Neal Thompson Libri

The book explores the intense dedication moonshiners have for their vehicles, emphasizing that their passion and craftsmanship surpass that of traditional racers. It highlights the high stakes involved in moonshining, where losing a race could lead to jail time rather than just a defeat on the track. Through the lens of NASCAR legend Junior Johnson, readers gain insight into the unique culture and risks faced by those involved in this underground world.

"With a dispassionate but tender eye, Thompson captures the ache, fizz, yearning and frustration of being the father of adolescent boys--and of adolescence itself, observed and remembered."--Michael Chabon. What makes a good father, and what makes one a failure? Does less-is-more parenting inspire independence and strength, or does it encourage defiance and trouble? Kickflip Boys is the story of a father's struggle to understand his willful skateboarder sons, challengers of authority and convention, to accept his role as a vulnerable "skate dad," and to confront his fears that the boys are destined for an unconventional and potentially fraught future. With searing honesty, Neal Thompson traces his sons' progression through all the stages of skateboarding: splurging on skate shoes and boards, having run-ins with security guards, skipping classes and defying teachers, painting graffiti, drinking and smoking, and more. As the story veers from funny to treacherous and back, from skateparks to the streets, Thompson must confront his complicity and fallibility. He also reflects on his upbringing in rural New Jersey, and his own adventures with skateboards, drugs, danger, and defiance. A story of thrill-seeking teens, of hope and love, freedom and failure, Kickflip Boys reveals a sport and a community that have become a refuge for adolescent boys who don't fit in. Ultimately, it's the survival story of a loving modern American family, of acceptance, forgiveness, and letting go"-- Provided by publisher

The biography explores the life of Robert "Believe It or Not" Ripley, a fascinating cartoonist who became a globetrotting millionaire. It delves into his rise to fame through his unique celebration of the world's oddities and his extraordinary showmanship that encouraged audiences to embrace the unbelievable. The narrative highlights his enigmatic personality and the impact he had on popular culture through his innovative storytelling and captivating creations.

Based on genealogical breakthroughs and previously unreleased records, this is the first book to explore the inspiring story of the poor Irish refugee couple who escaped famine, created a life together in a city hostile to Irish, immigrants, and Catholics, and launched the Kennedy dynasty in America. Their Irish ancestry was a hallmark of the Kennedys' initial political profile, as JFK leveraged his working-class roots to connect with blue-collar voters. Today, we remember this iconic American family as the vanguard of wealth, power, and style rather than as the descendants of poor immigrants. Here at last, we meet the first American Kennedys, Patrick and Bridget, who arrived as many thousands of others did following the Great Famine--penniless and hungry. Less than a decade after their marriage in Boston, Patrick's sudden death left Bridget to raise their children single-handedly. Her rise from housemaid to shop owner in the face of rampant poverty and discrimination kept her family intact, allowing her only son P.J. to become a successful saloon owner and businessman. P.J. went on to become the first American Kennedy elected to public office--the first of many. Written by the grandson of an Irish immigrant couple and based on first-ever access to P.J. Kennedy's private papers, The First Kennedys is a story of sacrifice and survival, resistance and reinvention: an American story.

The collection of poetry explores the deep bond between two friends who have weathered life's challenges together. Through themes of struggle, loss, and resilience, the verses celebrate their unwavering support for one another, highlighting the strength of their friendship amidst adversity.

The narrative highlights the resilience of the John Curtis Patriots, a high school football team in New Orleans that overcame the challenges posed by Hurricane Katrina. Their inspiring journey not only showcases their determination and fighting spirit but also serves as a symbol of hope for a city struggling to recover from the disaster.