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Winner of the 2015 Evelyn Richardson Non-fiction Award This is a sex book. It’s a book about having sex by yourself, with one person, or with twenty people if everyone is down. It’s about saying words like cunt, fuck, and come. But it’s also about the things we don’t talk about—the mystery, the expectations, and the bullshit that can go along with sex.

Matilda Sissieretta Joyner Jones, whose nickname the "Black Patti" likened her to the well-known Spanish-born opera star Adelina Patti, was a distinguished African American soprano during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Performing in such venues as Carnegie Hall and Madison Square Garden, Jones also sang before four U.S. presidents. In this compelling book-length biography of Jones, Maureen Donnelly Lee chronicles the successes and challenges of this musical pioneer.

Major General Johnson Hagood (1873–1948) was one of South Carolina's most distinguished army officers of the 20th century. An artillerist and a scholar of military science, Hagood became a noted expert in logistics, and served as the chief of staff of the Services of Supply in World War I Europe.

From his humble beginnings in Sumter, South Carolina to his prominence on the Washington, D.C. political scene as the third highest-ranking Democrat in the House of Representatives, U.S. Congressman James E. Clyburn has led an extraordinary life. In Blessed Experiences, Clyburn tells in his own inspirational words how an African American boy from the Jim Crow–era South was able to beat the odds to achieve great success and become, as President Barack Obama describes him, "one of a handful of people who, when they speak, the entire Congress listens.

Belle W. Baruch (1899–1964) could outride, outshoot, outhunt and outsail most of the young men of her elite social circle — abilities that distanced her from other debutantes of 1917. Unapologetic for her athleticism and interests in traditionally masculine pursuits, Baruch towered above male and female counterparts in height and daring. While she is known today for the wildlife conservation and biological research center on the South Carolina coast that bears her family name, Belle's story is a rich narrative about one nonconformist's ties to the land.

Frederick Douglass’s memoir depicts his life as a slave, from his birth into southern slavery to his inspiring fight to learn how to read, escape as a free man and become a leader of the abolitionist movement. One of the most influential pieces of literature, not only for fueling the abolitionist movement, but also for exposing the atrocities of slavery and illuminating the inner strength of an African-American born into an immoral, racist system.

Dana's Legacy is a mother's inspirational story of her first child, born with cerebral palsy—a journey from tragedy to triumph. A book of hope, Dana's Legacy shows how disability brings both tragedy and opportunity. Readers will come to cherish the person of worth and beauty living within the disabled child's body and see the critical importance of the family's attitude. This tough-but-tender story illustrates how families can not only endure trauma but grow because of it.

How did an ex-hippie chick Viet Nam War protester become a fierce soldier supporter, living in a combat zone in an increasingly unpopular war? From 2004 to 2007, Ali Elizabeth Turner had the chance of a lifetime to learn firsthand that freedom isn't free and to say a much belated "thank you" for her freedom by working in Morale, Welfare, and Recreation centers in Baghdad. She heard the stories of hundreds of Iraqis, Coalition soldiers, interpreters, Navy SEALS, Army Rangers, and contractors from around the world.

Most women think they know everything there is to know about the men in their lives. The truth is every man lives two lives. One is the deceptive illusion we are taught to present to society and the women in it. The second is the real man only seen by other men inside the code. We men discuss this subject openly in our social world, never to be revealed to a woman because that would break the male code. It’s between men and men only…Until now.

Stumbling into Infinity is the intimate and sometimes startling account of Michael Fischman’s spiritual journey and the encounter that changed his life forever. His story opens on a flight to India, as he reflects on the unusual chain of events that led him from a challenging childhood to his unexpected role as friend and helper to a renowned humanitarian and spiritual leader. Michael Fischman’s fascinating and personal memoir takes us into the compassionate and mysterious world of an enlightened seer.