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Fade In: A Thriller
by Kyle MillsWhen an ex-Navy SEAL ends up injured and imprisoned, a shadowy ring of power brokers offers him the only way out—through a high-stakes military mission. A "searing, cerebral, high-stakes knockout" (Prairies Book Review) international political espionage thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author Kyle Mills. "Wall to wall action. Great book," as recommended by bestselling thriller author Brad Thor on Today. "Fade is a badass operator whom even a coma can&’t stop. . . . Plenty of action, plenty of fun." —Kirkus ReviewsWhen ex-navy SEAL Salam &“Fade&” al-Fayed steps in front of a sniper&’s bullet, he assumes that he&’s reached the end of the road—his death wish has finally been answered. Instead, he wakes in a hospital. As one of the deadliest operatives in U.S. history, he&’s now incapable of even standing without assistance. Alone and wanted by authorities, he&’s destined to spend the rest of his life lying in a prison infirmary. So when a shadowy organization offers him a new identity and next-generation medical care, he has no choice but to agree. Nothing&’s free, though. After a grueling rehabilitation, he&’s drafted into an elite paramilitary unit. But who&’s in charge? When a dire threat—a highly contagious pathogen—explodes out of China, his question is quickly answered: A select group of the world&’s wealthiest and most powerful people has decided that governments are no longer capable of controlling the chaos erupting around the globe. It&’s a power grab by billionaires who&’ve decided that it&’s their time to rule. With panic rising, the leaders of both democracies and dictatorships prove equally willing to destroy anything and anyone to save themselves. Forced into action before he&’s fully ready, Fade finds himself at the sharp end of a mission to stop a menace unlike any he's faced before. If he fails, the consequences will be unimaginable. But what if he succeeds? No one elected the people he&’s working for. And God sure as hell didn&’t ordain them. Has he signed on to save the human race . . . or to help quietly enslave it? Fade In tackles the complex threats of international espionage, power imbalances, and global terrorism–and introduces a character destined to take his place among legends like Vince Flynn&’s Mitch Rapp, Robert Ludlum&’s Jason Bourne, Lee Child&’s Jack Reacher, and Daniel Silva&’s Gabriel Allon. "The prose snaps and hums. . . Fade In is a gripping, violent, and often heartbreaking book. It&’s for readers who like their thrillers with a sharp philosophical bite." —Literary Titan Kyle Mills is the author of nine New York Times bestselling Vince Flynn novels featuring Mitch Rapp.
Next To Heaven: A Novel
by James Frey"NSFW Gatsby." —Book of the Month "A sizzling beach read about the misdeeds of the rich." —Wall Street Journal "The novel on every beach towel this summer, all summer, everywhere." —Esquire Uncover the dark underbelly of the American dream America&’s most perfect town, in this &“lurid&” and &“propulsive&” novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author James Frey (New York Times Book Review Podcast)–and discover a world where privilege, sex, scandal, and murder lurk beneath a flawless veneer.New Bethlehem, Connecticut. Picture-perfect lawns, manicured hedges, and multi-million dollar homes present a carefully curated facade. But beneath the designer yoga gear and country club memberships lies a darker reality. In this world of excess, best friends Devon and Belle have it all—beauty, money, status. But they want something more. Something dangerous. Something that makes them feel alive. Their solution? A party—a meticulously curated gathering of New Bethlehem&’s elite, from a desperate ex-NFL quarterback to a hockey coach with a penchant for married women, and a ruthless Wall Street &“closer&” who wields his wealth like a weapon. One night. An ultra-elite swingers party. Multiple betrayals. And a murder that will shatter New Bethlehem&’s carefully constructed facade. Enter a world of troubled opulence and sharp betrayal that&’s reminiscent of "The White Lotus," &“Your Friends and Neighbors,&” and "Big Little Lies"—a world of spectacularly badly-behaved rich people where money can buy anything. . .until it ruins everything. Behind every great fortune, lies a great crime. " —Honoré de Balzac "A Connecticut sex romp–cum–murder mystery . . . 'big nods' to Jackie Collins, Danielle Steel, and Tom Wolfe." —Vanity Fair &“A satirical look at the "beautiful, wealthy and unsatisfied.'&” —People Magazine "Lurid . . . Propulsive. . . appeals to one's baser instincts." —New York Times Book Review Podcast "A deliriously over-the-top portrait of decadence on the brink." —Bustle
What If YOU Are the Answer?: And 26 Other Questions That Just Might Change Your Life
by Rachel HollisLife isn&’t always easy. We get tripped up, knocked down, and start to question ourselves. But as #1 New York Times bestselling author Rachel Hollis learned, sometimes it&’s not answers you need – what helps most are questions. And the best questions can change everything.Good questions make us think, teach us about ourselves, and if we&’re honest in our replies, they can reveal the answers we&’ve been searching for. In What If YOU Are the Answer?, Rachel Hollis shares the transformative questions that have helped her heal, grow, and thrive, even when life throws its hardest punches. With her signature blend of vulnerability, tell-it-like-it-is humor, and hard-won wisdom, Rachel challenges and encourages you to: Confront your deepest fears: &“What are you afraid to admit?&” Change your circumstances: &“Would you sign up for this again? Lean into success: &“What&’s working in your life?" Take responsibility for your own growth: &“What if YOU are the problem?&” Throughout this dynamic book, as hilarious as it is wise, Rachel&’s questions – and above all, her raw and all-too-real stories – will give you the clarity, courage, and inspiration to embrace your full potential and become the person you were meant to be. This isn&’t just a book – it&’s a journey of self-care and self-discovery that will help you find the resilience, motivation, and confidence to live your best life, or at least feel a whole helluva lot better while you try.
