"This narrative is a story of the will to overcome the kind of adversity that can crush the spirit…but not this one." -- Sol Gittleman, professor and provost emeritus at Tufts University.

"Ed Hajim's life story makes Horatio Alger look like an underachiever." -- Ken Roman, former CEO of Ogilvy & Mather.

"A bend in the road," says Ed Hajim, "is not the end of the road."

He should know. At the age of three, Hajim was kidnapped by his father, driven cross-country, and told that his mother was dead. He pressed his face against the car window, watched the miles pass and wondered where life would take him. It took him on a journey from one dire situation to the next, from one crowded orphanage to an unfamiliar foster home, from having one semi-present parent to having none. It was a daily struggle to survive.

Yet somehow, not only does Hajim make it through, but using his own grit and determination, he flourishes. His life comes full circle and he lives the American dream as an accomplished Wall Street executive and model family man with great moral fiber and the means to give back to a world that early on seemed intent on rejecting him.

Hajim's vivid memoir, On the Road Less Traveled: An Unlikely Journey from the Orphanage to the Boardroom, is several storylines in one: the improbable tale of how the author overcame the heavy odds against him as a child; the incredible ride up the corporate ladder to a stellar professional career; and a study in the drive, principles, philosophy and character of a man seeking his dream.

Hajim served as a senior investment executive at such firms as E.F. Hutton, Lehman Brothers and other financial institutions, regularly transforming fledgling operations into generating solid growth. He made contributions to the University of Rochester, eventually as chairman of its board. His life accomplishments were rightfully acknowledged in 2015 with the prestigious Horatio Alger Award.

Hajim took every experience as a learning opportunity. The Navy, for example, "trained me to become deliberate in everything I do. It showed me that every mission needs well-defined rules. And it showed me that no mission can be accomplished without a well-motivated team."

Throughout his career, Hajim was guided by his instincts to know when a situation had run its course and it was time to move on. "Sometimes it's better to sever ties and leave on your own, even if the next step is unknown," he writes. "That's often the road less traveled, but it's so worth the journey."

Says Renee Fleming, "On the Road Less Traveled is a moving, personal history that demonstrates the importance of being faithful to one's core values -- a road map for a life well lived."

NOTE: BookBites is a continuing series bringing readers information and ideas for their next read. For more reading ideas, visit BookTrib.com and subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

 "How To Be A Badass Vigilante: Book One"
by Michael Anderle 

When given power, what would you be willing to sacrifice for the greater good?

Fed up with playing the normal game, ex-cum laude, ex-soccer star, ex-popular and mostly broke Kera MacDonagh changed her life when she read "How to be a Badass Witch" (http://amzn.to/3qfAzLz) and shockingly, the spells worked.

She barely made it out of the first few weeks of on-the-job training before her powers got her in trouble. Hunted as a magical vigilante, the Kims sacrificed to keep her safe.

Kera hunts criminals in the darkness of LA, but will she be able to hide the signature of her powers, too? Will magic be enough to help her come out on top? Purchase at http://amzn.to/2XscEMv.

"No More Dodging Bullets"
by Amy Herrig

After overcoming a heroin addiction as a teenager, Amy Herrig faced a different addiction 20 years later: money. She and her father were thriving as small business owners in Dallas when a government lawsuit threatened to take everything -- their businesses, their money, and their freedom.

Accused of crimes she hadn't committed, Amy fought to stay out of prison, but that wasn't all. From one life-altering change after another, she gained a new perspective on herself and on what matters most in life. From an exhausting and demoralizing situation came a new outlook of gratitude, but also remorse and humility. Purchase at https://amzn.to/34kSUhJ.

"Red Souls"
by Susan F. Banks

Called "a creative and entertaining new novel ... artfully combines the best elements of science fiction, paranormal, fantasy, and magical realism into a suspenseful and imaginative story with a tasty dose of romance. The reader has access to a wonderful new world with ... strange phenomena and intriguing characters."

Willet, a young woman with abnormally sensitive hearing, is recruited by a 165-year-old Astral Master named Gem to help her drive Red Souls out of Los Angeles. Red Souls attack the minds and emotions of humans who succumb to violence, dread and despair.

