- Table View
- List View
Smart Learning Environments in the Post Pandemic Era: Selected Papers from the CELDA 2022 Conference (Cognition and Exploratory Learning in the Digital Age)
by Dirk Ifenthaler Demetrios G. Sampson Pedro IsaíasThis edited volume presents the latest research focussing on current challenges on the deployment of smart technologies and pedagogies for supporting teaching and learning in the post-covid19 era. This is at the core of studying the evolution of the learning process, the role of technology-supported pedagogical approaches, and the progress of educational technology innovations in the context of digital transformation in education and professional training. A selection of the best papers from the Cognition and Exploratory Learning in the Digital Age (CELDA) Conference, 2022 are included in this volume, bringing together high-quality research on Smart Pedagogies in the Post-Pandemic Era; Smart Learning Technologies in the Post-Pandemic Era; and Case Studies of Smart Learning Environments. The volume contributes to the discussion of current issues in digital education between researchers, practitioners, and policymakers.
Anglo-Afghan Power and Politics, 1893-1947: The Durand Line Unmasked
by Nabi SahakThe Durand Line, an enduring symbol of colonial imposition dividing British India and Afghanistan since 1893, and Afghanistan and Pakistan since 1947, fuels relentless regional instability and geopolitical strife. This book amplifies silenced Afghan voices and shatters long-held imperial narratives with new historical evidence. Through groundbreaking analysis, the author&’s research uncovers the Durand Line's unlawful and unscrupulous beginnings, its deliberately skewed history, and its unceasing, devastating human consequences, laying bare a persistent legacy of colonial injustice. By exposing untold truths, this book forges essential pathways toward genuine reconciliation, making it an essential read for scholars of South Asian history and the British Empire.
Digital Transmission Engineering: Fundamentals and Techniques of Digital Baseband Transmission
by Christoph Lange Andreas AhrensThis textbook introduces the transmission of digital signals over disturbed channels, emphasizing an intuitive and mathematically grounded explanation of baseband transmission. It recaps essential fundamentals of signal and system theory and explores functional interdependencies in baseband transmission to advance the understanding of baseband transmission concepts. The wired transmission using copper cable is highlighted as an important transmission technique. The copper cable’s transmission characteristics are described using classical electrical engineering and system theory methods. Baseband techniques are applied to the transmission over the linearly distorting channel copper cable, with discussions on filtering and equalization. The textbook includes detailed derivations, numerical examples, solved exercises and various illustrations.
3rd International Conference on Cloud Computing and Computer Networks: CCCN 2025 (Signals and Communication Technology)
by Lei MengThe book consists of peer reviewed and presented papers of the 3rd International Conference on Cloud Computing and Computer Network (CCCN 2025), which took place in Singapore during May 16-18, 2025. The conference is held annually to gather scholars, researchers and engineers working in the field of cloud computing to share their newest research findings and results, discuss and exchange their thoughts and information, and learn about cutting-edge technologies. The papers are solicited on a broad range of topics, including cloud computing and semantic web technologies, cloud computing models, simulations and designs, cloud computing applications, cloud computing services, mobile cloud networking, service-oriented architecture in cloud computing, Case studies and theories in cloud computing, Cloud storage and file systems, Blockchain for emerging networks, network management, measurement and analysis, and network virtualization.
