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The Scarlet Letter: Kaplan Sat Score Raising Classic (Clydesdale Classics)
by Nathaniel HawthornePackaged in handsome and affordable trade editions, Clydesdale Classics is a new series of essential works made available again. The series features literary phenomena with influence and themes so great that, after their publication, they changed literature forever. From the musings of literary geniuses like Mark Twain in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn to the striking personal narrative of Harriet Jacobs in Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, this new series is a comprehensive collection of our history through the words of the exceptional few.The magnum opus of revered writer Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Scarlet Letter is arguably one of the greatest novels written during the nineteenth century. It is the story of Hester Prynne-a young woman accused of, tried for, and publicly punished for adultery. Set during the seventeenth century in Boston, she receives harsh ridicule from the radical Puritan community for her actions. From the affair she conceives a child, and struggles to rebuild her life and her reputation. Throughout the book Hawthorne explores controversial themes of sexuality, romance, guilt, shame, infidelity-all of which are still pertinent topics more than 150 years after its initial publication.The Scarlet Letter is a timeless story of morality, legality, struggle, and shame in a world that was so intolerant of the very things that make us human.
The Scarlet Slipper Mystery (Nancy Drew Mystery Stories #32)
by Carolyn KeeneNancy meets Helene and Henri Fontaine, refugees from Centrovia who run a dancing school in River Heights. Strange circumstances have brought the brother and sister to the United States. When they receive an anonymous note threatening their lives, Nancy offers her help. But she encounters nothing but puzzles. Are the Fontaines involved with the Centrovian underground? Have they been threatened by their own countrymen? Why? Is a series of paintings by Henri Fontaine being used for a sinister purpose? Suddenly the Fontaines disappear. Have they been kidnapped? Nancy and her friends pursue the trail relentlessly, even though danger lurks around every corner. They are trapped by their enemies, and escape seems impossible. But Nancy's quick wit finally enables her to solve this intriguing and intricate mystery. Picture descriptions and captions added. In the late 1950s, the first 34 books of the Nancy Drew series were revised and condensed. This is the version published before the revision.
The Scarlet Veil
by Shelby MahurinA new darkness is rising in Belterra. This dark and thrilling vampire romance—set in the world of the New York Times bestselling Serpent & Dove series—is perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas. <p><p>Six months have passed since Célie took her sacred vows and joined the ranks of the Chasseurs as their first huntswoman. With her fiancé Jean Luc as captain, she is determined to find her foothold in her new role and help protect Belterra. But whispers from her past still haunt her, and a new evil is rising—one that Célie herself must vanquish, unless she falls prey to the darkness. <p> <b>New York Times Bestseller</b>
The Scattering
by Kimberly MccreightNew York Times bestselling author Kimberly McCreight raises the stakes in the second book of the heart-pounding Outliers trilogy, a uniquely speculative story about secrets, betrayal, and a world where one small group of people are blessed—or cursed—with an incredible power.Wylie may have escaped the camp in Maine, but she is far from safe. The best way for her to protect herself is to understand her ability, fast. But after spending a lifetime trying to ignore her own feelings, giving in to her ability to read other peoples’ emotions is as difficult as it is dangerous.And Wylie isn’t the only one at risk. Ever since they returned home, Jasper has been spiraling, wracked with guilt over what happened to Cassie. After all they’ve been through together, Wylie and Jasper would do anything for each other, but she doesn’t know if their bond is strong enough to overcome demons from the past.It is amid this uncertainty and fear that Wylie finds herself confronted with a choice. She was willing to do whatever it took to help Cassie, but is she prepared to go to the same extremes to help complete strangers . . . even if they are just like her?
The Scenic Route (The Nsibidi Scripts)
by Nnedi OkoraforIn this spellbinding short story, join Akata Witch&’s Sunny and Sasha on an adventure through the unexpected.During a quick jaunt to the United States, Sunny and Sasha embark on a tour of Chicago that is unlike any other! From the bottom of Lake Michigan to the top of the city&’s most famous skyscraper, their wild ride reveals mystical secrets of the city that are only viewable to those in the know. In The Scenic Route, award-winning writer Nnedi Okorafor weaves an enthralling short story starring the beloved Nsibidi Scripts characters from Akata Witch, Akata Warrior, and the upcoming Akata Woman, available in January 2022.
The School
by T. M. WrightA couple buys an old school to make it into a bed and breakfast but it has a past.
