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State by State: A Panoramic Portrait of America
by Matt Weiland & Sean WilseyInspired by Depression-era travel guides, an anthology of essays on each of the fifty states, plus Washington, D.C., by some of America’s finest writers.State by State is a panoramic portrait of America and an appreciation of all fifty states (and Washington, D.C.) by fifty-one of the most acclaimed writers in the nation. Anthony Bourdain chases the fumigation truck in Bergen County, New JerseyDave Eggers tells it straight: Illinois is Number 1Louise Erdrich loses her bikini top in North DakotaJonathan Franzen gets waylaid by New York’s publicist . . . and personal attorney . . . and historian . . . and geologistJohn Hodgman explains why there is no such thing as a “Massachusettsean”Edward P. Jones makes the case: D.C. should be a state!Jhumpa Lahiri declares her reckless love for the Rhode Island coastRich Moody explores the dark heart of Connecticut’s Merritt Parkway, exit by exitAnn Patchett makes a pilgrimage to the Civil War site at Shiloh, TennesseeWilliam T. Vollman visits a San Francisco S&M clubAnd many morePraise for State by StateAn NPR Best Book of the Year“The full plumage of American life, in all its riotous glory.” —The New Yorker“Odds are, you’ll fall for every state a little.” —Los Angeles Times
The Harp and the Eagle: Irish-American Volunteers and the Union Army, 1861-1865
by Susannah J UralOn the eve of the Civil War, the Irish were one of America's largest ethnic groups, and approximately 150,000 fought for the Union. Analyzing letters and diaries written by soldiers and civilians; military, church, and diplomatic records; and community newspapers, Susannah Ural Bruce significantly expands the story of Irish-American Catholics in the Civil War, and reveals a complex picture of those who fought for the Union.While the population was diverse, many Irish Americans had dual loyalties to the U.S. and Ireland, which influenced their decisions to volunteer, fight, or end their military service. When the Union cause supported their interests in Ireland and America, large numbers of Irish Americans enlisted. However, as the war progressed, the Emancipation Proclamation, federal draft, and sharp rise in casualties caused Irish Americans to question—and sometimes abandon—the war effort because they viewed such changes as detrimental to their families and futures in America and Ireland.By recognizing these competing and often fluid loyalties, The Harp and the Eagle sheds new light on the relationship between Irish-American volunteers and the Union Army, and how the Irish made sense of both the Civil War and their loyalty to the United States.
There Will Be Rainbows: A Biography of Rufus Wainwright
by Kirk LakeThe first biography of legendary singer/songwriter/composer Rufus Wainwright, There Will Be Rainbows reveals the integrity and complexity of Wainwright’s work while fully embracing the self-deprecating humor, wild flamboyance, and fascinating contradictions that embody Rufus Wainwright, the man. There Will Be Rainbows tells Wainwright unforgettable true story—a classic tale of sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll, with many an unexpected Wainwright-esque twist.
How Do I Draw These Memories?: An Illustrated Memoir
by Jonell JoshuaJonell Joshua spent her childhood shuttling back and forth between Savannah and New Jersey – living in grandparents’ homes during the times her mother, struggling with mental illness, needed support to raise her and her brothers. Together the family found a way to keep going even in the darkest of times. How Do I Draw These Memories? is an illustrated memoir about nostalgia, faith, the preciousness of life, and unconditional love. From Jonell’s devastatingly brilliant pen as a writer and an artist, it plumbs the depths of what family can be – and how joy and hope can be found in the most ordinary and extraordinary moments. P R A I S E "Ingenious… a vulnerable, revealing homage to family." —Booklist "Despite the difficulties confronting Jonell’s family, this memoir is uplifting and amazingly positive, in some ways celebrating the ordinariness of life as well as the power of unconditional love (which I hope) most experience. Readers are likely to recognize something of their own lives in this memoir." —Reading Rockets
Brooms
by Jasmine WallsYALSA TOP 10 GREAT GRAPHIC NOVELS FOR TEENS BEST OF THE YEAR: Booklist · Kirkus · Polygon · Chicago Public Library · New York Public Library 3 STARS: ★ PW ★ Booklist ★ BCCB Mississippi, 1930s. Magic simmering beneath the surface, kept in check by unjust laws and societal expectations. But for six extraordinary women, the roar of enchanted engines and the thrill of the forbidden broom race offer a chance to rewrite their destinies. Meet Billie Mae, captain of the Night Storms racing team, and Loretta, her best friend and second-in-command. They’re determined to make enough money to move out west to a state that allows Black folks to legally use magic and take part in national races. Cheng-Kwan – doing her best to handle the delicate and dangerous double act of being the perfect "son" to her parents, and being true to herself while racing. Mattie and Emma -- Choctaw and Black -- the youngest of the group and trying to dodge government officials who want to send them and their newly-surfaced powers away to boarding school. And Luella, in love with Billie Mae. Her powers