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Why Rats Laugh and Jellyfish Sleep: And Other Enchanting Stories of Evolution
by David StippFor fans of accessible and fun popular science comes an exploration of evolution&’s quirkiest puzzles and most enduring mysteries. Why do cats live longer than dogs? Why do bees have yellow stripes? Why can we smell a skunk from a mile away? Such questions can be seen as puzzles about creatures' evolved traits. Besides triggering our curiosity, they focus our attention on beguiling designs that have been millions of years in the making. Indeed, looking at the living world through a Darwinian lens reveals its colossal depth in a way that's all too easy to miss in the age of endless distractions. You need only summon up your inner inquisitive 7-year-old to notice such puzzles, and to find yourself looking deeper while considering possible solutions. In this lively book, science writer David Stipp ponders Darwinian puzzles about nine familiar creatures and things—bumblebees, dogs, sparrows, caffeine, earthworms, and sleep, among others—to show how rewarding it can be to look at nature in a deeper way. By revealing hidden depths of the ordinary, Why Rats Laugh and Jellyfish Sleep shows not only that fascinating intricacies lie just beneath the natural world's familiar surfaces, but that noticing them lets us make connections we didn't realize existed. This is backyard biophilia at its most entertaining and enlightening.
Softly, As I Leave You: Life After Elvis
by Priscilla Presley"A heartfelt record of stepping into one&’s own." —Publishers Weekly The long-awaited memoir by Priscilla Presley chronicling her difficult, inspiring journey beyond the walls of Graceland and behind the elegant image the world sees. Priscilla Presley&’s divorce from Elvis left his fans incredulous. How could she leave the man every woman wanted? From the outside, life in Elvis&’s mansion looked glamorous and enviable, and in many respects, it was. But inside the mansion, her husband was constantly surrounded by a male entourage while at the gates, lines of beautiful women waited hopefully for an audience with the King. From the time she was seventeen years-old, that life was all Priscilla had known. During her ten years with Elvis, it became painfully apparent that she had no idea who she was outside Elvis&’s world. The only way to find herself was to leave that world and seek a new life of her own, because leaving was the only way to survive, for herself and for her daughter. Softly, As I Leave You, is the deeply personal story of what Priscilla lost and what she found when she walked away from the man she loved. Despite the legal separation, their love for one another transformed into a touching and tender dynamic that endured until Elvis&’s untimely death four years later. Shattered by Elvis&’s passing, she had to reinvent herself a second time as the single mother of a talented, often headstrong daughter who never really recovered from her father&’s death. Priscilla&’s dedication to motherhood was enriched by the birth of her second child, and she gradually found her footing as a businesswoman, actress, designer, and legislative advocate. She transformed Graceland into an international destination and helped guide the development of Elvis Presley Enterprises. But the unexpected, shattering loss of three immediate family members years later brought Priscilla to her knees. She shares her journey with a quiet dignity that will comfort and reassure anyone who has suffered – and survived – seemingly unbearable loss. A passionate, compassionate, and inspiring story of finding your place in the world, Softly, As I Leave You, is a sweet Southern melody that will take the reader with Priscilla on her long road home.
1942: When World War II Engulfed the Globe
by Peter FritzscheA penetrating history of the year World War II became a global conflict and humankind confronted both destruction and deliverance on a planetary scale, &“offering an intriguing perspective on a world at war&” (Richard Overy, New York Times–bestselling author of Blood and Ruins) By the end of the Second World War, more than seventy million people across the globe had been killed, most of them civilians. Cities from Warsaw to Tokyo lay in ruins, and fully half of the world&’s two billion people had been mobilized, enslaved, or displaced. In 1942, historian Peter Fritzsche offers a gripping, ground-level portrait of the decisive year when World War II escalated to global catastrophe. With the United States joining the fight following Japan&’s attack on Pearl Harbor, all the world&’s great powers were at war. The debris of ships sunk by Nazi submarines littered US beaches, Germans marauded in North Africa, and the Japanese swept through the Pacific. Military battles from Singapore to Stalingrad riveted the world. But so, too, did dramas on the war&’s home fronts: battles against colonial overlords, assaults on internal &“enemies,&” massive labor migrations, endless columns of refugees. With an eye for detail and an eye on the big story, Fritzsche takes us from shipyards on San Francisco Bay to townships in Johannesburg to street corners in Calcutta to reveal the moral and existential drama of a people&’s war filled with promise and terror.
