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Cosmosapiens: Human Evolution from the Origin of the Universe
by John Hands&“A critical overview of scientific orthodoxy in an attempt to answer the fundamental questions &“what are we?&” and &“why are we here?&” (Kirkus Reviews). Specialist scientific fields are developing at incredibly swift speeds, but what can they really tell us about how the universe began and how we as humans evolved to play such a dominant role on Earth? John Hands&’s extraordinarily ambitious book merges scientific knowledge from multiple disciplines and evaluates without bias or preconception all the theories and evidence about the origin and evolution of matter, consciousness, and mankind. The result, a &“pearl of dialectical reasoning&” (Publishers Weekly, starred review), provides the most comprehensive account yet of current ideas such as cosmic inflation, dark energy, the selfish gene, and neurogenetic determinism. In the clearest possible prose, it differentiates the firmly established from the speculative and examines the claims of various fields to approach a unified theory of everything. In doing so it challenges the orthodox consensus in those branches of cosmology, biology, and neuroscience that have ossified into dogma. Its &“shocking and invigorating&” analysis (Daily Telegraph, A Best Science Book of 2015) reveals underlying patterns of cooperation, complexification, and convergence that lead to the unique emergence in humans of a self-reflective consciousness that enables us to determine our future evolution. This groundbreaking book is destined to become a classic of scientific thinking.Praise for Cosmosapiens &“This is a truly exceptional piece of work.&” —Tim Crane, Knightsbridge Professor of Philosophy, The University of Cambridge &“A game-changer. In the tradition of Thomas Kuhn&’s The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, this lucidly written, penetrating analysis challenges us to rethink many things we take for granted about ourselves, our society, and our universe. It will become a classic.&” —Peter Dreier, E P Clapp Distinguished Professor of Politics, Occidental College &“Hands is an astute observer of recent trends in scientific ideas bold enough to point out what he sees as sense and nonsense and intelligently explain why. Even in cases where one might disagree, the arguments are thought-provoking.&” —Paul Steinhardt, Albert Einstein Professor in Science, Princeton University
Words Whispered in Water: Why the Levees Broke in Hurricane Katrina
by Sandy Rosenthal&“Anyone who is interested in Hurricane Katrina, and in America&’s failing infrastructure, will want to read this book . . . a fast-paced narrative.&” —Scott G. Knowles, Drexel University2020 Nautilus Silver Winner In the aftermath of one of the worst disasters in US history, Words Whispered in Water tells the story of one woman&’s fight, against all odds, to expose a mammoth federal agency—and win. In 2005, the entire world watched as a major US city was nearly wiped off the map. The levees ruptured and New Orleans drowned. But while newscasters attributed the New Orleans flood to &“natural catastrophes&” and other types of disasters, citizen investigator Sandy Rosenthal set out to expose the true culprit and compel the media and government to tell the truth. This is her story. When the protective steel flood-walls broke, the Army Corps of Engineers—with cooperation from big media—turned the blame elsewhere. In the chaotic aftermath, Rosenthal heroically exposes the federal agency&’s egregious design errors and changes the narrative surrounding the New Orleans flood. This engaging and revealing tale of man versus nature and man versus man is a horror story, a mystery, and David and Goliath story all in one. &“Reveals what it takes to hold the powerful to account.&” —Publishers Weekly &“There are only a few civilians that fight like real warriors. Sandy Rosenthal is one of them.&” —Russel L. Honoré, Lieutenant General, United States Army (Ret.)