Hardly Strangers: A Modern Romance (831 Stories)
by A.C. RobinsonFor fans of How to Fake it in Hollywood and Before Sunrise, a romance about how a chance encounter can rewrite a story—and change everything.This is the night Shera's been waiting for: She&’s at a trendy Silver Lake bar to finally get a drink with the handsome, charming filmmaker she's been pining after for months. But when Max King—the alluring and mischievous frontman of an Irish punk band—enters the picture, an electric attraction ignites between them. Shera&’s evening begins to unfold in ways she never imagined, and she surprises herself by getting swept up in his energy and daring to feel again after past heartbreak. But how does she know their passionate encounter won't expire in the morning? And is she ready to shed some of her hard-earned armor for this disarming stranger? The second book from 831 Stories, a modern romantic fiction company that prioritizes pleasure reading and the genre&’s enthusiastic fans.
Sing the Truth: The Kweli Journal Short Story Collection
by Edwidge DanticatA powerful must-read collection of bold BIPOC voices. All proceeds support The Kweli Journal&’s mission to nurture emerging writers of color and foster a vibrant literary community. "It gave me great pleasure to read this beautiful collection of important, diverse, sometimes heartbreaking, and always moving stories; it had the extra benefit of introducing me to several authors whom I&’d never read before and whose work I&’ve started to seek out. Highly recommended." —Nancy Pearl, acclaimed librarian, bestselling author, and literary critic &“With this new collection of short stories, we are once again the beneficiaries of brilliant prose that dances off the pages and into our hearts. I&’m proud to be in the chorus praising SING THE TRUTH.&” —Monique Greenwood, co-founder of Go On Girl! Book Club and owner of Akwaaba Bed & Breakfast Inns &“As the editor of the groundbreaking journal Kweli, Laura Pegram has introduced us to many of the finest writers of the contemporary literary landscape. In this new, monumental anthology, Pegram has gathered several of these writers, welcoming us to a luminous community in the word.&” —Honorée Fanonne Jeffers, author of The Love Songs of W.E.B. DuBoisHailed as &“The Paris Review of BIPOC literature,&” The Kweli Journal has been a launching pad for many of today&’s most celebrated writers. Kweli—&“truth&” in Swahili—marks its fifteenth anniversary with this luminous collection edited by founder Laura Pegram. These vivid narratives explore the devastation of leaving home and the struggle to adapt to reimagined lives, lost loves, distant families, and buried pasts, deepening our understanding of the human experience. Featuring works from acclaimed authors Naima Coster, Nicole Dennis-Benn, Daphne Palasi Andreades, Susan Muaddi Darraj, and others, this anthology stands as a testament to voices too often overlooked in contemporary literature. "The stories in this collection serve as windows into diverse communities while inviting readers of all backgrounds to engage with and appreciate the richness of our cultures." —Edwidge Danticat, from the foreword of Sing the Truth
This Is Strategy: Make Better Plans (Create a Strategy to Elevate Your Career, Community & Life)
by Seth GodinA Best Non-Fiction Book of 2024 from The Next Big Idea Book Club and National Bestseller. From Seth Godin, one of the world's most influential business thinkers and bestselling author of This is Marketing, comes an essential guide to thinking strategically in a complex, ever-changing world."With his signature clarity and brevity, the marketing maven presents memorable, practical advice for making smarter plans." —Adam Grant, author of Think Again In this unique and thought-provoking book, Godin shares insights on strategy through a series of powerful reflections and observations that will reshape how you approach problems, make decisions, and create change. &“Creating tomorrow by repeating yesterday is not a useful way forward.&” &“Every strategy requires choice. And those choices often involve saying &‘no&’ to things we could do, but won&’t do.&” &“It&’s not easy to persuade someone to want what you want. It&’s much more productive to find people who already want to go where you&’d like to take them.&” This is Strategy is a modern classic that offers perspectives you'll find yourself returning to again and again. Rather than providing step-by-step formulas, Godin offers something more valuable: a new way of seeing and thinking about the challenges you face. You&’ll discover how to: - Identify your "smallest viable audience" and make remarkable work they can't ignore - Understand and influence the systems shaping our world - Prioritize long-term thinking over instant gratification - Make smart, purposeful choices that shape a better tomorrow Who this book is for: - Leaders who want to think more deeply about their impact - Entrepreneurs tired of conventional business advice - Change-makers seeking lasting transformation in their career and community - Anyone feeling stuck in outdated systems and looking for a fresh perspective Strategy turns our effort into impact. Your journey to better thinking starts here.