Gem must form a Circle to fight the astral attacks. Willet, her sister and the men they love create a fighting force powerful enough to defeat an ancient evil. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3qG3Hvv.

"The F Place"
by Sonal Trivedi and Christine Strobush

Beneath the placid surface, there is a toxic culture at The F Place. The company is plagued by backstabbing leaders, drama, lies, scandal, and unhappy employees to the point that both the performance and the wellbeing of the people in the company are fractured. 

NOTE: BookBites is a continuing series bringing readers information and ideas for their next read. For more reading ideas, visit BookTrib.com and subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

Following on the heels of the February 13 premiere of "Death Saved My Life," starring Meagan Good, Lifetime launches an original movie each week for the next four weeks.

The February 20 premiere of "The Long Island Serial Killer: A Mother's Hunt for Justice," starring Kim Delaney, has added significance as Lifetime's 400th original movie. The plot follows a mother's quest for the truth about her daughter who disappeared yields gruesome evidence of a possible serial killer who has never been identified.

"As the leading producer of original movies, it's truly exciting to hit 400 this February," says Tanya Lopez, executive vice president of scripted content for Lifetime and LMN.

"This milestone speaks to the incredible power and longevity of Lifetime Original Movies in the television landscape, and I am thrilled to unveil even more movies in 2021," she adds.

"Girl in the Basement" premieres on February 27 and stars Judd Nelson, Joely Fisher, and Stefanie Scott in the horrifying story of a teenage girl imprisoned by her father in the family basement, where she is subjected to years of rape and torture while her mother and sister believe she has run away.

The next two movies, "Circle of Deception," airing on March 6, and "A House on Fire," airing on March 13, are inspired by the work of popular true crime writer Ann Rule.

"Circle of Deception" stars Diane Neal as a former beauty queen caught in the intrigue when her best friend's husband turns up dead.

"A House on Fire" features Stephanie March as a doctor with a seemingly picture-perfect life who hides a rocky marriage and a toxic relationship with pills and alcohol.

All four films feature women in key production roles as part of Lifetime's Broader Focus initiative.

Actresses Elisabeth Rohm and Ashley Williams make their directorial debuts with "Girl in the Basement" and "Circle of Deception;" Shamim Sarif directs "A House on Fire," and Emmy-winning journalist Deborah Norville serves as an executive producer for "The Long Island Serial Killer: A Mother's Hunt for Justice."

Each movie debut is followed by a short documentary with more context about the real-life stories that inspired each feature.

Visit mylifetime.com for more information.

In "Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia," which debuts on April 3, viewers are treated to the story of gospel singing legend and civil rights activist Mahalia Jackson.

Jackson began singing in church at an early age and went on to achieve worldwide fame. Her popularity and fame soared with the recording of "Move on Up a Little Higher." Jackson performed in diverse settings for integrated audiences, and supported the Civil Rights Movement with performances at rallies and at the 1963 March on Washington with Martin Luther King, Jr. The film is directed by Tony® Award-winner Kenny Leon and stars Tony Award nominee, SAG and Grammy® Award winning actress Danielle Brooks as the gospel legend and civil rights trailblazer.

Lifetime's April offerings then turn to the darker side with a pair of features, created in partnership with T.D. Jakes, and based on the popular "Seven Deadly Sins" book series by Victoria Christopher Murray. "Lust: A Seven Deadly Sins Story" premieres on April 10 and spins the tale of Tiffanie Cooper (Keri Hilson), a young woman planning her dream wedding to her soulmate, Damon (Tobias Truvillion). The plot thickens when Tiffanie develops intense feelings for Damon's old friend Trey (Durrell 'Tank' Babbs), who appears on the scene to serve as best man. However, Trey is fresh out of prison, with a checkered past and unsavory motives that threaten to sabotage the happy couple.