Slay Ride
by Dick FrancisFrom a New York Times–bestselling &“master of crime fiction and equine thrills,&” a private eye investigates the suspicious death of a horseman (Newsday). Dick Francis, Edgar Award–winning master of mystery and suspense, takes you into the thrilling world of horse racing. Champion jockey Robert Sherman has disappeared right before his wife was about to give birth. And right before he was sure to win the National. A coincidence? British investigator David Cleveland doesn&’t think so. He&’s convinced someone made Sherman disappear, but with every answer David gets, the body count rises. And if he isn&’t careful, the next body might just be his own . . .Praise for the writing of Dick Francis: &“Dick Francis is a wonder.&” —The Plain Dealer &“Few things are more convincing than Dick Francis at a full gallop.&” —Chicago Tribune &“Few match Francis for dangerous flights of fancy and pure inventive menace.&” —Boston Herald &“[Francis] has the uncanny ability to turn out simply plotted yet charmingly addictive mysteries.&” —The Wall Street Journal &“Francis is a genius.&” —Los Angeles Times &“Nobody executes the whodunit formula better.&” —Chicago Sun-Times &“A rare and magical talent . . . who never writes the same story twice.&” —The San Diego Union-Tribune
Staying Alive (Rosie Ewing Spy Thrillers)
by Alexander FullertonA riveting prequel to the WWII espionage series featuring British agent Rosie Ewing, in this &“meticulously researched war novel&” (Len Deighton). Late autumn, 1942: A group codenamed Countryman are briefed by London to get a certain German out of Vichy&’s hands. What they don&’t know is that they are being sold out to the Gestapo. Of course, they are constantly aware of betrayal as a looming danger. All too many SOE networks have been blown, with agents disappearing into the Gestapo cellars and extermination camps: the dread every agent lives with every minute of every day. In amongst them is Rosie Ewing, about to start a series of extraordinary life-or-death adventures . . .Praise for the writing of Alexander Fullerton: &“The research is unimpeachable.&” —The Sunday Times &“The tension rarely slackens and the setting is completely convincing.&” —The Times Literary Supplement
Mannahatta: A Natural History of New York City
by Eric W. SandersonWhat did New York look like four centuries ago? An extraordinary reconstruction of a wild island from the forests of Times Square to the wetlands downtown. Named a Best Book of the Year by Library Journal, New York Magazine, and San Francisco Chronicle On September 12, 1609, Henry Hudson first set foot on the land that would become Manhattan. Today, it&’s difficult to imagine what he saw, but for more than a decade, landscape ecologist Eric Sanderson has been working to do just that. Mannahatta: A Natural History of New York City is the astounding result of those efforts, reconstructing in words and images the wild island that millions now call home. By geographically matching an eighteenth-century map with one of the modern city, examining volumes of historic documents, and collecting and analyzing scientific data, Sanderson re-creates topography, flora, and fauna from a time when actual wolves prowled far beyond Wall Street and the degree of biological diversity rivaled that of our most famous national parks. His lively text guides you through this abundant landscape—while breathtaking illustrations transport you back in time. Mannahatta is a groundbreaking work that provides not only a window into the past, but also inspiration for the future. &“[A] wise and beautiful book, sure to enthrall anyone interested in NYC history.&” —Publishers Weekly (starred review) &“A cartographical detective tale . . . The fact-intense charts, maps and tables offered in abundance here are fascinating.&” —The New York Times &“[An] exuberantly written and beautifully illustrated exploration of pre-European Gotham.&” —San Francisco Chronicle &“You don&’t have to be a New Yorker to be enthralled.&” —Library Journal
The Flippin' Awesome Backyard Griddle Cookbook: Tasty Recipes, Pro Tips and Bold Ideas for Outdoor Flat Top Grillin'
by Paul SidoriakOver fifty recipes, color photos, and pro tips—because nothing’s more fun than grillin’ up a mess of delicious eats in your own backyard.With the tips, techniques and recipes in this book, you can re-create the authentic restaurant-quality experiences of a classic diner or old-fashioned burger joint outdoors—in no time. Featuring color photos and clear step-by-step instructions, this book will have you quickly and easily cooking everyone’s favorite dishes like a pro, including: • Diner-Style Omelet • Buttermilk Pancakes • Smashed Burger • Cheesesteak Hoagie • Chicken Fajita Sandwich • Green Chile Turkey Melt • Bacon-Jalapeno–Wrapped Corn • Scallops with Asparagus • Asian-Seared Salmon • Grilled Pineapple with Ice Cream • and more!
