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Terrible Humans: The World's Most Corrupt Super-Villains And The Fight to Bring Them Down
by Patrick Alley'Few people have shown more commitment to investigative journalism than Patrick Alley. His latest book is a vivid, compelling testament to the importance of revealing corruption and wrong-doing and shining a light into dark places, wherever in the world they are.' -Peter Geoghegan, author of Democracy for SaleA small number of people, motivated by an insatiable greed for power and wealth, and backed by a pinstripe army of enablers (and sometimes real armies too), have driven the world to the brink of destruction. They are the super-villains of corruption and war, some with a power greater than nation state and the capacity to derail the world order. Propping up their opulent lifestyles is a mess of crime, violence and deception on a monumental scale. But there is a fightback: small but fearless groups of brilliant undercover sleuths closing in on them, one step at a time.In Terrible Humans, Patrick Alley, co-founder of Global Witness and the author of Very Bad People, introduces us to some of the world's worst warlords, grifters and kleptocrats who can be found everywhere from presidential palaces to the board rooms of some of the world's best known companies. Pitted against them, the book also follows the people unravelling the deals, tracking the money and going undercover at great risk. From the oligarch charged with ordering the killing of an investigative journalist to the mercenary army seizing the natural resources of an entire African country, this is a whirlwind tour of the dark underbelly of the world's super powerful and wickedly wealthy, and the daring investigators dragging them into the light.***PRAISE FOR Very Bad People:'Reads like a John le Carré novel but is, in fact, very real.' -The Big Issue'Part true crime tale, part investigative procedural, this is the account of the brilliant and necessary superheroes of Global Witness, whose superpower is the truth.' -Edward Zwick, Director of Blood Diamond'Very Bad People reads like a non-stop high-speed chase' -David Farr, Screenwriter, The Night Manager'Simply riveting. Don't miss it.' -Misha Glenny, author of McMafia'A clear-eyed account of a world poisoned by dark money, and a welcome reminder that resistance is possible.' -Irish Times
The Routledge Handbook of Latinx Life Writing (Routledge Literature Handbooks)
by Maria Joaquina VillaseñorThe Routledge Handbook of Latinx Life Writing provides an in‑depth introduction to Latinx life writing, taking a historical approach to the study of a variety of key Latinx life writers, genres, and thematic concerns. This volume includes chapters on fundamental genres of Latinx life writing including memoir, autobiography, oral history, testimonio, comics and graphic texts, poetry of protest, and theatre to more fully depict the breadth, dynamism, and vibrancy of Latinx life writing. Latinx people continuously engaged in the empowering act of telling their stories and narrating their lives, producing writing that at various times and in various ways expressed their joy, expressed their rage and anguish, and ultimately, asserted their subjectivity all the while indelibly contributing to the American literary landscape.
Terrible Humans: The World's Most Corrupt Super-Villains And The Fight to Bring Them Down
by Patrick Alley'Few people have shown more commitment to investigative journalism than Patrick Alley. His latest book is a vivid, compelling testament to the importance of revealing corruption and wrong-doing and shining a light into dark places, wherever in the world they are.' -Peter Geoghegan, author of Democracy for SaleA small number of people, motivated by an insatiable greed for power and wealth, and backed by a pinstripe army of enablers (and sometimes real armies too), have driven the world to the brink of destruction. They are the super-villains of corruption and war, some with a power greater than nation state and the capacity to derail the world order. Propping up their opulent lifestyles is a mess of crime, violence and deception on a monumental scale. But there is a fightback: small but fearless groups of brilliant undercover sleuths closing in on them, one step at a time.In Terrible Humans, Patrick Alley, co-founder of Global Witness and the author of Very Bad People, introduces us to some of the world's worst warlords, grifters and kleptocrats who can be found everywhere from presidential palaces to the board rooms of some of the world's best known companies. Pitted against them, the book also follows the people unravelling the deals, tracking the money and going undercover at great risk. From the oligarch charged with ordering the killing of an investigative journalist to the mercenary army seizing the natural resources of an entire African country, this is a whirlwind tour of the dark underbelly of the world's super powerful and wickedly wealthy, and the daring investigators dragging them into the light.***PRAISE FOR Very Bad People:'Reads like a John le Carré novel but is, in fact, very real.' -The Big Issue'Part true crime tale, part investigative procedural, this is the account of the brilliant and necessary superheroes of Global Witness, whose superpower is the truth.' -Edward Zwick, Director of Blood Diamond'Very Bad People reads like a non-stop high-speed chase' -David Farr, Screenwriter, The Night Manager'Simply riveting. Don't miss it.' -Misha Glenny, author of McMafia'A clear-eyed account of a world poisoned by dark money, and a welcome reminder that resistance is possible.' -Irish Times