We Hold These "Truths": How to Spot the Myths that are Holding America Back
by Casey Burgat&“This book is the crash course in civics that America needs." —Adam Grant, #1 New York Times bestselling author of THINK AGAIN, and host of the podcast Re:Thinking "Dismantles dozens of myths about American politics in the service of rebuilding American democracy." —Daniel H. Pink, #1 New York Times bestselling author and former White House speechwriter "A bracing and often entertaining corrective to some misinformation about the way things work." —Kirkus ReviewsIn this clear-eyed guide, America&’s political experts cut through the spin and expose the myths holding our democracy back. Our political system is bogged down by convenient falsehoods, fueled by those who benefit from the chaos. These myths distort our view of government and prevent us from solving real problems, leaving many Americans feeling frustrated and hopeless. In We Hold These "Truths", former congressional staffer turned George Washington University grad school professor Casey Burgat leads a diverse team of officials, academics, and experts from both sides of the aisle to expose the lies at the heart of our political dysfunction. They debunk talking points about term limits, lobbyists, money in politics, and more – offering real-world insights into how our government actually works. Replacing myths with clarity and solutions, We Hold These "Truths" empowers us all to see past the distractions, understand the system, and demand the kind of government that will actually bring about positive change. Chapters: &“The Founders, In Their Infinite Wisdom…&” by Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky &“Members of Congress Don't Do Anything&” by Rep. Derek Kilmer &“The President Should Just…&” by Alyssa Farah Griffin &“I vote the issues, not the party&” by Dr. Lilliana Mason "The Supreme Court Has Become Politicized" by Steve Vladeck, &“Politicians Are Bought and Paid For&” by Rep. Steve Israel &“Bipartisanship is Dead&” by Dr. Frances E. Lee and Dr. James Curry &“The Filibuster Forces Compromise" by Adam Jentleson &“I Wish the Parties Would Work Together&” by Rep. Bill Pascrell &“Lobbyists Are Evil&” by Rev. Quardricos Driskell "The Media Wants to Polarize Us&” by Matt Fuller "Keep Your Politics Out of My Sports" by Jane McManus
Comedic Timing: A Modern Romance (831 Stories)
by Upasna BarathMoving to NYC means a fresh start for Naina, until an unexpected connection has her questioning everything she thought she knew about love, ambition, and her place in the world.&“People who've been &‘that woman crying on the subway just after moving to New York&’ will feel so seen. (It's me. I'm people.) Comedic Timing is a raw depiction of romance and friendship, featuring all the complexity of navigating sex and love as a bi woman.&” —Kate Goldbeck, author of You, Again Naina Rao is ready for this to be her year: She&’s entered her mid-twenties, landed a steady job, broken up with her intensely passionate older girlfriend Sofia, and committed to hustling her way into a creative career. But the city doesn&’t exactly embrace her with open arms – at least not until she meets David, an aspiring filmmaker and collaborator who makes New York start to feel like home. But is this a professional connection or a romantic one? And does opening herself up to a relationship with David mean compromising her sexual identity and her aspirations? The third book from 831 Stories, a modern romantic fiction company that prioritizes pleasure reading and the genre&’s enthusiastic fans. For more pleasure reading, follow @831storieshq.