The Great Book of French Cuisine
by Henri-Paul PellapratThoroughly updated by James Beard Award-winning chef Jeremiah Tower, this is the Le Cordon Bleu founder’s classic cookbook and guide to French cuisine. In the nineteenth century, Henri-Paul Pellaprat founded Le Cordon Bleu. In the twentieth century, his landmark cookbook, L’Art Culinaire Moderne, wastranslated into English and acclaimed as the most comprehensive and authoritative book on French cooking and gastronomy ever written. This complete revision and updating by James Beard Award-winning chef Jeremiah Tower is a reference cookbook that continues to shape great chefs and great cooking in the twenty-first century. Pellaprat was the first chef to give the vast subject of French cuisine a logical and comprehensive underpinning by offering a complete education in the four basic subdivisions of French cooking, la haute cuisine, la cuisine bourgeoise, la cuisine régionale, and la cuisine impromptue, the inspired cooking that creates memorable dishes with easily available ingredients. Included are 2,000 recipes covering every aspect of gastronomy from sauces, soups, fish, grillades, and salads, to soufflés, cakes, and traditional French desserts. This new edition includes more than 600 easy-to-follow techniques and timesaving tips, and a complete lexicon of French cooking terms. Unparalleled in its scope and the authenticity of its information, The Great Book of French Cuisine remains a definitive work, the perfect reference for both amateurs and professional chefs, to be treasured and consulted throughout a lifetime of cooking.
The Secret History of the World
by Mark BoothThis New York Times bestselling work reimagines world history though the belief systems of Freemasons, Rosicrucians, Kabbalists, and others.They say that history is written by the victors. But what if history as we know it written by the wrong people? What if everything we’ve been told is only part of the story? In this groundbreaking and controversial work, Mark Booth embarks on an enthralling tour of our world’s secret histories. Booth starts from a dangerous premise: That the stories put forward by the world’s various cults and mystical traditions are true. From there he relates a deeply provocative alternate history of the past 3,000 years. From Greek and Egyptian mythology to Jewish folklore, from Christian cults to Freemasons, from Charlemagne to Don Quixote, from George Washington to Hitler—Booth shows that history needs a revolutionary rethink, and he has 3,000 years of hidden wisdom to back it up.
In Due Season: A Catholic Life
by Paul WilkesThe noted author recounts the struggles and triumphs of his search for spiritual meaning in this &“exquisite memoir that often reads like a novel&” (Publisher&’s Weekly). Acclaimed for his writings on religious belief and spirituality, Paul Wilkes now recounts his lifelong search for God. Starting with his working class upbringing in Cleveland, his story continues through lonely nights in a factory; working his way through college; a surprising confrontation during the Cuban Missile Crisis; a torrid romance on the Indian Ocean; acceptance into an Ivy League school; and entering the &“perfect&” marriage, which would eventually fail. A man who seemingly had everything, Wilkes gave it all up to live with the poor. Then, in a dizzying turnabout, he became a person he could hardly recognize—a celebrity author. Spending his summers in the Hamptons, he knew Andy Warhol, Truman Capote, and Kurt Vonnegut, but not himself. He sat at the feet of the Dalai Lama. He was an avowed hedonist. He lived as a hermit at a Trappist monastery. He found true love and ran from it. He was a true son of the Church and a sinner beyond anything he might have imagined. In Due Season is Paul Wilkes's candid and probing memoir of seeking and getting lost, of abysmal failure and ultimate triumph, with a faith in God battered and tried in the crucible of his life.
Return to the Olive Farm (The Olive Farm Series)
by Carol DrinkwaterAt a small farm in Provence, a woman tries to do her part to save the bees—and the planet—in this stirring, entertaining memoir. After a long research trip, Carol Drinkwater is back home with her husband, Michel, on their olive farm in the south of France. She&’s overjoyed, but also has something serious on her mind: the ecological threats to their own farm—and countless others. The die-off of honey bees has reached crisis levels globally, and Carol is concerned about the state of their hives. Some farmers and scientists believe urgent change is needed to address agricultural techniques that are destroying the planet. But when Carol joins their chorus, it may put their beloved farm in jeopardy. It&’s time for a true commitment—but running an organic farm, the couple soon discovers, is not as simple as it sounds . . .Praise for the Olive Farm series &“Vibrant, intoxicating and heartwarming.&” —Sunday Express &“Spellbinding . . . a must for anyone who dreams of moving to a kinder climate and starting a new life.&” —Choice
The Invisible Host: A Golden Age Mystery
by Gwen Bristow Bruce ManningGuests at a New Orleans party face a mysterious and deadly host in the widely suspected inspiration for Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None.When eight guests arrive for a party at a luxurious New Orleans penthouse, their unknown host is nowhere to be found. Then, speaking to them through radio broadcast, he informs them of the evening’s chilling theme: every hour, one of them will die. As the host’s prophecy comes horribly true, the dwindling band of survivors grows desperate to escape their fate. To discover their tormentor’s identity, they must each reveal their darkest secrets and find the common thread—but confessions may not be enough when they realize that one of them may be the killer.First published in 1930, this classic mystery was adapted into the Hollywood film, The Ninth Guest. It bears a striking resemblance to Agatha Christie’s bestseller And Then There Were None—which appeared nearly a decade later.