How to Win a Grand Prix: From Pit Lane to Podium - the Inside Track
by Bernie Collins'Bernie is not only a great strategist, but also a great team player and competitor' Sebastian VettelRace-winning team strategist shows how F1 really works. Welcome to Bernie Collins' world. Formula 1 drivers are the public face of Grand Prix racing but behind every driver is a team of several hundred people sharing the same passionate desire to win. On race day it's the Team Strategist who calls the shots, working under immense pressure to make split second and crucial decisions. Through her eyes and experience as a Performance Engineer and Head of Race Strategy, Bernie takes you behind the scenes of a Formula 1 team - both in the factory and at the races - to uncover what it takes to put two Formula 1 cars on the grid and go racing.How to Win a Grand Prix gives incredible insight of the entire process from design and construction, through pre-season testing, and how a team prepares for each Grand Prix. For race weekend itself, Bernie recreates it hour-by-hour to plunge the reader behind the pit wall and see what it's actually like to get from grid to podium.
SAS Great Escapes Three: Gripping True Escape Stories Executed by World War Two Heroes
by Damien Lewis'Damien Lewis is both a meticulous historian and a born storyteller' Lee ChildFIVE OF THE MOST DARING ESCAPES CARRIED OUT BY THE SAS DURING WORLD WAR TWOSAS Great Escapes Three recounts how warriors of the world's most famous fighting force, the SAS, carried out five of the most daring escapes of World War Two. Ranging from the very birth of the SAS, to the post D-Day battles for Nazi-occupied Europe, these gripping true stories cover some of the most iconic operations of the regiment, and its key characters, while also including untold tales of courage and endurance beyond compare.Told in classic Damien Lewis style, each account plunges the reader into the escapees' experiences - sharing the most terrifying yet astounding moments of their lives. They include unimaginable accounts of survival in the face of staggering odds, episodes of nerve-wracking bluff and deception, plus knife-edge ambushes withenemy forces hell-bent on wreaking vengeance.In this new volume of incredible special forces feats, bestselling author Damien Lewis has worked closely with World War Two veterans and the families of those portrayed, accessing wartime diaries, letters, mission reports, interrogation transcripts and more, to relate how the men of the SAS were hunted by the enemy and forced to fight their way out of certain death or capture. Around every corner, upon every decision and every movement lurked the possibility of discovery. Yet with every step, breath and turn taken, these fugitives epitomized the do-or-die spirit of the SAS to overcome.
My Friend Anne Frank: The Inspiring and Heartbreaking True Story of Best Friends Torn Apart and Reunited Against All Odds
by Hannah Pick-Goslar"Both heartbreaking and life-affirming" (Edith Eger, author of The Choice), the long-awaited New York Times bestselling memoir of Holocaust survivor Hannah Pick-Goslar, who shares an intimate look into her life and friendship with Anne Frank. In 1933, Hannah Pick-Goslar and her family fled Nazi Germany to live in Amsterdam, where she struck up a close friendship with her next-door neighbor, an outspoken and fun-loving young girl named Anne Frank. For several years, the inseparable pair enjoyed a carefree childhood of games, sleepovers, and treats with the other children in their neighborhood of Rivierenbuurt. But in 1942, Hannah and Anne's lives abruptly changed forever. As the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam progressed, Anne and the Frank family seemingly vanished, leaving behind unmade beds and dishes in the sink—but no trace of Anne's precious diary. Torn from her dear friend without warning, Hannah spent the next two years tormented by questions about Anne's fate, wondering if she had, by some miracle, managed to escape danger. In this long‑awaited memoir, Hannah shares the story of her childhood during the Holocaust, from the introduction of anti-Jewish laws in Amsterdam to the gradual disappearance of classmates and, eventually, the Frank family, to Hannah and her family's imprisonment in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. As Hannah chronicles the experiences of her own life during and after the war, she provides a searing look at what countless children endured at the hands of the Nazi regime, as well as an intimate, never‑before‑seen portrait of the most recognizable victim of the Holocaust. Culminating in an astonishing fateful reunion, My Friend Anne Frank is the profoundly moving story of childhood and friendship during one of the darkest periods in the world's history.
