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The Fat Lady's Ghost
by Charlotte MacLeodA young art student catches a thief—and finds her soul mate—in this charming, early YA novel from the million-selling &“mistress of the &‘cozy&’ mystery&” (Los Angeles Times). Possessed of cool common sense and burning ambition, nineteen-year-old Corin Johansen leaves home to attend a prestigious art school in Boston. But Corin never met anyone back in Proctor&’s Crossing, Pennsylvania, like the larger-than-life landlady at her new boardinghouse. A former circus star known as Daring Dina who trained lions and leopards under the big top, Madame Despau-Davy now contents herself with teaching her four beloved pet ocelots tricks in the kitchen. Corin soon learns the boardinghouse kitchen is supposedly haunted by the ghost of the Fat Lady from the circus, Dina&’s old friend Rosie Garside. Corin is skeptical, but when she cooks, she can&’t shake the feeling she&’s being watched. The tall redhead has also caught the eye of some of the young male boarders: playboy Jack Banks and standoffish but gifted art student Alex Bodmin. When Corin discovers jewelry hidden in the haunted kitchen and hears the real story of how Rosie met her demise, she begins to suspect one of them may be a jewel thief—and possibly a murderer.
The Spy's Wife
by Reginald HillA &“splendidly sharp . . . mix of espionage, wifely identity crisis, and unlikely romance&” by the author of the Dalziel and Pascoe mysteries (Kirkus Reviews). Best known for his Dalziel and Pascoe novels, which were adapted into a hit BBC series, Reginald Hill proves himself to be a &“master of . . . cerebral puzzle mysteries&” in his stand-alone thrillers as well—now available as ebooks (The New York Times). Molly Keatley is a happy housewife living comfortably day-to-day in Westcliff-on-Sea. That changes in a heartbeat when her husband, Sam, grabs his suitcase, offers a hurried &“I love you,&” sprints out the door, and disappears from her life. Then, a British agent invites himself in with shattering news: Sam is a Soviet spy and traitor. And his secrets don&’t end there. Though her dream life has been upended by an unforgivable betrayal, Molly won&’t be intimidated. Not by Sam&’s unstable mistress, not by British Intelligence, nor by Sam&’s colleagues, who are watching every move she makes. But when she receives a surreptitious invitation from Sam to join him in Bucharest, Molly&’s life will change once again as she discovers the nature of his lies, the consequences of deception, and the truth about her own desires. Reginald Hill has crafted a &“terrific, suspenseful tale and an extraordinary heroine&” (Cleveland Plain-Dealer).
Slavery and Public History: The Tough Stuff of American Memory
by Ira Berlin Gary B. Nash David W. Blight&“A fascinating collection of essays&” by eminent historians exploring how we teach, remember, and confront the history and legacy of American slavery (Booklist Online). In recent years, the culture wars have called into question the way America&’s history of slavery is depicted in books, films, television programs, historical sites, and museums. In the first attempt to examine the historiography of slavery, this unique collection of essays looks at recent controversies that have played out in the public arena, with contributions by such noted historians as Ira Berlin, David W. Blight, and Gary B. Nash. From the cancellation of the Library of Congress&’s &“Back of the Big House&” slavery exhibit at the request of the institution&’s African American employees, who found the visual images of slavery too distressing, to the public reaction to DNA findings confirming Thomas Jefferson&’s relationship with his slave Sally Hemings, Slavery and Public History takes on contemporary reactions to the fundamental contradiction of American history—the existence of slavery in a country dedicated to freedom—and offers a bracing analysis of how Americans choose to remember the past, and how those choices influence our politics and culture. &“Americans seem perpetually surprised by slavery—its extent (North as well as South), its span (over half of our four centuries of Anglo settlement), and its continuing influence. The wide-ranging yet connected essays in [this book] will help us all to remember and understand.&” —James W. Loewen, author of Sundown Towns
A Rendezvous in Haiti: A Novel
by Stephen BeckerTwo veterans of World War I fight for love and honor in a Caribbean country torn apart by rebellion Lt. Robert McAllister of the US Marines first encounters Paul Blanchard on a parade ground in Belgium in 1918. Awarded the Croix de Guerre and the Victoria Cross for his service at Ypres and Passchendaele, the British sergeant coughs blood onto his commanding officer&’s boots and curses the war. A year later, McAllister commands a platoon of marines in occupied Haiti, where a peasant uprising threatens to topple the American-backed regime. Led by a charismatic revolutionary named Martel, the rebels, known as the Cacos, have a secret weapon: a white Caco who fights with a terrifying combination of cunning and courage. When the mysterious mercenary abducts a marine colonel&’s daughter, McAllister rushes to save her. It is more than his duty—he and Caroline Barbour are in love. The deeper he journeys into enemy territory, however, the more McAllister realizes how little he understands, not just about this country of breathtaking beauty and staggering violence, but about his own heart&’s desire. The biggest shock of all, though, waits for him at the end of the jungle trail: Paul Blanchard, hero of the Great War. Rich in the exotic colors of the Caribbean, A Rendezvous in Haiti is an enthralling tale of adventure, romance, and rebellion from master storyteller Stephen Becker.