"Lust" is followed by "Envy: A Seven Deadly Sins Story" on April 17. Gabrielle Flores (Rose Rollins) has it all, with a devoted husband, and beautiful daughter, and one of the best PR firms in the country. However, when Gabrielle meets a half-sister she never knew she had, things get complicated. Gabrielle, who grew up an only child in privileged circumstances, is thrilled to welcome a sister, but Keisha (Serayah) grew up with nothing, and her envy of Gabrielle takes a sinister turn.

All three movies are part of the network's global Broader Focus initiative, dedicated to supporting and hiring female directors, writers, and producers, including women of color. Robin Roberts and Linda Berman are executive producers for "Mahalia", joined by first-time co-executive producer, Danielle Brooks. Shaun Robinson is an executive producer on "Lust" and "Envy" and Star Victoria makes her directorial debut in "Lust." Both "Envy" and "Lust" are based on books by author Victoria Christopher Murray.

Visit mylifetime.com for more information.

"Hollywood Heartbreaker"
by Alexa Aston

Meet the men of Hollywood and the women they fall for in internationally bestselling romance author Alexa Aston's new contemporary romance series, Hollywood Name Game -- five romances sprinkled with humor and a few laced with a bit of suspense -- but all guaranteeing a satisfying, happily-ever-after for these couples. After all, anything can happen in Hollywood.

Can friends become lovers -- and can their love survive -- in a tabloid-happy town that thrives on rumors and backstabbing? In book one, "Hollywood Heartbreaker," being late to an interview lands her the biggest job opportunity of her life. He may be rich and successful -- but he's just this side of miserable. Can a wannabe be The One for the biggest star in Hollywood? Purchase at https://amzn.to/3qvLZuh.

"Cyberjutsu: Cybersecurity for the Modern Ninja"
by Ben McCarty

"Cyberjutsu" is an approachable and enlightening guide to modern cyber security and espionage, based on secret techniques shared in ancient Japanese ninja scrolls. Like Sun Tzu's "Art of War" for Modern Business, this book uses ancient ninja scrolls as the foundation for teaching readers about cyberwarfare, espionage and security.

"Cyberjutsu" brings the tactics, techniques and procedures ninjas used in feudal Japan into today's cyber-security battlefield, creating an essential handbook for cyber defenders. The book uses authentic Japanese scrolls to analyze how real ninjas thought about and practiced information assurance, security, infiltration and espionage that often required covert, unauthorized access to heavily fortified organizations -- many of the same concepts cyber-security professionals deal with every day. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3pmEuWK.

"Turning Points in the History of International Relations, 1908-2008 "
by Yoav J. Tenembaum

Turning points lend significance to historical events and enhance our understanding of historical processes. This book, written for academics and non-academics, defines what a turning point in the history of international relations is and then assesses, in a thought-provoking manner, some of the principal turning points from 1908 to 2008.

The turning points emerge in different forms, whether as international crises, diplomatic initiatives, speeches, telegrams or conferences. They can follow the appointment of a new leader or the staging of a revolution. The aim is to concentrate on the reasons for their being considered such crucial turning points. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3qwA0fW.

"The Cytherean Cycle"
by Josef Chytry

Set in the rich traditions of classical Greek literature, "The Cytherean Cycle" brings together three pathbreaking plays exploiting perennial themes of power, love, tragedy and comedy. "Rhea Silvia" -- "a Womanist Tragedy" -- depicts the fate of her progeny -- the twins Romulus and Rema. "Paris Alexandros" narrates the lasting impact of Paris, mythical judge of Beauty, lover of Helen of Troy and slayer of the great warrior Achilles. "Nausikaa," developing a suggestion that the Odyssey may have been composed by Nausikaa as a female acolyte of Homer, offers a rich and surprising comedy based on that premise.

"The Cytherean Cycle" cultivates an ongoing faculty of thought called Cytherics: the sighting of aesthetic-erotic, or aphrodisian, environments. Purchase at http://bit.ly/3bioWxf.

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"Moments Like This"
by Nina Gomez and Kristoffer Polaha

After Andie Matthews chooses her career over a marriage proposal and then loses a promotion she worked so hard for, she jumps at the chance to take a break and help run a friend's coffee shop.