Greenlights: Raucous Stories And Outlaw Wisdom From The Academy Award-winning Actor
by Matthew McConaughey#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • 6 MILLION COPIES SOLD WORLDWIDE! Discover the life-changing memoir that has inspired millions of readers through the Academy Award–winning actor&’s unflinching honesty, unconventional wisdom, and lessons learned the hard way about living with greater satisfaction.&“The No. 1 celebrity memoir of the past 10 years.&”—USA Today&“McConaughey&’s book invites us to grapple with the lessons of his life as he did—and to see that the point was never to win, but to understand.&”—Mark Manson, author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ckI&’ve been in this life for fifty years, been trying to work out its riddle for forty-two, and been keeping diaries of clues to that riddle for the last thirty-five. Notes about successes and failures, joys and sorrows, things that made me marvel, and things that made me laugh out loud. How to be fair. How to have less stress. How to have fun. How to hurt people less. How to get hurt less. How to be a good man. How to have meaning in life. How to be more me. Recently, I worked up the courage to sit down with those diaries. I found stories I experienced, lessons I learned and forgot, poems, prayers, prescriptions, beliefs about what matters, some great photographs, and a whole bunch of bumper stickers. I found a reliable theme, an approach to living that gave me more satisfaction, at the time, and still: If you know how, and when, to deal with life&’s challenges—how to get relative with the inevitable—you can enjoy a state of success I call &“catching greenlights.&” So I took a one-way ticket to the desert and wrote this book: an album, a record, a story of my life so far. This is fifty years of my sights and seens, felts and figured-outs, cools and shamefuls. Graces, truths, and beauties of brutality. Getting away withs, getting caughts, and getting wets while trying to dance between the raindrops. Hopefully, it&’s medicine that tastes good, a couple of aspirin instead of the infirmary, a spaceship to Mars without needing your pilot&’s license, going to church without having to be born again, and laughing through the tears. It&’s a love letter. To life. It&’s also a guide to catching more greenlights—and to realizing that the yellows and reds eventually turn green too. Good luck.
The Dragon's Promise (Six Crimson Cranes #2)
by Elizabeth LimNEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From the critically acclaimed author of Six Crimson Cranes comes the thrilling next adventure! A journey to the kingdom of dragons, a star-crossed love, and a cursed pearl with the power to mend the world or break it... Fans of Shadow and Bone will devour this soaring fantasy.Princess Shiori made a deathbed promise to return the dragon's pearl to its rightful owner, but keeping that promise is more dangerous than she ever imagined.She must journey to the kingdom of dragons, navigate political intrigue among humans and dragons alike, fend off thieves who covet the pearl for themselves and will go to any lengths to get it, all while cultivating the appearance of a perfect princess to dissuade those who would see her burned at the stake for the magic that runs in her blood.The pearl itself is no ordinary cargo; it thrums with malevolent power, jumping to Shiori's aid one minute, and betraying her the next—threatening to shatter her family and sever the thread of fate that binds her to her true love. It will take every ounce of strength Shiori can muster to defend the life and the love she's fought so hard to win.
How to Start a Home-based Car Detailing Business (Home-Based Business Series)
by Renny DoyleWhether you plan to go it alone or build a team, this book takes you through all phases of setting up and running a thriving home-based car detailing business, from estimating start-up costs to opening your doors. This book includes profiles of professional detailers and business professionals who share valuable insight on owning a business. Learn all about equipping your business, exploring web-based and traditional marketing methods, establishing a solid sales system, and expanding your own home-based car detailing business. Look for useful charts and worksheets throughout the book, including: Vehicle Evaluation FormSales Forecasts and Cash Flow ProjectionsSample Estimate Worksheet Sample Bid and InvoiceClient Check-In Form
They Call Me Sacagawea
by Joyce Badgley HunsakerThey Call Me Sacagawea is rich and classic storytelling. The history of the astounding expedition of Lewis and Clark leaps off the page when told here by their teenage Shoshone interpreter--Sacagawea. Readers learn about this young mother's extraordinary travels with the celebrated Corps of Discovery and gain detailed insight into native traditions and life ways through unforgettable images and a beautifully presented story based on oral traditions, scholarly research, and historical anecdotes. This book will appeal to readers ages 8-14.