I'm Not Trying To Be Difficult: Stories from the Restaurant Trenches
by Drew NieporentDrew Nieporent has been a staple of the New York dining scene for decades, establishing a host of iconic restaurants like Nobu, Tribeca Grill, and Montrachet. But his career started from much more humble beginnings—the grill at the local McDonald&’s. A middle class kid from New York&’s East Side, Drew spends his childhood tagging along with his father to help restaurants get their liquor license, igniting a lifelong obsession with food. His passion takes him on a winding, continent-spanning journey, crossing paths with legendary chefs, iconic athletes, and movie stars as he grows into one of the most influential names in the culinary world. From waiting tables on a cruise ship to getting his first three-star review; from squabbling with Cornell professors to partnering with Robert DeNiro; this is more than a story of one man&’s extraordinary life—it&’s a story of an evolving industry. As culinary trends come and go, and relationships blossom and combust, Nieporent navigates it all with a simple yet powerful philosophy: give the customer what they want. Told in Drew&’s unforgettable voice, I&’m Not Trying To Be Difficult is a rollicking memoir that feels like sitting across the dinner table from someone who has seen it all—one of the last great restaurateurs.
Moon Iceland: Waterfalls, Glaciers & Hot Springs (Moon Europe Travel Guide)
by Jenna Gottlieb Moon Travel GuidesLocal author Jenna Gottlieb reveals the best of Iceland, from breathtaking landscapes to unrivaled trekking. Experience it all with Moon Iceland. Inside you&’ll find: Strategic, flexible itineraries, from a three-day tour of Reykjavík to a weeklong best of Iceland, plus a nine-day road trip on the famed Ring RoadUnique experiences and can't-miss highlights: Drive past quaint towns and enormous fjords, hike through Iceland's majestic national parks, and bask in the shimmering glow of the northern lights. Stroll Reykjavík's busy streets, listen to up-and-coming bands at uniquely themed venues, and kick back with a handcrafted Icelandic beer at a local hangout The top outdoor activities: Search for seals, whales, and porpoises off the coast or spot arctic wildlife like puffins and reindeer onshore. Trek across a mighty glacier, hike the rim of a remote volcano, and relax in the milky blue waters of the Blue Lagoon. Explore crystalline ice caves and mineral-rich lava tubes or catch a rainbow glimmering over a thundering waterfall Full-color photos and detailed maps throughoutHonest advice from Reykjavík local Jenna Gottlieb on what to eat, where to stay, and when to go, including tips for traveling during the winter Handy tools including an Icelandic phrasebook and essential background information on the landscape, history, and culture Find your adventure with Moon Iceland. Heading to Scandinavia? Check out Moon Norway.About Moon Travel Guides: Moon was founded in 1973 to empower independent, active, and conscious travel. We prioritize local businesses, outdoor recreation, and traveling strategically and sustainably. Moon Travel Guides are written by local, expert authors with great stories to tell—and they can't wait to share their favorite places with you. For more inspiration, follow @moonguides on social media.
Rick Steves Croatia & Slovenia (Rick Steves Travel Guide)
by Rick StevesStroll along Dubrovnik's ancient walls, hike the idyllic Julian Alps, and set sail on the glimmering Adriatic: with Rick Steves, Croatia and Slovenia are yours to explore! Inside Rick Steves Croatia & Slovenia you'll find:Comprehensive coverage for spending a week or more in Croatia and Slovenia, with side trips to Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina Rick's strategic advice on how to get the most out of your time and money, with rankings of his must-see favorites Top sights and hidden gems, from Roman ruins in the heart of bustling Split to stunning waterfalls and mountains in Slovenia How to connect with culture: Taste wines at a vineyard in Hvar, tour museums and Baroque churches in Zagreb, and sample fresh seafood at an open-air market in Dubrovnik Beat the crowds, skip the lines, and avoid tourist traps with Rick's candid, humorous insight The best places to eat, sleep, and relax with a glass of local wine Self-guided walking tours of lively towns and interesting museums Detailed maps for exploring on the go Useful resources including a packing list, Slovenian and Croatian phrases, a historical overview, and recommended reading Over 900 bible-thin pages include everything worth seeing without weighing you down Complete, up-to-date information on Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Istria, Split, Hvar, Korčula, Dubrovnik, Montenegro, Mostar, Sarajevo, Ljubljana, Lake Bled, the Julian Alps, Logarska Dolina and the Northern Valleys, Ptuj, the Karst, Piran, and more Make the most of every day and every dollar with Rick Steves Croatia & Slovenia.