Superagency: What Could Possibly Go Right with Our AI Future
by Reid Hoffman Greg BeatoInstant New York Times and USA Today Bestseller. Tech visionary and co-founder of Manas AI Reid Hoffman shares his unique insider’s perspective on an AI-powered future, making the case for its potential to unlock a world of possibilities. <p> "An essential companion." — Fei-Fei Li <p> "An important read." —Bill Gates <p> "Brilliant mind. Compassionate heart. Bold ideas…Read this book!” —Van Jones <p> "Refreshingly optimistic and welcome perspective." — Ariana Huffington <p> "A fascinating and insightful book." —Yuval Noah Harari <p> As taught at UPenn's Wharton and Stanford. Superagency offers a roadmap for using AI inclusively and adaptively to improve our lives and create positive change. While acknowledging challenges like disinformation and potential job changes, the book focuses on AI’s immense potential to increase individual agency and create better outcomes for society as a whole. Imagine AI tutors personalizing education for each child, researchers rapidly discovering cures for diseases like Alzheimer's and cancer, and AI advisors empowering people to navigate complex systems and achieve their goals. Hoffman and co-author, tech and culture writer Greg Beato envision a world where these possibilities, and many more, become a reality. <p> Superagency challenges conventional fears, inviting us to view the future through a lens of opportunity, rather than fear. It’s a call to action – to embrace AI with excitement and actively shape a world where human ingenuity and the power of AI combine to create something extraordinary. Entrepreneur Reid Hoffman is a co-founder of LinkedIn, Inflection AI, and Manas AI. He is also host of the podcasts Possible and Masters of Scale. <b>New York Times Bestseller</b>
Black History for Every Day of the Year
by Yinka Olusoga David OlusogaA unique celebration of well-known figures and unsung heroes, famous cultural moments and hidden histories, from ancient times to today "Inspiring, accessible and meticulously researched . . . invaluable, fascinating, often heartbreaking resource for anyone, teen or adult, with an interest in history."—The Guardian Did you know that Aretha Franklin was the first woman to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame? Or that the first accounts of a Black samurai in Japan date back almost 500 years ago? Written by historian and broadcaster David Olusoga and his siblings, professor Yinka Olusoga and artist Kemi Olusoga, Black History for Every Day of the Year is an illuminating overview of consequential people, places, and events in Black history. Accompanied by photos, quotes, and illustrations, these 366 entries will take you on a journey across global history, from the ancient Kingdom of Kush to the Black Lives Matter movement. You’ll learn about unsung heroes from history, as well as contemporary figures and events. Activists: Toussaint L’Ouverture, Harriet Tubman, Malcolm X Athletes: Jackie Robinson, Venus and Serena Williams, Simone Biles Authors and Poets: James Baldwin, Toni Morrison, Amanda Gorman Musicians: Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder, Beyoncé Public Figures: Kofi Annan, Ketanji Brown Jackson, Kamala Harris Scientists: Alice Ball, Katherine Johnson, Neil deGrasse Tyson Movies and Art: the Benin Bronzes, Hamilton, Black Panther Events: the Tulsa Race Massacre, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Selma to Montgomery Marches With accounts of triumph and celebration, ingenuity and creativity, alongside tales of racism and oppression, hope and resistance, Black History for Every Day of the Year gives you something new to learn every day—a rich history that is relevant to us all.
PlantAsia: Asia's Vegetable Wisdom in Recipes, Stories and Techniques
by Pamelia ChiaA boundary-pushing pan-Asian vegetarian cookbook, PlantAsia ingeniously merges traditional techniques and modern, multicultural flavors "A stunningly original book rooted in a deep respect for Asian traditions . . . and at the same time genuinely progressive."—Helen Goh, coauthor of Ottolenghi Comfort Cooks across Asia have been making plant-based meals for centuries—and for just as long, they’ve been evolving new methods to make them taste deeply, richly satisfying. PlantAsia carries on that tradition of innovation, drawing on traditional techniques to challenge and expand what you imagine when you think of modern vegetarian cooking. Technique-based chapters showcase recipes from more than fifteen countries, including: Raw: Mini Kimbap with Ssamjang Mayonnaise, Naengmyeon with Watermelon Dongchimi Steamed and Blanched: Watercress Noodles with Split Pea Fritters, Chayote and Glass Noodle Dumplings Simmered: Beet Curry with Coconut Sambol, Butternut Squash Kootu with Spiced Chickpeas Fried: Ee-Fu Noodles with Braised Shiitake Mushrooms, Fig and Brie Hotteok Deep-Fried: Spinach Chaat with Chickpeas and Yogurt, Hot Butter Mushrooms Charred and Grilled: Smoky Eggplant Raita with Focaccia, Grilled Rice Paper with Tofu Sisig Roasted and Baked: Charred Brussels Sprouts with Grapefruit and Yuba, Butternut Squash Dengaku Sweetened: Chili-Flecked Jalebis with Mango Yogurt, Blackberry and Peach Gum Shortcake Interviews and recipes from more than two dozen contributors offer authentic and layered perspectives on the present and future of Asian cooking. Plus, a detailed guide to buying and cooking with Asian ingredients will help you expand your Asian pantry. Perfect for adventurous foodies, fans of Asian cuisines in search of inspiring and original recipes, and anyone looking for one-of-a-kind, vegetable-forward meals, this ambitious vegetarian cookbook is a stunning tribute to the incredible flavors, textures, and diversity of today’s vegetarian cuisine. With contributions from: Kimberly Mendoza Camara · O Tama Carey · Cathie Carpio · John Chantarasak · Ivy Chen · C-Y Chia and Shane Stanbridge · R.G. Enriquez-Diez · Cathy Erway · Zoey Xinyi Gong · Julie Kleeman and Yeshi Jampa · Bryan Koh · Jenny Lau · Sunny Lee · Maori Murota · Andrea Quynhgiao Nguyen · Petty Pandean-Elliott · Minal Patel · Gayan Pieris · Sonoko Sakai · Jihee Shin · Cameron Stauch · Hairil Sukaime · Vasunthara · Wayan Kresna Yasa
