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He Falls First (Colburn Brothers #1)
by Jill Shalvis"The perfect escape! You'll fall for He Falls First!" —Lucy Score, #1 New York Times bestselling authorNo one is going to convince her to fall in love again...Penny Rose has learned her lesson and now she's paying the price. That's why she's sharing a dilapidated house in a tiny California town with her feisty grandmother and tween brother living off the leftovers from her catering job. It's a far cry from her dream life. But who needs dreams… or love… or sex when there's amateur plumbing projects to tackle and breakfast casseroles to bake?One thing's for sure, she's never falling in love again. Not even with the sexy, snarky contractor who keeps testing the walls she's built.Ryder Colburn has his hands full running the family business and caring for the ailing father who's a virtual stranger from the cold, heavy-handed man he used to be. He's got zero free time for hobbies or women. Or so he thinks until one walks into his life… and the path of an oncoming car.Ryder doesn't mind playing the hero for the skittish, independent woman. Maybe it's the secrets in her eyes or the scar on her chin. Whatever the reason, he's compelled to get closer.
Meet Me in the Orchard (The Paradise #1)
by Carolyn Brown"[You] will flip for this charming small-town tale." —Woman's World for The Sisters CaféSmall town enemies to lovers romance between two headstrong property owners determined to one-up each other, from the queen of Southern twang herself, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Carolyn Brown.Two and a half months have passed since Brodie Carter showed up in Spanish Fort, Texas to meet the father who never knew he even existed. Well, family is family, and Brodie is welcomed in (once everyone gets over their shock). Getting to know his seven half sisters and all their spouses has not been an easy job. Add to that Audrey Ross, the obnoxious, sassy, overbearing woman who owns the orchard next to his. Between Audrey haggling Brodie to buy his property and his matchmaking Great Aunt Bernie setting him up on flop dates, nothing seems to be going right.And then a tornado demolishes the house Brodie and his brothers live in and everything they own. At least the orchard and farm are left untouched. Luckily, his new family offers up rooms to Brodie and his brothers while they work to rebuild. They move into the former brothel known as the Paradise, and try to get on with their lives.Audrey claims the storm is an omen that Brodie should sell, but that's the last thing he's going to do. No one boils his blood like she does, and Aunt Bernie can see it. Can Brodie and Audrey stop arguing over their properties long enough to realize the spark that's growing between them?
The Island of Forgotten Gods
by Victor PiñeiroFrom the author of Time Villains comes a new fantastical adventure about family, tradition, and seeing things for what they truly are.Nico wants to be a famous film director. He's pretty sure if he can make the right movie, and soon, his life will completely change. The catch? His parents are sending him to Puerto Rico for the summer to stay with his iconic, but old-school, Abuela Luciana, and his awesome, but unpredictable cousins. Still, the show must go on.Until Nico and his cousins awaken a monster. A monster that looks an awful lot like the infamous Chupacabra. And it turns out this isn't a chance encounter. The creature begins stalking them all over Puerto Rico, turning up on every dark corner, sandy beach, and moonlit night. To make matters worse, a shadowy cult enters the chase, intent on capturing them before the Chupacabra can.Soon they are thrown into an adventure that brings them face-to-face with the ancient Taino people, even more ancient Taino gods, and the mysterious Chupacabra, who is somehow linked to everything. Nico keeps his camera rolling, hoping the epic documentary will catapult him to stardom. But in the end, it's the island's fate that hangs in the balance, as they face down the very gods that created Puerto Rico.
Inspiring Others (Young Changemakers)
by Stacy C BauerYoung Changemakers is an inspirational series all about real kids from around the globe doing extraordinary things to make a difference in their communities and the world!Inspiring Others is filled with stories of young people who saw a need for change and were inspired to BE the change. After finding something they are passionate about, they took action. From protecting endangered animals to collecting gifts for kids in hospitals, these kids will inspire you to make a difference too!
Making a Difference (Young Changemakers)
by Stacy C BauerYoung Changemakers is an inspirational series all about real kids from around the globe doing extraordinary things to make a difference in their communities and the world!Making a Difference is filled with stories of kids who are making the world a better place by following their hearts and chasing their dreams. Whether planting a billion trees, bringing joy to others through music, fundraising for sick children or starting an inclusive dance team, these determined youth are using their talents to do amazing things!
