Books published by New Degree Press

Bad habits have become the norm in our society. Everybody struggles with them. Overeating, smoking, procrastination, overuse of devices, video games, and countless others have plagued our society. Worse still, the temptations are getting stronger every day. And they are unavoidable. While some would propose making the temptations weaker, author Nick Lugo suggests we make ourselves stronger. This book is a challenge, one that will push you beyond your known limits. In Break Your Bad Habits in 150 Pages, Lugo extracts wisdom from America''s most popular heroes. By doing this, breaking habits becomes fun instead of tedious-a challenge instead of a chore. It is designed to be an engaging experience, rather than a written lecture. You can relate to this book if you:Have reached a "breaking point" with your bad habitAre bored and need a new project to work on (yourself!)Desire to grow, both mentally and physicallyLove a challengeHave faith that you can changeBreak Your Bad Habits in 150 Pages is suited to work for anyone who struggles with any of our societal weaknesses. Now is the time to break your bad habits and live a more joyous, fulfilling life.

As a law student or young attorney, are you feeling despondent about your job prospects due to less-than-ideal grades? Underdog: 12 Inspirational Stories for the Despondent Law Student provides a sense of reassurance to law students contemplating dropping out after a poor first-year performance, the graduates hesitant about applying for a competitive position because their grades aren''t perfect, and the young professionals silently dealing with depression or anxiety behind the scenes while working overtime. This book will answer the following questions:How do I attain a high-paying job after graduation despite a low GPA?How do I leave the practice of law to pursue other projects or launch my own startup? How do I confirm that a career in law is my true calling? How do I increase my chances of being hired by my dream law firmUnderdog reminds its readers that, no matter how hopeless a situation may seem, there is always another move, another shot, another opportunity for redemption. This book is a clarion call for students to be honest about the pressures of law school, improve their mental health and quality of life, and reduce the unnecessary pressure to be perfect.

Analysts and policymakers have long blamed factors like violence or lack of economic opportunities for Central American out-migration. These factors, however, are merely symptoms of a disease: historically weak states. Conflicted: Voices of Central American Migrants explores the mindset of conflicted migrants-migrants whose states have failed them. Migrants whose states are broken after unresolved social issues dating back to civil wars and social revolutions since the 1970s. Migrants whose states have not provided their citizens with proper security. Migrants who are forced to make a heart-wrenching decision to leave Central America.Conflicted seeks to explain what drives the region''s modern exodus.What are the root reasons why Central Americans are leaving their countries? What are some of the challenges that weak Central American states still face in protecting their citizens at home? How can we learn from past mistakes and move forward to protect Central Americans in their home countries?Through unflinching, deeply personal storytelling, Conflicted illuminates real world struggles and reveals that when the options are to leave everything behind or stay to face danger, exploitation, lack of opportunities, or even death-sometimes migration truly is the only choice.

How Games Get Made: The Stories of the People Who Make and Play the Games We Love is your all-in-one comprehensive deep dive into the lives of developers and online platforms that create and broadcast your favorite games. What is it like solo developing a game from scratch? Is employment stable in the industry? And just how do people end up as gaming-focused Twitch streamers or YouTubers for a living?All these questions and more are answered through interviews with the likes of David Cage of Quantic Dream, Feargus Urquhart of Obsidian Entertainment, and Sean Baptiste of Bethesda among many others!Wondering what it''s like to work in a corporate setting versus an indie studio? Trying to break into the gaming industry as a content creator? Look no further! How Games Get Made not only goes in depth on the developers, but also takes a comprehensive look at how games get marketed through traditional means as well as through platforms like YouTube and Twitch!

Two decades of living is not nothing. It is everything we know.In Twenty-One Years Young: Essays, author Amy Dong examines the uncertainty, absurdity, and beauty in growing up. This poignant collection of essays is unabashedly intimate, drawing the reader into Dong''s life as if they were a close friend. She masterfully evokes humor, nostalgia, melancholy, and euphoria to create scenes that are as vivid as they are profound. In this collection, you''ll read essays such as "So It Goes" (inspired by the famous Vonnegut quip), in which Dong reflects on a near-death experience; "On Taking Care of Pets," a self-explanatory essay that provides the very best of belly laughs; and "The Man with the Magical Watch," in which Dong grapples with the pain-and joy-inherent to our limited existence. These essays urge readers to consider the meaning of a good life and, further, how they will choose to spend the rest of their moments. Fans of Didion and Sedaris alike will find themselves at home with this collection for its unyielding insight into young adulthood, travel, and life itself. 