Sugar-Free Gluten-Free Baking and Desserts: Recipes for Healthy and Delicious Cookies, Cakes, Muffins, Scones, Pies, Puddings, Breads and Pizzas
by Kelly E. KeoughHave your cake and eat healthy too with this collection of easy and tasty recipes that are gluten-free, sugar-free, and guilt-free. Standard baked goods come with a hefty price on your health—weight gain, cholesterol, and diabetes, as well as allergies for many people. Sugar-Free Gluten-Free Baking and Desserts shows how to bring taboo treats back to the baking sheet with mouth-watering recipes that transform diet-busting favorites into guilt-free wonders. Following a wholesome approach that avoids quick-metabolizing ingredients, this book presents recipes for delicious desserts and breads that are as satisfying as they are good for the body. Discover the easy and tasty way to bake with healthy alternatives: • Replace wheat with arrowroot, buckwheat, or quinoa flour • Eliminate sugar by sweetening with agave, yacón, or steviaSugar-Free Gluten-Free Baking and Desserts offers over ninety delicious and nutritious recipes for:• Cinnamon Rolls • Chocolate Chip Cookies • Old-Fashioned Raspberry Thumbprints • Almond Joy Truffles • Carob Chip Scones • Mexican Wedding Cakes • Corn Bread • Peanut Butter Waffles • Zucchini Bread • Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie• Fudge Brownies
The Little Women Cookbook: Novel Takes on Classic Recipes from Meg, Jo, Beth, Amy and Friends
by Jenne Bergstrom Miko OsadaEnjoy this collection of recipes for lunches, desserts, Christmas breakfasts, and more, inspired by the classic novel and Victorian-era cookbooks. You already adore Little Women and the story of four sisters who, with little means, find their own paths through life in a tale full of laughter, love, loss, and family. Now experience Louisa May Alcott&’s classic novel in an entirely new and delightful way—as a cookbook. Step back through time, imagine yourself at the March family table with your favorite characters, and whip up recipes like: · Meg&’s Plummy Wedding-Cake · Jo&’s Molasses Candy Fit to Eat · Beth&’s Toast for Tea · Amy&’s Lovely Pickled Limes · Laurie&’s Distracting French Bonbons · Hannah&’s Good Family Bread · And more Adapted from vintage Victorian-era cookbooks for the modern chef, these delicious dishes are paired with timeless illustrations, favorite passages, and historical trivia provided by the authors, founders of the literary food blog 36 Eggs.&“A joy to simply browse through and ideal for planning truly memorable meals with, the Little Women Cookbook is an engagingly unique and unreservedly recommended addition to . . . cookbook collections.&” —Midwest Book Review &“Obsessed with Louisa May Alcott's book Little Women and the sweet bond between the March sisters? Now you can feel like part of the family with The Little Women Cookbook.&” —Popsugar
The House on the Edge of the Cliff: A Novel
by Carol DrinkwaterA woman&’s peaceful life in a clifftop French villa is threatened by the past: &“Threaded with mystery and menace . . . the story kept me gripped.&” —Dinah Jefferies, bestselling author As an adventurous teenager, Grace came to France amid the student protests and upheavals of 1968—and became involved in relationships with two men, one tempestuous, the other gentle and supportive. But the romantic triangle came to an end when one of the men died by drowning. Decades later, Grace remains in her adopted country, living happily with her husband, Peter, in a beautiful, secluded home in Provence. Her sole focus is keeping Peter&’s stress to a minimum while he awaits his upcoming heart surgery. But after all these years, Grace is confronted by a visitor she never expected to see—and must keep her escalating fear hidden from her ailing husband, in this epic, time-spanning story of love and betrayal from the bestselling author. &“A beautifully woven and compelling tale of passion, love and intrigue.&” —Rowan Coleman, author of We Are All Made of Stars &“Carol Drinkwater's writing is like taking an amazing holiday in book form.&” —Jenny Colgan, New York Times–bestselling author &“Given extra resonance by the beautifully drawn French landscape. Emotional and tenderly written.&” —Elizabeth Buchan, author of Consider the Lily