were sealed away years ago after she fought back against the government. She’ll do anything to prevent the same fate for her cousins. "Brooms" is a heart-pounding graphic novel soaring with magic, friendship, and rebellion. It's a Fast and the Furious with broomsticks instead of cars, a historical spotlight on struggles silenced by time, and a celebration of the indomitable spirit that dares to defy the odds. Buckle up, witches and dreamers, for this ride is about to take flight. P R A I S E ★ "Draws on the fantastical to amplify and confront issues of both the past and the present. The result is a heartfelt, gripping, and resonant story about power—how the majority wields it, and how marginalized groups reclaim it." —Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred) ★ "Fascinating… Though readers will enjoy the dramatic racing scenes, this is truly a story about queer folk and people of color who have created a space where they can joyously and freely be themselves." —Booklist (starred) ★ "Pulse-pounding broom races and comforting domestic sequences… An evocative Fast and the Furious–flavored graphic novel." —Publishers Weekly (starred) "This is the queer, magical, broom-racing version of A League of Their Own that I didn’t know I was missing… The representation in this graphic novel is so diverse and among the best I think I’ve ever seen. It’s clear that Walls and Duvall put equal parts passion and research into this beautiful story. If you don’t read it, you’re missing out." —Rachel Brittain, Book Riot "A sweet, entertaining found-family story that weaves magic with historical injustice; recommended for teen graphic novel shelves. —School Library Journal "Six witches get caught up in the excitement and danger of illegal broom racing in an alternate historical Mississippi… highlights the broadly diverse experiences of folks in the South… highlighting the fact that there has always been and will always be room for queer folks in our communities." —Kirkus "[A] mix of exciting racing scenes, a story about overcoming the odds, and mesmerizing depictions of magic, plus some of the not-so-pretty parts of our country’s history, and it’s done in a way that is compassionate and uplifting." —GeekDad "Brooms Is Your Next Favorite Fantastical LGBTQIA+ Sports Story" —The Mary Sue "Brings vivid characters (queer, broom-racing witches) to life in an equally vivid setting." —Gizmodo (io9)
African Art Now: 50 Pioneers Defining African Art for the Twenty-First Century
by Osei BonsuThis deluxe hardcover survey, featuring profiles of 50 artists on the rise, is the definitive guide to contemporary African art.With African artists attracting sizable audience numbers to museums, setting sky-high auction records, and appearing in mainstream press, it has become impossible to overlook the cultural significance of contemporary African art today. Author and curator Osei Bonsu's engaging profiles of leading African artists—along with gorgeous full-color reproductions of their work—introduce readers to a generation of movers and shakers whose innovative artwork reflects on Africa as both an idea and an experience. Using diverse forms, languages, and expressions to articulate what it means to be a part of the world, these artists generate alternate histories and imaginative futures—work that is both personal and political, universal and incredibly specific. Their work helps define contemporary African art as a vast artistic and cultural movement.STELLAR ROSTER OF ARTISTS: Amoako Boafo, Njideka Akunyili Crosby, Tunji Adeniyi-Jones, Bronwyn Katz—from household names to up-and-coming artists, African Art Now features some of the most exciting artists working today. IMPORTANT AND TIMELY: Over the past two decades, contemporary African art has become part of the global mainstream, inspiring countless exhibitions, fairs, and auctions around the world. And yet, African art remains overlooked as an area of dedicated study due to continued academic and cultural bias. This book shines a spotlight on the artists whose wide-ranging accomplishments represent the shifting dynamics and boundless possibilities of African art today. Perfect for:Artists, art collectors, art lovers, and museumgoersEducators and studentsAnyone interested in learning about contemporary African art
The Sunny Nihilist: A Declaration of the Pleasure of Pointlessness
by Wendy SyfretA positively rebellious take on a traditionally negative philosophy offers an antidote for our anxious times.Career success, a beautiful life, a beautiful Instagram account—what's the point? In a world where meaning has become twisted into a form of currency that everyone is very keen to cash in on, journalist Wendy Syfret invites you to change the way you think about the way you think.In her seminal work, The Sunny Nihilist, Syfret presents the optimism in Nihilism, encouraging us to dismantle our self-care and self-centered way of living and accept a life more or less ordinary. Syfret re-examines the meaning of worth, value, time, happiness, success, and connection, and guides us towards the alternative path of pointless pleasure.When you let go of the idea that everything must have purpose, you will find relief from stress, exhaustion, and anxiety. Most importantly, you can embrace the opportunity to enjoy the moment, the present, the chaos and luck of being alive at all. The Sunny Nihilist is an inspiring call to action and survival adaptation for modern life.