Those Who Feel Nothing (Brighton Series #5)
by Peter GuttridgeA macabre discovery in Brighton has a link to Cambodia&’s Khmer Rouge in this &“clever puzzle&” from the author of the acclaimed Brighton Trilogy (Kirkus Reviews). After a disastrous mistake costs him his job as Chief Constable, Bob Watts is surprised to find himself elected to the role of Brighton&’s first police commissioner. But just as he returns to the public eye, Watts is hit with a shocking scandal involving the director of the Royal Pavilion. In the subsequent investigation, Det. Inspector Sarah Gilchrist and Det. Sergeant Bellamy Heap are perplexed by the discovery of looted antiquities from Cambodia&’s Angkor Wat in the tunnels beneath the Pavilion. Soon, the case leads to a murder victim along with the suspicious arrival of a survivor of Pol Pot&’s regime. In this &“taut, richly detailed plot,&” Watts and Gilchrist must uncover the dark truth before the body count rises (Publishers Weekly). &“Gritty and dark, the novel is certain to appeal to readers of the author&’s previous Brighton mysteries.&” —Booklist &“The two cases merge in a startling denouement [and] Guttridge brings back several favorite characters from earlier installments.&” —Kirkus Reviews
The James Pibble Mysteries Volume One: The Glass-Sided Ants' Nest, The Old English Peep Show, and The Sinful Stones (The James Pibble Mysteries)
by Peter DickinsonThree mysteries in the CWA Gold Dagger–winning series by a &“master of the bizarre&” (Louis Untermeyer). Scotland Yard detective James Pibble is known for accepting any case, no matter how strange. Taking him to every corner of England, his job throws him into the most curious circumstances. The Glass-Sided Ants&’ Nest: Detective Pibble is on the case when the revered elder of a New Guinea tribe is bludgeoned to death. All the suspects—including a real estate agent, a professional escort, and an anthropologist who married into the tribe—have alibis. And Pibble&’s only clue is an Edwardian penny. The Old English Peep Show: Pibble&’s next case takes him to the World of Old England, a country house run as a theme park. When one of the servants at the estate hangs himself, Detective Pibble discovers not a suicide, but a bizarre set of circumstances that add up to foul play. The Sinful Stones: Nobel Prize–winning scientist and one of the first builders of the atomic bomb Sir Francis Francis summons Detective Pibble to an isolated island to find his stolen memoir. But is Francis senile? Was the manuscript really stolen? What&’s the real reason he sent for Pibble? And why does the island&’s religious sect want Francis to stay so much?
Dangerous Deception
by Anthea FraserIn this thrilling mystery, a broken engagement leads a woman to an isolated Welsh hotel—where she finds peace, healing, and a criminal conspiracy. For Clare Laurie, breaking off her engagement to Philip, left only remorse and feelings of guilt, rather than the relief and freedom she craved. Seeking time alone, Clare has come to the isolated Welsh hotel of Carreg Coed to heal. But the atmosphere seems strangely oppressive, with all the residents absorbed in one another&’s lives. Then, in a sequence of bizarre and increasingly terrifying events, Clare is drawn into a ruthless international smuggling conspiracy. Mistaken for one of the gang members, Clare hopes she can fool the others just long enough to alert the police . . . until she comes face to face with someone she can&’t fool: Philip.
