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The Disappearance: The Extraordinary Disappearance of Steven Kubacki (After 45 Years of Silence)
by Steven Kubacki Dylan QuarlesThe Extraordinary True Story Behind a Global MysteryA vanished man. A 15-month mystery. The memoir that defies explanation—and finally speaks.In 1978, Steven Kubacki disappeared without a trace near Lake Michigan. Fifteen months later, he reappeared—disoriented, in unfamiliar clothes, and claiming no memory of what had happened. For over four decades, the mystery of his disappearance gripped armchair detectives, Reddit sleuths, and TikTok theorists. Now, for the first time, Kubacki tells his story in his own words. The Disappearance is not just a memoir—it&’s a reckoning with identity, conspiracy, and higher consciousness. With raw honesty and philosophical depth, Kubacki unpacks his past as a rebellious student, the secrets behind the Nexalistic Revolutionary Front (NRF), and his journey through spiritual encounters, political awakening, and a mission to change the world. This is the untold truth behind one of the most baffling disappearances in American history. Blending memoir, manifesto, and metaphysical exploration, The Disappearance takes readers into interdimensional realities, clandestine operations, and Kubacki&’s decades-long search for meaning in a chaotic world. Inside, you&’ll find: Kubacki&’s full, never-before-shared account of his disappearance and return A conspiracy to disappear on Lake Michigan with the intent to launch global change Encounters with spiritual guides, interdimensional beings, and power animals The rise of the NRF: a revolutionary society with a mission to liberate minds Letters from Steven&’s mother, never sent—until now Reflections on radicalism, idealism, and the courage to live authentically in a divided world If you liked The Redemption of Bobby Love, Moral Man, or Con/Artist, then you&’ll love The Disappearance.
The D.A. Goes to Trial (The Doug Selby Mysteries)
by Erle Stanley GardnerA homeless man&’s corpse sends a California D.A. down a twisted path in this classic hard-boiled mystery from the author of the Perry Mason series.&“The bestselling author of the century . . . a master storyteller.&” —The New York Times District Attorney Doug Selby&’s latest trouble begins when the battered corpse of a vagabond is found near the railroad in Madison County. The coroner suspects he was struck by a train. Searching the dead man&’s wallet, they discover he had a wealthy brother in Phoenix. But who was the dead man? And how did he make it to the train tracks. . . ? Meanwhile, a neighboring city needs Doug&’s help. A bookkeeper named John Burke has vanished, potentially with funds stolen from his employer. Burke&’s neighbors report seeing a drifter in the alley near their house. And when Selby and Sheriff Rex Brandon speak to Burke&’s employer, they discover Burke wired him from Phoenix . . . Selby thinks he has found two threads that will tie together neatly in a bow, but the more he investigates, the more he is left in knots. Originally published in 1940.
The D.A. Breaks a Seal (The Doug Selby Mysteries)
by Erle Stanley GardnerA former D.A. has only five days to catch a killer in this classic hard-boiled mystery from the author of the Perry Mason series.&“The bestselling author of the century . . . a master storyteller.&” —The New York Times Major Doug Selby is on leave from the US Army and headed to San Francisco for his next assignment. Until then, the ex–district attorney will be in Madison City, catching up with his friends, reporter Sylvia Martin and Sheriff Rex Brandon. But it&’s not long before the sheriff is called away on urgent business at the Madison Hotel. His old pal Doug might as well tag along . . . The hotel owner suspects Fred Roff had a heart attack. But Selby, after examining the scene, believes he was poisoned. When a white gardenia is delivered shortly after their arrival, Doug remembers three people he saw wearing the flower only moments earlier. A harmless-looking woman in her sixties, his old nemesis A. B. Carr, and a beautiful blonde who seems out of place. She just happens to be checked into the adjoining room. Suddenly, they have a lead in their case . . . But the clock is ticking. Doug has five days to solve the murder before duty calls him out of town and the killer is out of reach for good. Originally published in 1946.