Facing Infinity: Black Holes and Our Place on Earth
by Jonas EnanderA fresh, fascinating, up-to-the-moment appraisal of black holes—the massive astronomical objects with a gravitational pull so strong nothing can escape them, not even light—that situates them at the center of our understanding of our place on Earth and of the universe Humanity’s relationship with black holes began in 1783 in a small English village, when clergyman John Michell posed a startling question: What if there are objects in space that are so large and heavy that not even light can escape them? Almost 250 years later, in April 2019, scientists presented the first picture of a black hole. Profoundly inspired by that image, physicist Jonas Enander has traveled the world to investigate how our understanding of these elusive celestial objects has evolved since the days of Michell. With the particular goal of discovering our human connection to black holes, Enander visits telescopes and observatories, delves deeply into archives, and interviews over 20 world-leading experts, including several Nobel laureates. With Facing Infinity, he takes us on a spellbinding journey into the universe’s greatest mystery, deciphers the most mind-bending science, and answers questions surrounding how black holes work, where they come from, and what role they play in the universe. Along the way Enander discovers how our desire to understand black holes inadvertently paved the way for the invention of Wi-Fi and the calibration of our global navigation satellites, how astronomical discovery became entangled with colonial conflicts, and how our looking outward gave us critical evidence of the impact of climate change. Facing Infinity helps us appreciate and understand as never before these mysterious celestial objects and our surprising connections to them.
The 1960s | Maps for Curious Minds: 100 New Ways to See a Turbulent Decade (Maps for Curious Minds)
by Gordon KerrSee the 1960s like never before An illustrated romp in 100 maps that bring the decade’s riveting history to life—in signature Curious Minds style, brimming with I-never-would-have-thought-of-that maps and illustrations The 1960s had it all: cultural transformation, social upheaval, political unrest, technological leaps, and more. But until now, it’s never been brought to vivid life in such extraordinarily informative maps, brimming with I-never-would-have-thought-of-that insight and delectable illustrations that remind us why the 1960s was arguably the most consequential decade of the twentieth century. Some of the maps are serious (the terrible wave of assassinations), some are fascinating (Apollo 11’s harrowing journey to the moon and back), some are fun (the rise of soul, British pop, and folk music), and all are eye-catching. Together they form a fresh and revealing portrait of a momentous, enduring decade that changed the world in ways that continue to reverberate today.
Ferment
by Kenji MorimotoA clear, confident, and joyful guide to making—and cooking with—miso, kimchi, quick pickles, kombucha, and more. “Kenji is a fermenting guru.”—Tim Spector, author of Spoon-Fed and founder of the nutrition app ZOE Ferment gives you all that’s needed to start your fermented foods adventure—whether you want to make simple pickles, dive into lactofermentation, or discover flavor-packed meals to cook with your homemade (or store-bought!) ferments. Pickles and ferments bring so much flavor and variety to meals, and they’re much easier to make than they seem. Enter third-culture cook and fermenting expert Kenji Morimoto, who shows just how simple it is to introduce homemade kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha, miso, super-quick pickles, and more into your everyday cooking with delicious, gut-healthy results. Recent research encourages us to eat thirty plants a week to help our microbiome to thrive. Thanks to Kenji’s inventive, globally inspired recipes, eating fermented foods becomes a pleasure as well as the healthiest choice. Whether it's Kimchi Onion Bhajis served with Cilantro and Mint Miso Chutney, Green Bean Miso Soup with Curried Crispy Lima Beans, Kombucha Sorbet, or Preserved Rhubarb and Mixed Berry Pound Cake, this is flavor-forward food like you haven’t seen before. Part one shows you how to make your own ferments and pickles, giving you all the trouble-shooting advice and step-by-step guidance you need, plus plenty of Kenji’s unique spins: think Watermelon Rind Kimchi, Pumpkin Miso, and Koji Chimichurri. Part two introduces easy and irresistible apps, dinners, desserts, and even cocktails to make with them. (Or, if you prefer, you can prepare them with your favorite store-bought products instead.) Ferment is a stylish and practical cookbook that will help you bring this ancient technique into your own kitchen. This edition has been adapted for the US market.