World Class Speaking in Action: 50 Certified World Class Speaking Coaches Show You How to Present, Persuade, and Profit
by Mitch Meyerson Craig ValentineThe definitive guide to powerful presentations: &“If you want to thrive as a speaker, read this book&” (Les Brown). How do you keep your audience on the edge of their seats and turn your presentations into profits? Here, dozens of industry professionals provide real-life examples and case studies on how to . . . * Craft an unforgettable message that hits home * Deliver your speech in a way that keeps your audience engaged * Sell your message so your audience members take the exact next step you want them to take * Master leading-edge digital technologies and speak to thousands World Class Speaking in Action covers both the art and the business of public speaking—a one-stop shop for building breakthrough presentations and turning them into bundles of profits.
The Dark Lady (The Chief Inspector Charlie Woodend Mysteries #4)
by Sally SpencerChief Inspector Charlie Woodend will have to rely on his observational gifts to have a ghost of chance in solving his latest murder case. The night after the mysterious appearance of the legendary Dark Lady on the road outside Westbury Park, a German efficiency expert, Gerhard Schultz, is found battered to death in the woods and Chief Inspector Charlie Woodend is faced with his most puzzling case yet. Why did Schultz seem so frightened when on his colleagues mentioned the legend of the Dark Lady? Did the workers at the BCI chemical factory—many of whom are known to hate the Germans—have anything to do with his death? How could Fred Foley, the tramp whose bloodstained overcoat was found close to the scene of the crime, have completely disappeared? And is this murder connected with one which occurred in Liverpool nearly twenty years earlier? &“A very successful British procedural, nicely complicated by leftovers from both local lore and the war.&” —Library Journal &“Excellent work from a too-little-known author.&” —Booklist
The Citadel: A Novel (Longman Fiction Ser.)
by AJ CroninA groundbreaking novel of its time and a National Book Award winner: &“[A] fine, honest, and moving a study of a young doctor&” (The Atlantic Monthly). The Citadel follows the life of Andrew Manson, a young and idealistic Scottish doctor, as he navigates the challenges of practicing medicine across interwar Wales and England. Based on A.J. Cronin&’s own experiences as a physician, this book boldly confronts traditional medical ethics, and has been noted as one of the inspirations for the formation of the National Health Service. This story has been adapted into several successful film, radio, and television productions around the world, including the Oscar-nominated 1938 film starring Robert Donat, Rosalind Russell, Ralph Richardson, and Rex Harrison. &“One of the most popular authors in the English-speaking world.&” —The New York Times
Can You Hear God Now?: How to Journey to a Deeper Relationship with God
by Susan Roberts&“Based firmly on biblical truth . . . Practical steps to enter into an interactive relationship with God—where we talk to Him, and yes, He talks to us&” (Dr. Craig Von Buseck, editor at Inspiration.org). Can You Hear God Now? addresses the specific question of whether or not Christians believe God speaks to them individually. Many people pray, but few listen to God. Susan Roberts surveyed hundreds of people from various backgrounds, religious affiliations, genders, and ages, from twenty-four states and three foreign countries, to determine if and how they communicate with God. The survey reveals interesting trends in today&’s thinking about hearing God and how God speaks in a variety of fascinating ways. Many of those surveyed even share stories about their personal interaction with God. Can You Hear God Now? combines these stories with Biblical principles to encourage readers to develop their own two-way communication with God, making their spiritual lives come alive. &“The world is full of noise, but Susan Roberts&’s prayerful Can You Hear God Now? cuts through it all to find some needed holy clarity . . . It imparts confidence that hearing God&’s voice is a result of preparedness and openness to hearing what God has to say.&” —Foreword Reviews &“May be one of the most useful recent books on Christian faith and living . . . A book very much worth reading, studying, and applying.&” —Col. Alexander Shine (ret. army), lay leader for military chapels and Officer Christian Fellowship &“Susan Roberts&’ stories are credible and provide inspiring examples of God&’s interactions with normal and sane people. Her book brings acuity to our ears.&” —Dr. Marshall Shelley, director of the Doctor of Ministry Program, Denver Seminary
East Side Story: A Novel
by Louis AuchinclossA &“novel of power and hypocrisy in upper-class New York&” that follows the rise of one prominent family, generation after generation (The New Yorker). How did the families who live on Manhattan&’s Upper East Side get to where they are today? This engaging saga by a New York Times–bestselling author charts the rise of an uncommon family in America&’s grandest city. East Side Story tells of the Carnochan family whose Scottish forebears established themselves in New York&’s textile business during the Civil War. From there they quickly moved on to seize prominent positions in the country&’s top schools and Manhattan&’s elite firms. As the novel unfolds, Carnochans across generations recount stories about their illuminating lives steeped in both good fortune and moral jeopardy. From women who outsmart their foolish husbands to ambitious lawyers who protect the Carnochan name to the family&’s artists and writers, all weigh the question that infuses so much of Louis Auchincloss&’s fiction: What makes for a meaningful life in a family that has so much? &“Some writers inform, some instruct, and some tell how rewarding good prose can be,&” John Kenneth Galbraith once observed. &“Louis Auchincloss does all three.&” In its starred review, Kirkus Reviews called East Side Story &“a rich chronicle . . . that succeeds in humanizing a rare and much-maligned species of Americans for those who don&’t come across them very much.&” Auchincloss&’s superb novel is both a loving and wicked look at New York&’s Yankee aristocracy as only this sublime master of manners can provide.