As children, we''re sometimes faced with circumstances that we have no control over; this doesn''t mean that our destiny is set in stone. Author Carole Sprunk shows us that no obstacle is too great when you''re determined to achieve your goals. In Seed Money: From Doubt to Clout, you''ll hear stories from Sprunk''s troubled childhood and how she overcame each struggle on her path to being a successful entrepreneur. Follow Sprunk as she details her troubled upbringing including:Dealing with her mother''s addictionsSurviving a horrific car crashDomestic violence and child abuseFind out how misfortune forged a strong-willed woman who not only survived her childhood trauma but thrived to build a legacy which she is proud and happy to share with readers.If you''re looking for encouragement while you push through your own obstacles or if you just appreciate a good Cinderella story, Seed Money belongs in your library.

Drug overdose is the leading cause of death for Americans under the age of 50. Addiction is a disease, not a moral failing and it affects 1 out of 8 American adults.Pregame is a young woman''s perspective of addiction in the United States. King shares her experience and observations through her personal story, the stories of others in recovery, and policy issues in the U.S. that prevent addressing addiction in a productive manner. The book speaks to the recovery community as well as politicians and lawmakers that have the authority to empower stories of survival, using them to inspire change. In this book, you''ll learn about addiction and recovery in America, including:A personal story of recoveryAn account of addiction throughout the city of PhiladelphiaInspiring stories of young people in recovery from drugs and alcoholThis book was written for those suffering or who have suffered through addiction, for those whose loved one''s have met with irreversible consequences, or for those who seek to understand the truth behind addiction and what it entails.

I can show you what I''m really capable of...Nineteen-year-old Curanda always felt like an outsider. Ever since she discovered her power of bringing plants back to life, Curanda knew she was not like most people. That is until she left for college...Along the way, Curanda finds The Community. However, even in this safe haven for people with magical powers, Curanda feels like an outsider having not discovered her true power. While Curanda''s away on an impromptu trip to Mexico, reports of missing students start to spread at UCLA, leaving everyone in The Community on edge.

It might surprise you to learn that women have actually played a major role in the gambling industry from its earliest days--as gamblers, dealers, and even gaming establishment owners. In fact, some of Las Vegas'' first and most historic casinos were owned and run by women. Just how did each rise to the top in the "man''s world" of casinos and gaming?That (Expletive) Broad: Women Who Broke Barriers in the Casino and Gaming Industry is an exploration of the journeys of some of the amazing women who have defied the odds and pushed the boundaries to make their mark in the world of gaming. These inspiring women ("Broads") provide a unique perspective into the history of Las Vegas and the casino and gaming industry. This book is a must for readers who would like to be inspired by true stories of women who have broken barriers, even when their presence as women was not always welcome. Each and every one of these women were (or are), in their own way, That (Expletive) Broad!

If I let you in, / you can have a piece, / but the grove belongs to me.Into the Orange Grove: A Collection of Poetry is a fearless work that details the narrator''s journey from isolation to connection. In this collection, poet Grace Hasson explores the true nature of storytelling and growth through topics as diverse as Renaissance art, Greek mythology, and Catholic symbolism. While shedding new light on old stories, like that of Michelangelo painting the Sistine Chapel ceiling or of Medusa and her men of stone, this collection also draws readers into the poet''s personal journey toward healing through visceral (and sometimes macabre) detail. Into the Orange Grove speaks to lovers, fighters, and anyone who is searching for the deeper meanings of life. By interweaving elements of fantasy and realism, Hasson has written a truly unique work-one that will show you that being open and honest can be life-changing. 

Did you know that without funding from the Federal Government, there would be no Google? The government, surprisingly, spends more on grants than it does on contracts, awarding over $500B annually. What would it mean to you or your business to gain access to that kind of money?The Federal Contracting Playbook: How to Win Business Using the Inside Track Framework for Innovators helps visionaries obtain funding from the government, impact humankind, and change the world. The government actively embraces innovation and dedicates entire budgets to support the research and development of solutions to emerging problems. This book is for you if:You''re an innovator looking for "seed" funding from the governmentYou''re a business looking to establish a federal business line for innovative technologies or solutionsYou need a game plan to overcome obstacles in obtaining fundsMany innovations that could be fueling our economy are sitting on the sidelines as prototypes. To solve humankind''s most difficult challenges, we need INNOVATORS like YOU!

