We're honored to have Dr. Sam Wilkinson stop by the Book Drop Mic to talk about his powerhouse debut: What Evolution and Human Nature Imply About the Meaning of Our Existence. Tune in and learn why this is one of the spring's buzziest books. Can science, faith, religion and human nature all dance well together?

Buy Sam's book:
https://www.amazon.com/Purpose-Evolution-Nature-Meaning-Existence/dp/1639365176/

Learn more about Sam's work:
https://samueltwilkinson.com/

Learn more about Jason:
http://www.jasonfwright.com

About the book:
In Purpose, Yale Professor Samuel Wilkinson tells the story of how recent discoveries from a variety of scientific disciplines—ranging from evolutionary biology to cognitive psychology—suggest there is an overall purpose for human existence. At the same time, Purpose summarizes the latest science from these fields in an attempt to answer some of the deep questions about human nature: Are we ultimately selfish or altruistic? Do we have free will? What is at the root of human happiness? How can a society simultaneously maximize individual happiness and communal well-being? Purpose makes the case that our innate desire to seek for meaning, purpose, and ultimately God, is not at odds with science and evolution.

This podcast is brought to you by InkVeins, your source for book publicity, promo, press releases and more. Text 540-212-4095 for more information.

Rebecca Connolly didn't choose to write her beautiful new book, it chose her. Learn why and fall in love with this true story in our latest episode of the Book Drop Mic. You'll be glad you did. And we promise you'll want to add Hidden Yellow Stars to your reading list before our discussion even ends.

Buy Rebecca's book:
https://shadowmountain.com/product/hidden-yellow-stars/

Learn more about Rebecca:
https://emilyhuey.com/

Learn more about Jason:
http://www.jasonfwright.com

About the book:
Based on the true story of two World War II heroines who risked everything to save Jewish children from the Gestapo by hiding them throughout Belgium.

Belgium, 1942.

Young schoolteacher Andrée Geulen secretly defies the Nazis in Belgium, who are forcing Jews to wear a yellow Star of David. Andrée is not Jewish, but she feels a maternal connection to her students, who are living in constant fear, and decides to take action. No child should have to suffer under such persecution. But what can one woman do against an entire army?

Ida Sterno is a Jewish woman who works with the Committee for the Defense of Jews in Belgium, a clandestine resistance group tasked with hiding children from the Gestapo. She wants to recruit Andrée because her Aryan appearance can provide crucial security measures for their efforts. Andrée agrees to join and begins work immediately by adopting a code name: Claude Fournier.

Together, Andrée and Ida, and their undercover operatives, work around the clock to move Jewish children from their families and smuggle them to safety through the secret channels established by the resistance. As each child is hidden, Andrée commits to memory their true name and history. Someday, she vows, she will help reunite as many of these families as she can.

But with the Gestapo closing in and the traitorous Fat Jacques who has turned from ally to enemy and is threatening to identify and expose any Jew he meets, Andrée and Ida must work even harder against increasingly impossible odds to save as many children as possible and keep them safely hidden--even if it might cost them their own lives.

This podcast is brought to you by InkVeins, your source for book publicity, promo, press releases and more. Text 540-212-4095 for more information.

Emily Huey paid a visit to the Book Drop Mic to introduce her brand new illustrated children's book: Wat Kept Playing: The Inspiring Story of Wataru Misaka and His Rise to the NBA. Learn why Emily chose this particular true story and the impact this unsung hero had on her life. You'll find both the author and her book equally inspiring.

Buy Emily's book:
https://shadowmountain.com/product/wat-kept-playing-the-inspiring-story-of-wataru-misaka-and-his-rise-to-the-nba/

Learn more about Emily's work:
https://emilyhuey.com/

Learn more about Jason:
http://www.jasonfwright.com

About the book:
As the child of Japanese immigrants, Wataru “Wat” Misaka often felt like he didn’t fully belong in either Japanese or American culture. He was sometimes excluded, treated differently, and bullied, even though he was born in the United States. As he grew up, however, Wat discovered he had a very special talent for playing basketball. Even at just five foot seven, he was unstoppable.

After leading his high school team to a state championship, Wat played for the Utah Utes and helped the team win the 1944 NCAA championship. Wat kept playing even as Japanese Americans from the West Coast were sent to incarceration camps for the duration of World War II. Then, after two years serving in the United States Army, Wat returned to basketball, leading the University of Utah to Madison Square Garden and winning another national championship. The cheering crowd recognized Wat the way he wanted to be seen—as a person who was both Japanese and American and an amazing basketball player. Talent scouts from the New York Knicks were so impressed, they drafted Wat to their team. Wat’s undeniable talent changed history as he became the first person of color to play in the NBA.

This podcast is brought to you by InkVeins, your source for book publicity, promo, press releases and more. Text 540-212-4095 for more information.