The Social Lives of Birds
by Joan E. Strassmann'A tour-de-force survey of how birds live their lives - with all the drama, surprise, humour, sadness and amazement of any human soap-opera' - Stephen Moss, author of Ten Birds That Changed the World'Utterly fascinating . . . Strassmann is the perfect guide to this world: an author as much fascinated by the science and research as she is motivated by the sheer joy and wonder of the birds themselves' - James Macdonald Lockhart, author of RaptorIn The Social Lives of Birds, evolutionary biologist Joan Strassmann examines what it means for birds of a feather to flock together. Some birds sleep together. Some join the foraging groups of other species. Some are only social during the breeding season, forming nesting colonies in trees, cliffs, and sandbanks. Some are altruistic, helping to rear young that are not their own. Some males perform mating dances together.Strassmann explains how flocks provide safety in numbers, roosts offer warmth and shelter, and colonies allow for protected breeding. But group behavior is not without its costs-including increased competition, infidelities, tick infestations, and more. Strassmann exposes the conflicts birds face and the many ways in which they resolve these conflicts. With stories of birds from around the world-from broad-winged hawks that migrate south together in the fall, tree swallows that roost together in the thousands, and tropical anis that nest in communes-The Social Lives of Birds explores the different kinds of bird groups and what to look for when watching them. Above all, it reveals that solitary life, it seems, is not for the birds.'Delightful and informative' - Lee Dugatkin, author of How to Tame a Fox (and Build a Dog)
Circle of Days: The epic new novel from the No. 1 bestselling author of The Pillars of the Earth
by Ken Follett'Monumentally epic . . . a superb novel' LEE CHILDFrom the master of epic fiction comes the deeply human story of one of the world's greatest mysteries: the building of Stonehenge.A FLINT MINER WITH A GIFTSeft, a talented flint miner, walks the Great Plain in the high summer heat, to witness the rituals that signal the start of a new year. He is there to trade his stone at the Midsummer Rite, and to find Neen, the girl he loves. Her family lives in prosperity and offers Seft an escape from his brutish father and brothers, within their herder community.A PRIESTESS WHO BELIEVES THE IMPOSSIBLEJoia, Neen's sister, is a priestess with a vision and an unmatched ability to lead. As a child, she watches the Midsummer ceremony, enthralled, and dreams of a miraculous new monument, raised from the biggest stones in the world. But trouble is brewing among the hills and woodlands of the Great Plain.A MONUMENT THAT WILL DEFINE A CIVILISATIONJoia's vision of a great stone circle, assembled by the divided tribes of the Plain, will inspire Seft and become their life's work. But as drought ravages the earth, mistrust grows between the herders, farmers and woodlanders - and an act of savage violence leads to open warfare . . .Truly ambitious in scope, Circle of Days invites you to join master storyteller Ken Follett in exploring one of the greatest mysteries of our age: Stonehenge.'A tour de force' PETER JAMES
Softly, As I Leave You: The long-awaited memoir about life behind the walls of Graceland from Priscilla, wife of a legend
by Priscilla PresleyThe long-awaited, candid memoir by Priscilla Presley chronicling her difficult, inspiring journey beyond the walls of Graceland and behind the elegant image the world sees. The Elvis legacy seen from the inside ...Priscilla Presley's divorce from Elvis left his fans incredulous. How could she leave the man every woman wanted? From the outside, life in Elvis's mansion looked glamorous and enviable, and in many respects, it was. But inside the mansion, her husband was constantly surrounded by a male entourage while at the gates, lines of beautiful women waited hopefully for an audience with the King. From the time she was seventeen years old, that life was all Priscilla had known. During her ten years with Elvis, it became painfully apparent that she had no idea who she was outside Elvis's world. The only way to find herself was to leave that world and seek a new life of her own, because leaving was the only way to survive, for herself and for her daughter.Softly, As I Leave You, is the deeply personal story of what Priscilla lost and what she found when she walked away from the man she loved. Despite the legal separation, their love for one another transformed into a touching and tender dynamic that endured until Elvis's untimely death four years later. Shattered by Elvis's passing, she had to reinvent herself a second time as the single mother of a talented, often headstrong daughter who never really recovered from her father's death. Priscilla's dedication to motherhood was enriched by the birth of her second child, and she gradually found her footing as a businesswoman, actress, designer, and legislative advocate. She transformed Graceland into an international destination and helped guide the development of Elvis Presley Enterprises. But the unexpected, shattering loss of three immediate family members years later brought Priscilla to her knees. She shares her journey with a quiet dignity that will comfort and reassure anyone who has suffered - and survived - seemingly unbearable loss.A passionate, compassionate, and inspiring story of finding your place in the world, Softly, As I Leave You, is a sweet Southern melody that will take the reader with Priscilla on her long road home.