1932: The Rise of Hitler and FDR--Two Tales of Politics, Betrayal, and Unlikely Destiny
by David PietruszaTwo Depression-battered nations confronted destiny in 1932, going to the polls in their own way to anoint new leaders, to rescue their people from starvation and hopelessness. America would elect a Congress and a president—ebullient aristocrat Franklin Roosevelt or tarnished &“Wonder Boy&” Herbert Hoover. Decadent, divided Weimar Germany faced two rounds of bloody Reichstag elections and two presidential contests—doddering reactionary Paul von Hindenburg against rising radical hate-monger Adolf Hitler.The outcome seemed foreordained—unstoppable forces advancing upon crumbled, disoriented societies. A merciless Great Depression brought greater—perhaps hopeful, perhaps deadly—transformation: FDR&’s New Deal and Hitler&’s Third Reich.But neither outcome was inevitable.Readers enter the fray through David Pietrusza&’s page-turning account: Roosevelt&’s fellow Democrats may yet halt him at a deadlocked convention. 1928&’s Democratic nominee, Al Smith, harbors a grudge against his one-time protege. Press baron William Randolph Hearst lays his own plans to block Roosevelt&’s ascent to the White House. FDR&’s politically-inspired juggling of a New York City scandal threatens his juggernaut. In Germany, the Nazis surge at the polls but twice fall short of Reichstag majorities. Hitler, tasting power after a lifetime of failure and obscurity, falls to Hindenburg for the presidency—also twice within the year. Cabals and counter-cabals plot. Secrets of love and suicide haunt Hitler.Yet guile and ambition may yet still prevail.1932&’s breathtaking narrative covers two epic stories that possess haunting parallels to today&’s crisis-filled vortex. It is an all-too-human tale of scapegoats and panaceas, class warfare and racial politics, of a seemingly bottomless depression, of massive unemployment and hardship, of unprecedented public works/infrastructure programs, of business stimulus programs and damaging allegations of political cronyism, of waves of bank failures and of mortgages foreclosed, of Washington bonus marches and Berlin street fights, of once-solid financial empires collapsing seemingly overnight, of rapidly shifting social mores, and of mountains of irresponsible international debt threatening to crash not just mere nations but the entire global economy.It is the tale of spell-binding leaders versus bland businessmen and out-of-touch upper-class elites and of two nations inching to safety but lurching toward disaster. It is 1932&’s nightmare—with lessons for today.
Twitch Upon a Star: The Bewitched Life and Career of Elizabeth Montgomery
by Herbie J PilatoBased on author Herbie J Pilato&’s exclusive interviews with Elizabeth Montgomery prior to her death in 1995, Twitch Upon a Star includes insider material and commentary from several individuals associated with her remarkable life and career before, during, and after Bewitched, including her classic feature films The Court Martial of Billy Mitchell (1955), Who's Been Sleeping In My Bed? (1963), and Johnny Cool (1963). Two of Montgomery&’s many popular TV movies, A Case of Rape (which remains one of the highest-rated TV-movies of all time) and The Legend of Lizzie Borden (which will soon be remade as a feature film), were groundbreaking and remain classics. But Twitch Upon a Star also goes behind the scenes to explore Montgomery&’s political activism, including her early advocacy for AIDS sufferers and the peace movement; her support for all minorities, including the gay community and the disabled; and her controversial participation as narrator of the1988 feature film documentary Cover-Up and its 1991 Oscar-winning sequel, The Panama Deception (both of which chronicled the Iran/Contra scandal of the 1980s). The book also explores Montgomery's tumultuous relationships with her father, screen legend Robert Montgomery (she was a liberal; he was a staunch conservative), and her four husbands (including actor Gig Young, who later died in a murder/suicide). Through it all—and to family and friends such as fellow performers Ronny Cox, Sally Kemp, and Florence Henderson—she was just Lizzie: down-to-earth and unaffected, just like Samantha, the "witch-with-a-twitch" Stephens, her most famous role.
Desert Storm Marines: A Marine Tank Company at War in the Gulf
by Jeff DacusFrom an historian and columnist in Leatherneck and Armor magazines, this is the exciting narrative account—based on interviews, first-person accounts, and official documents—of a group of Marine reservists during 1991&’s Operation Desert Shield/Storm. In this war, thousands of reservists are called up for the first time since the Korean War. The Marines of Bravo Company, 4th Tank Battalion, are hastily trained and sent into action leading the effort to free Kuwait. Defeating the Iraqis in battle after battle, the Marines reach Kuwait City, accomplishing their objective. Only a few weeks later, they are back home at their former jobs.During their deployment they face enemy tanks, mines, and artillery as well as their own bureaucracy, petty jealousies, and one officer that fails to live up to his oath. Their superior officers make debatable decisions, and the men are often unsupported. In the end, they find the support they need, the leadership they lack, and a comradeship comparable to historic units like the Band of Brothers, the Old Breed, Knights Templar, and Washington&’s Immortals.