The D.A. Breaks an Egg (The Doug Selby Mysteries)
by Erle Stanley GardnerIn this classic mystery by the author of the Perry Mason series, the beleaguered D.A. tackles one last case of murder and mayhem in rural California.&“The bestselling author of the century . . a master storyteller.&” —The New York Times Once again, District Attorney Doug Selby finds himself in a delicate situation. The county newspaper, The Blade, is once again out to ruin his career, this time because he refuses to play ball with the greedy new owner. Meanwhile, a beautiful young redhead is found murdered, and in possession of more than one identity. And if that weren&’t enough, there is a mysterious heist, and his unscrupulous nemesis, criminal lawyer A. B. Carr, is running circles around him. The relentless pressure is enough to make one man crack. But with the help of ace-reporter Sylvia Martin and ex-cowboy Sheriff Rex Brandon, Selby just might close this case before his career is toast. Originally published in 1949.
The D.A. Draws a Circle (The Doug Selby Mysteries)
by Erle Stanley GardnerA California D.A. investigates a corpse without clothes and bloody clothes without a body in this classic mystery by the author of the Perry Mason series.&“The bestselling author of the century . . . a master storyteller.&” —The New York Times Alphonse Baker Carr is the smooth-talking defense lawyer murderers and gangsters turn to when they want to win in court. To escape the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, he&’s moving into a stately home in Madison City&’s exclusive Orange Heights neighborhood. The locals are not pleased. Rita Artrim lives in the house next door and is worried Carr will attract an unsavory element. Of course, no matter how much she begs District Attorney Doug Selby for help, there is nothing he can do. There is no law against buying a house . . . But once A. B. Carr arrives in town, trouble follows. A suit with a bloodied bullet hole appears in a local dry-cleaning truck. Then, a naked corpse is discovered near Carr&’s house, shot twice in the exact same spot. Now it&’s up to Selby to decipher the puzzling clues to build his case and deliver justice. Only then can he send the killer packing. Originally published in 1938.
The D.A. Calls a Turn (The Doug Selby Mysteries)
by Erle Stanley GardnerA fatal car crash takes a California D.A. for a wild ride in this classic hard-boiled mystery by the author of the Perry Mason series.&“The bestselling author of the century . . . a master storyteller.&” —The New York Times Sheriff Rex Brandon is sitting down for Thanksgiving dinner with his wife and District Attorney Doug Selby when the phone rings. A drunken car thief named Carleton Grines wants to turn himself in. Selby and the sheriff race to the scene only to discover they&’re too late. The man dies in a terrible crash before their eyes. But Mr. Grines hasn&’t finished stirring up trouble . . . Nothing about the dead driver makes any sense to Selby. He wasn&’t carrying any ID but he did have a ten-year-old letter in his pocket. His cheap suit doesn&’t fit, but his hair and nails are well kept. His handmade shoes belong to a Hollywood grocery magnate named Desmond Billmeyer. The car, meanwhile, was registered to Robert C. Hinkle of Oklahoma. After the man is finally identified, Selby is certain his death was no accident. Someone expected to profit from killing him. Now Selby and the sheriff must figure out who before the guilty party speeds off into the sunset . . . Originally published in 1944.
The D.A. Cooks a Goose (The Doug Selby Mysteries)
by Erle Stanley GardnerA California D.A. handles a case of a baby lost and another found in this classic hard-boiled mystery by the author of the Perry Mason series.&“The bestselling author of the century . . . a master storyteller.&” —The New York Times A late-night hit-and-run accident claims an infant&’s life on a steep mountain road outside Madison City. What puzzles District Attorney Doug Selby is that the other car was stolen, driven out of town and back, and returned to the same spot . . . Then Selby receives a phone call from the bus depot. A woman claims she and her baby are in danger. When Selby and Sheriff Rex Brandon arrive at the depot, they find the child, but her mother is nowhere in sight. Their investigation leads to a hidden treasure in the cabin of a hermit, whose sister and brother-in-law own the stolen car. But when a body is found and more questions arise, Selby deduces the best way to catch the killer is to stop looking. Instead, he will make the killer come to him . . . Originally published in 1942.
