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Sex, Murder, and the Meaning of Life: A Psychologist Investigates How Evolution, Cognition, and Complexity are Revolutionizing our View of Human Nature
by Douglas T. Kenrick"Kenrick writes like a dream. "--Robert Sapolsky, Professor of Biology and Neurology, Stanford University; author of A Primate's Memoir and Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers What do sex and murder have to do with the meaning of life? Everything. In Sex, Murder, and the Meaning of Life, social psychologist Douglas Kenrick exposes the selfish animalistic underside of human nature, and shows how it is intimately connected to our greatest and most selfless achievements. Masterfully integrating cognitive science, evolutionary psychology, and complexity theory, this intriguing book paints a comprehensive picture of the principles that govern our lives. As Kenrick divulges, beneath our civilized veneer, human beings are a lot like howling hyenas and barking baboons, with heads full of homicidal tendencies and sexual fantasies. But, in his view, many ingrained, apparently irrational behaviors--such as inclinations to one-night stands, racial prejudices, and conspicuous consumption--ultimately manifest what he calls "Deep Rationality. " Although our heads are full of simple selfish biases that evolved to help our ancestors survive, modern human beings are anything but simple and selfish cavemen. Kenrick argues that simple and selfish mental mechanisms we inherited from our ancestors ultimately give rise to the multifaceted social lives that we humans lead today, and to the most positive features of humanity, including generosity, artistic creativity, love, and familial bonds. And out of those simple mechanisms emerge all the complexities of society, including international conflicts and global economic markets. By exploring the nuance of social psychology and the surprising results of his own research, Kenrick offers a detailed picture of what makes us caring, creative, and complex--that is, fully human. Illuminated with stories from Kenrick's own colorful experiences -- from his criminally inclined shantytown Irish relatives, his own multiple high school expulsions, broken marriages, and homicidal fantasies, to his eventual success as an evolutionary psychologist and loving father of two boys separated by 26 years -- this book is an exploration of our mental biases and failures, and our mind's great successes. Idiosyncratic, controversial, and fascinating, Sex, Murder, and the Meaning of Life uncovers the pitfalls and promise of our biological inheritance.
Sex: An Uncensored Introduction
by Nikol HaslerBefore you get busy, you need to get educated. Thinking about having sex? Or just thinking about sex, period? Well, that's certainly a good place to start — because there's a lot to think about, and a lot to learn. And Nikol Hasler is here to help. This honest, funny, and uncensored guide covers everything from sexual orientation and masturbation to foreplay, first-time concerns, birth control, and protection against diseases. New sections in this revised edition also address online dating, sex-related bullying, important new sex-related legislation, and sexting — a topic of particular interest and concern today. No subject is off-limits and no question is taboo in this hilarious, in-depth, all-in-one guide. "What a clever, well-written, and creatively illustrated book that speaks to teens and their parents about teenage sexuality! Both the content and form are superb."—M. Joycelyn Elders, MD, former Surgeon General of the United States
Shabanu: Daughter of the Wind
by Suzanne Fisher StaplesLife is both sweet and cruel to strong-willed young Shabanu, whose home is the windswept Cholistan Desert of Pakistan. The second daughter in a family with no sons, she’s been allowed freedoms forbidden to most Muslim girls. But when a tragic encounter with a wealthy and powerful landowner ruins the marriage plans of her older sister, Shabanu is called upon to sacrifice everything she’s dreamed of. Should she do what is necessary to uphold her family’s honor—or listen to the stirrings of her own heart?<P><P> Newbery Honor Book
Shackled: A Tale of Wronged Kids, Rogue Judges, and a Town that Looked Away
by Candy J. CooperHere is the explosive story of the Kids for Cash scandal in Pennsylvania, a judicial justice miscarriage that sent more than 2,500 children and teens to a for-profit detention center while two judges lined their pockets with cash, as told by Candy J. Cooper, an award-winning journalist and Pulitzer Prize finalist.In the early 2000s, Judge Mark Ciavarella and Judge Michael Conahan of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania were known as no-nonsense judges. Juveniles who showed up in their courtrooms faced harsh words and even harsher sentencing. In the post-Columbine era, many people believed that was just what the county needed to ensure its children and teens stayed on the straight and narrow path. But as more and more children faced shocking sentences for seemingly benign crimes, and a newly built for-profit detention center filled up further and further, a sinister pattern of abuses and bribery emerged. Through extensive research and original reporting leading into contemporary times, award-winning journalist Candy J. Cooper tells the story of a scandal that the Juvenile Law Center calls &“one of the largest and most serious violations of children&’s rights in the history of the American legal system.&”
Shade Me (Shade Me #1)
by Jennifer BrownThe first book in acclaimed author Jennifer Brown’s thrilling suspense series for fans of Sara Shepard’s Pretty Little Liars, Shade Me is about a unique girl who becomes entangled in a mysterious crime and lured into a sexy but dangerous relationship with a boy who may be a suspect.Nikki Kill has always been an outsider. Born with rare synesthesia, she sees the world differently. In Nikki’s eyes, happiness is pink, sadness is a mixture of brown and green, and lies are gray.To Nikki, Peyton Hollis, the ultrarich it-girl at school, was seemingly untouchable. That is, until Peyton is violently attacked and the only phone number the hospital finds in Peyton’s cell is Nikki’s. Suddenly Nikki is pulled into Peyton’s glittering, fast-paced world as she tries to unravel an unfolding conspiracy.As Nikki gets closer to the dark truth—and to Peyton’s gorgeous older brother—the only thing she can be sure of is death is a deep, pulsing crimson.