Healing from an Emotionally Absent Mother: Learn to Build Trust, Take In Nourishment, and Move Past the Wounds Left by Neglect - A Workbook
by Jasmin Lee CoriAn indispensable hands-on guide to healing from the effects of childhood emotional neglect from the author of the groundbreaking The Emotionally Absent Mother If you grew up with an emotionally absent mother—a mother who was cold, dismissive of your needs, unwilling or unable to give you the nurturing you needed—the wounds can last a lifetime. You may find yourself wondering, Why is it so hard to attend to my own needs? Why do I have so much trouble trusting people to be there for me? Do I need to hide parts of myself to be lovable? But you’re not alone, and healing is possible. This workbook, from an expert in childhood emotional neglect, will guide you through the process of emerging from the pain and reclaiming the self you hid or changed for Mother’s sake. Inside you’ll find tools and more than seventy exercises, including personal inventories, journaling prompts, and small-group discussion questions, to help you work through the lingering effects of your neglect and be a better mother to yourself. This compassionate workbook will help you: Recognize your emotional neglect and abuse Identify its ongoing impacts Work through your deeper emotions Heal attachment wounds Parent your wounded parts Take in love and support You’ll replace limiting self-images, defensive habits, and deep grief with self-assurance, openness, and hope—and ultimately, be equipped to embrace a more nourished and fulfilled life.
Nine Minds: Inner Lives on the Spectrum
by Daniel TammetFrom the New York Times–bestselling author of Born on a Blue Day and Thinking in Numbers, this poignant, perspective-altering book celebrates the power and beauty of the neurodivergent mind, as told through the true stories of nine contemporary men and women on the autism spectrum. “Tammet’s exquisite portraits remind us that the variety of brains is every bit as essential as any other form of diversity.”—Andrew Solomon, author of Far from the Tree Exploding the tired stereotypes of autism, Daniel Tammet—acclaimed author and an autistic savant himself—draws out the inner worlds of nine extraordinary, neurodivergent lives from around the globe. A nonverbal man from Boston explores body language, gesture by eloquent gesture, in his mother’s yoga classes. A Japanese researcher in psychology sets out to measure loneliness while drawing on her own experience of autism. From a Fields Medal–winning mathematician to a murder detective, a pioneering surgeon to a bestselling novelist, each is remarkable in their field, and each is changing how the world sees those on the spectrum. Telling stories as richly diverse as the spectrum itself, this perspective-altering, life-affirming work of narrative nonfiction celebrates the power and beauty of the neurodivergent mind—and the daring freedom with which these individuals have built their lives.
The Secret World of Denisovans: The Epic Story of the Ancient Cousins to Sapiens and Neanderthals
by Silvana Condemi François SavatierFor everyone interested in prehistory—an unprecedented, meticulously reported account of our prehistoric ancestors, the recently discovered "Third Man" cousins to Sapiens and Neanderthals In December 2010, scientists discovered a fragment of a finger bone in the remote, isolated Denisova Cave in Siberia. To their surprise, the bone contained neither Homo sapiens nor Neanderthal DNA. Rather, the fast-advancing science of paleogenetics revealed that the DNA came from a previously unknown species of hominids—the Denisovans (as they almost immediately came to be called)— who shared a common ancestor with both Neanderthals and Homo sapiens. This first and subsequent Denisovan fossil discoveries required paleoanthropologists, including world-leading researcher and author Silvana Condemi, to reconsider their understanding of our ancestors and their successive prehistoric migrations out of Africa and into and throughout Eurasia tens of thousands of years ago. Leading us through the excavation of Denisova Cave, the sequencing of the Denisovan genome, and recent fossil research, Condemi and her coauthor, science journalist François Savatier, explore how the Denisovans migrated throughout Asia and with whom they interacted along the way, as well as the comparisons and divergences between the evolutionary processes of Denisovans and our other ancestor cousins, Neanderthals. They help us to understand and appreciate how today’s inhabitants of East Asia—from Siberia to the Philippines— carry up to 5 percent of Denisovan DNA, and they revise the epic story of our ancient human ancestors’ immense journeys as they peopled our planet.
The Mushroom Hunter's Kitchen: A Culinary Homage to Wild and Cultivated Mushrooms - with 120 Recipes
by Chad HyattWith 120 recipes for everything from dinner to dessert, The Mushroom Hunter’s Kitchen will make you a better mushroom cook and open your eyes to the extraordinary culinary potential of the fungi kingdom "From one of the mycological world’s most beloved chefs, this is Just. So. Delicious. The Mushroom Hunter’s Kitchen belongs in the kitchen not only of every mushroom hunter, but every mushroom lover."? Eugenia Bone, food and nature writer and editor of Fantastic Fungi Community Cookbook Whether you get your mushrooms from the supermarket or straight from the forest floor, The Mushroom Hunter’s Kitchen will help you make the most of your haul. Because the right cooking method can transform a mushroom from meh to mouthwatering, professional chef and mushroom foraging expert Chad Hyatt starts by sharing the best techniques to use for dozens of varieties, from the humble button mushroom to the revered morel, the common oyster mushroom to the elusive huitlacoche. Next, he shares his favorite recipes for making mushrooms the highlight of any meal: Preserves and Condiments: Salt-Preserved Mushrooms; Pickled Matsutake; Chanterelle–Meyer Lemon Marmalade Breakfast: Savory Mushroom Crepes; Oyster Mushroom Chilaquiles Salads and Apps: Roasted Vegetable and Mushroom Salad with Black Trumpet Vinaigrette; Spanish Tortilla with Potatoes and Mushrooms Soups and Stews: White Button Ajoblanco; Saffron Milk Cap Stew with Pork Belly and Potatoes Pastas: Lion’s Mane Cannelloni; Cauliflower Mushroom Carbonara Hearty Entrées: Polenta with Mixed Mushroom Ragout; Lobster Mushroom Enchiladas Desserts: Chanterelle and Persimmon Galette; Blueberry-Porcini Ice Cream; Flourless Agaricus Almond Cake Intrigued by a recipe, but don’t have the right mushroom on hand? No problem! Most recipes are highly flexible, so you can use what you have. Mushroom Substitutions boxes next to each recipe point you to the best alternatives. Filled with expert tips and creative flavor combinations, The Mushroom Hunter’s Kitchen is the definitive guide to cooking with wild and store-bought mushrooms.