As luck would have it, she meets the mysterious Warren Yates. They share coffee and conversation, and even a moment, which leads to many more in the coming weeks. When Andie learns who Warren really is -- and what he actually wants -- she is torn between her feelings and his deception. But will Warren be able to win her heart back? Purchase at https://amzn.to/3dCbOnI.

"If Not You, Then Who?"
by David and Emberli Pridham

If you like fun, informative, and factual kids books such as The Magic School Bus, then you'll love the new STEM series If Not You, Then Who?

In The Inventor in the Pink Pajamas, 10-year-old Brooke Fairley learns about the inventions that contribute to her success. In Noah's Treehouse, Brooke's younger brother Noah is out to build the ultimate tree house and read about the inventions he uses along the way. In Let the Games Begin, Brooke and Noah create their own games and learn about the inventions that make sports safe and fun.

The series shows no dream is too big, and no dreamer is too small to succeed. Purchase at http://amzn.to/3hcbYE4.

 "Mompreneur"
by Tanisha Jamison

A lot of "mompreneurs" are failing at the task because they lack the proper mindset. If you're one of them, it's time to make some adjustments so you can make significant progress in your business and your household. To become a successful mompreneur, you need support. Running a family and your own business is not easy. This guide will help you get there in stride.

Mompreneur: Running a Family While Being a Boss will help you organize your thoughts and develop a new perspective for success. It will address a number of important issues such as optimism, leadership ability, capacity to initiate, resilience, ethics and the ability to listen. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3bm2rHM.

 "Restoring Trust in the Catholic Parish "
by Marijka Eeuwes Lampard

"We have to do something. We're going to lose the Church as we know it," writes Marijka Lampard.

The Catholic Church has existed for over 20 centuries. It still exists, although broken. It encountered the same problems and issues for decades, and then sex scandals have catapulted the crisis in more recent times.

This book is an honest, unflinching examination of the parishioner culture in the diocese of Buffalo, NY, which is indicative of many other dioceses. Well conceptualized and easy to read, it offers practical solutions and applications to restore hope and faith back to the church. It is a spiritual exploration of the Church pre-Vatican II and the 21st century church in the U.S. and abroad. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3u9bcOb.

NOTE: BookBites is a continuing series bringing readers information and ideas for their next read. For more reading ideas, visit BookTrib.com and subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

"He'll Be Waiting"
by Liz Alterman

When Tess Porter agrees to pick up her boyfriend's college pal at the airport on a snowy December night, she has no idea she's about to embark on the most dangerous ride of her life. Two days later, the 17-year-old wakes up in a hospital with broken bones, unable to remember how she got there.

Her parents are acting strangely, and neither James, her boyfriend, nor her best friend Izzy has visited. As she struggles to physically recover, Tess wrestles with haunting questions: What happened? Will her memory ever return? And what if she's better off not recalling any of it? Purchase at https://amzn.to/2PtOUHi.

"Ellerslie"
by William Francis

"Who is the Lady of Ellerslie?" F. Scott Fitzgerald is hoping for a quiet retreat to write his next novel following "The Great Gatsby." He and his wife Zelda rent a mansion in Delaware known as Ellerslie. Their stay is anything but quiet. There is another guest staying at Ellerslie -- a female spirit who roams the property.

Looking to sell Ellerslie, the owner hires April Ross, the only female student at the University of Delaware's History Department, to research the estate's history. It doesn't take long before April realizes the true reason she was hired -- to uncover the identity of the ghost. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3l8Jmxe.

"Walking with Ghosts on Ward's Pond"
by Heidi Sprouse

In 1906, the murder of factory worker Grace Brown, found dead in a lake, rocks the nation. Her lover, Chester Gillette, is the main suspect. Journalist Charlie Baxter goes to the former home of Judge Ward, prosecutor in the case, where he finds himself haunted by Chester's ghost. He hears a scream and is stunned to meet Katherine Grace Brown, a woman who shares the name of the murder victim.

Katherine is tortured by nightmares of the same man and woman in a boat on a summer's night. She resembles the woman and feels her terror the moment she falls overboard. Katherine is hoping to find peace, but instead finds herself pulled into an old murder case. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3rO2e7w. 