Tourist Season
by Brynne Weaver'Everything I loved about the Ruinous Love Series and MORE . . . MORE spice, MORE plot twists, MORE serial killers' ABBY JIMENEZFrom No.1 New York Times bestselling author Brynne Weaver comes a wickedly delicious new series where dark romantic comedy meets thrilling suspense - and where falling in love can be a killer 🌊🌹🔪💋Welcome to Cape Carnage! Visit Once, Stay Forever.You can hide in the farthest reaches of the deepest hell, and I will still drag you out. Even the devil can't save you from me.Cape Carnage is a seaside town of colourful houses, quirky shops, and an unusually high body count. But with tourists comes trouble, and Harper Starling won't let anyone ruin her picture-perfect home. A skilled gardener with killer instincts, Harper protects her sanctuary at any cost. Troublesome tourists don't check out of Carnage. They compost beneath Harper's award-winning flowerbeds.But Nolan Rhodes isn't your average tourist. Devilishly handsome, disarmingly charming, and skilled with a blade, Nolan is relentless in the pursuit of revenge. Every year, Nolan slays another target. And he's saved the best for last: the undeniably beautiful Harper Starling. The problem? Harper isn't the monster he expected. And she won't go down without a fight. When an amateur true crime investigator comes to Cape Carnage on the trail of a long-lost serial killer, Harper and Nolan strike an uneasy truce. If Nolan helps Harper protect her town, she'll keep quiet about his hunting habits . . . for now. But their alliance soon spirals into obsession, one that threatens to shatter every secret in Carnage - including their fragile love.Tourist Season is a darkly funny, slow burn enemies-to-lovers romance where destruction and desire are balanced on the edge of a blade - and where love is the most dangerous battleground of all.Praise for Tourist Season'Hilarious, hot, and maniacally memorable! I'm obsessed with Brynne Weaver's one-of-a-kind brand of fun, sexy killers' Penn Cole'Another dark yet sweet and sexy romance - liberally spattered with body parts - crafting a fresh, funny tale in a way only [Brynne] can' Nisha J. Tuli'An evocative, suspenseful romance that will be sure to grip onto every reader's imagination and send their pulse skyrocketing. Filled with deliciously dark humour and slow-burn tension' Hannah Bonam-YoungTropes:Small-town romanceGrumpy/grumpyForced proximityHe falls firstTouch her/him and dieGrovelling
Food Intelligence: The Science of How Food Both Nourishes and Harms Us
by Julia Belluz Kevin Hall, PhD'This is not just one of the best science books I have read, but one of the best books full stop' - Chris van Tulleken, author of the Sunday Times bestseller ULTRA-PROCESSED PEOPLE'Junk-food giants hijack your biology. Wellness hucksters sell you false hope. In a food environment rigged against you, this is your guide to fighting back.' Henry Dimbleby, author of the Sunday Times bestseller RAVENOUS, and architect of the UK's National Food Strategy.'A must-read . . . written with great expertise' - David Kessler, author of the New York Times bestseller DIET, DRUGS, AND DOPAMINE'If you are going to read one book about nutrition and health, then make it this one' - Deborah Blum, Pulitzer-Prize winning author of THE POISON SQUADNutrition isn't rocket science; it's harder.There are new diet fads, bold claims about superfoods and articles promising the secrets to lasting weight-loss and longevity. The more 'expert' advice we hear about diet, the less clarity we have about what to eat.In Food Intelligence, award-winning health journalist, Julia Belluz, and internationally renowned nutrition and metabolism scientist, Kevin Hall, cut through the myths about nutrition to deliver a comprehensive book on food, diet, metabolism and healthy eating.Breaking food down into its constituent parts, they reveal the science behind how protein, fat, carbs and vitamins impact our bodies. They shine a light on the wonders of metabolism, and debunk the latest 'theories' about blood sugar trackers and ultra-processed foods. They reveal the ways that the world around us - our food environment - shapes our eating behaviours and the food choices we make every day. Diseases like obesity and type 2 diabetes are not a result of a failure of will power; they are consequences of food systems working as designed. Humane and deeply reported, this journey into the science of what we eat will equip you with the food intelligence you need to better understand what's on your dinner plate, how it got there, and why you eat it.