Shades of Magenta
by Echo FreerMagenta can't hide her disappointment: her dream destination turns out to be a holiday camp in the middle of nowhere. But she's looking forward to topping up her tan and starring in the talent contest ... not to mention a bit of holiday romance.Soon Magenta's back on form, with parachute pandemonium and disaster on the diving board ... Will gorgeous Daniel be able to stop her getting into deep water?
Shades of Springsteen: Politics, Love, Sports, and Masculinity
by John MassaroOne of the secrets to Bruce Springsteen’s enduring popularity over the past fifty years is the way fans feel a deep personal connection to his work. Yet even as the connection often stays grounded in details from his New Jersey upbringing, Springsteen’s music references a rich array of personalities from John Steinbeck to Amadou Diallo and beyond, inspiring fans to seek out and connect with a whole world’s worth of art, literature, and life stories. In this unique blend of memoir and musical analysis, John Massaro reflects on his experiences as a lifelong fan of The Boss and one of the first professors to design a college course on Springsteen’s work. Focusing on five of the Jersey rocker’s main themes—love, masculinity, sports, politics, and the power of music—he shows how they are represented in Springsteen’s lyrics and shares stories from his own life that powerfully resonate with those lyrics. Meanwhile, paying tribute to Springsteen’s inclusive vision, he draws connections among figures as seemingly disparate as James Joyce, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Thomas Aquinas, Bobby Darin, and Lin-Manuel Miranda. Shades of Springsteen offers a deeply personal take on the musical and cultural legacies of an American icon.
Shadow
by Ms. Jenny MossAdventure, romance, and magic fill this tale of a girl who longs for love and freedom, and above all, to know herself. In a time of kings, queens, and conspiracy, it's impossible to know whom one can trust. . . . In a kingdom far away and long ago, it was prophesied at her birth that the queen would die before her sixteenth birthday. So Shadow, an orphan girl the same age as the young queen, was given the duty to watch her every move. And as prophesies do tend to come true, the queen is poisoned days before her birthday. When the castle is thrown into chaos, Shadow escapes with a young knight, whom she believes was betrothed to the queen. Unsure of why she is following Sir Kenway, but determined to run as far from her longtime prison as possible, Shadow sets off on an adventure with the handsome knight. But the kingdom is dying around them, and Shadow senses there are unknown forces at work. As mystery and romantic tension build, will Shadow uncover her own destiny?
Shadow Kiss: A Vampire Academy Novel (Vampire Academy #3)
by Richelle MeadIs Rose's fate to kill the person she loves most? It's springtime at St. Vladimir's Academy, and Rose Hathaway is this close to graduation. Since Mason's death, Rose hasn't been feeling quite right. She has dark flashbacks in the middle of practice, can't concentrate in class, and has terrifying dreams about Lissa. But Rose has an even bigger secret . . . .She's in love with Dimitri. And this time, it's way more than a crush. Then Strigoi target the academy in the deadliest attack in Moroi history, and Dimitri is taken. Rose must protect Lissa at all costs, but keeping her best friend safe could mean losing Dimitri forever...
