The best variety of quest for knowledge books

Why am I passionate about this?

Ghost stories were always a part of my childhood. I believe most people wonder about what comes ‘after’. I have tried to keep up with the latest information regarding the unusual. I was a paranormal searcher and spent much time in the woods and forests. I have seen a few unusual, unexplained things. Curiosity and the thirst for knowledge still burn inside me. I suppose the mundane and redundant characteristics of my job gave me a desire to keep my mind searching for answers to difficult questions.  


I wrote...

Curse of a Devil

By Bill Lindsay,

Book cover of Curse of a Devil

What is my book about?

Something terrorized Victorian London for over 60 years. ‘Springheeled Jack’ had eyes of hell, blue fire breath, metal claws, and was seen to bound incredible heights. It or he was never caught or explained. The historical fiction explores the many theories of this phenomenon. This sequel to The Bones of Jack brings the story to 1900 New York City with a definite steampunk flavor. The characters are cursed by ‘it’ while they attempt to solve the mystery.

Sightings of old Springy have continued through the years and up to the present. Some night a tall caped figure might drop down before you and change your outlook. Read Curse of a Devil and be prepared!    

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of Weird Illinois: Your Travel Guide to Illinois' Local Legends and Best Kept Secrets

Bill Lindsay Why did I love this book?

I have always sought out the strange and unusual. This book covers many different phenomena. Whether it is ghosts, aliens, legends, cryptids, or just weird lore, this book has a wide scope. I live in the state and occasionally participate in investigations of these subjects. I even wrote a play Ghosts, Aliens, and Bigfoot. This book almost reminds me of being with my grandfather as a child. He loved to scare with local legends and ghost stories spun with his special brand of creepiness and humor. Reading this late at night took me back to those special times.

By Troy Taylor,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Weird Illinois as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Explores bizarre sights and stories found in Illinois.


Book cover of Weird Indiana: Your Travel Guide to Indiana's Local Legends and Best Kept Secrets

Bill Lindsay Why did I love this book?

As if Illinois wasn’t weird enough. This book continues with local lore, legends, and unexplained from across the stream with Vincennes as my way point. It is apparent how much effort was put into researching these stories. Not only paranormal and cryptids are featured but, history and unique locations of interest are exhumed. The photography and graphics are top notch and lure the reader further into the book. Weird Illinois and Indiana are both works of art and full of stories to interest the most skeptical reader. 

By Mark Marimen, James A. Willis, Troy Taylor

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Weird Indiana as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Enjoy a relaxing picnic in Shades of Death Park. Witness those eerie glowing spots known as Moody's Light. Slap another layer of color onto the world's biggest ball of paint, and yes, that really is a pink-spectacled elephant drinking a martini on the side of the road! From a town called Santa Claus to Indiana's most upright citizen--buried that way for almost 200 years--Weird Indiana proves that the Crossroads of America is also the Crossroads of the Weird!


Book cover of Lost, Buried, and Sunken Treasures of the Mid-West

Bill Lindsay Why did I love this book?

Who doesn’t like a good treasure story? When you are an experienced metal detectorist, such as me, this book makes total sense. Much research is packed into the book which covers states: Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky. Even though only one of these legends came near my home, I enjoyed reading about the history and scanning the old maps. The book’s appearance reminds me of a personal journal written by an old explorer.

This will not provide a treasure map with an X mark on where to dig, but for me, it does incite an itch to dust off the old Gold Bug and take a backroads to drive looking for a promising site to explore and recede to an earlier time when grandma might have lost her broach in the chicken pen.

By Michael Paul Henson,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Lost, Buried, and Sunken Treasures of the Mid-West as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Treasure Leads in Illinois; Treasure Sites of Indiana; Treasure Locations of Ohio; Treasure Clues of Kentucky; General John H. Morgan's Great 1863 Raid


Book cover of First Steps in Winemaking

Bill Lindsay Why did I love this book?

Every marathoner needs hydration along the race. So it is with a long reading session. Some sessions call for a hot cup of coffee or tea. Some call for cocoa or a sparkling water or carbonated mix. Then there are times when a nice colorful glass of vino fit the occasion. I have always had an interest in chemistry and did quite well at it in school. This book was valuable to me as a newbie vintner. The author is English and he takes the reader through the process while giving tips and recipes and showing the equipment needed to produce your own unique beverage. The book is packed full of information about competitions and where to get supplies and which wines to make during the calendar year. It is an older book and references companies in England, but I would recommend it to anyone who might long to try their hand at winemaking. I still practice what I learned from reading this entertaining and informative book. Goditi il tuo vino!

By C. J. Berry,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked First Steps in Winemaking as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

This book is universally known as the 'winemaker's bible'. Over three million beginners have been happily launched into the fascinating hobby of winemaking by successive editions of this practical guide. This completely updated ninth edition sets out in metric, imperial and American measures some 150 detailed recipes, all arranged in the months best suited for their making so that winemaking can be pursued all year round. Wines from fruit, flowers, vegetables, foliage and kits are all dealt with, and for the more advanced winemaker there are notes on making wines in bulk, showing wine and judging. First published in 1960,…


Book cover of Represent Yourself in Court: Prepare & Try a Winning Civil Case

Bill Lindsay Why did I love this book?

When you have no one in the world to count on, who do you turn to? You have no choice but to charge head-on into the breach. You have never been in trouble in your life and find that someone is suing you. People shake their heads and say that you will lose everything and walk away. This book gave a young man hope and a path to start on. I had to hire a lawyer, but this book prepared me for what to expect. The unknown is frightening. Knowing how the ‘game’ is played helped me to understand the process.

The book covers a broad spectrum of civil cases, but the reader can familiarize themselves with how things will proceed in their circumstance. I didn’t find any victorious solution to my situation, but it did stimulate my logical thinking and need to learn more about the legal process. It was like having an experienced older relative calm me down and show me that I do have a chance of coming out alright in the end. Since my first case, I have been in some horrendous legal fights with opponents and lawyers with a ‘win at any cost’ attitude. I will not say anything about lawyers, but I have learned from this book to go into a legal battle as your own general with as much information as you can absorb and heed your instincts.

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The Managing People Practice Manual

By Neil Thompson,

Book cover of The Managing People Practice Manual

Neil Thompson Author Of The Managing People Practice Manual

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Writer Educator Adviser

Neil's 3 favorite reads in 2023

What is my book about?

This manual addresses the need to ensure that people are at the centre of the organisation. There has never been a timelier reminder of the need to ensure that leading, supporting and developing staff are critical aspects of creating the right organisational culture to grow and develop. Written with sensitivity, it brings together essential learning and underpinning theoretical knowledge and frameworks to promote effective practice.

This is an essential handbook for managers and leaders who want to develop the full potential of their people. It not only covers the fundamental issues of human resource management, but also highlights important topics that organisations find difficult to address, such as empowerment, stress management, mental health, equality, diversity, inclusion, and the promotion of well-being at work.

The Managing People Practice Manual

By Neil Thompson,

What is this book about?

It is refreshing to come across an HR book that bridges the gap perfectly between the academic theory and the practicality of ‘how to do it'. Dr Neil Thompson takes us on a humanistic journey that genuinely captures the human dimension of people management. This is an extremely helpful manual full of important and practical information about promoting well-being to achieve the best outcome for various everyday people management issues. The easy-to-understand inclusive language of this book calls to anyone interested in people management, meaning this is a perfect book for students, HR leaders, and practitioners. I know I will…


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Interested in Illinois, Indiana, and wine?

10,000+ authors have recommended their favorite books and what they love about them. Browse their picks for the best books about Illinois, Indiana, and wine.

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