On the Tour with Harry Sprague: Letters of a Golf Pro to His Sponsor
by Herbert Warren WindAmerica&’s greatest golf writer cracks wise in this humorous peek inside the life and mind of an up-and-coming young proIf Hogan had to wait 15 years before winning the Open I guess even a natural athalete like me has to wait a couple of years huh? Harry Sprague may not be the most eloquent golfer on the winter circuit, but spelling and grammar are the least of his concerns. First, he has to work on his putting, which, due to the aradic nature of the greens at Pebble Beach, Cypress Point, the Arizona Country Club, and other Sun Belt courses, is keeping him out of the money. And speaking of money, Harry suspects that his current sponsorship deal—he runs a driving range from April to November for no salary in exchange for the cash to go on tour—might not be the fairest of deals. Finally, there are the fans. In California, Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, Georgia, and Florida, beautiful women line the fairways hoping for a date with their favorite pro. But as Harry soon learns, if wedding bells don&’t ring the following winter, he&’ll have hell to pay. First published in Sports Illustrated, these humorous missives from the bottom rungs of the leader board will delight duffers and low handicappers alike.
The Breakup Book: 20 Steps to Heal a Broken Heart
by Lesley Robins&“This book is written in a funny, straightforward, no B.S. kind of way and reminds me how delicate relationships and breakups really are&” (Kevin Connolly, actor, Entourage). If you&’re struggling to get back on your feet and reclaim your life after a breakup, this book will give you a roadmap to finding yourself again—a stronger, wiser self. With wit and honesty, Lesley Robins shares her own experiences to show that she too has suffered the lack of self-worth many women experience after a difficult breakup. She shapes the lessons she learned into frank and practical advice, providing simple and effective ways to move on with your life. With time and the right approach, your heart will heal and you will be ready to face the world with new-found strength and wisdom. The Breakup Book will help thousands, perhaps millions, of women who are struggling to find their life, their path, their soul when it seems that all is lost forever. &“Pure inspiration in a fresh voice that will make readers feel they have a smart and sassy new best friend.&” —Giuliana Rancic, anchor, E! News &“Lesley Robins rocks and here&’s why: I have a beautiful, young daughter, and as a young father who knows what it&’s like out there in the world, what I fear most about her growing up is . . . boys. I look forward to passing on these words of wisdom to her. This book is awesome. Read it.&” —Constantine Maroulis, American Idol finalist, Tony Nominee, Rock of Ages
Political Communication in Sub-Saharan Africa, Volume II: Governance and Language Policy
by Isaac Mhute Esther MavenganoThis book is one of two volumes that examines the role of political communication, media and language in transforming politics, governance and democracy in sub-Saharan Africa. Interdisciplinary in approach, this second volume analyses themes including political advertising and rhetoric, activism, populism, fake news, and political violence. Combining theoretical work with individual case studies on countries including Tanzania, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Nigeria and Ghana, the book highlights the important connection between political communication and governance, and the ways in which language reforms can help to overcome challenges related to public administration. It will appeal to all those interested in public policy, public administration, governance, and political communication, as well as linguistics, media studies and African politics.