"Love Him/Hate Him"
by Chris Bedell

Seventeen-year-old Connor doesn't believe his best friend Evelyn's death was an accident. Falling down the stairs was random, and Connor can't help but wonder if someone might've pushed her. Determined to find out the truth, Connor starts his own investigation.

He suspects a married man with whom she was having an affair, but he has an airtight alibi.

Complicating the situation is Connor's unexpected hookup with Evelyn's twin brother, Liam, who is trapped between his attraction to Connor and his abusive father. Connor struggles with his growing attraction for Liam. Their secret rendezvous are fun, but if Connor is going to have more with Liam, he'll have to be honest about his feelings and his suspicions of who killed Evelyn. Will either survive the truth? Purchase at https://amzn.to/38An9n0.

BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

(NewsUSA) - (NU) 

“The Beirut Protocol ”
by Joel C. Rosenberg

  Trapped behind enemy lines. Brutally tortured and threatened with death. And the worst is yet to come. Special agent Marcus Ryker has spent his whole life protecting others, but this time his own life is in danger.

  When a routine advance trip along the Israeli-Lebanese border goes wrong, American operatives are ambushed and captured by a rogue Hezbollah special forces team. If Marcus and his colleagues are tortured and executed on live television, the president will have to enter another war he likely can't win.

Marcus faces a life-or-death battle, and the odds of survival are narrowing. Escape seems impossible. Rescue is a fading hope. This is the CIA’s most valuable operative as you have never seen him before. Purchase at https://amzn.to/35Po5Ci.

“First Dog on Earth”
by  Irv Weinberg

  “Heartwarming story about relationships among people and dogs.”

  At the dawn of civilization, a wolf dog befriends an old hunter and revives his alpha powers among his human tribe. Together with the animal’s pack, they discover a new way of life -- a shared odyssey of survival and trust that grows into the most successful partnership the Earth has ever known, changing dogs and humans forever.

  This is the poetic story of how civilization progresses all because of the abilities the dogs bring the tribe. How does the greatest love story in history begin? With a leap into the unknown. “Like no other book you've read!” Purchase at http://amzn.to/38pfW8j.

“How to Train Your Hooman: A Field Guide”
by  Gwen Romack

   This is the lighthearted and funny read we so desperately need in these not-so-light-hearted times – and the perfect Mother’s Day gift for those dog-loving moms. 

  Follow this unique story told by an extraordinary dog, Finn. He’s irreverent, funny, and full of sass. Based on his real life, join Finn as he issues weekly reports back to K9 Rescue Headquarters on the strange behaviors and rituals of his rescue-“hoomans.”

  With sarcastic wit, he observes the curious world around him, heroically saves his unwitting hoomans from dangers (see also: evil electric toothbrush), and shares his musings about the often-lackluster level of service he feels he receives. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3bzqKDV.

“Waxing Pathetic ”
by M. B. Clark

  Waxing Pathetic is a sardonic, often hilarious, raging stream of consciousness from one mad American woman. From the pathetic to the political, the lunatic to the poetic, Clark's memoir is a masterwork of dry wit and piercing observation. 

  From Been Down This Road, where she relates her high school dating history, to This is Real...and Surreal, where she takes down some pathetic politics, Clark merges real events with dream-state fiction that evokes deeper truths hidden in memories. Waxing Pathetic will leave you breathless as you are taken down roads not taken by most American women. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3aTrCT3.

NOTE:BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

"The Living Room: A Lung Cancer Community of Courage"
by Bonnie Addario

The words "lung cancer" strike fear in all of us. But where is the hope? It can be found in "The Living Room," by Bonnie Addario, a 17-year survivor of stage 3B lung cancer and a determined activist on behalf of patients suffering from the disease. "The Living Room" tells the stories of 20 lung cancer patients who have bravely fought the disease and found ways to thrive, not just to survive.

The people you will meet in "The Living Room" will lead you to believe that miracles are all around us, that they're happening every day, and that they just might happen to the next cancer patient who picks up this book. Purchase at https://amzn.to/2LUl3pT.