The Story of Olivia Rodrigo: An Inspiring Biography for Young Readers (The Story of Biographies)
by Stacia DeutschDiscover the life of Olivia Rodrigo—A story about becoming who you want to be for kids ages 6 to 9Olivia Rodrigo is an award-winning singer and songwriter who has sold out stadiums around the world! Before she became a pop star, she was a little girl who loved listening to music with her parents and wanted to be an actress. Explore how Olivia Rodrigo went from making her own music videos at home to being a famous singer, songwriter, and entertainer.Independent reading—This Olivia Rodrigo biography for kids is broken down into short chapters and simple language so young readers 6 to 9 can learn on their own.Critical thinking—Kids will learn the Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How of Olivia's life, and find definitions of new words, discussion questions, and more.A lasting legacy—Find out how Olivia's family, her love of music, and her willingness to learn new things helped her write songs that lots of people love and relate to.How will her confidence inspire you?Discover activists, artists, athletes, and more from across history with the rest of The Story Of series, including famous figures like: Taylor Swift, Selena Quintanilla, Simone Biles, Frida Kahlo, and Ella Fitzgerald.
Death in the Dark
by Bryce MooreWhen multiple women are found murdered in their London homes during World War II, seventeen-year-old Mary Churchill vows to uncover the identity of the Blackout Ripper, even if it puts her own life at risk. From the author of The Perfect Place to Die, Don't Go to Sleep, and A Family of Killers comes another chilling historical mystery.Seventeen-year-old Mary Churchill feels helpless as London is ravaged by air raids and mandatory blackouts during the seemingly endless war. On a rare night out, she connects with a stranger named Evelyn and, after becoming fast friends, makes plans to meet her again the next day. Except Evelyn never shows up. When Mary searches for her, she finds her new friend brutally murdered.Horrified, Mary goes to the police. But there's a war happening, and they don't have enough resources to dedicate themselves to the crime. So, Mary takes it upon herself to investigate. And as she gets further into the case, she discovers more shocking murders. All women, all strangled and mutilated…all connected.If Mary doesn't figure out who is killing these women, she could be next.Against the backdrop of bombings, Mary searches London for any clues as to who this serial murderer could be and finds herself in a game of cat and mouse with the Blackout Ripper. If only one of them can make it out alive, does Mary have what it takes to make sure it's her?
Compassionate Kids (Young Changemakers)
by Stacy C BauerYoung Changemakers is an inspirational series all about real kids from around the globe doing extraordinary things to make a difference in their communities and the world!In Compassionate Kids, you'll meet selfless and generous kids who put others first. They show kindness by collecting pajamas for kids in need, fighting for education equality, and much more! Enthusiastic and ambitious, these kids show that compassionate actions have the power to change the world.
Teach Like an Ally: An Educator's Guide to Nurturing LGBTQ+ Students
by Flint Del SolAnswers to all your burning questions and practical advice for helping LGBTQ+ students thrive In Teach Like an Ally: An Educator's Guide to Nurturing LGBTQ+ Students, veteran classroom teacher and celebrated transgender advocate Flint Del Sol weaves humor, storytelling, and expertise into a hands-on guide for educator-allies. Del Sol offers actionable strategies that you can implement in classrooms right away. He also tackles the complex questions teachers face: What should you do when a student asks for one name in the classroom, but another at home? Or when you're sure a student is trans, but they haven't said anything to you? How do you know your bathroom pass policy isn't hurting your most vulnerable students? What do you do when your values are at odds with school policy? Building a positive school climate doesn't have to be intimidating. In Teach Like an Ally, you'll learn how educators can support each other and how we can all give LGBTQ+ students the best possible chance to flourish. Get candid answers to difficult questions about LGBTQ+ students in the classroom Become a stronger ally by understanding what LGBTQ+ students go through in secondary school settings Learn the research-backed practices you can implement to make your classroom a safe space for all Support all students in developing compassion and understanding for one another This pragmatic book is for teachers, administrators, families, and anyone committed to the wellbeing of LGBTQ+ students in secondary classrooms.