Did you know that most elite colleges typically accept only about 2,000 students for their incoming class? That means that of the 34,000 valedictorians, class presidents, and star athletes graduating from high school every year, an average of only 6% applying to selective colleges will be accepted. Given the stiff competition, you may be wondering, how you can stand out in the college admissions process.In Hacking Elite College Admissions: 50 Surprising Insights on the College Application Process, you will learn :How to write a meaningful college admissions essayThe role of testing and grades in the admissions processHow to motivate your advocates, i.e. guidance counselors, teachers, mentors, to write excellent letters of recommendation on your behalfHow to apply for scholarships in order to make college affordableWhile the college application process can be overwhelming, this comprehensive guide includes expert advice from admissions officers to help guide you through this process with accurate up-to-date information. You do not need to do this alone!On the Back Cover: Please include Foreword on the Back Cover of my book.Foreword by John Branam, Executive Director of Get Schooled Foundation

The Silver Lining: The Intersection of Sexual Assault and Anxiety Through the World of Gymnastics explores the intricacies of the silver medal, the silver between the black and white of life and best of all, the silver lining. In this book, author Serena Pergola shares stories of trauma and challenges and explains how she leveraged a daunting mental health journey, a solid foundation in her support systems and unexpected optimism to become stronger than ever before.Discover how the culture of gymnastics influenced her experiences both inside and outside of the gym and hear stories of people as high profile as Aly Raisman to an anonymous Larry Nassar survivor, and one much closer to home, Serena''s friend Brooke.Serena is sharing her story with the world to inspire others to share their stories and to build a community of support and empowerment. By welcoming you into her most intimate stories and inviting you to follow her on her journey of discovering her silver lining, she hopes that you can find your silver lining, too. All proceeds from The Silver Lining will be donated to the Athlete Assistance Fund, an independent, not-for-profit that makes counseling services available to any current or former USA Gymnastics member gymnast who suffered sexual abuse within the sport of gymnastics. It confidentially connects athletes to skilled healthcare providers for appropriate treatment through an independent third-party organization. The Athlete Assistance Fund is not affiliated with USA Gymnastics. This is an organization Serena fully supports as she personally spoke to Tina Ferriola, the Board Chair, who wholeheartedly believes that education is a huge factor in the awareness and prevention of sexual assault."This has the opportunity to make a difference bigger than just ourselves. Let''s grow, let''s make change, let''s support, let''s empower, let''s do this!" -Serena Pergola

"It wouldn''t be the worst thing, would it? To die young, I mean."Underneath the facade of the normalcy lies a creeping darkness in the town of Oakhaven.If you look closely you might see faded flyers seeking the whereabouts of a missing girl, weather-worn and all but forgotten. Every town has its cold cases, but Oakhaven has a string of them. Beautiful girls all missing, in a pretty row.While Autumn can''t seem to separate herself from the series of cold cases, everyone else in Oakhaven goes through extensive measures to move on - holding vigils as if the unaccounted-for bodies had been discovered, strangled in the woods. But Autumn and her friend Becca take different paths on their way to unveiling the truth. An endeavor that not only dismembers their friendship but their state of mind. What are you afraid of? What will it take to conquer that fear? Questions Autumn and Becca must answer - each in their own way. Answers that are not easily found when reality seems so fleeting and nightmares so real.It is Newlin''s hope that Not Another Sarah Halls will serve as a place for fans of horror to bask in the glory and beauty of the genre, while serving as a fearsome and grotesque bridge that inspires those who have never dared to read horror to embark on the journey. Newlin urges readers to step out of their comfort zones and delve into the winding and fierce journey of self-realization that horror imprints on those brave enough to crack the book''s spine.

