We Appreciate You, Mr. Jimmy

For a quarter of a century, Mr. Jimmy has devoted his heart and soul to nurturing students from every walk of life. With unwavering dedication, he’s inspired, supported, and molded their futures. Now, in a heartwarming reunion, his cherished students unite to express their gratitude in a celebration that spans generations. And they all mean every word of their heartfelt ‘thank you.’

We The People

Joanne S. Duffin’s poetry is a captivating fusion of the personal and the universal, delving into the depths of the human experience. Her verses touch upon matters of the heart, offer insightful observations of the world, and fearlessly tackle the pressing issues of our time, both within the United States of America and on a global scale.

As you turn the pages, you’ll find yourself immersed in the wonders and interpretations of the natural world, the joys of family, the treasure of discovered love, the journey of self-discovery, philosophical musings, political commentary, patriotic reflections, and the pursuit of justice. Duffin’s poetry also explores the complexities of friendship, the pain of loss, and the inevitability of death.

This groundbreaking work of fiction will captivate your mind as you traverse space and time alongside the author, who fearlessly delves into the very essence of self-expression. Throughout her poetry, Duffin never loses sight of the profound impact and influence of the past, acknowledging the experiences that have shaped her as both a writer and a human being.

Embark on this transformative literary journey with Joanne S. Duffin, and allow her unique voice to guide you through a landscape of beauty, understanding, and introspection, as her thoughts and words weave a tapestry of the human condition.

Welcome to Welby Island

Welcome to Welby Island is a story that revolves around five troubled people from Los Angeles who come from different walks of life but will soon be traveling down the same path to enlightenment. That is, if they can survive twelve weeks on Welby Island at the hands of world renowned life coaches Micah and Blair Claine.

When they arrive via seaplane to the uninhabited island off the coast of Washington State, they are none too happy. After a fifteen-minute walk up the beach and through the woods, they emerge to the sight of a rundown cabin that in no way resembles the large sprawling beach house from the Claine Enlightenment Retreat brochure.

It doesn’t take long for the life coaching gurus to realize that these feisty five are not buying what they are selling.
Knowing that they are each carrying burdens that are clinging to them like seaweed, the five guests of Welby Island have to figure out how to get along and survive twelve weeks in a shack on a deserted island.

Welcome to Welby Island is a witty, sassy, humorous and emotional journey that will take you along on the road to enlightenment. 

Westieti Visits the Queen

Westieti, a spirited West Highland Terrier, embarks on an exciting adventure with his best friend, Suzie. His greatest wish? To receive a special invitation to visit the Queen of England. While standing in front of Buckingham Palace, something unexpected happens, and Westieti performs a heroic act that captures everyone’s attention. A newspaper reporter captures the moment, and the next morning, Westieti’s brave deed makes front-page news.

Now, the Queen herself is on a mission to find Westieti and Suzie, eager to invite them for breakfast at Buckingham Palace. But will she locate them before they leave for Canada? The Queen has a special gift for Westieti and a royal mission in mind just for him.

What Is Family?

When Bubs wakes up all alone, she feels scared and unsure of what to do. What is Family? is a story of a young deer named Bubs who is searching for her family. Follow along on her adventure to discover the true meaning of family while meeting her friends along the way. In the end, Bubs finds more than she ever imagined.

What Kind of Dinosaur Is That?

Jacob is in the hospital.

The Bronchitis stepped up, handing Jacob a letter. “We are your friends and we hope you feel better.”

“Just do what they say and you’ll be good as new. And together with love, we will all see you through.”

What Kind of Girl?

For Caroline, being a girl is already confusing, and growing up in the small African country of Malawi, she is constantly asked the question, “What kind of girl behaves this way?” With a thousand cultural ideas flooding into her head from American TV and movies, she struggles to fit into the traditional African society she was born into. Instead, she chooses to stand out by taking risks that are curious beyond what is proper, leading to disapproval and harsh consequences. At nine years old, she finds herself enrolled in a high school at a boarding school far from her home and parents. Alone, she must finally answer the question “What kind of girl are you?” for herself.