Listening to Parents: An Approach to the Improvement of Home/School Relations (Routledge Library Editions: Home and School)
by John Bastiani Janet AtkinIn the late 1980s positive interaction between home and school in education was receiving attention from politicians, parents and teachers. It was thought that by listening to parents, teachers might gain insight into the ways in which they could work more effectively with children and their families.Originally published in 1988, this book was of great practical value. It draws upon the authors’ work over the previous decade to explore the links between listening to the parental perspective on a child’s schooling and the development of more effective home/school practice. It describes the scene at the time, the philosophy and method for effective listening, the development of familiarity and understanding with parents, strategies for encouraging a home/school programme and the development of effective practice. Included are accounts by parents with widely differing backgrounds and experiences on their role as educators and their dealings with their children’s schools. The book concludes with a discussion of the important issues in home/school interaction and identification of the areas where further development is needed. Still relevant today, this book can be read in its historical context.
Children and Parents Enjoying Reading: Parents and the Literacy Hour: A Teacher's Guide (Routledge Library Editions: Home and School)
by Peter Branston Mark ProvisWith the introduction of the Literacy Hour in 1998, the case for harnessing parental involvement in promoting children’s literacy was stronger than ever. Originally published in 1999, this book offered a detailed and practical approach, based on three key concepts: keeping the child in the driving seat, continuing support from the school to the parents and daily reading at home. It is presented in an accessible manner and offers practical advice to teachers in running and evaluating a scheme. It also gives parents a chance to think about the nature of their involvement at word, sentence and text levels, introducing them to the framework of the National Literacy Strategy.Good reading skills are essential for access to the wider curriculum, yet above all, reading is fun. This book helped teachers, parents and children to work together to make reading at home more enjoyable. It was also to help ensure that children achieved the standards of literacy expected for their age by 2002. Today it can still be used to help children learn to read.
Parents and Teachers: Partners or Rivals? (Routledge Library Editions: Home and School)
by Lawrence GreenOriginally published in 1968, this book was for every parent who had ever wondered ‘What goes on in my child’s school – whom do I ask, what do I ask, and dare I ask?’; and for every teacher who had ever thought, ‘How can I get closer to parents and enlist their aid in what I am trying to teach?’ At the time Lawrence Green was a junior-school head teacher with long experience in the ‘deprived’ areas of a large city – and had two children at school. His articles on parent-teacher cooperation in the magazine ‘Where?’ aroused very wide interest and led to reviews in the national press and appearances on the BBC and ITV. Requests for details of his two-way reports – in which parents were invited to give the school a picture of the child at home – were received from all over the world.This is a practical and deeply-felt book, a living illustration of the kind of cooperation which could make the Plowden Report a reality. It deals frankly with the difficulties of starting and maintaining links between home and school, but describes the kind of success which could be achieved. The intention was that it should be read by all who cared about education and wanted to cross the line which too often separated parent and teacher at the time. Today it can be read in its historical context.
Functionalized Materials Applications in Biomedicine
by Petrica Vizureanu Andrei Victor Sandu Seiji Yamaguchi Madalina Simona Baltatu Gültekin Göller Camilo Zamora-Ledezma Iulian-Vasile AntoniacThis book offers an in-depth exploration of biomaterials with a primary focus on recent developments. It begins by providing a comprehensive background on the basic principles of biomaterials, followed by the synthesis, properties, and performance of various biomaterials. Subsequent chapters discuss topics such as biocompatibility, the interaction of biomaterials with the human body, and the role of biomaterials in regenerative medicine. It also addresses the technological advancements in biomaterials, novel fabrication methods, and surface modification techniques backed by case studies.Features: Presents the latest advancements in biomaterials, including novel fabrication methods, innovative materials, and groundbreaking applications in medical devices and regenerative medicine Offers a holistic view of the biomaterials field, bridging various disciplines such as biology, chemistry, materials science, and medicine Illustrates practical applications of biomaterials in tissue engineering, drug delivery systems, and medical imaging Delves into the ethical, regulatory, and commercial dimensions of biomaterials Includes detailed case studies on topics such as thermal properties, corrosion resistance, and industrial coatings This book is aimed at researchers and graduate students of bioengineering, biomaterials, and materials science.
Digital Business: Navigating the Digital Landscape and Thriving in the Digital Economy
by Patrice SeuwouThis comprehensive guide explores the fundamentals of digital business, from understanding digital business models to leveraging emerging technologies and trends.This work begins by examining the rise of digital business and the disruption it caused within traditional industries. Chapters then delve into key topics such as building a digital business strategy, designing a strong online presence, e-commerce, digital marketing, data analytics, cybersecurity and more. Written in a clear and accessible style, the author provides real-world examples to illustrate how successful companies have leveraged digital technologies to drive growth and achieve their business goals. Each chapter features case studies, learning objectives and key discussion questions to augment student learning.This new text is recommended reading for undergraduate and postgraduate students of Digital Business, Digital Marketing, and Business Analytics. It will also be valuable reading for reflective practitioners in the industry.This book is accompanied by online resources including PowerPoint slides, an instructor's manual, a test bank of questions, and worksheets for each chapter, providing instructors with the necessary tools to keep their courses up to date, engaging, and effective in preparing students for the ever-changing digital business landscape.