Ultralight Backpackin' Tips: 153 Amazing & Inexpensive Tips for Extremely Lightweight Camping
by Mike ClellandWalking into the wilderness with a pack on your back is an empowering experience—all the more so when that pack on your back isn&’t weighing you down. That&’s where this book comes in. Outdoors expert and celebrated illustrator Mike Clelland offers advanced techniques on how to pack light without sacrificing the essentials or your safety yet staying well fed and comfortable.Written in the tradition of the successful Allen & Mike&’s Really Cool Telemark Tips, with153 trail-tested tips full of solid advice, as well as more than 100 humorous and helpful illustrations, UltralightBackpackin' Tips is the ultimate guide for backpackers serious about traveling ultralight. Just a few of the top ten tips expounded upon in the book:* Use a scale. * Comfortable and safe are vital! * Make your own stuff, and making it out of trash is always the best! * It&’s okay to be nerdy. * Try something new each and every time you go camping. * Know the difference between wants and needs.
Modeling Visual Aesthetics, Emotion, and Artistic Style
by James Z. Wang Reginald B. Adams Jr.Modeling Visual Aesthetics, Emotion, and Artistic Style offers a comprehensive exploration of the increasingly significant topic of the complex interplay between human perception and digital technology. It embodies the cumulative knowledge and efforts of a wide array of active researchers and practitioners from diverse fields including computer vision, affective computing, robotics, psychology, data mining, machine learning, art history, and movement analysis. This volume seeks to address the profound and challenging research questions related to the computational modeling and analysis of visual aesthetics, emotions, and artistic style, vital components of the human experience that are increasingly relevant in our digitally connected world. The book's vast scope encompasses a broad range of topics. The initial chapters lay a strong foundation with background knowledge on emotion models and machine learning, which then transitions into exploring social visual perception in humans and its technological applications. Readers will uncover the psychological and neurological foundations of social and emotional perception from faces and bodies. Subsequent sections broaden this understanding to include technology's role in detecting discrete and subtle emotional expressions, examining facial neutrality, and including research contexts that involve children as well as adults. Furthermore, the book illuminates the dynamic intersection of art and technology, the language of photography, the relationship between breath-driven robotic performances and human dance, and the application of machine learning in analyzing artistic styles. This book sets itself apart with its unique multidisciplinary approach, encouraging collaboration across related domains. Packed with comprehensive tutorials, theoretical reviews, novel methodologies, empirical investigations, and comparative analyses, the book offers a rich combination of knowledge and methodologies. The book's focus on cutting-edge research not only presents the latest developments in the field but also illuminates potential paths that can lead to significant advancements in computer and robotic applications.
Mathematical Methods for Engineering Applications: ICMASE 2023, Madrid, Spain, July 12–14 (Springer Proceedings in Mathematics & Statistics #439)
by Fatih Yilmaz Araceli Queiruga-Dios Víctor Gayoso Martínez Ion Mierluş-Mazilu Jesús Martín-Vaquero Deolinda M.L.D. RasteiroThese proceedings gather selected, peer-reviewed papers presented at the IV International Conference on Mathematics and its Applications in Science and Engineering – ICMASE 2023, held on July 12–14, 2023 by the University Center of Technology and Digital Arts (U-tad) in Madrid, Spain.Papers in this volume cover new developments in applications of mathematics in science and engineering, with an emphasis on mathematical and computational modeling of real-world problems. Topics range from the use of differential equations to model mechanical structures to the employ of number theory in the development of information security and cryptography. Educational issues specific to the acquisition of mathematical competencies by engineering and science students at all university levels are also touched on.Researchers, practitioners, and university students can significantly benefit from this volume, especially those seeking advanced methods for applying mathematics to various contexts and fields.
Das Modell „Konzept-Methode-Technik“ in der Handlungslehre der Sozialen Arbeit: Versuche, Variationen und Visualisierungen (essentials)
by Frank Como-ZipfelIn diesem Buch werden die bedeutendsten Modelle und Ordnungsversuche zur Systematisierung der Methodenlandschaft der Sozialen Arbeit im deutschsprachigen Raum übersichtlich vorgestellt und kritisch diskutiert. Im Zentrum steht dabei das Modell „Konzept-Methode-Technik“ sowie seine späteren Variationen. Gleichzeitig wird auf die kontroversen Methodendebatten in der Fachwelt eingegangen. Vor dem Hintergrund einer bereits seit Jahrzehnten unüberschaubaren, hyperkomplexen und auch widersprüchlichen Vielfalt von Methoden ist das Wissen um diese anspruchsvollen Modelle für alle Studierenden, Lehrenden und Fachleute in der Praxis unentbehrlich.