Floor It!
by Bex Tobin FineStart your engines as Baby zooms around the house like a race car driver, turning an ordinary living room into an exhilarating race course! This whimsical picture book brings the thrill of crawling to life from a baby's unique perspective.They honk their horn and start to zoom. Baby's on the move: Vroom vroom!Baby is on a quest to get to the other side of the room (aka very far away) all on their own. While the floor may not be so interesting to parents and big siblings, for Baby, it is an entire world full of fascinating things to explore. Seen from their perspective, a fluffy rug becomes tickly grass, a sibling doing yoga turns into a bridge, and a table and chairs transform into a dense forest.But with so many obstacles, will Baby make it to the finish line?This bold, fun, and original picture book is sure to capture the imagination of car-obsessed little ones, and the bouncy rhyming text kicks the reading experience into high gear. So hold onto your checkered flags, because this race is only just beginning…
Waiting for Jesus: An Advent Invitation to Prayer and Renewal
by Rich VillodasThrough this 25-day Advent devotional, enjoy daily readings that help you slow down, savor the season, and deepen your relationship with Jesus—from the bestselling author of The Deeply Formed Life.The holidays often feel like a marathon, as we dash from one event, errand, or party to another. In the busyness, it&’s easy to neglect what really matters: reflecting on the glory of Jesus. We want to pray more—to spend time with God—but the tyranny of the urgent leaves us distracted and depleted.In this twenty-five-day devotional, pastor and author Rich Villodas guides you through reflections, prayers, and prompts to help you slow down, connect with God, and rediscover peace this Advent season. Each day offers space for personal reflection, preparing your heart for Jesus&’s arrival and culminating in a final devotional on Christmas Day. Amid the noise of the season, these biblical truths invite you into the joy and peace Christ brings. Let this be a time of holy longing and heartfelt rejoicing as you welcome him anew.Each day in this devotional features a short reflection from Rich, followed by a four-fold rhythm:Silence and prayer: Pause for a few moments. Take a breath. Rest.Scripture: Read a short passage about the wonder of Jesus.Quotes: Read short, inspiring thoughts from Christians through the ages.Self-reflection: Bring your full self to God and enjoy his presence.As you journey with Rich Villodas through Advent, reclaim joy and wonder as you behold the wondrous love of God.
Absolutely Essential: Bioethics and the Rules-Based International Order (Basic Bioethics)
by Jonathan D. MorenoWhat the end of the post-World War II global political system means for bioethics and beyond.In Absolutely Essential, Jonathan Moreno explores the field of bioethics as both a creature and a key element of the post–World War II rules-based order. According to this order, international relations are to be organized according to principles of open markets, liberal democracy, and multilateral organizations.Drawing on the author&’s four decades of experience in the field, the book raises key questions about the future of bioethics in a changed world order, while also theorizing new ways to think about bioethics after the COVID-19 pandemic and the reordering of global alliances. For bioethicists, this book will contextualize the field in an entirely new light, while readers unfamiliar with bioethics will appreciate that this seemingly esoteric field is in fact a paradigmatic creation of the global system now undergoing sweeping change.
