstacle isn't finding someone to share his life with, but figuring out how to deal once he does.

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Even if you didn’t come of age in the ‘80s and ‘90s or have never been consumed with your favorite movie, team, or band you’ll enjoy this look at the rites of passage that so many of us must go through. 

An Interview with Ross Warner, by Alan Paul 

The Heretic’s Guide to Life: A Politically Incorrect Mémoire of Human Nature

by Terence O'Brien

They say there is no such thing as a dumb question but what if you don’t like the answers, what if you don’t like the questions either? What if you admit that your religions are fading in importance with each new generation and our technology is not giving the answers that awaken us to a deeper meaning of life?

The spark of truly being human and alive is to ponder some of life’s mysteries once in a while, this is called normal and pondering life’s mysteries is not done anymore. This is a no hold barred look at the realities of life, to once again find the spark of truly being human and alive.
The heretic seeks to find answers to:
-Why we humans became who we are.
-How the subconscious mind is the key to our success.
-What we must know to truly know ourselves.
-And, ultimately, what is the meaning of our lives.

Same Skies

by Luke Alexander Miller

Same Skies examines virtual reality, and 21st century limits on imagination. Silicon Valley technology startup Iboa Incorporated rises into the spotlight with Frame: an Earth-shattering virtual reality product. Users jump into another world - one they've built themselves. As lines between dream and reality blur, the real world crumbles. Readers see the rise and fall of Iboa Incorporated through the frame of three generations of inventors - each with a vision to change the world for a reason of their own. Their narration states virtual reality is one of humanity's biggest accomplishments - but could it be our biggest mistake? Same Skies looks into the unknown we all seek. Same Skies delves into how far we can push creativity. Most importantly, Same Skies shows a family of three generations destined to master their craft at all costs. The novel, set in the current age and with feasible technology, leaves the reader with a haunting feeling that we may not be far from "fiction".

The Shadow of Forever: A Norse Saga

by Marshall Seddon

When a band of Berserkers enters the sleepy little village of Kinester on the west coast of Skattenoya, a string of events is touched off that disrupts the lives of every person in the village. Soon it becomes apparent that the Berserkers are part of a mysterious campaign led by a Norse lord named Maarku, whose lust for power knows no bounds. Villages up and down the coast are taken over, using an archaic custom called "Holmgang," where the winner of a duel takes the property and family of the loser.
Based on sagas, legends and myths, The Shadow of Forever is the account of the struggles of Eric and Bryn, a brother and sister forced by circumstance to come of age in the violent world Maarku has created.

The Witch's Return

Book One: The Stargazer Island Series

by Sionna Trenz 

After fifteen years away, Sonya McKenzie is finally back on Stargazer Island, the one place she felt at home. As old friends welcome her back, Sonya creates new bonds and strengthens old. Love, soul deep and long dormant, springs to new life.

But an age-old darkness begins to encroach on the idyllic island, threatening everything and everyone Sonya holds dear. With her circle at her side and the island at her back, Sonya must stand against evil’s building energy. She must find the strength within herself to defend and defeat the dark in order to protect Stargazer Island. The fate of the entire world now hangs in the balance.

       Watch the Documentary about

           Jimmy Slattery

     Produced by Rise Collaborative

Tailwinds: How Love, Faith and a Future Saint Lifted an Airman Through WWII

by Martin J. Haumesser

Arthur Haumesser was just 22 years old when he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a radio operator on a B-17 bomber during World War II. He and his future wife, Ruth, wrote more than 500 letters to one another over the course of the war detailing their experiences on the battle front and the home front. When his father was hit by a car and killed in Buffalo in 1944, Arthur could not come home for the funeral and those letters became a lifeline—a tailwind—to carry him through 30 missions over German targets. An equally important tailwind was the Catholic chaplain who looked out for the soldier after his father’s death and introduced him to Padre Pio, a future saint and guiding influence for the rest of Arthur’s life.