Molecular Dynamics - Theory and Applications (Mechanical Engineering Series)
by Maurizio Bottoni Simone Mantovani Gaetano ZanghiratiThis book originated from seminars given at the Institute of Nuclear Energy Technology (INET) of Tsinghua University, China, by the author in 1999. The courses gave graduate students a basic understanding of numerical techniques that would enable them to deal with problems of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and of molecular dynamics at research level. In subsequent years the lecture notes have been re-organized and implemented for students of atmospheric sciences of the Physics Department of the University of Ferrara, Italy. The lecture notes are divided into eight chapters, where some chapters are characterized by a scholastic approach. Specifically, Chapter 1 describes the theoretical basis of molecular dynamics, Chapter 2 gives examples of applications, like the Bénard problem; and Chapter 3 presents a summary of applications of DLA (Diffusion Limited Aggregation). The remainder of the book follows a less conventional approach, mainly informed by the author’s experience in the development of computer programs and in teaching. Chapter 4 is dedicated to a comparison of traditional and advanced methods of analysing nuclear safety problems in thermal and fast reactors, Chapter 5 concerns simulation of thermophoresis and aerosol displacement in atmospheric physics, and Chapter 6 discusses thermal confinement of cosmic particles due to thermophoretic forces in space domain. Addressing the recognized difficulty of proceeding from the theoretical formulations found in textbooks to properly working computer programs, and the typically large gap between the theoretical foundation and the final result, Molecular Dynamics - Theory and Applications is ideal for graduate level researchers and practitioners working in the development of codes for simulating physical problems.
Fractal Functions Communication with Fractional Calculus
by Santo Banerjee A. Gowrisankar T. M. PriyankaThis book provides an in-depth examination of fractal functions, focusing on their self-similar structures and the relatively simple construction procedures that make them a subject of fascination in mathematics and engineering. By exploring fractal interpolation functions, the book sheds light on naturally occurring phenomena that exhibit irregularity and non-integer dimensions, offering a fresh perspective on these complex mathematical constructs. The chapters cover a range of topics, including the foundational principles of fractal geometry, the construction of fractal functions through iterated function systems, and the critical role of scaling parameters. Readers will find expert analyses of affine and non-affine fractal functions, as well as discussions on the application of fractional calculus methods such as the Riemann-Liouville and Caputo derivatives. The book also explores the practical applications of fractal interpolation in areas like epidemiology and climate dynamics, demonstrating the relevance of these mathematical concepts to real-world problems. This volume is an essential resource for researchers and scholars in mathematics, engineering, and related fields. It offers a comprehensive overview of the current research on fractal functions and fractional calculus, providing readers with the tools to understand and apply these concepts in their work. Whether you are an academic seeking to deepen your knowledge or a practitioner looking to apply fractal functions to practical challenges, this book is a valuable addition to your library. It invites you to engage with the latest research and explore the potential of fractal functions in addressing complex scientific and engineering problems.