A Flea For Justice: Marian Wright Edelman Stands Up for Change
by Valerie BollingMarian Wright Edelman is a flea for justice. Just like her hero, Sojourner Truth, Marian pushes for change even when it's uncomfortable. She makes people itch, just like a flea. A historical and political picture book biography for 6-9-year-olds about Black perseverance. An aspiring read for future activists and changemakers!As Marian Wright Edelman grows up, she never loses the spirit she had as a child when she swapped the signs on water fountains designating where Black and white people were allowed to drink.Marian learns about Sojourner Truth, and she decides to make people itch in order to make change, just like Sojourner did. Marian becomes the first Black woman lawyer in Mississippi, and she creates the Children&’s Defense Fund, which continues to be a voice for poor children, children of color, and children with disabilities today.A Flea for Justice is an accessible read with a unique, kid-friendly structure; award-winning educator Valerie Bolling directly asks the kid readers questions, like--&“Do you know what Sojourner told that man?&” to engage in the story. An inspiring, call-to-action biography that&’s sure to make readers itch!&“Marian has spent six decades bending the moral arc of the universe toward justice, and we are all the beneficiaries of her noble mission.&”—Hilary Rodham Clinton
The Summer War
by Naomi NovikIn this poignant, heartfelt novella from the New York Times bestselling author of Spinning Silver and the Scholomance trilogy, a young witch who has inadvertently cursed her brother to live a life without love must find a way to undo her spell.Celia discovered her talent for magic on the day her beloved oldest brother, Argent, left home. Furious at him for abandoning her in a war-torn land, she lashed out, not realizing her childish, angry words would become imbued with the power of prophecy, dooming him to a life without love.While Argent wanders the world, forced to seek only fame and glory instead of the love and belonging he truly desires, Celia attempts to undo the curse she placed on him. Yet even as she grows from a girl to a woman, she cannot find the solution—until she learns the truth about the centuries-old war between her own people and the summerlings, immortal beings who hold a relentless grudge against their mortal neighbors.Now, with the aid of her unwanted middle brother, Celia may be able to both undo her eldest brother&’s curse and heal the lands so long torn apart by the Summer War.
Poems & Prayers
by Matthew McConaugheyFrom the Academy Award–winning actor and #1 New York Times bestselling author of Greenlights comes an inspiring, faith-filled, and often hilarious collection of personal poetry and prayers about navigating the rodeo of life and chasing down the original dream, belief. My prayers are my poems are my prayers. I&’ve always relied on logic to make sense of myself and the world.A prescriptionist at heart, I&’ve always looked to reason to find the rhyme, the practical to get to the mystical, the choreography to find the dance, the proof to get to the truth, and reality to get to the dream.I&’ve been finding that tougher to do lately. It&’s more than hard to know what to believe in; it&’s hard to believe.But I don&’t want to quit believing, and I don&’t want to stop believing in . . . humanity, you, myself, our potential.I think it&’s time for us to flip the script on what&’s historically been our means of making sense, and instead open our aperture to enchantment and look to faith, belief, and dreams for our reality.Let&’s sing more than we might make sense, believe in more than the world can conclude, get more impressed with the wow instead of the how, let inspiration interrupt our appointments, dream our way to reality, serve some soul food to our hungry heads, put proof on the shelf for a season, and rhyme our way to reason.Forget logic, certainty, owning, or making a start-up company of it; let&’s go beyond what we can merely imagine, and believe, in the poetry of life.
The Boy Kingdom / El reino de los varones: Poems / Poemas
by Achy ObejasJust in time for Hispanic Heritage Month comes another brilliant bilingual poetry collection by Achy Obejas--a meditation on being a queer mom to two sonsThese 44 prose poems, artful yet accessible, presented in both Spanish and English versions, immerse us in the boy kingdom that Achy Obejas inhabits with her two sons. They move from the wild and divine spirit of boyhood to the everyday rhythms of family life—mac&’n&’cheese, television, sick days home from school.Achy carries multiple identities: she is Cuban American, lesbian, and Jewish. She captures the universality of motherhood while also illuminating the uniqueness of her queer, multilingual, multicultural family: the way her elder son looks as her as if she&’s &“dancing with the dead&” when she speaks Spanish; the way her boys prefer mac&’n&’cheese to tostones; the day her elder son comes home from school disquieted, then finally spills it: &“A couple of boys yelled at him: Your moms are queer!&”The collection is divided into four parts. The first part focuses primarily on Achy&’s sons, and subsequent parts branch out into stories of her parents, her roots in Cuba, and her divorce.