SAS Great Escapes Three: Gripping True Escape Stories Executed by World War Two Heroes
by Damien Lewis'Damien Lewis is both a meticulous historian and a born storyteller' Lee ChildFIVE OF THE MOST DARING ESCAPES CARRIED OUT BY THE SAS DURING WORLD WAR TWOSAS Great Escapes Three recounts how warriors of the world's most famous fighting force, the SAS, carried out five of the most daring escapes of World War Two. Ranging from the very birth of the SAS, to the post D-Day battles for Nazi-occupied Europe, these gripping true stories cover some of the most iconic operations of the regiment, and its key characters, while also including untold tales of courage and endurance beyond compare.Told in classic Damien Lewis style, each account plunges the reader into the escapees' experiences - sharing the most terrifying yet astounding moments of their lives. They include unimaginable accounts of survival in the face of staggering odds, episodes of nerve-wracking bluff and deception, plus knife-edge ambushes withenemy forces hell-bent on wreaking vengeance.In this new volume of incredible special forces feats, bestselling author Damien Lewis has worked closely with World War Two veterans and the families of those portrayed, accessing wartime diaries, letters, mission reports, interrogation transcripts and more, to relate how the men of the SAS were hunted by the enemy and forced to fight their way out of certain death or capture. Around every corner, upon every decision and every movement lurked the possibility of discovery. Yet with every step, breath and turn taken, these fugitives epitomized the do-or-die spirit of the SAS to overcome.
You Don't Need a Dick to DJ
by Smokin JoBefore she became Smokin Jo - the most famous and visible of the first generation of 'superstar DJs' - Joanne Joseph was a young girl growing up in a children's home with her sister. Until her mother returned and whisked the siblings away just before secondary school to a flat on the Portobello Road, her life was devoid of music: the home didn't allow it, apart from hymns and carols at Christmas.As she entered the turbulent years of adolescence, Jo found herself pulled towards Soho and the burgeoning underground acid house scene, instantly finding herself at home amongst other artists, musicians and misfits who breathed and survived on dance music and ecstasy. Within a couple of years, in a lightning-fast ascent, Jo claimed her permanent place as one of England's most exciting and revered DJs of the British rave scene. In 1992, Jo was awarded DJ of the Year in DJ Magazine's list of Top 100 DJ's. To this day she is still the only woman to achieve this accolade.This alternately celebratory and brutal memoir tells a story full of change, growth and determination. It documents Jo's life and loves; her struggles with drink and drugs and journey towards peace and sobriety. It documents the highs and lows of rave culture in an unprecedented way through Jo herself: the elation and euphoria that comes with entertaining an audience as well as the misogyny, the racism, the prejudice and homophobia of the scene, as told by someone who has been at the hard end of these experiences. You Don't Need a Dick to DJ is an extraordinary, moving and unforgettable story from a pioneer and survivor; perhaps the most honest and startling memoir yet to emerge from the club scene.
Presidential Elections and Other Cool Facts
by Syl Sobel J.D.Give kids the most important and interesting facts about presidential elections with this easy-to-understand primer!Perfect for classrooms, homeschool, and curious young readers, this book features:Simple, kid-friendly languageClear explanations of complex questionsIllustrations that help bring the text to lifeAdditional resources like a glossary, index, and more!Presidential Elections and Other Cool Facts is an easy-to-read guide for kids about how our country chooses its leader, answering questions like: Who can run? Who can vote? What is the electoral college? It's also packed with fascinating facts about previous presidents, notable candidates, and remarkable elections in history.