Learning VMware Workstation Pro for Windows: Implementing and Managing VMware’s Desktop Hypervisor Solution
by Peter von OvenVMware Workstation is a software solution that provides a type-2 hypervisor, or desktop hypervisor, that runs on x64 Windows and Linux-based operating systems. It enables users to create and run virtual machines, containers, and Kubernetes clusters simultaneously on their physical devices without having to reformat or dual-boot the underlying device. There are several use cases for VMware Workstation. For IT pros, it allows them to test applications and operating system builds, as well as enable remote control of vSphere datacenter infrastructure. Developers can run multiple different operating systems or different versions of operating systems on a single device giving them the platform flexibility to test, develop, and troubleshoot applications cost-effectively. Finally, for the greater workforce, VMware Workstation can enable BYOD device initiatives allowing employees to run a full corporate environment on their device without deleting or reformatting it. Learning VMware Workstation Pro for Windows – Part 2 provides the reader with a practical, step-by-step guide to creating and managing virtual machines using VMware Workstation, starting with an overview of hypervisors and desktop hypervisors. Next, it talks about each resource, such as CPU, memory, and networking, and how these are configured in a virtual environment. After that, it demonstrates the installation of VMware Workstation, configuration, and then building and managing different virtual machines running on different operating systems such as ChromeOS, and Linux, and building an ESXi lab environment. Towards the end, readers will learn how to use command line tools, such as the REST API, and vmrun, before going on to discuss upgrading and troubleshooting your VMware Workstation environment. By the end of this book, readers will have full knowledge of VMware Workstation Pro. This book is a continuation of " Learning VMware Workstation Pro for Windows – Part 1 " where readers learn how to build and manage different virtual machines running on different operating systems and build an ESXi lab environment with VMware Workstation. You Will: Learn how to run containers on a VMware workstation Understand how to use the command line to configure and control Workstation Pro and virtual machines Practice the use of REST API for Workstation Pro This book is for: Developers, IT professionals, VMware certified professionals both remote and Bring your device (BYOD).
Aristotle's Children: How Christians, Muslims, and Jews Rediscovered Ancient Wisdom and Illuminated the Middle Ages
by Richard E. RubensteinA true account of a turning point in medieval history that shaped the modern world, from &“a superb storyteller&” and the author of When Jesus Became God (Los Angeles Times). Europe was in the long slumber of the Middle Ages, the Roman Empire was in tatters, and the Greek language was all but forgotten—until a group of twelfth-century scholars rediscovered and translated the works of Aristotle. The philosopher&’s ideas spread like wildfire across Europe, offering the scientific view that the natural world, including the soul of man, was a proper subject of study. The rediscovery of these ancient ideas would spark riots and heresy trials, cause major upheavals in the Catholic Church—and also set the stage for today&’s rift between reason and religion. Aristotle&’s Children transports us back to this pivotal moment in world history, rendering the controversies of the Middle Ages lively and accessible, and allowing us to understand the philosophical ideas that are fundamental to modern thought. &“A superb storyteller who breathes new life into such fascinating figures as Peter Abelard, Albertus Magnus, St. Thomas Aquinas, Roger Bacon, William of Ockham and Aristotle himself.&” —Los Angeles Times &“Rubenstein&’s lively prose, his lucid insights and his crystal-clear historical analyses make this a first-rate study in the history of ideas.&” —Publishers Weekly
Mandarin: A Novel (The Imperial China Trilogy #2)
by Robert ElegantA grand tale of intrigue in nineteenth-century China, where imperial rule is crumbling as the Opium Wars and Taiping Rebellion rage, from the author of Manchu. Loyalty is put to cruel test in Shanghai, where Jewish merchant Saul Haleevie and his longtime Chinese partner, Aisek Lee, have weathered hardship and distrust to build a thriving business. When Aisek is falsely accused of &“abomination&” for causing his mother&’s suicide, their world is shattered. Now, Saul must save his friend no matter the cost, navigating a brutal and corrupt penal system that could bring about his own ruin as well. Meanwhile, the quest for true love governs the fate of Saul&’s wayward daughter, Fronah. Consorting with the Westerners now thronging Shanghai but truly comfortable only in her Jewish-Asiatic identity, she ends up destroying one man and confounding another. Love and deception also entwine in the imperial palace, where the &“Virtuous Concubine&” Yehenala contrives to bear the opium-eating, syphilitic Hsien Feng emperor&’s only son, thus laying the foundation for her elevation to the pinnacle of command in China as the formidable empress dowager. She wins the power battle, but it is beyond her to win the war, for by then China faces not just the collapse of another imperial dynasty, but the end of the millennial imperial system of rule, threatening the lives and loves of all. This compelling saga of nineteenth-century China is filled with &“intricate shuttlecock diplomacy, ceremonial/battle action, family saga/romance—all polished to an entertaining high gloss&” (Kirkus Reviews).