Go Go Dodo!
by Huw Lewis JonesReaders will adore shouting &“There's something behind you!&” in this simple yet hilarious read for all ages, where text and art tell two sides of the same story.A carefree dodo takes a gentle stroll through a very friendly jungle, across a very peaceful swamp, and over a very gentle sea . . . completely unaware that not only is the journey full of peril, but that a VERY hungry tiger is following close behind! What will happen when they enter the very dangerous grass?
Eviction: A Social History of Rent
by Jessica FieldAn alternative history of housing in post-war Britain – a cautionary tale of rent, precarity, and working-class resistanceGrounded in personal experience, Eviction uncovers a hidden history of housing injustice and working-class resistance in what has become a perennial battleground for social conflict in modern Britain.In 2017, Jessica Field&’s parents and more than a hundred of their neighbours received warning of imminent eviction. Their corporate landlord intended to demolish their affordable, privately rented homes to replace them with middle-class houses for sale. Led by the women of the estate, tenants launched an anti-eviction campaign to save their close-knit community from destruction.The neighbourhood was the last remnant of a 1950s National Coal Board estate constructed to house local miners. When the coal industry declined in the 1970s, whole estates were auctioned off to speculators. Low-income tenants were at the mercy of global investors. Houses were left to rot. Rents soared. Tenants were exploited every step of the way. Yet time and again, tenant activists – especially women – fought back.Eviction is a history of the British housing crisis in microcosm.
The Blood in Winter: England on the Brink of Civil War, 1642
by Jonathan HealeyA riveting account of the five heated months in which King Charles I attempted to arrest five dissident Members of Parliament by bringing an armed force to the House of Commons—a shocking act of political terrorism that pushed England toward civil war and planted the seeds of the American Revolution&“Netflix should make this enjoyable English civil war history into an epic drama. . . . You could hardly find a more engrossing or exciting story.&” —Dominic Sandbrook, The Times (London) &“A lucid, fast-paced and exhilarating account. . . . The House of Cards-ish drama remains gripping to the last.&” —John Adamson, Literary Review In 1641, England exits a plague-ridden and politically unstable summer having reached a semblance of peace: the English and Scottish armies have disbanded, legislation has passed to ensure Parliament will continue to sit, and the people are tentatively optimistic. But King Charles I is not satisfied with peace—he wants revenge.So begins England&’s winter of discontent. As revolutionary sects of London begin to generate new ideas about democracy, as radical new religious groups seek power, and as Ireland explodes into revolt, Charles hatches a plan to restore his absolute rule. On January 4, 1642, he marches on Westminster, seeking to arrest and impeach five Members of Parliament—and so sets in motion a series of events that will lead to bloodshed and war, changing a nation forever.The Blood in Winter tells the story of an English people&’s great political awakening. Jonathan Healey utilizes meticulous archival research to re-create the claustrophobic atmosphere of the day, with rowdy protestors in the streets and London blanketed in coal smoke. Taut and thrilling, Healey&’s newest social history shows us what really happened in those fraught winter months that led to civil war. From the radical enclaves of London public houses to a king forced from his capital by the people, it is a rich tapestry of a society in profound distress.
Religion in Sociological Perspective
by Keith A. Roberts David A. Yamane Jonas M. HartReligion in Sociological Perspective, Eighth Edition?introduces the systems of meaning, structure, and belonging that make up the complex social phenomena we know as religion. The author team uses an active learning approach to illustrate the central theories and methods of research in the sociology of religion and show students how to apply these analytical tools to new groups they encounter.
Religion in Sociological Perspective
by Keith A. Roberts David A. Yamane Jonas M. HartReligion in Sociological Perspective, Eighth Edition?introduces the systems of meaning, structure, and belonging that make up the complex social phenomena we know as religion. The author team uses an active learning approach to illustrate the central theories and methods of research in the sociology of religion and show students how to apply these analytical tools to new groups they encounter.