Best Shot in the West: The Thrilling Adventures of Nat Love—the Legendary Black Cowboy!
by Patricia McKissack Frederick McKissack Jr.The thrilling graphic biography of the unforgettable Nat Love, from acclaimed authors Patricia C. McKissack and Fredrick L. McKissack Jr., is now in paperback! Born into slavery in 1854, Nat Love, also known as Deadwood Dick, grew up to become the most famous African American cowboy in the Old West. A contemporary and acquaintance of Bat Masterson and Billy the Kid, Nat was widely known as an expert roper and driver, a crack shot, and a real Wild West character. Featuring lively full-color artwork by Randy DuBurke, Best Shot in the West is an exhilarating mix of high-interest historical fiction and nonstop adventure.
A Happy Life in an Open Relationship: The Essential Guide to a Healthy and Fulfilling Nonmonogamous Love Life
by Susan WenzelDiscover the secrets to successful open relationships. A Happy Life in an Open Relationship is a handbook to healthy nonmonogamous relationships. For anyone curious about open relationships, here is a valuable handbook from an expert in love, sex, and communication. Relationship therapist Susan Wenzel—who is in an open marriage herself—delivers skillful advice on how to navigate the complex emotional landscape of multi-partner relationships, from polyamory to swinging.• Filled with of compelling personal stories, anecdotes from clients, and practical exercises• A guide to cultivating harmonious and fulfilling open relationships• Author Susan Wenzel is a sex and relationship therapist with years of experience counseling patients on issues related to monogamy, intimacy, and trust.A Happy Life in an Open Relationship will help you develop your trust and communication skills, explore sexuality and desire, build your confidence and self-worth, set healthy boundaries, overcome jealousy, and so much more. People interested in making changes in their relationships will appreciate the positive tone, helpful advice, and expert wisdom from an accomplished relationship therapist who has gone through the experience herself. • A great book for anyone interested in testing the boundaries of monogamy and exploring the world of polyamory• An accessible and inviting guide for couples to build an open relationship that is strong and lasting• Perfect for fans of Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence and The State of Affairs: Rethinking Infidelity by Esther Perel, The Commitment: Love, Sex, Marriage, and My Family by Dan Savage, and Sex at Dawn: How We Mate, Why We Stray, and What It Means for Modern Relationships by Christopher Ryan
Love Your Home Again: Organize Your Space and Uncover the Home of Your Dreams
by Ann Lightfoot Kate PawlowskiA Compassionate and Practical Guide to Reimagining the Home of Your Dreams In Love Your Home Again, Ann Lightfoot and Kate Pawlowski—organizing experts and the mother-daughter duo behind Done & Done Home—ask questions that take into account who you are and how you actually live to help resolve the issues behind the excess and create lasting solutions to keep your home running smoothly. Sharing their tried-and-true systems of decluttering, organizing, and maintaining, along with real client stories, Lightfoot and Pawlowski teach you how to manage your home with their signature "good humor and refreshing lack of dogma" (the New York Times). Inside you'll find: Gentle guidance on things like handling sentimental items, embracing quality over quantity, and cutting down on waste Helpful tips for making your daily life easier, from meal-prepping to creating routines Organization methods for every room, small space strategies, and so much more You'll be amazed at the time, money, and energy you'll save—all better spent enjoying your space. Get ready to love your home again. FOR READERS OF: The Home Edit, Beautifully Organized, Simply Living Well, and Real Life Organizing RISING STAR AUTHORS: Ann and Kate are celebrities in the organization world. They are frequently asked to comment on home organizing, staging, and decluttering topics, with recent clips in Women's