The School Story: Young Adult Narratives in the Age of Neoliberalism (Children's Literature Association Series)
by David AitchisonThe School Story: Young Adult Narratives in the Age of Neoliberalism examines the work of contemporary writers, filmmakers, and critics who, reflecting on the realm of school experience, help to shape dominant ideas of school. The creations discussed are mostly stories for children and young adults. David Aitchison looks at serious novels for teens including Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak and Faiza Guène’s Kiffe Kiffe Tomorrow, the light-hearted, middle-grade fiction of Andrew Clements and Tommy Greenwald, and Malala Yousafzai’s autobiography for young readers, I Am Malala. He also responds to stories that take young people as their primary subjects in such novels as Sapphire’s Push and films including Battle Royale and Cooties. Though ranging widely in their accounts of young life, such stories betray a mounting sense of crisis in education around the world, especially in terms of equity (the extent to which students from diverse backgrounds have fair chances of receiving quality education) and empowerment (the extent to which diverse students are encouraged to gain strength, confidence, and selfhood as learners). Drawing particular attention to the influence of neoliberal initiatives on school experience, this book considers what it means when learning and success are measured more and more by entrepreneurship, competitive individualism, and marketplace gains. Attentive to the ways in which power structures, institutional routines, school spaces, and social relations operate in the contemporary school story, The School Story offers provocative insights into a genre that speaks profoundly to the increasingly precarious position of education in the twenty-first century.
The School for Dangerous Girls
by Eliot Schrefer“This psychological thriller follows a girl with dark secrets to a school with uneasy mysteries of its own . . . Gripping, violent and terrifying.” —Kirkus ReviewsA New York Public Library “Best of the Teen Age”Angela’s parents think she’s on the road to ruin because she’s dating a “bad boy.” After her behavior gets too much for them, they ship her off to Hidden Oak. Isolated and isolating, Hidden Oak promises to rehabilitate “dangerous girls.” But as Angela gets drawn in further and further, she discovers that recovery is only on the agenda for the “better” girls. The other girls—designated as “the purple thread” —will instead be manipulated to become more and more dangerous . . . and more and more reliant on Hidden Oak’s care.“Teens might behave dangerously themselves to get their hands on this page-turner with its commentary on education.” —Booklist“The struggle and eventual triumph of the bad girls over the evil teachers makes for an intriguing conflict that many teens will appreciate.” —School Library Journal“Compelling and page-turning . . . For any fan of gothic, dark, gripping action, The School for Dangerous Girls should not be missed.” —TeensReadToo.com
The School of Hard Talks: How to Have Real Conversations with Your (Almost Grown) Kids
by Emily Kline, PhDWant to have better relationships with the teens and young adults in your life? Backed by research, this practical, engaging guide by a Harvard-trained clinical psychologist will help you connect and communicate.A great relationship is founded on mutual respect and understanding--especially as young people grow into independence and relate to their parents in a new way. Learn how to connect with your young adult children in this practical guide using techniques that focus on not on inducing compliance but rather on respecting their thoughts and understanding their motivations.Discover why parents get on their older kids&’ nerves and why young adults tend to dismiss parents&’ input. Understand how to suppress your parental &“righting reflex&” – the almost irresistible urge to help by offering reassurance and advice.Learn what young people really think and feel, to help them figure out to navigate their decisions and dilemmas competently on their own.Handle conflict in a way that is productive and nurtures the relationship.A five-step program based on Motivational Interviewing gives parents simple take-aways to have conversations about any topic, whether it is curfews, sex, drugs, and rock &‘n&’ roll, or college applications. Each chapter includes sample scripts and concludes with practical takeaways to get parents started immediately on having better conversations—and more rewarding relationships—with their young adults.&“Think you can &‘create&’ the perfect child? Dream on! Then stop dreaming and start reading this book. We can&’t control our kids&’ life trajectories, but we can create relationships with them that are genuine, warm, and encouraging. Here&’s your road map!&”—Lenore Skenazy, president of Let Grow and founder of the Free-Range Kids movement
The Science Museum Puzzle Book: Journey Into Space
by The Science MuseumAre you ready to become an astronaut? Then prepare for lift off with The Science Museum Puzzle Book, a unique puzzle book to launch your exploration of space.Embark on your very own astronaut training program; engineer your own rocket and blast off to explore other planets to find what might be out there, all the while discovering the history of space exploration and the pioneering men and women who led us there.From Galileo inventing the first telescope, to the fascinating 20th century space race, all the way up to the cutting-edge research and missions being done to this day, this book is stuffed with essential space facts and history as well as mind-bending puzzles.From codebreaking and brainteasers to word riddles and language puzzles, this is the perfect gift to challenge any budding space explorer.This is an adventure you don't want to miss!