Stories About Storytellers: Publishing Alice Munro, Robertson Davies, Alistair MacLeod, Pierre Trudeau and Others
by Douglas GibsonThe legendary Canadian book editor presents this &“remarkable, four-decade romp through the back rooms of publishing&” (Toronto Sun). Scottish-born Douglas Gibson was drawn to Canada by the writing of Stephen Leacock—and eventually made his way across the Atlantic to find a job in book publishing, where he edited a biography of none other than Leacock. But over the decades, his stellar career would lead him to work with many more of the country&’s leading literary lights. This memoir shares stories of working—and playing—alongside writers including Robertson Davies, Mavis Gallant, Brian Mulroney, Val Ross, W. O. Mitchell, and many more. Gibson reveals the projects he brainstormed for Barry Broadfoot; how he convinced future Nobel Prize winner Alice Munro to keep writing short stories; his early-morning phone call from a former prime minister; and his recollection of yanking a manuscript right out of Alistair MacLeod&’s reluctant hands—which ultimately garnered the author one of the world&’s most prestigious prizes for fiction. Insightful and entertaining, this collection of tales goes behind the scenes and between the covers to divulge a treasure trove of literary adventures. &“He makes his life in publishing sound like great fun.&” —The Globe and Mail (Toronto)
The Cardinal's Hat: Money, Ambition, and Everyday Life in the Court of a Borgia Prince
by Mary Hollingsworth&“A riveting portrait of the day-to-day life of a wealthy, worldly Renaissance prince&” as he pursues power and influence in the Catholic church (USA Today). The second son of Alfonso d&’Este and Lucretia Borgia, the Duke and Duchess of Ferrara, Ippolito d&’Este was made the archbishop of Milan at the age of nine. But from the time of his father&’s death in 1534, he set his ambitions on acquiring the powerful and coveted cardinal&’s hat. But one did not become a sixteenth century prince of the church through piety and good works. Ippolito had a taste for gambling and women. He enjoyed hunting in the Loir valley and pursued his ambition with money, schmoozing, and the dark arts of politics. Working with Ippolito&’s letters and ledgers, recently uncovered in an archive in Modena, Italy, Mary Hollingsworth has pieced together a fascinating and undeniably titillating tale of this Renaissance cardinal and his road to power and wealth in sixteenth century Europe. The ledgers document every aspect of Ippolito&’s comings, goings, purchases, and debts. Out of these finely detailed records, Hollingsworth brings to life not only Ippolito, but his world. &“In this brilliant piece of historical detective work and narrative reconstruction . . . the most unlikely bits and pieces—a scrap of velvet, a stray barrel of wine—can be made to tell stories that resonate far beyond the neat columns of a well-kept account book.&” —The Guardian
The Constant Companion (The Regency Intrigue Series #7)
by M. C. BeatonA suspenseful tale of love lost and found in Regency England, by the New York Times–bestselling author of the Hamish Macbeth novels. Quiet, reserved Miss Constance Lamberton came to the household of the haughty but beautiful Lady Amelia to serve as the lady&’s chaperone throughout the season&’s many festivities—and soon found herself an unwitting accomplice in the lady&’s scheme to trap the very eligible Lord Philip into marriage. But it was not Lady Amelia who won his heart. . . . The pale, golden-eyed Constance was to become his wife. And when she disappeared without explanation, Lord Philip was willing to move heaven and earth to find her . . . Previously published under the name Marion Chesney
The Big Roads: The Untold Story of the Engineers, Visionaries, and Trailblazers Who Created the American Superhighways
by Earl SwiftDiscover the twists and turns of one of America&’s great infrastructure projects with this &“engrossing history of the creation of the U.S. interstate system&” (Los Angeles Times). It&’s become a part of the landscape that we take for granted, the site of rumbling eighteen-wheelers and roadside rest stops, a familiar route for commuters and vacationing families. But during the twentieth century, the interstate highway system dramatically changed the face of our nation. These interconnected roads—over 47,000 miles of them—are man-made wonders, economic pipelines, agents of sprawl, uniquely American symbols of escape and freedom, and an unrivaled public works accomplishment. Though officially named after President Dwight D. Eisenhower, this network of roadways has origins that reach all the way back to the World War I era, and The Big Roads—&“the first thorough history of the expressway system&” (The Washington Post)—tells the full story of how they came to be. From the speed demon who inspired a primitive web of dirt auto trails to the largely forgotten technocrats who planned the system years before Ike reached the White House to the city dwellers who resisted the concrete juggernaut when it bore down on their neighborhoods, this book reveals both the massive scale of this government engineering project, and the individual lives that have been transformed by it. A fast-paced history filled with fascinating detours, &“the book is a road geek&’s treasure—and everyone who travels the highways ought to know these stories&” (Kirkus Reviews).