The Shortest History of Migration: When, Why, and How Humans Move - From the Prehistoric Peopling of the Planet to Today and Tomorrow's Migrants (The Shortest History Series)
by Ian GoldinFrom the Silk Roads to the Berlin Wall, discover the globe-turning history of human migration. “Provides essential context to one of today’s most polarizing debates . . . engrossing and instructive—a must-read.”—Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group We are a species in motion—from the first steps of Homo sapiens across Africa to America’s “melting pot.” And when we move—in search of better things, or against our will—our beliefs and skills clash and combine, reshaping society time and again. In this visionary Shortest History of Migration, Ian Goldin uncovers key moments of cultural exchange while carefully examining empire, slavery, and war. Throughout, we meet famous explorers (Zheng He), exiles (Pablo Neruda), and everyday people in extraordinary circumstances: a Jewish man saved by the Kindertransport, a Japanese gardener who blossomed in Mexico City. Today, freedom of movement is being curtailed, even as climate change and conflict mobilize people everywhere around the world. Goldin reminds us that passports at every border are a modern invention (he traces the “birth of big brother” to World War I), revealing the folly of trying to halt migration—and proposing commonsense policy instead. A gripping chronicle of want and wanderlust, this is a moving portrait of humanity—in every sense of the word. The Shortest History books deliver thousands of years of history in one riveting, fast-paced read.
The Shortest History of Ancient Rome: A Millennium of Western Civilization, from Kingdom to Republic to Empire - A Retelling for Our Times (The Shortest History Series)
by Ross KingFrom New York Times–bestselling author Ross King, the storied rise and reign of the greatest empire and most influential civilization of the ancient Western world "For who is so indifferent or indolent as not to wish to know by what means the Romans succeeded in subjecting nearly the whole inhabited world to their sole government—a thing unique in history?"—Polybius, second century BCE Ancient Rome gave rise to the Roman Empire, one of history’s greatest civilizations. It flourished for roughly five hundred years and, at its height, made up at least 20 percent of the world’s population. It left an indelible mark on the world, shaping politics, laws, philosophy, and architecture, and gave us Roman numerals, the calendar, aqueducts, and concrete. Alongside the Greeks, the Romans laid the groundwork for Western civilization. In this fast-paced history, Ross King introduces the emperors and warriors, the madmen and upstarts, and the artists and gladiators responsible for the empire’s rise, reign, and ruin. King’s vivid narrative offers fresh context for key political and religious events and paints lively portraits of Rome’s most formidable and notorious leaders. Spanning over one thousand years of Roman history, The Shortest History of Ancient Rome brings an ancient civilization to vibrant life, elucidating why the Romans still matter to us today. The Shortest History books deliver thousands of years of history in one riveting, fast-paced read. The Shortest History books deliver thousands of years of history in one riveting, fast-paced read.
The Shortest History of the Dinosaurs: The 230-Million-Year Story of Their Time on Earth (The Shortest History Series)
by Riley BlackA highlight-reel history of the dinosaurs, told like never before—bringing their world to vivid life in a paleontological detective story The Shortest History of the Dinosaurs tells the 230-million-year epic of these staggeringly fascinating prehistoric creatures, covering their small beginnings, spectacular golden periods, and stunning evolutionary success—before an unthinkable asteroid event brought everything to a screeching halt. But this history digs deeper, using numerous recent fossil discoveries and fresh understandings of genetics and evolution to show how we’ve gleaned so much about a long-lost world from mere fragments of fossil. Marshaling the evidence, award-winning author Riley Black reveals the startling relationships that dinosaurs shared with one another, the land they lived on, and other animal species. By conjuring a more complete picture of Earth in the age of the dinosaurs, she shows us how these massive monsters owe their rise to luck as much as to their cunning—and the many surprising ways they left an indelible mark on their dramatically changing world. The Shortest History books deliver thousands of years of history in one riveting, fast-paced read.