The Science of Harry Potter: The Spellbinding Science Behind the Magic, Gadgets, Potions, and More! (The Science of Series)
by Mark Brake Jon ChaseHow does magic in J. K. Rowling’s universe work? Finally, the scientific secrets are revealed!The story of the boy who lived has brought the idea of magic and sorcery into mainstream fruition more than any other book series in history. Modern muggle scientists have uncovered explanations to the seemingly impossible, including answers to such questions as: Will we ever see an invisibility cloak? How hazardous is a flying broomstick like the Nimbus 2000? How has medicine made powerful potions from peculiar plants? (Felix Felicis, anyone?) Can scientists ever demonstrate Wingardium Leviosa, or the flying power of a Golden Snitch? Is it possible to stupefy someone? And many more!Often perceived as a supernatural force, magic captivates and delights its audience because of its seeming ability to defy physics and logic. But did you ever wonder if science has any explanation for these fantastic feats? The Science of Harry Potter examines the scientific principles—behind some of your favorite characters, spells, items, scenes, and even games like Quidditch and Wizard’s Chess—from boy wizard Harry Potter’s world, providing in-depth analysis and scientific facts to support its theories. Author Mark Brake, whose The Science of Star Wars was a knockout success, has found the answers to satisfy the curious spirits of muggles everywhere…A perfect Harry Potter gift for anyone obsessed enough to stand in line to be the first to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child or Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, witches and wizards alike will be fascinated by the merging of this improbable realm and real science!
The Science of Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials: With an Introduction by Philip Pullman
by John Gribbin Mary GribbinThe amazing true science behind the fiction of His Dark Materials, ideal for fans of the original trilogy and The Book of Dust, with an introduction by Philip Pullman.Award-winning science writers Mary and John Gribbin reveal how the world of Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy (Northern Lights, The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass) is rooted in astonishing scientific truth. Drawing on string theory and spacetime, quantum physics and chaos theory, they answer fascinating questions such as: could parallel worlds like Will's and Lyra's really exist? How does the subtle knife cut through anything? Could there be a bomb like the one made with Lyra's hair? And, of course, what are the Dark Materials?
The Science of Science Fiction: The Influence of Film and Fiction on the Science and Culture of Our Times
by Mark BrakeWe are the first generation to live in a science fiction world.Media headlines declare this the age of automation. The TV talks about the coming revolution of the robot, tweets tell tales of jets that will ferry travelers to the edge of space, and social media reports that the first human to live for a thousand years has already been born. The science we do, the movies we watch, and the culture we consume is the stuff of fiction that became fact, the future imagined in our past—the future we now inhabit.The Science of Science Fiction is the story of how science fiction shaped our world. No longer a subculture, science fiction has moved into the mainstream with the advent of the information age it helped realize. Explore how science fiction has driven science, with topics that include:Guardians of the Galaxy: Is Space Full of Extraterrestrials?Jacking In: Will the Future Be Like Ready Player One?Mad Max: Is Society Running down into Chaos?The Internet: Will Humans Tire of Mere Reality?Blade Runner 2049: When Will We Engineer Human Lookalikes?And many more! This book will open your eyes to the way science fiction helped us dream of things to come, forced us to explore the nature and limits of our own reality, and aided us in building the future we now inhabit.
The Science of The Big Bang Theory: What America's Favorite Sitcom Can Teach You about Physics, Flags, and the Idiosyncrasies of Scientists (The Science of Series)
by Mark BrakeThe geeks will inherit the earth.With well over two hundred episodes and a dozen seasons, The Big Bang Theory is one of America’s favorite television series, bringing a new class of character to mainstream television: the science nerd.In spite of its evident popularity and influence in shaping public attitudes to science and scientists, there are relatively few books that explore the show’s culture and social dimension. The Science of The Big Bang Theory looks behind the comedy scenes and scripts of this long-running and successful TV show to explore topics such as:The Bachelor Party Corrosion and ArchimedesThe Valentino Submergence: Fun with FlagsThe Dumpling Decoupling: Sheldon and Doctor WhoThe Mystery Date Observation: The Unlikely Dating Habits of EggheadsAnd More!This book is a light-hearted science companion to TV's The Big Bang Theory, providing you with just the kind of dissection of the science and culture you’d need to understand “math, science, history, unraveling the mysteries, that all started with the big bang! Hey!”