Developing Mathematical Reasoning: The Strategies, Models, and Lessons to Teach the Big Ideas in Grades K-2 (Corwin Mathematics Series)
by Pamela Weber HarrisMath is not rote-memorizable. Math is not random-guessable. Math is figure-out-able. Author Pam Harris argues that teaching real math—math that is free of distortions—will reach more students more effectively and result in deeper understanding and longer retention. This book is about teaching undistorted math using the kinds of mental reasoning that mathematicians do. Memorization tricks and algorithms meant to make math "easier" are full of traps that sacrifice long-term student growth for short-lived gains. Students and teachers alike have been led to believe that they’ve learned more and more math, but in reality their brains never get any stronger. Using these tricks may make facts easier to memorize in isolation, but that very disconnect distorts the reality of math. In her landmark book Developing Mathematical Reasoning: Avoiding the Trap of Algorithms, Pam emphasizes the importance of teaching students increasingly sophisticated mathematical reasoning and understanding underlying concepts rather than relying on a set rule for solving problems. Now, in this first companion volume, Developing Mathematical Reasoning: The Strategies, Models, and Lessons to Teach the Big Ideas in Grades K-2, she demonstrates how counting and additive strategies serve as the foundation for creating efficient, accurate, and flexible thinkers. Everyone is capable of understanding and doing real math. This book: Gives step-by-step guidance on how to teach the strategies, models, and big ideas that foster confidence and long-term success, preparing students for increasingly complex mathematical challenges Offers the "what to do" to teach counting, addition, and subtraction in ways that promote reasoning over rote memorization Provides practical tools such as problem strings, models, classroom routines, and discussion questions designed to implement reasoning-based practices Includes supporting resources for creating a classroom culture where students see math as figure-out-able and gain confidence as mathematical thinkers By addressing common misconceptions about math and providing practical strategies for teaching real math, this book shows that everyone can use the mathematical relationships they already know to reason about new relationships. In other words, everyone can math-even the very youngest students!
Developing Mathematical Reasoning: The Strategies, Models, and Lessons to Teach the Big Ideas in Grades K-2 (Corwin Mathematics Series)
by Pamela Weber HarrisMath is not rote-memorizable. Math is not random-guessable. Math is figure-out-able. Author Pam Harris argues that teaching real math—math that is free of distortions—will reach more students more effectively and result in deeper understanding and longer retention. This book is about teaching undistorted math using the kinds of mental reasoning that mathematicians do. Memorization tricks and algorithms meant to make math "easier" are full of traps that sacrifice long-term student growth for short-lived gains. Students and teachers alike have been led to believe that they’ve learned more and more math, but in reality their brains never get any stronger. Using these tricks may make facts easier to memorize in isolation, but that very disconnect distorts the reality of math. In her landmark book Developing Mathematical Reasoning: Avoiding the Trap of Algorithms, Pam emphasizes the importance of teaching students increasingly sophisticated mathematical reasoning and understanding underlying concepts rather than relying on a set rule for solving problems. Now, in this first companion volume, Developing Mathematical Reasoning: The Strategies, Models, and Lessons to Teach the Big Ideas in Grades K-2, she demonstrates how counting and additive strategies serve as the foundation for creating efficient, accurate, and flexible thinkers. Everyone is capable of understanding and doing real math. This book: Gives step-by-step guidance on how to teach the strategies, models, and big ideas that foster confidence and long-term success, preparing students for increasingly complex mathematical challenges Offers the "what to do" to teach counting, addition, and subtraction in ways that promote reasoning over rote memorization Provides practical tools such as problem strings, models, classroom routines, and discussion questions designed to implement reasoning-based practices Includes supporting resources for creating a classroom culture where students see math as figure-out-able and gain confidence as mathematical thinkers By addressing common misconceptions about math and providing practical strategies for teaching real math, this book shows that everyone can use the mathematical relationships they already know to reason about new relationships. In other words, everyone can math-even the very youngest students!