"Attachments"
by Jeff Arch

At a boarding school in Pennsylvania, a deathbed request from the school's dean brings three former students back to campus, where secrets and betrayals from the past are brought out into the open -- secrets that could have a catastrophic effect on the dean's 18-year-old son.

Told in alternating points of view and time frames, "Attachments" is the story of two best friends and the girl they both love. The book is a puzzle -- and the only one who knows how all the pieces fit is in a coma. Revelations come out into the open, and someone is about to learn something he may or may not be able to handle. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3vs8dQG.

"Don't Say a Word! A Daughter's Two Cents"
by Elizabeth Roper Marcus

For the over 44-million adult children in America whose parents are driving them crazy and for baby boomers who are laughing about it, this is one of the few complete comic narratives that plumb the emotional challenges involved, as we navigate the line between anguish and laughter, rage and love.

"Don't Say A Word!" illuminates the maddening challenge of watching our parents' final decline, a challenge familiar to frazzled adult-children everywhere.

A perpetually warring, tyrannical pair in their 80s -- a Macy's dress buyer and a dentist -- begin wintering in Mexico.?The surprising ways in which these parents come undone reveal just what they'd spent their lives trying to hide, thereby setting her free. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3pjc7sT.

"The Magic Pond"
by Hélene Schweiger

"There is a silver lining to every cloud." That is the motto of author Hélene Schweiger, who presents us with a tale about courage, adventure, and the magic of friendship, geared for children as well as adults. As we all go through difficult experiences and changes in our lives, the message in this story helps see the strength we have in ourselves to become who we truly are.

The author loves nature and sees beauty everywhere. She uses storytelling on a daily basis as a perfect way to convey messages to children and adults, helping children become the wonderful adults they have the potential to be. Purchase at https://amzn.to/35wRHVa.

BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

T. I. Lowe's gritty yet tender and uplifting tale reminds us that a great story can break your heart . . . then heal it in the best possible way.

Austin Foster is barely a teenager when her mama dies giving birth to twins, leaving her to pick up the pieces while holding her six siblings together and doing her best to stop her daddy from retreating into his personal darkness.

Scratching out a living on the family's tobacco farm is as tough as it gets. Just when it seems she might have something more waiting for her -- with the son of a wealthy local family who she's crushed on for years -- her father makes a choice that will crack wide-open the family's secrets and lead to a public reckoning. Purchase at https://amzn.to/30eay45.

"A Road Trip to Remember"
by Judith Keim

A fun and memorable road trip between grandmother and granddaughter brings about surprises and love as they discover new possibilities for everything they've ever wanted.

Aggie and her granddaughter Blythe drive to Florida, stopping to see old college friends along the way -- particularly Donovan Bailey, the man she'd thought she'd marry. Aggie's son and his wife, Blythe's difficult stepmother, can't find out.

All goes well until Aggie falls while dancing with Donovan. Then Blythe's father is seriously injured in an automobile accident. Blythe and Logan Pierce, Donovan's young assistant, do their best to step in for them at work, fighting their mutual attraction. A fun novel from a prolific author. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3kBE4dB.

"EVE-o"
by Danielle Gomes

Would you sacrifice a few lives to potentially save millions?

When a team of scientists discovers the deadly consequences of a human gene they dub "the evolution gene," they quickly realize that the human race is on the brink of extinction.

As pandemic after pandemic ravages the world, symptomatic of the looming eradication of all humankind, this team heads to the Amazon for one last chance to save humanity. While the modern world is on the verge of total collapse, salvation lies in a forgotten time. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3goseTY.

"Adam Names the Insects"
by Janice Dixon

A great read for the young and the young at heart, "Adam Names the Insects" (with a little help from Eve) is a whimsical telling of an old story. The author takes the reader through a child-like excursion in the Garden of Eden in which Adam inspects the various insects and pronounces each name. He uses the sense of smell to name the stink bug and the sense of sound to name the Bzzz. Readers delight in the clever back and forth between Adam and Eve.

The book has been described as "a clever, refreshing, glimpse into the lives of two delightfully dissimilar individuals tasked with naming the insects." Come along and enjoy the journey. Purchase at http://bit.ly/3kd9OFK.

BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.