The Science of the Child in Liberal Italy (Palgrave Studies in the History of Childhood)
by Luisa TascaThis book investigates a forgotten chapter of history: the role of Italian sciences within the child study movement. Between the 1880s and the First World War, children became the focus of unprecedented professional and scientific interest in Europe and the United States. The bodies and psyches of children, their care and growth, their development, 'normal' and 'abnormal', intelligence, and moral sense, constituted a new field of research. Italy, which had just become a nation, also took part in this international movement: on the study of the child, a substantial part of the Italian ruling class launched itself, with a mixture of enthusiasm, hope and concern, on the frontier between different areas of knowledge. Using a broad spectrum of sources, this book offers the first overview of the Italian scientific movement of child study.
The Scopes Monkey Trial (Monumental Milestones: Great Events of Modern Times)
by Jim WhitingOne of the most famous trials in U.S. history took place in a tiny town in Tennessee in 1925. Dayton was the site of what became known as the Scopes Monkey Trial. The defendant, John T. Scopes, was accused of violating a recently passed state law. This law made it illegal to teach the theory of evolution. Under most circumstances, few people would have paid any attention. Several of Dayton's leading citizens saw a chance to put their town on the map. They were successful. Two of the country's most famous people-William Jennings Bryan and Clarence Darrow-soon became involved. Dozens of reporters poured into Dayton from all over the country. It was the first trial to receive live media coverage. Scopes was found guilty. He had to pay a small fine. But the issues about evolution that the trial raised are still debated today.
The Scorpio Races
by Maggie StiefvaterSome race to win. Others race to survive. It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die. At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them. Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn't given her much of a choice. So she enters the competition - the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen. As she did in her bestselling Shiver trilogy, author Maggie Stiefvater takes us to the breaking point, where both love and life meet their greatest obstacles, and only the strong of heart can survive. The Scorpio Races is an unforgettable reading experience.
The Scorpion Queen
by Mina FearsPrinting with sprayed edges for a limited time! Uprooted meets Children of Blood and Bone in this dark fantasy inspired by a Malian fairy tale about a princess whose suitors are challenged to gruesome trials.Deep within the imperial palace at Timbuktu, Amie has suffered a devastating loss. Once the daughter of a prosperous salt merchant Amie’s life was cruelly overturned in a matter of months. At sixteen, Amie now finds herself disinherited, framed for a scandalous crime, and forced to serve Princess Mariama of Mali. Her father, Emperor Sulyeman, has created a series of impossible trials for his daughter's suitors. When they fail, he publicly boils them alive, littering Mariama’s path to marriage with ninety-nine corpses.At first, Amie’s life at court is drudgery—the chores are difficult, the servants despise her, and Princess Mariama is prone to mood swings—but the more she learns about the princess's circumstances, the closer the two girls become. Amie and her intended, Kader, plan to escape Timbuktu and make a new life far away from the shadow of death that has fallen upon the emperor’s court, but she finds herself increasingly drawn to the princess in ways she doesn’t understand. When a mysterious discovery forces her hand, she must choose between fleeing with the boy she loves or helping the princess to end the trials forever. Amie will need to draw on all of her strength and courage to make the perilous journey through the desert to seek the aid of an exiled god in a final, desperate attempt to take charge of her own destiny.
The Scorpion Rules (Prisoners of Peace)
by Erin BowThe children of world leaders are held hostage in an attempt to keep the peace in this &“slyly humorous, starkly thought-provoking&” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) novel.Greta is a Duchess and a Crown Princess. She is also a Child of Peace, a hostage held by the de facto ruler of the world, the great Artificial Intelligence, Talis. This is how the game is played: if you want to rule, you must give one of your children as a hostage. Start a war and your hostage dies. The system has worked for centuries. Parents don’t want to see their children murdered. Greta will be free if she can make it to her eighteenth birthday. Until then she is prepared to die with dignity, if necessary. But everything changes when Elian arrives at the Precepture. He’s a hostage from a new American alliance, and he defies the machines that control every part of their lives—and is severely punished for it. His rebellion opens Greta’s eyes to the brutality of the rules they live under, and to the subtle resistance of her companions. And Greta discovers her own quiet power. Then Elian’s country declares war on Greta’s and invades the prefecture, taking the hostages hostage. Now the great Talis is furious, and coming himself to deliver punishment. Which surely means that Greta and Elian will be killed...unless Greta can think of a way to break all the rules.