Shadow State
by Elyse BraydenWhat Brynn Caldwell can’t remember might get her killed.Brynn is a promising science student recovering from a major setback: Last year, a bad relationship sent her spiraling into depression. But as she puts the pieces of her life back together, a few don’t fit. Soon Brynn starts having flashbacks—hazy memories of being abducted and possibly brainwashed. It’s all connected to a wonder drug to treat PTSD that might actually be the ultimate weapon: a tool to control people’s memories. And Brynn can’t trust the people who know the truth—her best friend turned enemy, her genius scientist mother with a secret, and Brynn herself, whose memories might all be lies. Now, to stop a possible terrorist attack, Brynn has to uncover what she’s been forced to forget—and learn what side she’s really on.Elyse Brayden’s Shadow State is a pulse-pounding thriller that tackles homeland security, government conspiracy, and obsessive love, with a final-page plot twist you’ll never forget.An Imprint Book"Suspenseful, with a relatable but unreliable narrator and a gripping premise." —Booklist
Shadow Warriors
by Nathan B. DodgeFive misfit teens kidnapped to space must create a fighting force to confront an alien threat. Can they save themselves, save Earth, and save their own kidnappers? Cal&’s father is drinking himself to death over the passing of his wife. He has lost his job and spent himself into complete bankruptcy. Their home is posted for foreclosure. Letty&’s parents started out poor, but the business they founded has made them rich. Now, though, they fight all the time, and it&’s driving Letty crazy. Tony has lived on the street for months with his prostitute mother, but he woke up this morning to find her dead, OD&’ed on drugs. Ophelia is the daughter of a billionaire, but her father died mysteriously and now her stepmother is plotting to take all her inheritance. Sasha lives in a foster home with an abusive family that feeds him scraps and threatens that if he complains, they will send him to jail. All five have terrible personal problems—and then one day, they wake up aboard a spaceship, kidnapped. They must train as the crew of a galactic fighter to defend the very civilization that has abducted them. The enemy is a predatory, unstoppable enemy that threatens the entire galaxy, including their home planet Earth. Most of these &“Shadow Warriors&” hate each other, and none of them wants to train or fight, but regardless, they will be summarily loaded aboard a fighter and sent into battle to die. Train they must—and yet, they can&’t even get along. Can they coalesce as a team and go on to become a top fighting crew—to save themselves and save the Earth? A gripping new adventure series in the spirit of Ender&’s Game!
Shadow Warriors: Book 2 In The Shadow Warriors Series
by Nathan B. DodgeThey were kidnapped and forced to fight in an alien space fleet . . . Cal, Letty, Tony, Opi, and Sasha were thrust together when they were kidnapped by the alien Molethan civilization and forced to become a fighting unit against The Horde, the most vicious, predatory enemy in the galaxy. At first, only Letty could get along with her fellow trainees, and largely due to her efforts, they became not only the top fighting crew in the Shadow Warriors, but also a close unit bound together with love and support. Thanks to Opi&’s amazing strategic thinking, Letty&’s organizational skills, Sasha&’s unparalleled weapons ability, Tony&’s crack talent as a navigator, and Cal&’s icy nerve as a battle leader, they found a way to defeat a huge Horde invasion force. But since Molethians don&’t fight their own battles, the High Command put no credence in the story of a small Shadow Warrior force destroying an enemy fleet fifty times their size. A bungling investigating committee wrongly, and vastly underestimated the enemy casualty total, and since the commanding officer T&’Kell suffered many losses, she has been returned to the home world of Molethan and put on trial for incompetence. The Shadow Warriors are called to testify in their commander&’s defense. Can they save her career? They&’ll need to do it quickly, because The Horde has sent out a huge new invasion force. If our heroes can&’t save their commander, the Molethan civilization will surely be destroyed. Even with Commander T&’Kell back in command, can Opi and her crew pull off another miracle? Meanwhile, the incompetent High Command threatens to take over the defensive plans, and Molethan&’s top navy commanders may snatch defeat from the jaws of victory!
Shadow Warriors: Book 4 In The Shadow Warriors Series
by Nathan B. DodgeThe Shadow Warriors face two grave threats that could destroy the galaxy! Heavy responsibilities and far-reaching assignments begin to fracture the relations of Opi, Cal, Letty, Sasha, and Tony—the five original crew members, all now high ranking officers. Now they have two enemies to contend with and a looming fourth war with these enemies. Can they maintain their close ties, or will the team be broken up permanently?
Shadow Warriors: Resolution
by Nathan B. DodgeThey were kidnapped teens, taken to an alien world and forced to fight in someone else's war. Cal and Letty are missing, and the Horde appears to be massing a titanic fleet to attack Earth. Tony, Opi, and Sasha rally together to lead the Alliance fleet in what may be both Molethan&’s and the Alliance&’s last stand. Can the remaining members of crew Red-17 lead Alliance forces to one final victory?