Day, the New York Times, People, Apartment Therapy, Bravo, CNN, and more. Their celebrity clients include Jenna Fischer, Christina Anstead, and many Real Housewives. FOR FANS OF HGTV: For readers who are obsessed with home makeover shows, this is the book for you. HGTV fans will be delighted to learn that they can design their own dream home through the power of organizing. A DIY PROJECT FOR EVERYONE AT HOME, WHICH IS . . . EVERYONE: This book is for the countless people working from their dining room table by day and watching home makeover shows at night. Love Your Home Again will show how you can rethink your own space, working with what you have. Perfect for: New homeowners Parents who want to declutter, boomers who want to downsize and/or stage a space HGTV fans who could watch home makeover shows for hours Young adults and millennials who love organizing
The New Black West: Photographs from America's Only Touring Black Rodeo
by Gabriela HasbunFeaturing stunning full-color photographs by Gabriela Hasbun, The New Black West celebrates the modern Black cowboys of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo and the community that comes together to witness their achievements year after year.A powerful symbol of self-reliance, strength, and determination, the Black cowboy is a figure commonly overlooked in the histories of the American West. Held annually in cities across the United States, the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo (BPIR) honors the historic accomplishments of Black cowboys and fosters a vibrant community dedicated to continuing that legacy. Bay Area photographer Gabriela Hasbun has spent more than a decade photographing this beloved event in the Oakland hills. Her images capture the joy and excitement of performers and audience members, showcasing the daring feats, spectacular outfits, and welcoming atmosphere that make the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo an unmissable experience. In addition to Hasbun's photographs, The New Black West features quotes and stories from the cowboys themselves and a foreword from the Oakland rodeo's regional manager, Jeff Douvel.A VIBRANT COMMUNITY: The Black rodeo in Oakland is the annual event at the heart of a vibrant community. Couples meet and fall in love at the arena, children eagerly anticipate their turn to compete in the different events—and people travel from all over the area and the country to participate.AN IMPORTANT LEGACY: Named after legendary cowboy and performer, the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo honors the often-overlooked legacy of Black cowboys in shaping the American West. Hasbun's book spotlights the contemporary riders and performers who carry on that legacy, inviting them to share their own stories with the world.A UNIQUE CELEBRATION: Hasbun has been photographing the Black rodeo in Oakland for a decade, and this collection of her work is a loving tribute to the community that kept her coming back year after year. Stories from her conversations with the cowboys and cowgirls bring her images to life, making The New Black West a heartwarming celebration of an iconic cultural event.Perfect for:• Black rodeo attendees, fans, and performers• History buffs and anyone interested in Western cowboy culture• Lovers of immersive fine-art photography books
The Fate of Your Date: Divination for Dating, Mating, and Relating
by Stefanie Iris Weiss Sherene SchostakIs he a loser or is he a keeper? The Fate of Your Date divines the answer. In this darling, easy-to-use guide to romance, Teen Vogue astrologers Stefanie Iris Weiss and Sherene Schostak demystify the mystical and make ancient practices practical. Each chapter covers a time-tested metaphysical method: astrology, tarot, spell-craft, and more. Organized into sections of Before, During, and After the Date, the book outlines which practices are best used when. Work some numerology on his phone number, read his palm while holding his hand, and cast a bit of white magic to get exactly whats desired. The Fate of Your Date makes it a cinch to go forth, divine, and conquer!