Flora and Vegetation of The Teide National Park: Illustrated Guide to Species and Cartography
by Victoria Eugenia Martín Osorio Beatriz Hernández Bolaños Wolf-Hermann Wildpret Martín Wolfredo Wildpret de la TorreThis book presents a detailed map of the Vegetation Series and Bioclimatic Belts that shape the high volcanic landscape of Tenerife. El Teide, part of the National Park of the same name, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site on June 28, 2007. It is also a protected natural monument, encompassing the Teide-Pico Viejo volcanic complex, a large Vesuvian-type stratovolcano that has remained dormant since the Narices del Teide eruption in 1798, although the fumaroles that regularly emit from its crater show that it remains active. Mount Teide is the third highest and most voluminous volcanic structure on Earth, following Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea in Hawaii. It is the highest elevation in both the Canary Islands and Spain. Its formation began approximately 170,000 years ago after the giant landslide destroyed a previous, even larger volcanic edifice. This book serves as an illustrated guide to the flora of Teide National Park. It provides taxonomic details, chorological distribution, and comprehensive cartography of species within the protected area. Information on endemicity, flowering and fruiting phenology, biotype, pollination, and dispersal mechanisms is included. Each species entry features a description of its genus and species, habitat, phytosociology, conservation status, threat categories, available germplasm banks, uses, and references. High-quality photographs highlight key identification traits. Additionally, the book includes a study of the main vegetation units of Tenerife&’s high-altitude landscape, mapping both Vegetation Series and Bioclimatic Belts. This book is an indispensable resource for botanists, ecologists, and conservationists, offering a wealth of knowledge on Tenerife's unique high-mountain ecosystem. It is particularly valuable for researchers and students in botany and ecology, providing a thorough understanding of the island's vegetation dynamics and conservation challenges. As part of a series dedicated to the study of natural landscapes, this volume is a must-have for academic libraries and institutions focused on biodiversity and environmental preservation.
AI and Consciousness in Organizations and Society: A Diversity of Perspectives (Palgrave Studies in Workplace Spirituality and Fulfillment)
by Anil K. MaheshwariThis volume investigates the intricate interplay between artificial intelligence (AI) and consciousness, delving into potential convergences and divergences in organizational and societal contexts. It adopts various perspectives, including spirituality, humanism, sustainability, and systems thinking. Organized into three sections, the work explores consciousness-based, humanistic, and systemic approaches, covering topics such generative AI, creativity, innovation, and religious traditions.AI encapsulates human reality and knowledge in a functional, accessible form, while consciousness is the timeless totality of universal reality in its unbounded unmanifest potential accessible through natural practices. The two are complementary, though with disagreement on primacy of one or the other. Exploring the broad impact of AI on spirituality, this interdisciplinary book will engage scholars and students in the fields of management, DEI, psychology, and philosophy.
Blockchains: A Handbook on Fundamentals, Platforms and Applications (Advances in Information Security #105)
by Mauro Conti Sushmita Ruj Salil S. KanhereThis handbook is a selection of foundational aspects, security analysis, platforms, and applications of blockchains that consists of four parts. The first part introduces the basic building blocks such as distributed computing and cryptography. Consensus algorithms that form the basic backbone of blockchain protocols are presented. Various cryptographic tools like hash functions, digital signatures and commitment schemes are also introduced. Advanced cryptographic techniques such as zero knowledge protocols, secret sharing, verifiable random functions that are used for privacy-preserving and secure design are discussed. The second part of this handbook consists of popular blockchain designs and platforms. Architecture of Bitcoin, Ethereum, Monero, Tendermint and Algorand have been presented. Various important issues like scalability and security are discussed in the third part. Security design challenges, security vulnerabilities and their analysis are discussed. The final part of this handbook discusses various applications of blockchains. These include supply-chain, identity and credential management, Internet of Things (IoT), data-sharing, e-voting, e-governance, e-health, smart cities, and Industry 4.0. Research challenges and directions of future work are included in this handbook.This comprehensive reference targets students and researchers, who are starting to explore blockchain. Professionals working in blockchain security and applications will find this handbook to be a valuable reference.
Downtown Doors
by Natasha TripplettJoin a mother and son on a journey through their city's downtown in this picture book that celebrates strong communities--the love they give us, and what we can give back in return.When Wendall and Mama take their weekly downtown walk, he always pays attention to the doors they pass.Wood doors. Glass doors. Metal doors. Doors that spill yummy smells into the street. Doors up top. Doors down below. There are doors of all shapes and sizes.As they later make their way back home, Wendall can't help but think about all the people behind each door. They all open their hearts and make him feel loved and at home. Could he be an open door to people in his community too?With stunning and evocative artwork, Downtown Doors is a heartwarming layered tale that highlights the importance and beauty of community when navigating life&’s challenges and caring for our neighbors.