The Autumn Throne: A Novel of Eleanor of Aquitaine (Eleanor of Aquitaine #3)
by Elizabeth ChadwickThe Son She Loved. The Betrayal She Faced. The Legend She Became. The stunning conclusion to the Eleanor of Aquitaine trilogy by New York Times bestselling author, Elizabeth Chadwick.Imprisoned by her husband. Separated from her children. If King Henry II thought these things would push his queen into submission, he was wrong. Emboldened by her experiences as the young Queen of France and determined Queen of England, Eleanor of Aquitaine refuses to give into his tyranny.Freed by his death, she becomes dowager Queen of England. But the competition for land and power that Henry bred among his sons has grown into a dangerous rivalry that Queen Eleanor must contain. Her indomitable spirit will be tested to its limits as she attempts to keep the peace between her warring sons, fend off enemies, and negotiate a magnificent future.Long before Queen Elizabeth, Eleanor of Aquitaine was one of the most powerful women in the medieval world. Elizabeth Chadwick brings her to vivid life in the conclusion to this powerful trilogy of historical fiction.The Eleanor of Aquitaine Trilogy: The Summer Queen (Book 1) The Winter Crown (Book 2) The Autumn Throne (Book 3)
The Bridal Chair: A Novel
by Gloria Goldreich"In prose as painterly and evocative as Chagall's own dazzling brushstrokes, Gloria Goldreich finely evokes one of the most significant masters of modern art through the discerning eyes of [his] loyally protective daughter."—Cynthia Ozick, award-winning author of Foreign BodiesAn exquisite, haunting exploration of the complex mind of Marc Chagall, and the artist's famous chair, through the eyes of his daughter during World War II—perfect for fans of Mrs. Poe and The Paris WifeBeautiful Ida Chagall, the only daughter of Marc Chagall, is blossoming in the Paris art world beyond her father's controlling gaze. But, her newfound independence is cut short by the chaos of World War II. In Nazi-occupied Paris, her father's status as a Jewish artist has made them all targets, but his devotion to his art blinds him to their danger.When Ida falls in love and Chagall angrily paints an empty wedding chair in response, she faces an impossible choice: Does she fight to escape her father's shadow entirely, or abandon her ambitions to save Chagall from the peril in Paris, his enemies, and himself?Brimming with historic personalities from WWII Europe, America and Israel, The Bridal Chair is a stunning portrait of love, fortitude, and the sharp divide between art and real life."Only Gloria Goldreich could write a novel so grounded in historical truths yet so exuberantly imaginative. The Bridal Chair is Goldreich at her best, with a mesmerizing plot, elegant images, and a remarkable heroine who...will remain with you long after the last page."—Francine Klagsburn, Jewish Week columnist and acclaimed author of Voices of Wisdom"Filled with fascinating details about the art world and colorful real-life characters, this novel may appeal to historical fiction fans who enjoyed Natasha Solomons's The House at Tyneford and Tatiana de Rosnay's Sarah's Key."—Library Journal
Larry McMurtry: A Life
by Tracy Daugherty*Pulitzer Prize Finalist*A biography of the late Pulitzer Prize-winning American novelist and screenwriter Larry McMurtry from New York Times bestselling author Tracy Daugherty.In over forty books, in a career that spanned over sixty years, Larry McMurtry staked his claim as a superior chronicler of the American West, and as the Great Plains’ keenest witness since Willa Cather and Wallace Stegner. Larry McMurtry: A Life traces his origins as one of the last American writers who had direct contact with this country’s pioneer traditions. It follows his astonishing career as bestselling novelist, Pulitzer-Prize winner, author of the beloved Lonesome Dove, Academy-Award winning screenwriter, public intellectual, and passionate bookseller. A sweeping and insightful look at a versatile, one-of-a-kind American writer, this book is a must-read for every Larry McMurtry fan.
Motherhood So White: A Memoir of Race, Gender, and Parenting in America
by Nefertiti AustinThe story every mother in America needs to read. As featured on NPR and the TODAY Show. All moms have to deal with choosing baby names, potty training, finding your village, and answering your kid's tough questions, but if you are raising a Black child, you have to deal with a lot more than that. Especially if you're a single Black mom… and adopting. Nefertiti Austin shares her story of starting a family through adoption as a single Black woman. In this unflinching account of her parenting journey, Nefertiti examines the history of adoption in the African American community, faces off against stereotypes of single Black moms, and confronts the reality of what it looks like to raise children of color and answer their questions about racism in modern-day America.Honest, vulnerable, and uplifting, Motherhood So White is a fantastic book for mothers who have read White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo, Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi, Why Are All The Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? by Beverly Daniel Tatum, or other books about racism and want to see how these social issues play out in a very personal way for a single mom and her Black son.This great book club read explores social and cultural bias, gives a new perspective on a familiar experience, and sparks meaningful conversations about what it looks like for Black families in white America today.