The Lost Girls: Three Friends. Four Continents. One Unconventional Detour Around the World.
by Jennifer Baggett Holly C. Corbett Amanda PressnerThree friends, each on the brink of a quarter-life crisis, embark on a year-long backpacking adventure around the world in The Lost Girls.“A triumphant journey about losing yourself, finding yourself and coming home again. Hitch yourself to their ride: you’ll embark on a transformative journey of your own.” —New York Times bestselling author Allison Winn ScotchWith their thirtieth birthdays looming, Jennifer Baggett, Holly C. Corbett, and Amanda Pressner are feeling the pressure to hit certain milestones—score the big promotion, find a soul mate, have 2.2 kids. Instead, they make a pact to quit their high-pressure New York City media jobs and leave behind their friends, boyfriends, and everything familiar to set out on a journey in search of inspiration and direction.Traveling 60,000 miles across four continents, Jen, Holly, and Amanda push themselves far outside their comfort zones to embrace every adventure. Ultimately, theirs is a story of true friendship—a bond forged by sharing beds and backpacks, enduring exotic illnesses, trekking across mountains, and standing by one another through heartaches, whirlwind romances, and everything in the world in between. “A real-life fairy tale for anyone who’s ever wanted to chuck it all and see the world with a best friend on each arm.” —Cathy Alter, author of Up for Renewal“Three cheers to The Lost Girls for showing us, with good humor and graceful prose, the beauty and importance of leading life astray.” —New York Times bestselling author Franz Wisner
Death on the Black Sea: The Untold Story of the 'Struma' and World War II's Holocaust at Sea
by Douglas Frantz Catherine CollinsOn the morning of February 24, 1942, on the Black Sea near Istanbul, an explosion ripped through a decrepit former cattle barge filled with Jewish refugees. One man clung fiercely to a piece of deck, fighting to survive. Nearly eight hundred others -- among them, more than one hundred children -- perished.In Death on the Black Sea, the story of the Struma, its passengers, and the events that led to its destruction are investigated and fully revealed in two vivid, parallel accounts, set six decades apart. One chronicles the international diplomatic maneuvers and callousness that resulted in the largest maritime loss of civilian life during World War II. The other recounts a recent attempt to locate the Struma at the bottom of the Black Sea, an effort initiated and pursued by the grandson of two of the victims. A vivid reconstruction of a grim exodus aboard a doomed ship, Death on the Black Sea illuminates a forgotten episode of World War II and pays tribute to the heroes, past and present, who keep its memory alive.
The Hidden History of American Oligarchy: Reclaiming Our Democracy from the Ruling Class (The\thom Hartmann Hidden History Ser. #5)
by Thom HartmannThe New York Times–bestselling author looks at the real history of the corrupting influence of oligarchy in America—and how we can fight back. Billionaire oligarchs want to own our republic, and they&’re nearly there thanks to legislation and Supreme Court decisions that they have essentially bought. They put Trump and his political allies into office and support a vast network of think tanks, publications, and social media that every day push our nation closer and closer to police-state tyranny. The United States was born in a struggle against the oligarchs of the British aristocracy, and ever since then the history of America has been one of dynamic tension between democracy and oligarchy. And much like the shock of the 1929 crash woke America up to glaring inequality and the ongoing theft of democracy by that generation's oligarchs, the coronavirus pandemic of 2020 has laid bare how extensively oligarchs have looted our nation&’s economic system, gutted governmental institutions, and stolen the wealth of the former middle class. Thom Hartmann, , the most popular progressive radio host in America and a bestselling author, traces the history of this struggle against oligarchy from America&’s founding to the United States&’ war with the feudal Confederacy to President Franklin Roosevelt&’s struggle against &“economic royalists,&” who wanted to block the New Deal. In each of those cases, the oligarchs lost the battle. But with increasing right-wing control of the media, unlimited campaign contributions, and a conservative takeover of the judicial system, we're at a crisis point. Now is the time for action, before we flip into tyranny. We&’ve beaten the oligarchs before, and we can do it again. Hartmann lays out practical measures we can take to break up media monopolies, limit the influence of money in politics, reclaim the wealth stolen over decades by the oligarchy, and build a movement that will return control of America to We the People. Praise forThe Hidden History of American Oligarchy &“For every American interested in protecting our democracy, everyone puzzled about how America came to the brink of authoritarian rule, and for all who enjoy a being educated and entertained by enthralling, eye-opening, riveting journey in U.S. history, The Hidden History of Oligarchy is a must read!&” —Don Siegelman, former Governor of Alabama, author of Stealing Our Democracy &“Thom Hartmann is America&’s history teacher, a national treasure laying it out scary and clear: tyranny can happen here. Oligarchy&’s choking democracy.&” —Mimi Kennedy, actress, board member, Progressive Democrats of America