The Scorpion and the Night Blossom (The Three Realms)
by Amélie Wen ZhaoIn a world at war with demons, one girl will face the ultimate test when she is forced to enter into an ancient, deadly competition for the chance to save her mother's soul… before she loses her forever. From the New York Times bestselling author of Song of Silver, Flame Like Night comes the beginning of a dark and opulent fantasy duology, perfect for fans of Throne of Glass.Nine years ago, the war between the Kingdom of Night and the Kingdom of Rivers tore Àn&’yīng&’s family apart, leaving her mother barely alive and a baby sister to fend for. Now the mortal realm is falling into eternal night, and mó—beautiful, ravenous demons—roam the land, feasting on the flesh of humans and drinking their souls.Àn&’yīng is no longer a helpless child, though. Armed with her crescent blades and trained in the ancient art of practitioning, she has decided to enter the Immortality Trials, which are open to any mortal who can survive the journey to the immortal realm. Those who complete the Trials are granted a pill of eternal life—the one thing Àn&’yīng knows can heal her dying mother. But to attain the prize, she must survive the competition.Death is common in the Trials. Yet oddly, Àn&’yīng finds that someone is helping her stay alive. A rival contestant. Powerful and handsome, Yù&’chén is as secretive about his past as he is about his motives for protecting Àn&’yīng.The longer she survives the Trials, the clearer it becomes that all is not right in the immortal realm. To save her mother and herself, Àn&’yīng will need to figure out whether she can truly trust the stranger she&’s falling for or if he&’s the most dangerous player of all . . . for herself and for all the realms.
The Scourge
by Jennifer A. NielsenIn this dystopian fantasy from a New York Times–bestselling author, a teen put in quarantine due to a mysterious illness uncovers a government conspiracy.As a lethal plague sweeps through the land, Ani Mells is shocked when she is unexpectedly captured by the governor’s wardens and forced to submit to a test for the deadly Scourge. She is even more surprised when the test results come back positive, and she is sent to Attic Island, a former prison turned refuge—and quarantine colony—for the ill. The Scourge’s victims, Ani now among them, can only expect to live out short, painful lives there. However, Ani quickly discovers that she doesn’t know the whole truth about the Scourge or the Colony. She’s been caught in a devious plot, and, with the help of her best friend, Weevil, Ani means to uncover just what is actually going on. But will she and Weevil survive long enough to do so?The Scourge is an explosively thrilling tale of adventure and intrigue, courage and heart from New York Times bestselling author Jennifer A. Nielsen.“Nielsen’s polished fantasy smoothly combines medieval elements with hints of mystery and romance . . . it delivers a significant message about how misinformation breeds intolerance.” —Publishers Weekly“The characters are well defined and memorable. Feisty Ani, a likable character who is thoughtful and strong, drives the story forward and keeps readers wanting to know more . . . “ —School Library Journal
The Scratch Daughters
by H.A. ClarkeThe second book in the Scapegracers trilogy, formerly outcast lesbian witch who struggles to keep her coven as the loss of her magical soul drives her to desperation.
The Scratch Daughters (The Scapegracers)
by H. A. Clarke&“Sharp and exciting, always vivacious and sensory . . . All I want is more—more of these sweet vicious girls and their helplessly loving leader, changing themselves, one another and the world.&” —Amal El-Mohtar, The New York Times Book Review The Craft for Gen Z: The Scratch Daughters, indie bestselling author H. A. Clarke crafts a brilliant, award-nominated sequel to The Scapegracers: a raw and roiling tribute to queer lineage, to finding oneself, and to the deep love of chosen family. Sideways Pike is desperate. It turns out that Madeline Kline didn&’t want to make out with her; infinitely worse, she was only flirting to get access to Sideways&’ specter. Madeline has ripped the magical soul out of Sideways&’ throat, and with it, everything that makes a witch feel whole. Madeline would know: the Chantry boys took hers, and she&’s going to use Sideways&’ specter to hunt them down and get it back. Sideways Pike, lesbian witch extraordinaire, isn&’t going to let little things like a treacherous crush or a brutal family of creepy witch hunters stop her, even if it means tracking down Madeline without the Scapegracers—her best friends, her coven, the girls she&’s come to love ferociously above all else. But Sideways and her trusty bike are in for a bumpy ride . . .