Tears of the Silenced: An Amish True Crime Memoir of Childhood Sexual Abuse, Brutal Betrayal, and Ultimate Survival
by Misty GriffinSurviving Severe Child Abuse, Sexual Assault and Leaving the Amish Church In May 2022 Misty Griffin released the Child Rights Act petition calling on Congress to take action and help abused children in religious communities. It is currently gaining momentum and national media attention. Watch Sins of the Amish on Peacock #1 Best Seller in Cults & Demonism, Parenting & Relationships, Notable People, Religious, Survival, Sexual Assault, and Biographies & Memoirs A gripping story that takes you on the journey of a child abuse and sexual assault survivor turned activist. (Photo gallery included). True story of child abuse. When Misty Griffin was six years old, her family started to live and dress like the Amish. Misty and her sister were kept as slaves on a mountain ranch and subjected to almost complete isolation, sexual abuse, and physical violence. Their step-father kept a loaded rifle by the door to make sure the young girls were too terrified to attempt escape. No rescue would ever come since the few people who knew they existed did not care. Sexual abuse among the Amish. When Misty reached her teens, her parents feared she and her sister would escape and took them to an Amish community. Devastated to again find herself in a world of fear, cruelty, and abuse, Misty was sexually assaulted by the bishop. "...I knew I had to get help, and one freezing morning in early March, I made a dash for a tiny police station in rural Minnesota. After reporting the bishop, I left the Amish and found myself plummeted into a strange modern world with only a second-grade education and no ID or social security card." Ultimately Misty graduated nursing school and currently works as an activist for abused children. Inside learn how: A cycle of abuse can be broken Abuse was not your fault Moving forward is possible Read true crime books and child abuse true stories like Educated, A Child Called It, The Family Next Door, or Etched In Sand? Then Tears of the Silenced is a must-read.
The Pride of a Lion: What the Animal Kingdom Can Teach Us About Survival, Fear and Family
by Ron Magill Greg CoteThe Indomitable Spirit of K’wasi the Lion Cub May Forever Change Your Perspective on Life“To millions of people in Miami and beyond, Ron Magill is the face and voice of all things’ wildlife.” ─Mireya Mayor, PhD and National Geographic ExplorerEditors' Pick#1 Best Seller in Biology of Cats, Lions & TigersDiscover the true and incredible survival story of K’wasi, the lion cub who overcame unimaginable odds Magnificently documented by wildlife expert Ron Magill. K’wasi’s story is told by world renowned wildlife photographer and Zoo Miami’s “Goodwill Ambassador”, Ron Magill who documented and photographed every stage of K’wasi’s remarkable roller coaster life. Join Ron and his half-a-century career as he helps us all understand the life lessons the animal kingdom has for us.A survival story of grit and resilience. The story of K’wasi the lion cub is one of heartbreak and triumph. He was born to Asha at Zoo Miami in late 2013 and captured the heart of the nation as an incredibly cute lion cub. K’wasi was orphaned in March 2014 when his mother tragically died. K’wasi’s remarkable journey takes him from the untimely death of his mother to magnificent star of Lion Country Safari.Animals have feelings too. Society has only recently accepted the incredible emotional intelligence of dogs, pigs, and chimpanzees. But through K’wasi’s remarkable story, Ron Magill details how evolved the animal kingdom truly is—lions in particular. Funny, engaging, touching, and thrilling, The Pride of a Lion teaches us about family, resilience, and the meaning of life.Inside find:Gripping accounts of K'wasi's triumphs against extreme adversityRon Magill's stunning wildlife photography capturing K'wasi's remarkable lifeProfound insights into the emotional intelligence and complex social dynamics of the lion kingdomA fan of The Lion King, or liked The Lion Tracker’s Guide to Life, The Soul of an Octopus, or The Good Good Pig? Then you'll love The Pride of a Lion.
Deep Blue: My Ocean Journeys
by Steve BackshallTake a deep breathSteve Backshall was nine years old the first time he saw a shark, while on holiday with his family in Malaysia. It was the beginning of a life-long fascination with these 'lords of the sea', and the oceanic life around them. His career as one of the world's most popular naturalists and explorers has taken him to countless underwater places, many never before seen by others. And he's also been witness to the startling decline in fortune of our oceans' wild inhabitants over the past fifty years.Deep Blue is a book a lifetime in the making: a remarkable blend of memoir, travel, and marine and environmental science that takes us on an unforgettable tour of the many worlds of aquatic life: from underwater deserts and rainforests to the evolution of ocean heroes like the sea turtle and the Great White, from the genesis of ocean life to the rapidly declining state of white polar seas and coral reefs. It's both a love letter to our precious oceans and rallying cry for what we must to do save them.