The CISO 3.0: A Guide to Next-Generation Cybersecurity Leadership (Security, Audit and Leadership Series)
by Walt PowellThis isn’t just a book. It is a roadmap for the next generation of cybersecurity leadership. In an era where cyber threats are more sophisticated and the stakes are higher than ever, Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) can no longer rely solely on technical expertise. They must evolve into strategic business leaders who can seamlessly integrate cybersecurity into the fabric of their organizations.This book challenges the traditional perception of CISOs as technical leaders, advocating for a strategic shift toward business alignment, quantitative risk management, and the embrace of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. It empowers CISOs to transcend their technical expertise and evolve into business-savvy leaders who are fully equipped to meet the rising expectations from boards, executives, and regulators. This book directly addresses the increasing demands from boards and regulators in the wake of recent high-profile cyber events, providing CISOs with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate this new landscape.This book isn’t just about theory but also action. It delves into the practicalities of business-aligned cybersecurity through real-life stories and illustrative examples that showcase the triumphs and tribulations of CISOs in the field. This book offers unparalleled insights gleaned from the author’s extensive experience in advising hundreds of successful programs, including in-depth discussions on risk quantification, cyber insurance strategies, and defining materiality for risks and incidents. This book fills the gap left by other resources, providing clear guidance on translating business alignment concepts into practice.If you’re a cybersecurity professional aspiring to a CISO role or an existing CISO seeking to enhance your strategic leadership skills and business acumen, this book is your roadmap. It is designed to bridge the gap between the technical and business worlds and empower you to become a strategic leader who drives value and protects your organization’s most critical assets.
Gender and Climate Change: Impacts, Science, Policy
by Joane NagelDoes gender matter in global climate change? This timely and provocative book takes readers on a guided tour of basic climate science, then holds up a gender lens to find out what has been overlooked in popular discussion, research, and policy debates. We see that, around the world, more women than men die in climate-related natural disasters; the history of science and war are intimately interwoven masculine occupations and preoccupations; and conservative men and their interests drive the climate change denial machine. We also see that climate policymakers who embrace big science approaches and solutions to climate change are predominantly male with an ideology of perpetual economic growth, and an agenda that marginalizes the interests of women and developing economies. The book uses vivid case studies to highlight the often surprising, gendered impacts of climate changes.This new edition is a thorough update that includes revised and new chapters and new material that takes account of the significant advances in climate research, environmental and social theory, and the many political and social challenges posed in the wake of US elections, Covid-19 pandemic, and rapidly changing climate and environment. The new edition also takes account of important social and cultural movements that resist challenges to women’s rights and advocate for gender, sexuality, and racial justice.This book will appeal to students, researchers, and academicians interested in environmental studies and gender studies. It also will be of interest to policymakers, activists, and others involved with environmental policy and governance.
AI-Driven Energy Centered Maintenance (River Publishers Series in Energy Management)
by Fadi AlshakhshirThis third edition provides a comprehensive update and expansion on the principles and practices of Energy-Centered Maintenance (ECM). It combines advanced concepts with actionable strategies to enhance equipment energy efficiency, reliability, and availability. By integrating cutting-edge developments in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and predictive maintenance, the book offers a modernized approach to facility management that aligns with digital transformation trends. Designed as a self-study guide and reference for energy engineers, facility managers, and maintenance professionals, this edition provides invaluable knowledge on data-driven and AI-driven maintenance strategies, energy performance optimization, and the integration of smart technologies into maintenance planning. Through practical insights, case studies, and real-world applications, it emphasizes sustainability, operational excellence, and cost-efficiency. Tailored for engineers, facility managers, students, and decision-makers, this edition equips readers with the tools and knowledge needed to implement ECM effectively in modern facilities. It bridges theoretical foundations with real-world applications, demonstrating ECM’s critical role in reducing energy consumption, enhancing equipment performance, and supporting sustainable, AI-driven facility management practices.