The Arab Lobby: The Invisible Alliance That Undermines America's Interests in the Middle East
by Mitchell BardFrom “a research scholar with impeccable academic credentials . . . A complete, patient catalogue of the financial details of Saudi influence peddling” (National Review).While critics claim that a nefarious Israel Lobby dictates U.S. policy in the Middle East, the Arab Lobby in this country is older, richer, and more powerful than the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). The Arab Lobby is the first book in more than 25 years to investigate the scope and activities of this diffuse yet powerful network. Author Mitchell Bard courageously explores the invisible alliance that threatens Israel and undermines America’s interests in the Middle East.“Illuminates the dark side of the massive and largely undemocratic Arab lobbying efforts to influence American policy with regard to the Middle East . . . A must-read.” —Alan M. Dershowitz “In a pointed response to John Mearsheimer and Stephen Walt’s equally scathing The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy (2007), Bard goes full throttle in pursuit of what he sees as a more insidious, if less vociferous behind-the-scenes lobby by the masters of Gulf oil and foes of Israel.” —Kirkus Reviews“A seriously and timely look at a powerful and remarkably under-studied influence on U.S. foreign policy.” —Tablet“Extraordinarily well-researched . . . Bard has performed a valuable service with his book, which will be eye-opening to many, even among friends of Israel, who are not aware just how deep and long-lived is the historical animus not only to the actions of the Jewish state itself but also to the very idea of a Jewish state at all.” —Commentary
The Lincoln Assassination Encyclopedia
by Edward Steers Jr.The definitive, illustrated A-to-Z reference by “one of the nation’s leading researchers on the Lincoln assassination” (NPR’s Morning Edition).The first book of its kind, The Lincoln Assassination Encyclopedia is an indispensable guide to one of the most dramatic and fascinating events in our nation’s history: the murder of the sixteenth president of the United States. Written by Edward Steers, Jr., acclaimed author of Blood on the Moon and one of the world’s leading authorities on the subject, this thorough, highly readable resource includes:All the known persons, places, events, and conspiracies connected to the tragedyMore than 150 period photographs and maps, many never before publishedThe truth behind the hoaxes, myths, and legends surrounding the assassinationA comprehensive narrative and timeline of events, and more“In this encyclopedia of Lincoln’s assassination, Edward Steers, Jr., the foremost scholar of the assassination, has assembled knowledge of the subject scattered in documents and writings over a period of nearly a century and a half, organized it authoritatively and comprehensively, and written about it clearly.” —William Hanchett, author of Out of the Wilderness: The Life of Abraham LincolnIncludes a foreword by James L. Swanson, New York Times-bestsellingauthor of Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer
Family Secrets: Stories of Incest and Sexual Violence in Mexico (Latina/o Sociology #1)
by Gloria González-LópezReal, personal accounts of sixty Mexican women and men affected by incest and sexual violence. In Family Secrets, Gloria González-López tells the life stories of women and men in Mexico whose lives were irrevocably changed in the wake of childhood and adolescent incest. In Mexico, a patriarchal, religious society where women are expected to make themselves sexually available to men and where same-sex experiences for both women and men bring great shame, incest is easily hidden, seldom discuessed, and rarely reported to authorities. Through a gripping, emotional narrative, González-López brings the deeply troubling, hidden, and unspoken issues of incest and sexual violence in Mexican families to light. She contends that family and cultural structures in Mexican life enable incest and the culture of silence that surrounds it. She examines the strong bonds of familial obligation between parents and children, brothers and sisters, and elders and youth that, in the case of incest, can morph into sexual obligation; the codes of honor and shame reinforced by tradition and the Church, discouraging openness about sexual violence and trauma; and the double standards of morality and stereotypes about sexuality that leave girls and women and gender nonconforming boys and men especially vulnerable to sexual abuse. A riveting account, Family Secrets turns a feminist and sociological lens on a disturbing issue that has gone unnoticed for far too long.
Please Remember This
by Kathleen Gilles SeidelIt has always been a burden for quiet, level-headed Tess Lanier to be the daughter of Nina Lane -- the gifted and tormented author who died soon after Tess's birth. Determined to be nothing like her exuberant mother, Tess, a collector of antique lace, lives in California, safe and anonymous, far from theKansas town her family once called home, where Nina penned her extraordinary stories.But when her dying grandfather asks her to go back, she cannot refuse. And on the banks of the Missouri River, she meets Ned Ravenal, a vibrant man who is living his dream, excavating a paddlewheel steamboat that sank one hundred and fifty years ago. Tess had family on that boat, and Ned uncovers their secrets that, in turn, unlock the mysteries of Nina's life. No longer afraid of the past, Tess discovers in herself spirit, passion, and richness as intricate as her lace.