Strong: Life, Loss, and Eternal Love for My Daughter
by Ashley CainA Testament to the Enduring Strength of the Human Spirit“Heartbreaking and powerful - Ashley is an inspiration”, Fearne Cotton, English television and radio presenter“Ashley’s psychological and emotional resilience is unparalleled, truly in the 0.1 percent”, Ant Middleton, British Special Forces Soldier and Television PersonalityIn Strong, famous English footballer and reality television personality Ashley Cain takes you on an emotional journey through the depths of grief, the power of resilience, and the unwavering strength of a father's love.Profound anguish. Ashley's memoir explores the profound impact of his daughter Azaylia's passing in 2021, a tragedy that shook his world to its core. Through his words find solace and connection with the tragedy of losing loved ones to cancer.A heartbreaking story of loss. What sets Strong apart from other books on grief is Ashley's unwavering commitment to transforming his pain into a force for good. He courageously sets up The Azaylia Foundation, a testament to his dedication to raising funds and awareness for children fighting cancer. Through this foundation, he channels his grief into action, embodying a positive mindset that transcends adversity. Readers seeking books on positive mindsets and books on resilience will find Ashley's story both uplifting and transformative.Inside read about:An emotional story of healing after a lossThe Azaylia Foundation and infant cancer awarenessAn emotional journey with physical challengesIf you have read memoirs on grief such as Like a River, Shattered, or Giving Grief Meaning, you will be inspired by Ashley Cain’s Strong.
Not Necessarily Rocket Science: A Beginner's Guide to Life in the Space Age
by Kellie GerardiThe Study of Plants in a Whole New Light“Matt Candeias succeeds in evoking the wonder of plants with wit and wisdom.” ―James T. Costa, PhD, executive director, Highlands Biological Station and author of Darwin's Backyard#1 New Release in Nature & Ecology, Plants, Botany, Horticulture, Trees, Biological Sciences, and Nature Writing & EssaysInternationally-recognized blogger and podcaster Matt Candeias celebrates the nature of plants and the extraordinary world of plant organisms.A botanist’s defense. Since his early days of plant restoration, this amateur plant scientist has been enchanted with flora and the greater environmental ecology of the planet. Now, he looks at the study of plants through the lens of his ever-growing houseplant collection. Using gardening, houseplants, and examples of plants around you, In Defense of Plants changes your relationship with the world from the comfort of your windowsill.The ruthless, horny, and wonderful nature of plants. Understand how plants evolve and live on Earth with a never-before-seen look into their daily drama. Inside, Candeias explores the incredible ways plants live, fight, and conquer new territory. Whether a blossoming botanist or a professional plant scientist, In Defense of Plants is for anyone who sees plants as more than just static backdrops to more charismatic life forms.In this easily accessible introduction to the incredible world of plants, you’ll find:Fantastic botanical histories and plant symbolismPassionate stories of flora diversity and scientific names of plant organismsPersonal tales of plantsman discovery through the study of plantsIf you enjoyed books like The Botany of Desire, What a Plant Knows, or The Soul of an Octopus, then you’ll love In Defense of Plants.
Icons of Rock: In Their Own Words
by Jenny BoydThe Creative Process Behind Rock Music#1 New Release in Actor, Entertainer Biographies, and SongwritingWhat inspires the heart, mind, and soul of so many famous rock stars? Human behavior psychologist and 1960s icon Jenny Boyd explores the artistic drive responsible for creating your favorite songs.A glimpse into the creative power of music. Ever since the Beatles’ British Invasion, numerous rock bands and singers have created albums that still have many fans’ love and devotion today. Was it raw talent, or was there something below the surface that transformed these dreamers into Hollywood legends? Icons of Rock invites music lovers to discover the truth behind their favorite artists and how they created the best songs of all time. Investigating the psychology and chemistry behind artistic inspiration, you will find how much an unconscious influence can change not only one person’s life, but the entire world.Rock legends share their inspirational tips for music success. Having experienced a life full of rock and roll, author Jenny Boyd explores the psychology of rock stars not just from a scientific point, but also from the musicians themselves. Inside, you’ll find rock and roll biographies full of what drove your favorite singers and bands into stardom. Featuring interviews and inspiring stories from Stevie Nicks, Ringo Starr, Keith Richards, and more, discover what makes a rock star and how you can find your own creative success by listening to your inner muse.Inside Icons of Rock, you’ll also discover:Why the unconscious is the key to successWays musicians have nurtured their creative processHow peak experiences can manifest in songwriting and concertsIf you liked The Singers Talk, Jennifer Juniper, or Self-Belief Is Your Superpower, you’ll love Icons of Rock.