Understanding Power Electronics via Simulations (River Publishers Series in Power)
by S. Raghuram NaiduThis book introduces Power Electronics by emphasizing computer simulation using the Python programming language. It is primarily a senior undergraduate text but can also be used for a post-graduate course on DC-DC switch power mode converters. It is also a reference for practicing engineers.Theoretical analysis of the circuits and approximate calculations precede the simulations, and the reader is taken by hand through the numerical analysis. Finally, when the programs are presented, they are simple and easy to understand. Python is a computational language that is easy to learn and has the libraries necessary for simulations.The author has observed that students’ interest in Power Electronics is enhanced when they learn to simulate the circuits without depending on a general-purpose program. This book encourages the reader to run the programs and perform numerical experiments. Quite a few simulations in the later chapters have been left as exercises for the reader. Many feedback control issues have been extensively discussed in the chapter on non-isolated DC-DC converters.
Implement AS 9100 D/EN 9100: Quality Management Systems - Requirements for Aviation, Space and Defence Organizations (Same as EN 9100: 2016; Includes ISO 9001:2015) (River Publishers Series in Transport Technology)
by Thomas KannattumadomThis 2024 updated and revised edition of “Implement AS 9100D / EN9100:2018 for Business Excellence” is an essential guide to mastering the latest Quality Management System requirements for aviation, space, and defence.The author brings over 45 years of expertise, blending theoretical knowledge with practical experience. He delivers clear, clause-by-clause explanations of all updates and changes to both standards. Drawing from his extensive background in audit and consultation, this book features real-world examples and solutions for various challenges faced during the production and maintenance of aviation and defence products.This book is especially engaging because it focuses on practical, real-world applications. Readers will find this topic interesting as it shows how to effectively implement AS 9100D requirements and reap the benefits in their organizations. Unlike traditional courses that focus on professional development and industry recognition, this book offers a practical lens to implement AS 9100D requirements effectively. It ensures organizations optimize documentation, achieve smooth third-party audits, and secure certifications without objections. The guidance provided aids in establishing a systematic approach to continual improvement and excellence in quality management.Designed for supply chain organizations, aviation, space, and defence sector businesses, and academic institutions, this book is a valuable resource for anyone involved in quality assurance. Thomas’s insights, drawn from his rich consulting and audit experience, provide the foundation for understanding and applying these critical standards to achieve business excellence.
Beyond a Thousand Words: A Novel
by Michael RoseAs 1954 Vietnam roils from its conflict with the French interlopers, American photographer Coty Fine leaves Hanoi in a rush on the flatbed of a truck. Also on the truck is French priest Laurent Sabatier—a man who will forever change the course of Coty’s life. Decades later, Coty struggles to repair the frayed bond between Jette, her often-absent, widowed daughter, and Evelyn, her only grandchild. Evelyn, at the behest of her grandmother, travels to Vietnam to locate a nun, Sister Lan, whom Coty has never met yet has been haunted by for many years. Evelyn persuades Sister Lan to return with her to San Francisco to meet Coty even as Coty invites Matheo Aubert, a visiting priest from Gabon, to move into her home as a guest during his reluctant sabbatical. The two foreigners are central, albeit unwitting, players in Coty’s scheme to heal the rift in her family and her own wounds from the past. But if she is going to succeed in her quest, she must secure Jette’s long-withheld permission to share a revelatory photograph—one that promises to change everything with Evelyn.
The Complete Enneagram: 27 Paths to Greater Self-Knowledge
by Beatrice ChestnutThe Enneagram—a universal symbol of human purpose and possibility—is an excellent tool for doing the hardest part of consciousness work: realizing, owning, and accepting your strengths and weaknesses. In this comprehensive handbook, Beatrice Chestnut, PhD, traces the development of the personality as it relates to the nine types of the Enneagram, the three different subtype forms each type can take, and the path each of us can take toward liberation. With her guidance, readers will learn to observe themselves, face their fears and disowned Shadow aspects, and work to manifest their highest potential.