The Carpenter's Pencil: A Novel of the Spanish Civil War
by Manuel RivasThe acclaimed Galician author&’s novel of the Spanish Civil War is &“a sincere and beautiful portrait of a brutal, ugly period of Spanish history&” (The Guardian). Novelist and El País journalist Manuel Rivas has been heralded as one of the brightest in a new wave of Spanish authors. Originally written in Galician, his native language, The Carpenter&’s Pencil was a bestseller in Spain and has been published in nine countries. Set in the dark days of the Spanish Civil War, The Carpenter&’s Pencil charts the linked destinies of Dr. Daniel Da Barca, a Republican who cheats death in General Franco&’s prisons; Herbal, an illiterate Falangist and Da Barca&’s shadow; and an unnamed painter with the carpenter&’s pencil, the man who unites them in life and death. It is also the story of Marisa Mallo, loved by both Da Barca and Herbal; Pepe Sánchez, the bolero singer; &“Genghis Khan,&” the wrestler; and the legend of two estranged sisters, Life and Death. All of these and more are bound by the events of the war. And all are rendered, in Rivas&’s skillful hand, with the power of the carpenter&’s pencil, a pencil that draws both the measured line and the artist&’s fanciful vision.
Lessons from the Heartland: A Turbulent Half-Century of Public Education in an Iconic American City
by Barbara J. Miner&“Miner&’s story of Milwaukee is filled with memorable characters . . . explores with consummate skill the dynamics of race, politics, and schools in our time.&” —Mike Rose, author of The Mind at Work Weaving together the racially fraught history of public education in Milwaukee and the broader story of hypersegregation in the rust belt, Lessons from the Heartland tells of a city&’s fall from grace—and its chance for redemption in the twenty-first century. A symbol of middle American working-class values, Wisconsin—and in particular urban Milwaukee—has been at the forefront of a half century of public education experiments, from desegregation and &“school choice&” to vouchers and charter schools. This book offers a sweeping narrative portrait of an all-American city at the epicenter of public education reform, and an exploration of larger issues of race and class in our democracy. The author, a former Milwaukee Journal reporter whose daughters went through the public school system, explores the intricate ways that jobs, housing, and schools intersect, underscoring the intrinsic link between the future of public schools and the dreams and hopes of democracy in a multicultural society. &“A social history with the pulse and pace of a carefully crafted novel and a Dickensian cast of unforgettable characters. With the eye of an ethnographer, the instincts of a beat reporter, and the heart of a devoted mother and citizen activist, Miner has created a compelling portrait of a city, a time, and a people on the edge. This is essential reading.&” —Bill Ayers, author of Teaching Toward Freedom &“Eloquently captures the narratives of schoolchildren, parents, and teachers.&” —Library Journal
On Language: Chomsky's Classic Works: Language and Responsibility and Reflections on Language
by Noam ChomskyThe two most popular titles by the noted linguist and critic in one volume—an ideal introduction to his work. On Language features some of Noam Chomsky&’s most informal and highly accessible work. In Part I, Language and Responsibility, Chomsky presents a fascinating self-portrait of his political, moral, and linguistic thinking. In Part II, Reflections on Language, Chomsky explores the more general implications of the study of language and offers incisive analyses of the controversies among psychologists, philosophers, and linguists over fundamental questions of language. &“Language and Responsibility is a well-organized, clearly written and comprehensive introduction to Chomsky&’s thought.&” —The New York Times Book Review &“Language and Responsibility brings together in one readable volume Chomsky&’s positions on issues ranging from politics and philosophy of science to recent advances in linguistic theory. . . . The clarity of presentation at times approaches that of Bertrand Russell in his political and more popular philosophical essays.&” —Contemporary Psychology &“Reflections on Language is profoundly satisfying and impressive. It is the clearest and most developed account of the case of universal grammar and of the relations between his theory of language and the innate faculties of mind responsible for language acquisition and use.&” —Patrick Flanagan