According to USNews, Mississippi has a poverty rate of 21.9% compared to a national average of 11.8%.In 23 Miles and Running, Pinkins shares his journey-with a deep sense of humility and the realization that he is not an anomaly. Just as there were many others like him walking those rows of cotton back then, there are many children still in the Mississippi Delta who continue to grow up in poverty. This book asks readers if they have:Ever considered what it''s like growing up in one of the most poverty-stricken areas in America; chopping cotton for a living, and doing whatever it takes just to get by?Ever wondered how it feels to literally get lost in a foreign country, engulfed by the culture and communities surrounding you?Ever thought about the unique and unbreakable bonds built between those who go into combat together?Ever imagined what it would be like to fly aboard Air Force One, sleep in the White House, or shake the hand of a President of the United States?Pinkins'' story speaks to the underdog-the people in society who are facing seemingly insurmountable odds-and lets them know that they can overcome and achieve anything.

Nine of the world''s ten warmest years on record have occurred since 2005, with the four hottest years occurring between 2015 and 2019. Climate change is real and happening now, only to cause greater devastation in the coming decades. In the heat of these pivotal moments, some people continue to deny climate science, but many people accept the science and are concerned we are running out of time to mitigate this issue. We may feel helpless as individuals; however, communication empowers us to create waves of change and fight for a better future for all. Polarization hinders the action necessary to protect the environment. Planet Now: Effective Strategies for Communicating About the Environment offers knowledge and tactics to help bring people together. Learn toTailor communications to your audience, whether they fear the future facing our planet or doubt that climate change exists.Shape public opinion and encourage behavioral change by utilizing simple psychology in your messaging.Frame climate change as a social justice issue that affects low-income and minority populations.Planet Now''s strategies are designed to educate, encourage, and equip readers to talk about the environment with confidence and without shame or scare tactics.

Like a comedic time capsule buried in an era before the emergence of YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, podcasts, and Netflix Comedy Specials, Modest Proposal Anthology captures stand up comedy the way it was...before a well-timed tweet could take a joke viral.More than eighteen years in the making, the book reads like one part Judd Apatow''s Sick in the Head: Conversations About Life and Comedy, one part McSweeney''s collection, and one part Mad magazine, featuring:Interviews with more than 40 comedians, writers, and directors, including Dave Chappelle, Maria Bamford, Bob Odenkirk, Jim Gaffigan, David Cross, and Sean Anders.Never-before-printed interviews and updated quotes from some of today''s greatest comedy writers and comedians.Behind-the-curtain glimpses at a side of stand up comedy culture you don''t see on stage or screen.Modest Proposal Anthology is essential reading for any comedy geek, pop culture fanatic, and humor aficionado. And unless you''re one of the few hundred comedy geeks who subscribed to the print magazine in 2003, you won''t find this material anywhere else.

You are what you eat. But do you really know what''s happening under the surface of your food?The Story of Your Favorite Meal: How to Listen to Your Food is a self-help guide to farm-to-table food that teaches you to be a food sleuth. You''ll learn to listen to where your food comes from so you can make healthy, honest food choices in order to be the best steward for yourself, the animals and the environment. In this book, you''ll learn how to access the story of your favorite meal like:How easy it is to eat "organically" with or without the "Organic" label.Understanding you do not have to rely on the supermarket to supply your food.Your favorite meal may not be focused on the food itself, but may be about the feeling or whole experience.You will love this book if you enjoy food, care about the products you buy, where you buy them, who produces your food, and what has been done (if anything) to make it taste better. If you listen very closely, your favorite meal is telling you a story. Let us get quiet, band together, and listen. 

Do you spend your leisure time watching how others spend their leisure time on reality TV? Are you keeping up with the Kardashians? Do you wonder how a reality star became the President of the United States? Celebrities have always played an important role in society, but it seems that celebrity news and entertainment have become more pervasive and influential than ever before. Surreal: How Reality TV and Influencers Change Our Perception of the World seeks to better understand how those working within the influence economy are leveraging their wide-reaching, captive audiences to sell a point of view.This book explores: What role do celebrities and social media influencers play in American culture?How have changes in the media landscape enabled the rapid expansion of the influencer economy?How do we know where to place our trust when nearly everyone has a platform and a microphone?Contrary to popular belief, the author -- a public relations consultant -- makes the case that reality TV and celebrity obsessions are not eroding society. Instead, she argues, society should embrace these guilty pleasures with open arms to capture the insights they share about our culture and how they enable us to connect with our peers.