Knead It!: 35 Great Bread Recipes to Make at Home Today
by Jane Barton GriffithThis approachable guide to bread baking features thirty five recipes, a primer on flours, folding techniques, starter secrets, and much more! For centuries, artisan bread makers have given rise to the indescribable wonder that is fresh bread. Now you can take part in that same tradition, going back to basics making your own bread by hand. Knead It! teaches the various bread-making methods that have ignited the hearts and ovens of humankind for centuries. Together with a team of master bread makers, author and baker Jane Barton Griffith provides step-by-step instructions to creating all kinds of breads, from simple yeasted breads and slow-fermenting breads to pre-fermented breads, sourdough loaves, and various international flatbreads. This volume includes:A primer on flours (stone-ground whole/white wheat, rye, spelt, and Khorasan)Folding techniques for baguettes, boules, bâtards, braids, and moreInstructions for scaling, proofing, shaping, and scoring various types of loavesTechniques and recipes for rye bread, sourdough, focaccia, flat breads, pita, beer bread, ciabatta, Anadama bread, and moreEssential information on tools, equipment, and other helpful resources
The Revelation Conversation: Inspire Greater Employee Engagement by Connecting to Purpose
by Steve CurtinDiscover a breakthrough way to link employees' daily job duties to the organization's purpose, and watch employee engagement, productivity, and customer satisfaction soar!Nearly every organization has a mission, vision, or purpose statement that is displayed on its website or framed and mounted in the executive corridor. But it is largely unknown to employees and seemingly unrelated to their daily jobs.As a result, while employees may possess the knowledge and skills to do their jobs, they are unaware of what bestselling customer service author Steve Curtin calls job purpose: how their specific tasks contribute to the organization's reason for being. They understand what to do and how to do it, but not why they do it. Curtin offers a fresh tool to overcome this challenge. The Revelation Conversation is a one-on-one exchange where leaders and managers involve employees in the discovery of their total job role, connect job duties to job purpose, and inspire greater employee engagement. Instead of just having assignments to work on, they now have a purpose to work toward. Service quality goes from transactional to exceptional. The book contains dozens of examples of how leading companies link their corporate ideals to employees' daily job responsibilities. By creating an environment for employees to do work that matters rather than simply check boxes and go through the motions, employers will reap the benefits of higher levels of employee engagement, productivity, and customer satisfaction.
Take Me Home: A Novel
by Brian Leung“A riveting novel of two heroic people attempting to transcend the prejudices of their time and place.” —Ron Rash, author of Serena and One Foot in Eden“Leung’s writing is exquisite, deceptively plain, deeply felt and spiritually high, with dead-on depictions of the world as it is.” —San Francisco ChronicleFrom Brian Leung, author of Lost Men and World Famous Love Acts (winner of both the Asian American Literary Award and the Mary McCarthy Prize in Short Fiction) comes a story of forbidden friendship in an Old West mining town. Set amidst the racial tensions surrounding the Rock Springs Massacre, Take Me Home makes the desperate coal mine culture of Wyoming come alive. Readers of Annie Dillard and Annie Proulx will thrill for the latest book by this exciting voice in American literature.