The Second Death of Locke (The Hand and the Heart)
by V.L. Bovalino'This is how you do chemistry! The Second Death of Locke is a masterful epic that combines classic fantasy worldbuilding with an addictive love story. Alternately charming and hauntingly dark, this one will stay with you long after the last page' Heather Fawcett, author of Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of FaeriesLove. Loyalty. Sacrifice.Grey Flynn has dedicated her life to her mage, Kier.She will be his blade on the battlefield, his healer and protector. The deep well of raw power inside her is Kier's to use. Grey would do anything for Kier - be anything for him - if he would only ask.When a quest to protect the child of an enemy kingdom pulls them into the dangerous heart of their nation's war, Grey and Kier will need to decide what they are willing to sacrifice to protect their secret. For Grey is no ordinary magical well, but heir to the lost island of Locke - the root of all power. If she dies, all magic dies with her.The Second Death of Locke is a devastatingly romantic epic fantasy and about the undying bond between a knight and their mage, perfect for fans of The Knight and the Moth and The Six Deaths of the Saint.'With unique magic, a rich and war-torn world, and a retinue of characters I would pledge my life to defend, The Second Death of Locke is an epic quest for belonging and a romance for the ages. The yearning is off the charts and I'm here for it' Samantha Shannon, author of The Priory of the Orange Tree'Gritty, romantic, and breathlessly fierce, The Second Death of Locke will grip your heart and never let go' Tasha Suri'A rich exploration of the way the ties of love and friendship can be complicated, the way the sacrifices we make can be easier to accept than the sacrifices others make for us. Impressive and transporting' Megan Whalen Turner, author of The Thief'This book has it all: Arthurian themes of devotion and betrayal, the carnage of courtly politics and combat, every manner of unadulterated yearning. Glorious' Olivie Blake, author of The Atlas Six'A gloriously haunting story, with a searing chivalric romance that burns bright and bittersweet, The Second Death of Locke will hold your heart in its fist until the very end' Georgia Summers, author of The City of Stardust'Intricately imagined and deftly told, The Second Death of Locke is the perfect pairing of romance, pining, and sprawling epic fantasy' Hannah Whitten, author of The Foxglove King'An epic tale that explores what it truly means to love' Brigitte Knightley, author of The Irresistible Urge to Fall For Your Enemy'A gripping tale of friendship, sacrifice, and the power to be found in the bonds we make' M.H. Ayinde, author of A Song of Legends Lost'An astonishing tale of loyalty, sacrifice and loss, and at its centre - a sweeping romance that will melt the iciest of hearts' Holly Race, author of Six Wild Crowns'A heady, unputdownable epic fantasy with a heartfelt romance at its core' Hadeer Elsbai, author of The Daughters of Izdihar'Sweeping, epic and deliciously romantic, The Second Death of Locke is the perfect marriage of magic and swordplay' Kate Dylan, author of Until We Shatter'A masterfully crafted world of warring knights, fierce friendships and breathtaking romance. This story broke my heart and made it anew' A. S. Webb, author of Daughter of Chaos
George Washington: His Quest for Honor and Fame
by Peter R. HenriquesA concise, compelling biography of Washington and the forces that drove him What drove George Washington to become the preeminent man of his time and to secure a lasting reputation as one of history&’s great leaders? In this concise and engaging profile, Peter Henriques—a renowned Washington expert—recounts how Washington possessed a desperate desire to be seen, admired, honored, and above all to be remembered. Over the course of his life, Washington deliberately and self-consciously shaped his public image. Even his decision, dictated in his last will and testament, to emancipate the men and women he had held in slavery during his lifetime related directly to his desire to be perceived as honorable after his death and to safeguard his posthumous reputation. The complicated and controversial question of Washington and slavery is examined in an afterword. Written with a clarity that comes only from deep understanding, this biography goes right to the heart of what made Washington live, and succeed, as the greatest of America's founding fathers.