Shadow Warriors: Retaliation
by Nathan B. DodgeThe Shadow Warriors are a proven force in galactic battle but a new threat looms. Cal, Letty, Tony, Opi, and Sasha were thrust together when they were kidnapped by the Molethian civilization and forced to become a fighter crew to battle against The Horde, the most vicious, predatory enemy in all the Milky Way galaxy. At first, only Letty could get along with the rest of them, and they basically hated each other. However, due largely to Letty&’s efforts, they became not only the top fighting crew in the Shadow Warriors, but also a close family that love and support each other. Due to Opi&’s amazing strategic thinking, Letty&’s organizational skills, Sasha&’s unparalleled ability as a weapons officer, Tony&’s crack talent as a navigator, and Cal&’s icy nerve as a battle leader, they have found a way to defeat two major Horde invasions. Opi, already becoming the chief strategist for an entire wing of the Molethian space forces, decides that an entirely new way of fighting Horde forces must be put in place. Her audacious plan is to search a central volume of the Milky Way through which the Horde always travels, discover the military bases they have no doubt established, and destroy them all. She is convinced that a huge base has been built by The Horde on the opposite side of the galaxy, very near The Horde&’s own small galactic home, the Dwarf Spheroidal Sagittarius Galaxy. In the meantime, a third Horde invasion of about 40,000 ships nears Molethan&’s home planet. Using Opi&’s old strategies, Molethian forces manage to destroy it, but the new, highly capable Horde fighters make this victory far more difficult. In addition, Tony is reported missing and presumed lost. Grieving over Tony, whom she loved, Opi refuses to succumb to her grief, immediately commissioning the search for the other Horde home bases in the Milky Way. A search party finds the monstrous Horde base almost 70,000 lightyears across the galaxy. Molethan appeals to the other Alliance systems, and a major attack on the base is started, with Cal the attack leader. Things seem to be going well when suddenly, in the midst of the battle, a new enemy strikes, heavily damaging not only Shadow Warriors fighters but also many of the Alliance carriers. The fate of the battle hangs on a razor&’s edge. Can the Alliance, led by Cal, Opi, and the rest of their team, manage to win over two opponents, or are they destined to be destroyed by the combined forces of two enemies?
Shadow of Doubt (Robyn Hunter Mysteries #5)
by Norah McClintockRobyn's new substitute teacher Ms. Denholm is cool, pretty, and possibly the target of a stalker. When Denholm receives a threatening package, Robyn wonders who's responsible. But Robyn has a mystery of her own to worry about. What's with the muddled phone message she receives from her missing ex-boyfriend Nick? Should she try to forget him—or is the call a sign he still cares?
Shadow of Fear (The Thorne Twins Adventure Books #14 )
by Dayle CourtneyLisa Harwood had some wonderful news to tell her friend Alison Thorne. She had just inherited an estate in England! She was excited about making the trip there to see it, but a little worried. Along with the inheritance came an old family legend: "Every female heir under the age of 21 has been killed by a wolf." Lisa hadn't thought much about it at first. But then a wolf was seen prowling on the outskirts of town, the first ever in the memories of the people of Ivy. And soon after that came the appearance of Jeremy Taylor, a strange, wild boy who seemed more at home among wolves than among people. Was the legend coming back to haunt her, even here in Ivy?
Shadow of the Dragon
by Sherry GarlandSixteen-year-old Danny Vo is caught between two cultures-the American world of his Houston high school and his Vietnamese home life. Life gets even more complicated when Danny's cousin Sang Le comes to live with them after spending years in a reeducation camp in Vietnam. Failing school and unable to get a job, Sang Le joins a Vietnamese gang. Danny must also contend with another dangerous gang-the white supremacist skinheads that his new girlfriend's brother belongs to.
Shadow of the Wolf (Sherwood's Doom Ser. #1)
by Tim HallA stunning re-imagining of Robin Hood, the first in an exciting new trilogyForget everything you've ever heard about Robin Hood.Robin Loxley is seven years old when his parents disappear without a trace. Years later the great love of his life, Marian, is also taken from him. Driven by these mysteries, and this anguish, Robin follows a darkening path into the ancient heart of Sherwood Forest. What he encounters there will leave him transformed . . .The first book of a trilogy, Shadow of the Wolf is a breathtakingly original--an utterly compelling--retelling that will forever alter the legend of Robin Hood.