Bodyguard: Inside the Secretive World of Armed Police & Close Protection
by Jonathan Levi Emma FrenchThe Untold Stories of Britain’s BodyguardsFollow the firsthand recollections of men and women who guard the United Kingdom’s most famous figuresA career of bravery and discretion revealed. As one of the most hazardous occupations in the world, bodyguarding means not only protecting clients, but also making decisions that can change the lives of others. Dr. Emma French and Jonathan Levi explore the past, present, and future of the armed protection industry in their latest biographical book, Bodyguard: The Real Story. Told through the eyes of those who protected British celebrities and international politicians, readers will discover what it truly takes to keep the world that we know safe.Meet the people behind the security. From the MI6 agency to the Royal Security Services, this private security book shares personal recollections from thirteen former officers and how their careers changed their lives. Their stories span decades of experience as they witness some of Britain’s most dramatic events, including domestic terrorism, drug turf wars, and assassination attempts. And with each story, our narrators share how their job as a private bodyguard impacts themselves, their clients, and people all over the world.Inside Bodyguard: The Real Story discover:The extensive planning put into security detailWeapons, vehicles, and protective clothing used in the fieldWhat it takes to protect the Royal FamilyThe tragedies and mistakes that can stay with bodyguards foreverIf you enjoyed books like Spare, The Final Witness, or The Mindfulness for Warriors Handbook, then you’ll love Bodyguard: The Real Story.
Why, Father?
by Toni Maguire Gerri MayoBetrayed by Those Meant to Love Her, This is Gerri Mayo’s True Story of Survival For fans of Cathy Glass and #1 bestselling author Toni Maguire comes a true story of abuse and survival Toni Maguire is the author of twelve books sold over 1.5 million worldwide, including her own bestselling memoirs Don't Tell Mummy and When Daddy Comes Home. Telling her own story encouraged others who had kept their childhood secrets hidden to approach her. Now she writes for those who need a voice too. Gerri Mayo was only a young girl when she was first abused by her father. Growing up in a small village in Northern Ireland, in the tumultuous time of the Troubles, she had no one to turn to. He father’s evil acts were followed by abuse from her local priest, arranged by her father. After her mother found out about the abuse, and believing there was nothing she could do to help her child, she committed suicide. Gerri and her siblings were split up and placed in different foster homes. The children knew they were unlikely to see each other ever again. Told that her mother had committed a grave sin, Gerri’s foster parents were far from kind to her. She experienced years of loneliness, feeling completely abandoned.The abuse Gerry experienced was so extensive it required an operation to repair the damage to her body. When asked who or what had been responsible, she responded “the priest”. But she was not believed in her small Northern Ireland town in the 1960s, where everyone believed a priest took his orders directly from God. After finally meeting her kind and caring husband a few years ago, and after celebrating her 60th birthday, Gerry decided it was time for her story to be told. This is her true story of survival. If you’re a fan of Cathy Glass and books like Tears of the Silenced, If You Tell, or Spilled Milk, you will want to read Toni Maquire’s Why, Father?