God on Your Own: Finding A Spiritual Path Outside Religion
by Joseph DispenzaIn this spiritual self-help memoir, a former Roman Catholic monk recounts his journey away from religion toward his own personal spirituality. After spending eight years in a monastery, Joseph Dispenza walked away from his life as a monk—and the religion of his youth—in search of a different kind of spiritual path. Outside the confines of organized religion, Dispenza was able to create a spiritual life that gives direction and meaning to all he does and all he is. God on Your Own is a book for anyone who has left (or is thinking of leaving) organized religion but wants to continue on a spiritual path. Dispenza, a noted author and retreat leader, provides a spiritual road map for those who want to make the transition from conventional religion toward a richer and more satisfying direct relationship with the Source, without rules, dogmas, or doctrines. Throughout the book, Dispenza offers wise, compassionate guidance, speaking as one seeker to another. He has made this journey himself, gleaning spiritual truth from across traditions and practices.
The Widowmaker Series Volume Two: The Widowmaker Unleashed * A Gathering of Widowmakers (The Widowmaker Series)
by Mike ResnickRetirement is a dangerous game for a cloned bounty hunter, in the third and fourth books in the series featuring Jefferson Nighthawk. There&’s no rest for the lethal—no matter what version—in the science fiction adventure series that proves &“nobody spins a yarn better than Mike Resnick&” (Orson Scott Card, New York Times–bestselling author of Ender&’s Game). The Widowmaker Unleashed After more than a century in deep freeze, Jefferson Nighthawk is waking up from his sleep, finally cured of the disease that almost killed him. The sixty-two-year-old wants to settle down—easier said than done when the enemies of his clones still have scores to settle . . . A Gathering of Widowmakers He may be retired from bounty hunting, but Nighthawk is still one of the three most dangerous men alive. The other two? His clones. But when the youngest one makes a nearly fatal mistake, he&’ll have to learn to match wits with both of the killers who came before him. Praise for Mike Resnick &“Resnick is thought-provoking, imaginative . . . and above all galactically grand.&” —Los Angeles Times
The Summer Fields
by L. P. FergussonAmid war and an epidemic, a Welsh dairy maid fears the pain of loss may be the price of love, in this &“unique historical romance&”(Historical Novels Review). At the dawn of the eighteenth century, smallpox is ravaging England, but dairy maid Elen Griffiths is blessed with immunity. After she&’s sent away to Duntisbourne Hall to nurse the ailing Viscount Mordiford, though, the blessing feels like a curse. There, Elen finds a horribly afflicted patient, but she also discovers a friend in a charming valet. However, before long, sinister forces threaten Elen&’s life and honor. After she&’s rescued by the man she&’s grown to love, she flees the country with the English army, not knowing if her affections are returned. Across the Channel, Elen finds purpose serving as a nurse during the Duke of Marlborough&’s campaign. Surrounded by the horror and confusion of the brutal war against the French, Elen is reunited with her love on the eve of the Battle of Blenheim—and learns that his feelings mirror her own. But as the bloody conflict rages and a dangerous figure from Elen&’s past returns, a moment of joy may be all they ever know . . . From the author of A Dangerous Act of Kindness, this is &“a gloriously original tale, based on historical truth&” (James Hawes).