The Scream
by Joan AikenWhen Davey and his family moved to the city from the island of Muckle Burra off the coast of Scotland, they left his grandmother behind. But now his parents are dead-after a car accident that left Davey confined to a wheelchair-and Gran has moved in to take care of him and his sister, Lu-Lyn. But Lu-Lyn believes that both she and Gran are "Ridders" who have strange, dark powers and must return to the island... or has a dangerous force already followed them here?Davey must embark on a terrifying journey that will reveal the true secret of his grandmother's rare gift-and the limitless power of his own potential.Joan Aiken mixes myth and magic in this mysterious short novel inspired by the Munch painting, The Scream."An eerie story from this bestselling children's author: 'Superbly chilling...this is one of her best" Independent on Sunday "A tense, exciting and disturbing new story from Joan Aiken, whose magical, fantastic and supernatural books for children are among the best ever written" World of Books"A prolific and much-beloved children's author, Joan Aiken is perhaps best known for her classic "Gothic" adventures, chief among them The Wolves of Willoughby Chase and Midnight is a Place. The Scream, which features Edvard Munch's famous painting of the same name, was written later in the author's career, and makes for an agreeable "shivery" read" LibraryThing"Joan Aiken, one of the most brilliant children's writers of her generation, delivers a dark and potent reading experience in this short, disturbing story. After their parents' fatal accident, David and his sister live with their grandmother, a fearsome woman who possesses the power of the Evil Eye. Gran's mysterious links to the old legends and magic of a remote Scottish island seem destined to lead to another tragedy" Amazon Review"Joan Aiken is just ridiculously talented in terms of the scope of her writing and this is truly demonstrated by her ability to create a chilling and compelling narrative in such a short book" Goodreads Review
The Screwed Up Life of Charlie The Second
by Drew FergusonSometimes, it's just easier to think I'm not the freak. I'm just in an alien world. . .Being Charles James Stewart, Jr., AKA Charlie the Second, means never "fitting in." Tall, gangly and big-eared, he could be a poster boy for teenage geeks. An embarrassment to his parents (he's not too crazy about them, either), Charlie is a virtual untouchable at his high school, where humiliation is practically an extracurricular activity. Charlie has tried to fit in, but all of his efforts fail on a glorious, monumental scale. He plays soccer--mainly to escape his home life--but isn't accepted by his teammates who basically ignore him on the field. He still confuses the accelerator with the brake pedal and as a result, has not only failed his driving exam six times, but also almost killed himself and his driving instructor. He can't work on his college essay without writing a searing tell-all. But what's freaking Charlie out the most is that while his hormones are raging and his peers are pairing off, he remains alone with his fantasies.But all of this is about to change when a new guy at school begins to liven things up on the soccer team--and in Charlie's life. For the first time in his seventeen years, Charlie will learn how it feels to be a star, well, at least off the field. But Charlie discovers that even cool guys have problems as he embarks on a deliciously sexy, risk-filled journey from which there is no turning back. . .The Screwed Up Life of Charlie the Second is a funny, honest and engaging book, told with attitude and style. Drew Ferguson is a talented writer with great comic timing, and an eye for the absurd." --Bart Yates, author of The Brothers Bishop and The Distance Between Us"Drew Ferguson's debut novel is equally funny and smart, and will strike eerily familiar chords in anyone who remembers the edgy, frustrating, sex-obsessed days and nights of high school. You'll love his narrator, Charlie, and you'll also love this book." --Scott Heim, author of Mysterious Skin and We Disappear"Look out Napoleon Dynamite, here comes Charlie the Second! In this page-turning laugh riot, Drew Ferguson captures the voice of Today's Teen conquering the daily drudge that is Life in the Midwest. Colorfully candid, unapologetically explicit, yet touchingly tender, The Screwed Up Life of Charlie the Second serves as a reminder to those who've escaped from Small Town USA as to the reasons why!" --Frank Anthony Polito, author of Band Fags!"A terrific debut novel. Drew Ferguson is one of the most authentic new voices in contemporary fiction." --Steve Kluger, author of Almost Like Being in Love"Written in a fact-paced diary format, Ferguson has created a beautiful and moving novel that literally has you laughing out loud one moment and shedding tears the next." --Arthur Wooten, author of On Picking Fruit and Fruit Cocktail"Lots of blurbs in lots of books promise "laugh-out-loud hilarity." This book delivers. With Charlie the Second, Drew Ferguson has created a memorable and original character undergoing the perils, confusion, and humiliation of adolescence. Between onanistic sexcapades that would make Alexander Portnoy blush, The Screwed Up Life of Charlie the Second is an engagingly accurate portrayal of the highs and lows of growing up and figuring out who you are." --Brian Costello, author of The Enchanters vs. Sprawlburg Springs