Julia Morgan: An Intimate Portrait of the Trailblazing Architect
by Victoria KastnerThis new biography—featuring over 150 archival images and full-color photographs printed throughout—introduces Julia Morgan as both a pioneering architect and a captivating individual.Julia Morgan was a lifelong trailblazer. She was the first woman admitted to study architecture at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris and the first licensed to practice architecture in California. Over the first half of the 20th century, she left an indelible mark on the American West. Of her remarkable 700 creations, the most iconic is Hearst Castle. Morgan spent thirty years constructing this opulent estate on the California coast for the newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst—forging a lifelong friendship and creative partnership with him. Together, they built a spectacular and unequalled residence that once hosted the biggest stars of Hollywood's golden age, and that now welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.This compelling biography draws on interviews, letters, and Morgan's diaries, including never-before-seen reflections on faith, art, and her life experiences. Morgan's friendship with Hearst, her passion for California's landscape, her struggles with familial dementia, and her devotion to architecture reveal her to have been a singularly brilliant and determined artist.PREVIOUSLY UNPUBLISHED CONTENT: Victoria Kastner has spent years compiling photographs, interviews, letters, drawings, and diaries—including material never published before—to create the first truly comprehensive portrait of this amazing woman.OVER 150 PHOTOGRAPHS: This book features over 150 photographs, printed throughout the text. These include both fascinating archival images and beautiful, full-color contemporary shots of Morgan's buildings.INSPIRING STORY: By exploring both Morgan's work and her life, Kastner weaves a captivating tale about courage, vision, and resilience. Julia Morgan forged a path for herself against the odds, and her story will inspire contemporary women and creatives.ARCHITECTURAL ICON: Julia Morgan created 700 buildings during her career, from hotels to churches to private homes. Born in San Francisco and trained in Paris, she developed a distinctive aesthetic that now defines certain regions of California. But only in the last twenty years has her contribution to architecture been fully recognized and celebrated. In 2014, the American Institute of Architects' posthumously awarded her its Gold Medal; she was the first female recipient.Perfect for:• History buffs• Students, enthusiasts, and professional architects• Aspiring creatives in all fields• Feminists seeking role models• Visitors to Hearst Castle and Morgan's other buildings• Californians and visitors to California
I Know This to Be True: Simone Biles (I Know This to Be True)
by Geoff Blackwell Ruth HobdayFour-time Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles is an example of bravery, resilience, and persistence.Looking back at her incredible career, she details her entry into gymnastics at just six years old and her rise to becoming the most decorated American gymnast of all time.With candor, she discusses her daily disciplines, the importance of speaking up, and why female empowerment matters.• Easily relatable, Biles is role model for any young person—especially gymnasts• Demonstrates the importance of ambition, strength, and believing in yourself on and off the mat• Part of the landmark book series that brims with messages of leadership, courage, compassion, and hopeInspired by Nelson Mandela's legacy and created in collaboration with the Nelson Mandela Foundation, I Know This to Be True is a global series of books created to spark a new generation of leaders.The series is a collection of extraordinary figures from diverse backgrounds answering the same questions, as well as sharing their compelling stories, guiding ideals, and insightful wisdom.• This series offers encouragement and guidance to graduates, future leaders, and anyone hoping to make a positive impact on the world• Royalties from sales of the series support the free distribution of material from the series to the world's developing economy countries• You'll love this book if you love books like Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life . . . And Maybe the World by Admiral William H. McRaven; In the Company of Women: Inspiration and Advice from over 100 Makers, Artists, and Entrepreneurs by Grace Bonney; and Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, A Life in Balance by Simone Biles.
Success Is 90% Spite
by Jane ZeiBased on the popular webcomic The Pigeon Gazette! Follow artist Jane Zei through the everyday rollercoaster of a quarter-life crisis—when high-flying optimism meets cold, hard adulthood during the journey from college to a full-time career.With favorites from viral webcomic The Pigeon Gazette, along with never-before seen comics, Success is 90% Spite is a reminder that there's nothing you can't achieve through hard work, persistence—and really wanting to prove someone else wrong.• A hilarious and high-energy collection that captures the all-too-real difficulties of life as a 20-something in a modern world• Comics follow Jane's endearingly awkward and whimsical efforts to navigate adulthood.• Covers a range of topics in both short, four-panel, and longer-form comicsWhen life gives you lemons . . . throw those suckers back into life's stupid face and make your own success.From choosing Lord of the Rings over love, to mastering pooping etiquette in the workplace, Jane's existential adventures are told with an extra dose of narrative imagination, extended jokes on inane topics, and daydreams.• The Pigeon Gazette has been featured in articles by Huffington Post, Bored Panda, and Buzzfeed• Great book for fans of funny webcomics, internet humor, and any millennial trying to make their way in the world• Add it to the collection of books like Adulthood Is a Myth: A Sarah's Scribbles Collection by Sarah Andersen, Am I There Yet?: The Loop-de-loop, Zigzagging Journey to Adulthood by Mari Andrew, and It's All Absolutely Fine: Life Is Complicated So I've Drawn It Instead by Ruby Elliot