Random Acts of Kindness: 365 Days of Good Deeds, Inspired Ideas and Acts of Goodness
by Brenda Knight Becca AndersonGreat ideas on how to improve the world all year long, from simple acts you can do for yourself to big things you can do for your community, and more.In 1995, a small group of people at Conari Press came together around the idea that small gestures and simple acts can make a difference in people's lives. Thus, Random Acts of Kindness was born. But they had no idea how big this little idea would become, or that it would sell over one million copies.This good-humored guide to being the change you want to see in the world is filled with suggestions for making a real difference, in ways both large and small. From improving someone’s life with just one penny to ensuring all children are well fed, the day-by-day positive proposals of Random Acts of Kindness combine inspiration with action. Despite the hurly-burly of our busy lives, we can all make a beneficial impact on the environment, throughout out local community, and within our own hearts. This book of inspired ideas and good deeds conveys how the power of one?that is, you?can make a better world starting today!This little book shows how to start?with the small, with the particular, with the individual?in order to make a difference in the world.Random Acts of Kindness features:True stories about acts of kindness and generosity of spiritSuggestions for living more compassionatelyInspirational quotes to get you startedCelebrate National Random Acts of Kindness Week in February. Perform deeds of compassion and consideration toward others.
Tomorrow the World
by Josephine CoxIn this nineteenth-century historical saga from a &“born storyteller,&” a married woman becomes pregnant during a passionate night with her first love(Times & Citizen). Bridget Mulligan loves her husband. He is caring, loyal and dependable – everything a woman could ask for. But she can&’t quite forget Harry—the one who got away – and when a snowstorm drives her into his arms, she cannot deny her feelings. Overcome with remorse, Bridget is determined that her husband should know the truth, but her confession leads to inevitable heartbreak. Although he allows his wife and her child to continue living in his home, Tom Mulligan makes it clear their marriage is over. Lonely and afraid, Bridget finds comfort in the friendship of Fanny, a feisty young mother who knows what it is to be alone. But Bridget&’s life can never be complete until she has the love of the only man she ever really wanted . . . A compelling family saga of love, betrayal and second chance romance, perfect for fans of Katie Flynn, Rosie Goodwin and Cathy Sharp.
Types of Thinking Including a Survey of Greek Philosophy
by John DeweyA lost series of lectures on the history of philosophy, first delivered in China, now available in English for the first time.This volume reconstructs a series of lectures delivered by John Dewey during his historic trip to China. Though Dewey&’s original notes were lost, Prof. Robert W. Clopton and Dr. Tsuin-Chen Ou were able to translate his works as they appeared in Chinese newspapers.Beyond their historical significance, these lectures show Dewey at the height of his power, discussing and criticizing various schools of philosophy. This includes a brief but comprehensive account of Greek philosophy from the pre-Socratics through Aristotle. Dewey also discusses his own experimental thinking, presenting his position in systematic form for the first time. &“The most complete presentation of Dewey&’s theory of the development of philosophy, in prose simpler and clearer than he himself ever provided . . . Types of Thinking deserves a place in every subject collection.&” —Library Journal
The Olive Farm: A Memoir of Life, Love, and Olive Oil in the South of France (The Olive Farm Series)
by Carol DrinkwaterThis memoir of buying and transforming an abandoned olive farm &“describes life in the South of France with lush, voluptuous appreciation&” (Publishers Weekly). Presented with an opportunity to purchase a ten-acre property near Cannes, actress Carol Drinkwater and her film-producer fiancé, Michel, decide to take the plunge. It will take all their savings just for the down payment, but the beauty of the surrounding countryside and the promise of a new adventure seem worth the risk. As they work to clear the weeds and rehabilitate the abandoned farm, they meet Provence&’s quirky locals, puzzle through France&’s legal bureaucracy, explore the nearby Mediterranean islands, and encounter the region&’s wildlife. This colorful memoir from the Sunday Times–bestselling author recounts one couple&’s remarkable journey from being inspired but inexperienced new landowners to realizing their dream of a fulfilling, peaceful life on their own little plot of paradise. &“Good-humored and well-written.&” —The Washington Post &“A fantasy come true, as it will be for many of the readers who yearn to experience the magic of southern France.&” —The Austin Chronicle
The Happy Empath's Little Book of Affirmations: Mindful Mantras for Daily Self-Care
by Stephanie JamesonProtect yourself against negative energy, soothe anxious thoughts, and empower your inner empath with these thoughtful quotes and inspiring affirmations. Taking on the emotions of others in addition to your own can be a challenge. Surviving and thriving as an empath requires reflection, meditation, and daily self-care. With The Happy Empath&’s Little Book of Affirmations, now you can take a little piece of positivity with you wherever you go. Written by a fellow empath and intuitive healer, this volume offers short, simple mantras you can use in any situation to reset and refocus your mindset, including messages like: · It all starts with my heart. · My intuition is for trusting, not rationalizing. · I am strong, I am capable, I am worthy. · I have always felt different, because I am. · I honor my blueprint within.