The Age of Disenchantments: The Epic Story of Spain's Most Notorious Literary Family and the Long Shadow of the Spanish Civil War
by Aaron Shulman“An intriguing narrative of literary ambition and family dysfunction—betrayal, drug addiction, and madness—that begins during the Spanish Civil War.” —Amanda Vaill, The New York Times Book ReviewIn this absorbing and atmospheric historical narrative, journalist Aaron Shulman takes us deeply into the circumstances surrounding the Spanish Civil War through the lives, loves, and poetry of the Paneros, Spain’s most compelling and eccentric family, whose lives intersected memorably with many of the most storied figures in the art, literature, and politics of the time—from Neruda to Salvador Dalí, from Ava Gardner to Pablo Picasso to Roberto Bolaño.Weaving memoir with cultural history and biography, and brought together with vivid storytelling and striking images, The Age of Disenchantments sheds new light on the romance and intellectual ferment of the era while revealing the profound and enduring devastation of the war, the Franco dictatorship, and the country’s transition to democracy.A searing tale of love and hatred, art and ambition, and freedom and oppression, The Age of Disenchantments is a chronicle of a family who modeled their lives (and deaths) on the works of art that most inspired and obsessed them and who, in turn, profoundly affected the culture and society around them.“A valuable primer on the ways literature intertwined with politics during Franco’s reign.” —Rigoberto González, Los Angeles Times“In this sweeping, ambitious debut, journalist Shulman offers a group biography of a family indelibly marked by the Spanish Civil War . . . Prodigiously researched and beautifully written.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Groundswell
by Katie Lee"If you liked Eat, Pray, Love, then read Groundswell." —US Weekly (Essential Summer Read selection) A "compulsively readable novel charting the highs and lows of love" (Jen Lancaster) about a young woman recovering from divorce who finds healing—and romance—through surfing.A butterfly flaps its wings in New York City...and a groundswell forms in Mexico. Sometimes the biggest ripples come from the smallest events. Like the day that novice PA Emma Guthrie walks into world-famous movie star Garrett Walker&’s trailer. When she walks out, she&’s on her way to becoming Mrs. Emma Walker, trading her jeans and flip-flops for closets full of Chanel and the start of a successful screenwriting career. But when an incriminating text message throws her marriage into question, Emma flees New York City for a sleepy coastal town in Mexico. Here, she meets gorgeous, California-born Ben, who teaches her about the healing powers of surfing, shows her the joys of the simple life, and opens her up to the possibility of love. An irresistible insider&’s glimpse into a glittering world, Katie Lee&’s debut novel is a captivating story about how losing everything you thought you wanted can be the first step to finding what you need.
Name Drop: The Really Good Celebrity Stories I Usually Only Tell at Happy Hour
by Ross MathewsFrom Ross Mathews, the nationally bestselling author of Man Up!, judge on RuPaul&’s Drag Race, and alum of Chelsea Lately, comes &“a delightful mix of sweet and sour celebrity experiences&” (Shelf Awareness) in this hilarious and irreverent collection of essays.Pretend it&’s happy hour and you and I are sitting at the bar. I look amazing and, I agree with you, much thinner in person. You look good, too. Maybe it&’s the candlelight, maybe it&’s the booze. Either way, let&’s just go with it. Keep this all between you and me, and do me a favor? Don&’t judge me if I name drop just a little. Television personality Ross Mathews likes telling stories. He was always outrageous and hilariously honest, even when the biggest celebrity he knew was his favorite lunch lady in the school cafeteria. Now that he has Hollywood experience—from interning behind the scenes at The Tonight Show with Jay Leno to judging RuPaul&’s Drag Race—he has a lot to talk about. In Name Drop, Ross dishes about being an unlikely insider in the alternate reality that is showbiz, like that time he was invited by Barbara Walters to host The View—only to learn his hero did not suffer fools; his Christmas with the Kardashians, which should be its own holiday special; and his news-making talk with Omarosa on Celebrity Big Brother, which, as it turns out, was just the tip of the iceberg. Holding nothing back, Ross shares the most treasured and surprising moments in his celebrity-filled career, and proves that while exposure may have made him a little bit famous, he is still as much a fanboy as ever. Filled with &“charmingly told&” (Booklist) tales ranging from the horrifying to the hilarious—and with just the right &“Rossipes&” and cocktails to go along with them—Name Drop is every pop culture lover&’s dream come true.
The Great Shark Hunt: Strange Tales from a Strange Time
by Hunter S. ThompsonThe first volume in Hunter S. Thompson’s bestselling Gonzo Papers offers brilliant commentary and outrageous humor, in his signature style.Originally published in 1979, the first volume of the bestselling &“Gonzo Papers&” is now back in print. The Great Shark Hunt is Dr. Hunter S. Thompson&’s largest and, arguably, most important work, covering Nixon to napalm, Las Vegas to Watergate, Carter to cocaine. These essays offer brilliant commentary and outrageous humor, in signature Thompson style. Ranging in date from the National Observer days to the era of Rolling Stone, The Great Shark Hunt offers myriad, highly charged entries, including the first Hunter S. Thompson piece to be dubbed &“gonzo&”—&“The Kentucky Derby Is Decadent and Depraved,&” which appeared in Scanlan's Monthly in 1970. From this essay, a new journalistic movement sprang which would change the shape of American letters. Thompson's razor-sharp insight and crystal clarity capture the crazy, hypocritical, degenerate, and redeeming aspects of the explosive and colorful &‘60s and &‘70s.