A Tight Grip: A Novel about Golf, Love Affairs, and Women of a Certain Age
by Kay Rae ChomicSome people might that, at age forty-six, Jane “Par” Parker is too old to win golf tournaments; too old to fear her mother; and too old, after twenty years, to still feel such heavy grief over the murder of her father. But Par has an obsessively tight grip on the past, and no one can tell her to live her life otherwise—not even her three best friends: Pinky, a petite, bossy 911 dispatcher, Carmen, a pot-smoking, dessert-loving masseuse-in-training, and Gail, a business professor, wife of a prison guard, and unlikely romantic. Par is busy preparing for an upcoming tournament, and things are looking good for her—right up until she has to spend a night in jail for a bogus DUI charge and ends up on the front page of her local newspaper as a result. As the week unfolds and Par comes up against one challenge after another, she’s forced to decide: either continue to cling to her memories, or seize the opportunity to evolve and let go of the past once and for all.
Lost Souls of Leningrad: A Novel
by Suzanne ParryFrom the tyranny of Stalin through the desperation of World War II, this is a story of struggle and survival, of devotion, duty, and family, and of love lost and sometimes found again. June 1941. Hitler’s armies race toward vulnerable Leningrad. In a matter of weeks, the Nazis surround the city, cut off the food supply, and launch a vicious bombardment. Widowed violinist Sofya Karavayeva and her teenage granddaughter, Yelena, are cornered in the crumbling city. On Leningrad’s outskirts, Admiral Vasili Antonov defends his homeland and fights for a future with Sofya. Meanwhile, Yelena’s soldier fiancé transports food across the Ice Road—part of the desperate effort to save Leningrad. With their help, the two women inch toward survival, but the war still exacts a steep personal price, even as Sofya’s reckoning with a family secret threatens to finish what Hitler started.Equal parts war epic, family saga, and love story, Lost Souls of Leningrad brings to vivid life this little-known chapter of World War II in a tale of two remarkable women—grandmother and granddaughter—separated by years and experience but of one heart in their devotion to each other and the men they love. Neither the oppression of Stalin nor the brutality of Hitler can destroy their courage, compassion, or will in this testament to resilience.
The Swindlers
by D. W. BuffaA Fatal Triangle of Deception… They had everything—wealth, fame, power. But for some, enough is never enough. When billionaire financier Nelson St. James is found murdered on his private yacht, the world is stunned. The prime suspect? His glamorous young wife, Danielle—once the face of every major fashion magazine, now the centerpiece of a scandal that has rocked the elite. High-profile defense attorney Andrew Morrison agrees to take her case—but only after Danielle reminds him of secrets they once shared. Dark secrets. Dangerous ones. Danielle's story is compelling. Then it changes. And changes again. With each twist, Morrison is pulled deeper into a tangled web of lies, desire, and betrayal. Is Danielle a clever manipulator or a woman wronged? And what does Morrison stand to lose if the truth ever comes out? As the trial hurtles toward a shocking verdict, Morrison must confront not only the mystery of what happened that night—but the darker truths he's buried within himself.Three people. One murder. No one telling the whole truth.The Swindlers is a taut psychological thriller where no one escapes clean—and nothing is what it seems.
The Wild Duck Chase: Inside the Strange and Wonderful World of the Federal Duck Stamp Contest
by Martin J. SmithCompetitive duck painting &“borders on . . . obsession,&” making this book about the Federal Duck Stamp Contest &“a surprisingly compelling read&” (Los Angeles Times). The basis for the documentary film, The Million Dollar Duck, Martin J. Smith&’s The Wild Duck Chase reveals the peculiar world of the only juried art competition run by the US government. Hatched during the Great Depression, the Federal Duck Stamp Program requires hunters to buy stamps to validate a hunting license, with proceeds going toward wetland conservation. Though the first stamps were designed by noted wildlife artists, a contest for new illustrators opened to the public in 1949. Over the years, the competition has attracted artists from across the nation and the stamp has generated more than $1 billion to purchase or lease more than 6 million acres of waterfowl habitat in the United States. Smith takes readers behind the scenes of the contest to discover personalities like the Hautman brothers of Minnesota, painters with a success record that rivals that of the New York Yankees. Smith additionally probes the intense debate between rural hunters and the urban conservationists who condemn shooting wildlife for sport. There&’s also the high-stakes drama between the artists competing and the judges who decide which work will be awarded the honor of appearing on the coveted, collectible stamp. A front row seat to an arcane realm where talent, environmental activism, and migratory waterfowl come together to create big money and not a few controversies, The Wild Duck Chase gives this fascinating, little-known piece of Americana its due. &“Smartly written, wonderful. . . . Highly recommended!&” ―Douglas Brinkley, author of Wilderness Warrior: Theodore Roosevelt and the Crusade for America