The Booklovers' Guide to Wine: An Introduction to the History, Mysteries and Literary Pleasures of Drinking Wine
by Patrick AlexanderA delightfully informative guide to two of the world&’s most rewarding pleasures—fine wine and great literature—that make for an irresistible pairing. Nothing in the world is more satisfying to the soul than a glass of excellent cabernet sauvignon, pinot grigio, bordeaux, or any number of fine varietals—unless it&’s curling up by the fire with a truly exceptional novel, history, or collection of short fiction. Now Patrick Alexander, wine aficionado and author of The Illustrated Proust, combines these unparalleled pleasures in a unique guidebook to delight connoisseurs of both Gatsby and the grape. In The Booklovers&’ Guide to Wine, Alexander shares his passion for the culture and history of wine and his love of great authors and their enduring works. Eschewing the traditional pairings of food and drink, he explores instead the most pleasing combinations of reds, whites, and rosés with their most compatible writers—be it Shakespeare with sherry, Jane Austin with chardonnay, or J.R.R. Tolkien with albariño. In addition, he examines the most interesting and thought-provoking wine references in literature while providing an intriguing history of the beloved beverage from biblical times to the latest trends. Chock-full of intriguing facts, expert opinions, and entertaining anecdotes, The Booklovers&’ Guide to Wine is a book to be savored by anyone who appreciates the complexity of a full-bodied shiraz or the unmistakable flavor of a great author.
An Act of Love: A Novel
by Carol DrinkwaterHiding from Nazis in the French Alps, a teenage girl is torn between love and safety in this &“exciting, evocative&” novel by the international bestselling author (Daily Mail). Jews fleeing Poland in 1943, Sara and her family are hiding from the horrors of World War II in a house in the mountains in France. Sara is enjoying the beauty of her surroundings, the temporary respite from danger—and her blossoming romance with the villager Alain. But the Germans remain a looming and ever-present menace. When that threat becomes too close for comfort, Sara&’s parents decide it is time to move on again, hoping to reach Italy and, finally, Palestine. However, Sara wants only to remain with Alain—a harrowing choice that will mean not only parting from her mother and father but joining the fight waged by the French Resistance and risking her life for love and freedom. &“A moving story of love and friendship with a wonderful sense of place.&” —Kate Mosse, bestselling author of Labyrinth &“Carol Drinkwater&’s writing is like taking an amazing holiday in book form.&” —Jenny Colgan, New York Times–bestselling author of The House at the Edge of the Cliff
Unique Hustle: My Drive to be the Best Car Customizer in Hip Hop and Sports
by Will Castro Mark Finkelpearl&“This book is a must-read for anybody interested in bangin&’ custom cars, Hip Hop culture, and sports lifestyle.&” —LeBron James Will Castro, star of Velocity Channel&’s Unique Rides and one of the most popular car customizers in the country, has achieved the American Dream, finding great success doing something he loves. He has worked with many marquee names, and Unique Hustle is packed with anecdotes of some of the biggest names in sports, music, film and television; including P. Diddy, LeBron James, Nicki Minaj, Carmelo Anthony, Jason Derulo, Ice-T, and DJ Khaled, just to name a few. Discover Will&’s inspiring journey to success from growing up poor in the housing projects of New York&’s Lower East Side to customizing the rides of the rich and famous. Unique Hustle tells his personal stories of trial and triumph. With only a high school education, audacity, and passion, he ground out a place for himself in the world and hustled his way to the top. Alongside Will&’s story, Unique Hustle also provides a &“how to&” from a professional to readers who love to learn about cars and customization techniques. Readers will learn: Which cars are best suited for specific customizationsThe dos and don&’ts of car exteriors including paint jobs, rims, and wrapsThe dos and don&’ts of car interiorsHow to add &“unique&” flair with stereo and video systems, cigar boxes, and more