Headstrong: Women Porters, Blackness, and Modernity in Accra
by Laurian R. BowlesHeadstrong explores the experiences of women porters, called kayayei, in Accra, Ghana. Drawing on a decade of fieldwork, anthropologist Laurian R. Bowles shows how kayayei navigate precarity, bringing into sharp relief how racialization, rooted in histories of colonialism and enslavement, undergirds capital accumulation in Ghana.Bowles’s ethnographic storytelling follows these women through their work as human transporters at Ghanaian markets. In creatively reappropriating public spaces as private sanctuaries, and in reimagining expected social relations through the cultivation of liberatory same-sex intimacies, kayayei develop ways to cope with the demands of their arduous labor while refusing narratives of victimhood projected on African women. Bowles’s analysis of the emotional labor of the gig economy in Africa shows how the infrastructure anxieties of a modernizing city intersect with the complexities of blackness in a racially homogeneous nation, uncovering how antiblackness emerges in everyday public discourse, development agendas, and privately expressed anxieties about labor, gender, and sexual politics in Accra. Illustrating how race, sexuality, and gender manifest in daily life, Bowles centers kayayei, often perceived to be obstacles to progress and modernity, at the forefront for understanding urban Ghana’s aspirations and anxieties about what it means to be a modern African country.Grounded in African feminist theory and Black feminist ethnography, Headstrong uses women’s narratives as the central analytic for understanding the look and feel of modernity in Accra, challenging long-standing notions of gender, race, and desire in Africa.
Chemically Imbalanced: The Making and Unmaking of the Serotonin Myth
by Joanna Moncrieff Chris Van TullekenFor decades now the public has been told that depression is caused by a chemical imbalance and that antidepressants work by targeting this mechanism. Millions of people have decided to take antidepressants based on this information. Chemically Imbalanced tells the story of a scientific myth and its consequences. It traces the history of the serotonin theory of depression from its development in the 1960s, through its inculcation into popular culture in the 1990s, to the recent revelations that it is not supported by evidence. The story illustrates the power of human interests to shape what passes as scientific knowledge, and provides people with essential information about depression and antidepressants they will not readily find elsewhere. Above all else, Chemically Imbalanced is an invitation to better understand and advocate for our mental health.
The Garden of Before (The Between #2)
by Ryan Leslie“That's what happens here, Paul. Every power has its price. It always gets worse.” For Paul Prentice things have gotten much worse. His house was destroyed in the battle with the Koŝmaro. He's on thin ice at his job, where instead of working he loses himself in the Between's computer game, trying in vain to find explanations. His best friend Jay has transformed into a shadowy killer. Corinne and Supriya have vanished. And it appears his wife, Julie, has finally had enough and left him. Alone and near ruin, Paul receives a familiar visitor with a dire message: they are all back in the Between. Hunted, captured, doomed. For Paul, still wearing the serĉilo's artifact on his wrist, escape was never an option. The game must be played until the end. In the harrowing conclusion to The Between, Leslie once again invites readers into a mind-twisting world where the most terrifying monsters are the ones let loose inside of us.