AIDS Sutra: Untold Stories from India
by Amartya Sen Negar AkhaviIn this groundbreaking anthology, sixteen renowned writers tell the hidden story of the AIDS crisis, illuminating the complex nature of one of the major problems facing the developing world. India is home to almost 3 million HIV cases, but AIDS is still stigmatized and shrouded in denial. Discrimination against HIV-affected individuals in hospitals, schools, and even among families is common, just as discussion about HIV and participation in prevention or treatment programs are not. In this riveting book, sixteen of India's most well-known writers go on the road to uncover the reality of AIDS in India and tell the human stories behind the epidemic.Kiran Desai travels to the coast of Andhra Pradesh, where the sex workers are considered the most desirable; Salman Rushdie meets members of Mumbai's transgender community; William Dalrymple encounters the devadasis, women who have been “married” to a temple goddess and thus are deemed acceptable for transactional sex. Eye-opening, hard-hitting, and moving, AIDS Sutra presents a side of India rarely seen before.
What's Eating Jackie Oh?
by Patricia ParkA Korean American teen tries to balance her dream to become a chef with the cultural expectations of her family when she enters the competitive world of a TV cooking show. A hilarious and heartfelt YA novel from the award-winning author of Imposter Syndrome and Other Confessions of Alejandra Kim and Re Jane."Park&’s novel delivers authentic characters who will make you laugh…and cry. Not to be missed!" --Ellen Oh, author of The Colliding Worlds of Mina LeeA KIRKUS REVIEWS BEST BOOK OF THE YEARJackie Oh is done being your model minority.She&’s tired of perfect GPAs, PSATs, SATs, all of it. Jackie longs to become a professional chef. But her Korean American parents are Ivy League corporate workaholics who would never understand her dream. Just ask her brother, Justin, who hasn&’t heard from them since he was sent to Rikers Island.Jackie works at her grandparents&’ Midtown Manhattan deli after school and practices French cooking techniques at night—when she should be studying. But the kitchen&’s the only place Jackie is free from all the stresses eating at her—school, family, and the increasing violence targeting the Asian community.Then the most unexpected thing happens: Jackie becomes a teen contestant on her favorite cooking show, Burn Off! Soon Jackie is thrown headfirst into a cutthroat TV world filled with showboating child actors, snarky judges, and gimmicky &“gotcha!&” challenges.All Jackie wants to do is cook her way. But what is her way? In a novel that will make you laugh and cry, Jackie proves who she is both on and off the plate.Patricia Park's hilarious and stunning What&’s Eating Jackie Oh? explores the delicate balance of identity, ambition, and the cultural expectations to perform.
Ada, or Ardor: A Family Chronicle (Vintage International)
by Vladimir NabokovPublished two weeks after his seventieth birthday, Ada, or Ardor is one of Nabokov's greatest masterpieces, the glorious culmination of his career as a novelist. It tells a love story troubled by incest. It is also at once a fairy tale, epic, philosophical treatise on the nature of time, parody of the history of the novel, and erotic catalogue. Ada, or Ardor is no less than the supreme work of an imagination at white heat.This is the first American edition to include the extensive and ingeniously sardonic appendix by the author, written under the anagrammatic pseudonym Vivian Darkbloom.
The Teller of Small Fortunes
by Julie LeongUSA TODAY BESTSELLER • A wandering fortune teller finds an unexpected family in this cozy fantasy debut, hailed as &“perfection…a beautiful treasure of a book that will warm your heart and heal your soul.&”—Sarah Beth Durst, Author of The Spellshop &“The warmest, loveliest book I&’ve read in ages.&”—Sangu Mandanna, author of The Very Secret Society of Irregular WitchesTao is an immigrant fortune teller, traveling between villages with just her trusty mule for company. She only tells "small" fortunes: whether it will hail next week; which boy the barmaid will kiss; when the cow will calve. She knows from bitter experience that big fortunes come with big consequences…Even if it&’s a lonely life, it&’s better than the one she left behind. But a small fortune unexpectedly becomes something more when a (semi) reformed thief and an ex-mercenary recruit her into their desperate search for a lost child. Soon, they&’re joined by a baker with a "knead" for adventure, and—of course—a slightly magical cat.Tao starts down a new path with companions as big-hearted as her fortunes are small. But as she lowers her walls, the shadows of her past close in—and she&’ll have to decide whether to risk everything to preserve the family she never thought she could have.