Shadow of the Zeppelin
by Bernard AshleyAcross Europe, the horror of war is destroying lives and separating families. Yield or fight? When tragedy strikes Freddie's family, he and his soldier brother must go on the run, battling for their survival. Jump or burn? Without a parachute, that's the choice Ernst knows he will face if his Zeppelin is shot down. Bravery takes different forms. How far would you go to stand up for what's right?
Shadowed
by Carl DeukerBeloved, award-winning author Carl Deuker serves up another fast-paced sports novel—this one about basketball and friendship.Nate plays soccer, but he doesn’t love it. He plays because it’s what his family expects. Then Lucas Cawley moves in across the street. Lucas isn’t like any of Nate’s sports friends—he’s poor, his parents are mostly absent, and he’s devoted to his sister, Megan, who has a learning disability. Lucas may be an outcast at school, but he and Nate find common ground in their fierce games of one-on-one basketball. It’s not long before Nate realizes that basketball is his sport. But Nate has an ax to grind with star players Colin and Bo, who have disrespected him for years. Nate believes that outplaying those two is the most important thing . . . until he learns that life is about more than getting ready for the next game.
Shadowhouse Fall (The Shadowshaper Cypher #2)
by Daniel José Older"A magical revolution on the page." -- Leigh Bardugo, New York Times bestselling author of Six of Crows and Crooked KingdomShadowhouse risingSierra and her friends love their new lives as shadowshapers, making art and creating change with the spirits of Brooklyn. Then Sierra receives a strange card depicting a beast called the Hound of Light -- an image from the enigmatic, influential Deck of Worlds. The Deck tracks the players and powers of all the magical houses in the city, and when the real Hound begins to stalk Sierra through the streets, the shadowshapers know their next battle has arrived.Worlds in revolutionSierra and Shadowhouse have been thrust into an ancient struggle with enemies old and new -- a struggle they didn't want, but are determined to win. Revolution is brewing in the real world as well, as the shadowshapers lead the fight against systems that oppress their community. To protect her family and friends in every sphere, Sierra must take down the Hound and master the Deck of Worlds . . . or else she could lose all the things that matter most.In this extraordinary sequel to his New York Times bestselling Shadowshaper, Daniel Jose Older weaves a fresh, relevant tale of power and protest, while taking us deeper into the magic that has captivated readers everywhere.
Shadowlands: A Shadowlands Novel (Shadowlands)
by Kate BrianRory Miller had one chance to fight back and she took it. Rory survived and the serial killer who attacked her escaped. Now that the infamous Steven Nell is on the loose, Rory must enter the witness protection with her father and sister, Darcy, leaving their friends and family without so much as a goodbye. Starting over in a new town with only each other is unimaginable for Rory and Darcy. They were inseparable as children, but now they can barely stand each other. As the sisters settle in to Juniper Landing, a picturesque vacation island, it seems like their new home may be just the fresh start they need. They fall in with a group of beautiful, carefree teens and spend their days surfing, partying on the beach, and hiking into endless sunsets. But just as they're starting to feel safe again, one of their new friends goes missing. Is it a coincidence? Or is the nightmare beginning all over again?
Shadowlark (The Skylark Trilogy #2)
by Meagan SpoonerEver since she escaped the city within the Wall, Lark Ainsley's wanted one thing: to find her brother Basil. She's always believed he would be the one to put an end to the constant fear and flight. And now, hidden underground in the chaotically magical city of Lethe, Lark feels closer to him than ever. But Lethe is a city cowering in fear of its founder, the mysterious Prometheus, and of his private police force. To get the truth about Basil, Lark has no choice but to face Prometheus. Facing her fears has become second nature to Lark. Facing the truth is another matter. Lark never asked to be anyone's savior. She certainly never wanted to be anyone's weapon. She might not have a choice.
Shadowmancer
by G. P. TaylorAn apocalyptic battle between good and evil is vigorously, violently fought in British author G.P. Taylor's suspenseful, action-packed fantasy. The story, set in the 1700s on the Yorkshire coastline, revolves around Vicar Obadiah Demurral, a corrupt-but-inept, dead-conjuring "shadowmancer" who desires to control the universe by overthrowing God, or Riathamus. When two hard-luck near-orphans, (13-year-old Thomas Barrick, a bitter enemy of Demurral, and his troubled friend Kate Coglund) band together with a young African stranger named Raphah, they spend the rest of the book trying to stop the wicked Vicar as if their very souls are at stake...they are. Along the way, the three youths meet an enormous cast of friends and foes, some agents of Riathamus, others of Satan (Pyratheon), and some godless (but not for long) smugglers like Jacob Crane.