Narrowly
by Arno BohlmeijerWhen the lines between guilt and innocence are thin, an abduction leads to a rare second chance.After her baby' s cot death, Anne is in radical denial, burying the secret. In a numb reflex, she steals a child to replace hers, instinctive enough to dodge suspicion. Anne looks after the new boy very well, keeping him out of sight until his looks have changed, so the police and media are helpless.Nomi is a normal, happy Mom when her baby goes missing during a minute' s absence. Her bad conscience is countered by the ravishing frankness of daughter Dilli, aged four. The lives of culprit and victim intertwine, followed by us closely. Before the mothers may meet, our judgments and sympathies are tested sharply. Narrowly shows a baffling closeness between ‘ mad' and ‘ normal' .
The Death Knot
by Carolyn BanksEleanor Armitage has isolated herself in the small town where she' s chosen to live. Her job selecting fabrics for a designer makes it possible for her to work and travel without much personal contact with others. She' s not unhappy; she' s just, by desire, totally disengaged from what we would consider “ normal” life. But when Eleanor witnesses a particularly ugly crime, that event pulls at her and, as she follows various aspects of what she has seen, she' s released from her self-imposed prison and welcomes friendship and even romance.
Body of Water: A Novel
by Adam GodfreyFor fans of Stephen King's The Mist and the HBO hit show The Last of Us comes a wildly inventive, sinister thriller following an estranged father and daughter who find themselves trapped in a diner by a living body of water.Don't let the water drag you down…It's been six years since Glen Masters lost his wife in a tragic accident. In hopes of reconnecting with his grieving teenage daughter, Lauren, he decides to take her on a road trip through the Appalachian mountains, where he has fond memories of their past as a family. But what was supposed to be a quick diner pit stop suddenly transforms into a nightmare when armed men stumble in, ranting about a mysterious and deadly "living water" that attacked several people up the road. The story the men spin seems to be the rantings of drunken lunatics, but soon Glen, his daughter, and the other diners find themselves hostages to both the gunmen and the inexplicably terrifying entity. Because there's truly something wrong with the water, and it has no mercy.Panic grows as the diners play witness to a nature-defying being that seeks only to swallow everything in its path. With help nowhere in sight, the group of strangers must work together to devise an escape, and ultimately, Glen will have to face his worst fears to reconcile with the past or risk losing everything.A chilling story from a brand-new voice in fiction, Body of Water explores the complicated nature of grief, terror, and the ghosts we must confront to survive.
The Language of Music: Minority Languages in Popular Music (Ashgate Popular and Folk Music Series)
by Gareth R. SchottThis collection delves into the politics of language choice when composing and performing popular music in punk, metal, Hip-Hop and rap and provides fascinating examples of language change, resistance, reclamation and revitalisation from across the globe, giving readers insights into the work of artists, the activity and functions of scenes and music spaces. Even when absorbed in solitude, the uniting power of music holds the power to instil a sense of belonging connecting outsiders, outcasts and the dissident. From the agitation of protest songs to expressions of uniqueness and diversity, music offers a means for expressing individual struggle, suffering and disadvantage that can be heard, acknowledged and understood to bring about social action, reconciliation and education. This collection will introduce new music and subcultures to the wider academic community to explore and enjoy.
Understanding Mesothelioma: The Experiences and Care Needs of People with Mesothelioma and their Families
by Angela Tod Bethany Taylor Clare Gardiner Liz DarlisonThis practical text highlights the lived experience of mesothelioma. Following the patient journey and underpinned by the evidence, it explores what good care for mesothelioma looks like. Mesothelioma is complex in its aetiology, presentation, symptom burden and patient pathway. The public health context is shifting, as the way people are exposed to asbestos changes and there are new life-lengthening treatments available with many benefits but also challenges.This timely book provides the context for mesothelioma, what it is and why it occurs before profiling a range of experiences across the patient pathway to highlight implications for care delivered by nurses and other health and social care practitioners. The second section of the book follows the patient pathway from diagnosis through to end-of-life care and bereavement, highlighting the lived experience and summarising the implications for practice. The final section of the book discusses aspects of the mesothelioma experience that are unique to the condition, including mental health impacts, and financial and legal implications.Presenting insights that will inform practice in a diverse range of fields, including health, social care and law, this book is an essential reference for all those working with people with mesothelioma and their families. It is also an important reference for those working in cancer care more generally and academics with an interest in the lived experience of health conditions.
