In April 2024, Patty Bates-Ballard ’85 published her book, Judgment or Joy? 33 Ways My Son Taught Me to Stop Judging, Love Myself, and Embrace Connection. The book is about her son, Kory, who was born with disabilities and passed away in 2019. Judgment or Joy? is a collection of vignettes from Kory’s life that offer recipes for finding joy through releasing judgment of ourselves and each other.
With three decades of experience as a speaker, writer, educator, and mediator, Patty is a strong advocate for effective communication across differences. Her ACE-ing Conflict book and learning program have empowered thousands of individuals to bridge differences and build inclusive communities.
Susan Polk Van Dusen ’92 has announced the publication of her first children’s book, What’s so Special About a Tree? The rhyming book is written for children ages 4-8 and features original artwork by her father, the late John S. Polk. “My dad was a very talented artist who left behind hundreds of paintings when he passed away four years ago. I was inspired to incorporate some of his work into a children’s book that I hope will bring joy both to children and the adults who love them,” Van Dusen said.
The 32-page book features 14 paintings and drawings of both realistic and whimsical trees. Most of the works were completed in recent years, with the exception of one dated 1970.
Written by a cancer patient for those facing serious health challenges, The Breast Cancer Garden of Verses: Poetry, Songs, and Artwork to Inspire Patients and Survivors to Bloom Where They are Planted is an inspiring debut release from poet, lyricist, and artist Iris Jacobs ’97.
During her breast cancer treatment, Jacobs started rewriting nursery rhymes, turning classics such as “Mary Had a Little Lamb” into “Leftie Had a Little Lump” and Christmas carols into songs titled “The Twelve Months of Treatment” and “What Growth Is This?” Folk songs, jazz standards, and original oil paintings of flowers followed.
The book contains over 100 unique poems, songs, and paintings to inspire other cancer patients and survivors in their journeys. In the author’s words, “This book is a whimsical collection of traditional poems and songs repurposed to empower, entertain, comfort, and inspire those looking for creative healing from cancer and other chronic illnesses.”
M.D. Presley ’00 published Rites of Passage, a fantasy novel about a teen with an enchanted iPod and a knack for finding missing things.
Beth Ford ’08 published two novels in 2024. In the Time of Spirits is a historical fiction set during the 19th-century Spiritualist movement, and Love Between Times is a time-travel romance.
Books by Other 'Roos
Senior Trustee Dr. Fazlur Rahman has published a book titled Our Connected Lives: Caring for Cancer Patients in Rural Texas. The book contains the stories of five of his patients and the unique medical and personal aspects of each case.
Senior Trustee Karl Travis has published a book titled God’s Gift of Generosity: Gratitude Beyond Stewardship, which provides guidance for pastors and lay leaders as they navigate the oftenchallenging task of seeking financial support.