What Kind of Girl? is a sweeping coming of age story about a girl in Malawi who must tangle with the gender restrictions, religious institutions, American cultural attitudes, and African traditions that seek to define who she can be as a woman. It is also a tale of how one girl’s story in a distant country in Africa can become all of our stories.

What Might Have Been

What Might Have Been carefully examines nine of the most fateful decisions made in the 19^th and 20^th centuries, considers alternatives that were not chosen, and asks the provocative question of how the course of history might have been fundamentally altered.

What's a Dog Supposed to Do?

What’s a dog supposed to do when candy is left around and no one is watching? What would you do?

What’s a dog supposed to do when she doesn’t like the food she is given? What would you do?

These and other questions plague Percy, a yellow Labrador Retriever, as she adjusts to the world of her human family. She finds herself constantly getting into mischief over doing things that come naturally to a dog.

In her attempt to fit into this strange world of humans, Percy asks her readers what they would do if they were in her place.

When Darkness Reigned

A long time has passed since the ‘High Kingdom’ brazenly executed its campaign of genocide and ruthlessly slaughtered the majority of their people in the hope of finding a child with a secret.

Fortunately for those resourceful enough to survive under the dark reign, an underground network of interconnected factions have been plotting an uprising for some time and they have a secret of their own.

When the Stars Aligned

On a fate-laced evening at 7:30 pm, the three cornerstone figures in Malita’s life found her crossing their minds, yet none were present to shield her from Bruce’s malevolent grasp. Amidst grappling with the void left by her father’s absence, Malita’s world plunges into a deeper abyss when a supposed guardian from her family cruelly betrays her trust. This grave violation leaves her wrestling with shame, betrayal, and a tenuous relationship with her mother, all while battling against the engulfing tides of self-pity.

But Malita, with a spirit unyielding, musters the bravery to face the harsh truth of her fractured family and rejects the dark labels it threatens to affix on her. Embarking on a piecemeal journey, she strives to restore the shards of her destiny. In her quest for healing, the realms of forgiveness and purpose unfold before her, offering a glimpse of hope amidst despair. Malita chooses not merely to exist in the shadows of her past, but to seize the full essence of life’s offerings, demonstrating a resilient pursuit of healing and reclaiming her rightful place in the world. When the Stars Aligned isn’t just a narrative of survival, but a profound testament to the indomitable spirit of recovery and self-redemption.

Where Have All the People Gone?

This poignant book delves into the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on New York City, aptly known as the ‘Capital of the World.’ Divided into three compelling parts, it unravels the harrowing narrative through text and captivating imagery.

In the first part, readers are immersed in a comprehensive chronicle of the pandemic, capturing its relentless grip on the city and its inhabitants. It delves into the multifaceted consequences that unfolded, encompassing the devastating toll on healthcare, the economy, culture, and the collective psyche of New York City. This section serves as a somber reflection on the overwhelming challenges faced by the city, painting a vivid picture of the trials and tribulations endured.

The second part presents a surrealistic photographic testimony, allowing readers to witness the haunting transformation of New York City during the COVID lockdown. Through historically unique images, the book spotlights the eerily deserted streets and iconic landmarks that once thrived with vibrant energy. This visual exploration serves as a poignant reminder of the stark contrast between the city’s bustling past and its hauntingly quiet present, leaving a lasting impression of the profound impact the pandemic had on its urban landscape.

The third part focuses on some positive aspects of the pandemic, despite its gruesome human toll, as it concerns many aspects of our daily life, work, and the environment. It exposes how and why the pandemic has changed our perspective on life.

Together, these three parts create a poignant and powerful account of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on New York City. The book exposes the raw reality of the crisis while also offering glimpses of resilience and hope, showcasing the indomitable spirit of the city and its residents as they fought back against this devastating health crisis.