What Do You Want for Christmas?: An Advent Study for Adults
by James W. MooreDiscover the gifts Christ brings this Christmas.“What do you want for Christmas?” It’s a question we often hear as the holidays approach. Most of the time, our minds instantly jump to material things—gifts we can unwrap, hold, and call our own. But what if we paused for a moment and asked ourselves a more meaningful question?What do you truly want for Christmas? Deep down, does your heart yearn for something money can’t buy? Author James W. Moore invites you to explore these deeper longings in his enriching four-week study. Designed for both groups and individuals, this program gently guides you through the season of Advent with weekly lessons that focus on the gifts Christ brings into our lives. Here’s what each week includes: - A key passage of Scripture to center your thoughts - A brief reflection to inspire and guide - Thought-provoking discussion or study questions - A short prayer to connect you spiritually - A focus to keep your heart-centered throughout the week This holiday season, step away from the hustle and bustle for a few moments each week to reflect on the gifts that truly matter.
The Fun Lovin’ Criminal
by Huey MorganWhen Fun Lovin' Criminals released their debut album Come Find Yourself in 1996, its fusion of hip-hop, funk, blues and rock quickly became one of the most iconic and influential records of the decade. Now, in this fascinating memoir, frontman Huey Morgan describes his remarkable journey from journeyman to rock star.This is a story that begins in the early 1990s with a young man who, after returning to New York City from his time as a United States Marine, is struggling to cope with normal life. Huey begins his quest to become a rock star only to be sidetracked by his association with the New York criminal underworld. But as his band begins to take off, can he extract himself before his chance of stardom goes begging?Written in Huey's indomitable and distinctive style, this is a book that brings the grit and glamour of 90s New York brilliantly to life.
Poems & Prayers: Matthew McConaughey's brand new inspirational book
by Matthew McConaugheyFrom the Academy Award-winning actor and #1 New York Times bestselling author of Greenlights comes an inspiring, faith-filled, and often hilarious collection of personal poetry and prayers about navigating the rodeo of life and chasing down the original dream, belief. My prayers are my poems are my prayers.I've always relied on logic to make sense of myself and the world.A prescriptionist at heart, I've always looked to reason to find the rhyme, the practical to get to the mystical, the choreography to find the dance, the proof to get to the truth, and reality to get to the dream.I've been finding that tougher to do lately. It's more than hard to know what to believe in; it's hard to believe.But I don't want to quit believing, and I don't want to stop believing in . . . humanity, you, myself, our potential.I think it's time for us to flip the script on what's historically been our means of making sense, and instead open our aperture to enchantment and look to faith, belief, and dreams for our reality.Let's sing more than we might make sense, believe in more than the world can conclude, get more impressed with the wow instead of the how, let inspiration interrupt our appointments, dream our way to reality, serve some soul food to our hungry heads, put proof on the shelf for a season, and rhyme our way to reason.Forget logic, certainty, owning, or making a start-up company of it; let's go beyond what we can merely imagine, and believe, in the poetry of life.
Dark Squares: The extraordinary new memoir by the chief chess officer for Chess.com
by Danny RenschEducated meets The Queen's Gambit in this extraordinary memoir by International Master and Chess.com co-founder Danny Rensch, who describes his upbringing in an abusive cult - and how chess ended up saving his lifeBorn into the Church of Immortal Consciousness, Danny Rensch spent his childhood navigating the isolated confines of a cult. Despite psychological manipulation, physical abuse, and neglect, he persevered. An international chess master and world-class commentator, Rensch's remarkable journey led him to being the face of Chess.com, one of the largest online gaming platforms in the world. With unflinching honesty, Rensch recounts his life, starting from the moment he discovered chess in the summer of 1995, all the way up to being at the center of the most explosive cheating scandal in chess history. He chronicles the traumas of being "special" in a cult that forced separation from his mother. Mentored by an alcoholic, Russian chess master, he found solace alongside suffering in his obsession for an ancient game, and chess became his only escape. Rensch rose through the chess ranks until a medical emergency nearly took him out of the game forever. And it almost did, until Chess.com came along. Deeply heartfelt, keenly reflective, and haunting, Dark Squares is the never-before-told story of Danny Rensch's resilience, survival, and his enduring love for the game that saved him.