Data Analytics using Machine Learning Techniques on Cloud Platforms
by Shabana Urooj Praveen Kumar Avita Katal Neelu Jyothi Ahuja Seema RawatData Analytics using Machine Learning Techniques on Cloud Platforms examines how machine learning (ML) and cloud computing combine to drive data-driven decision-making across industries. Covering ML techniques, loud-based analytics tools and security concerns, this book provides theoretical foundations and real-world applications in fields like healthcare, logistics and e-commerce. It also addresses security challenges, privacy concerns and compliance frameworks, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of cloud-based analytics. This book: Covers supervised and unsupervised learning, including regression, clustering, classification and neural networks Discusses Hadoop, Spark, Tableau, Power BI and Splunk for analytics and visualization Examines how cloud computing enhances scalability, efficiency and automation in data analytics Showcases ML-driven solutions in e-commerce, supply chain logistics, healthcare and education This book is an essential resource for students, researchers and professionals who seek to understand and apply ML-driven cloud analytics in real-world scenarios.
Towards Unmanned Surface Vehicles: Methods and Practices
by Chenguang Liu Huarong ZhengTowards Unmanned Surface Vehicles: Methods and Practices presents the latest overview, methodologies, design practices, and applications of unmanned surface vehicles (USVs).The authors introduce advanced theories and algorithms for the analysis and design of a maritime unmanned surface vehicle system, covering the sensing, path following, navigation, and control of the ocean surface environment. They demonstrate the architectural design, implementation, and field testing of USVs as well as key applications, such as hostile military scenarios, scientific oceanographic observation, and intelligent waterborne transportation. In addition, they address the open challenges in the field and propose the corresponding future perspectives.The book will appeal to researchers, graduate students, and engineers interested in USVs.
Management of Sports Development
by Vassil Girginov Mathew DowlingNow in a fully revised and significantly expanded new edition, Management of Sports Development is a complete introduction to the theory, policy and practice of sports development. With a focus on professional knowledge and managerial competencies, this book defines conceptually and semantically the field of sports development and explains how a clear vision, managed processes of change and effective delivery can lead to the best sustainable outcomes for people, communities and sports organisations.The first section of this book introduces the developmental doctrines that underpin contemporary sports development and considers how research and writing about sports development influence policy and practice. The second section of this book then explores the diversity of perspectives and interests in the sports development landscape, from public policy, international sports development to cultural perspectives and social value. The third section takes a closer look at the personal, organisational and social change stimulated by sports development visions, a critical consideration for effective strategy, programme implementation and management, including current issues such as social justice, sustainability and mega‑sporting events. The fourth and final section of this book looks closely at delivery, unpacking key functional areas such as governance, building organisational capacity, networks and partnerships, volunteering, digitalisation, and monitoring and evaluation.Management of Sports Development is an essential textbook for any sport development course and is invaluable reading for any policy maker or practitioner looking to improve their subject knowledge or professional skills.
Ultraprecision Machining and Metrology
by Jiwang YanThis comprehensive introduction to ultraprecision machining and metrology provides an essential foundation for students and engineers, offering an in-depth analysis of key methods, technologies, and practical applications.Ultraprecision machining is a critical enabling technology for producing high-value mechanical, optical, optoelectronic, and biomedical components with complex geometries and extreme precision. This book delivers a structured exploration of ultraprecision machining and metrology, covering essential topics such as system configuration, tooling, machining mechanism modeling, and surface characterization. Dedicated chapters on surface and subsurface metrology, as well as the machinability of both ductile and brittle materials, make it an indispensable resource for understanding machine design, manufacturing processes, and related materials science.Ideal for students and researchers, this book serves as a vital reference for those working in precision machining, MEMS, advanced manufacturing, and precision metrology.