Dimming the Sun: The Urgent Case for Geoengineering
by Thomas RamgeA groundbreaking, vital examination of a powerful—and extremely controversial—stopgap solution to looming climate catastrophe “It would be great if humanity could forgo solar geoengineering and get climate change under control before the world goes off the rails. But I no longer believe in this possibility.” Earth stands at a tipping point. As we fail to curtail emissions fast enough, our planet stares down a cascade of imminent, catastrophic, and irreversible disaster triggered by climate change. Yet a potent technology already exists to buy us more time: solar geoengineering. Through methods such as atmospheric aerosols, human-generated cirrus clouds, and solar sails, we humans can—at least in the short term—slow the Earth’s warming. Should we? Award-winning science writer Thomas Ramge’s Dimming the Sun is his provocative, informative, urgent, and necessary exploration of this intriguing stopgap solution. Ramge shows us how the science works, what the risks are—both geophysical and political—and how the international community might come together to agree on and regulate a safe and effective plan for geoengineering. And while he identifies the unknowns about the technology that remain, he believes this very uncertainty demands our full attention. With time to avert the worst of climate change rapidly running out, he makes a forceful case that the most responsible course of action is to dramatically increase research on solar geoengineering now—before it’s too late.
The Shortest History of Music: From Bone Flutes to Synthesizers, Hildegard of Bingen to Beyoncé - 5,000 Years of Instrument and Song (The Shortest History Series)
by Andrew FordFrom prehistoric songwriting to digital recording, discover the history of the world’s favorite art form No other art is as popular—or pervasive—as music. With just a few clicks, anyone can cue up (and critique) Chopin or Cher, The Bangles or The Beatles—even the brand-new Beyoncé. But things weren’t always this way. In this brisk, breakneck history under 300 pages, award-winning composer, author, and broadcaster Andrew Ford replays the dramatic evolution of music, from early oral songs to the first orchestras (and their wealthy patrons) and from the emergence of recording technology to the multibillion-dollar industry we know today. The Shortest History of Music explores the immense influence of religion, politics, and the economy on world music, what led humans to make music in the first place, and why—in every era—we are irresistibly drawn to listen to it. The Shortest History books deliver thousands of years of history in one riveting, fast-paced read.
Tamed: From Wild to Domesticated, the Ten Animals and Plants That Changed Human History
by Alice RobertsAn “epic and joyous” (Adam Rutherford) history of our species, using recent scientific discoveries to explore humanity’s domestication of the plants and animals that have allowed human civilization to thrive. “An excellent point of entry for anyone who wants to understand the new deep human history and what it portends.”—The Guardian Dogs became our companions. Wheat fed booming populations. Cattle gave us meat and milk. Corn fueled the growth of empires. Potatoes brought feast and famine. Chickens inspired new branches of science. Rice promised a golden future. Horses gave us strength and speed. Apples provided harvestable sweetness. Humans tamed them all. For hundreds of thousands of years, our ancestors were just one wild species among many, their survival dependent on the whims of nature. Then, gradually, we began to tame the plants and animals all around us—and ourselves. Combining genetics, archaeology, evolutionary biology, and anthropology, Tamed tells the story of the greatest revolution in human history, revealing the fascinating origins of crucial domesticated species and how they, in turn, transformed us. Dogs, our first natural ally, aided Ice Age–era hunters and gatherers. Domesticated horses led to new ideas about hunting and combat in the Eurasian Steppe. The reliability of wheat and corn allowed humans to settle down and build civilizations of unprecedented complexity. As she uncovers the astounding global implications of domestication, Alice Roberts urges us to look again at our relationship with the natural world—and our incredible influence upon it.
The Microbiome Master Key: Harness Your Microbes to Unlock Whole-Body Health and Lifelong Vitality
by B. Brett Finlay Jessica M. FinlayLearn the secret to whole-body, lifelong health: the teeming world of microbes inside and all around you. Hand sanitizer. Social distancing. Antibiotics. Fending off germs has long been considered one of the cornerstones of good health. But what if better health and more graceful aging actually went hand-in-hand with embracing microbes? Your body is teeming with microbes—not just in the gut, but also on your skin, in your lungs, and beyond. And they impact everything from your sleep, cognition, mood, heart health, and energy to your likelihood of developing many diseases. As groundbreaking new studies are showing, taking care of your microbiome—inside and out—can help you improve your day-to-day health and even help prevent or reverse some of the most common age-related diseases. This eye-opening book breaks down what the latest research says about how the microbiome affects all aspects of physical and mental health—and what you can do about it. • Potentially change the trajectory of 9 out of 10 leading causes of death, including heart disease, cancer, lung disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes • Increase your resistance to pathogens like the flu and COVID-19 • Keep your skin soft, healthy, supple, and less wrinkled • Stabilize your weight and control blood sugar • Improve your physical fitness and strength • Fight "inflammaging"—low-grade inflammation that hastens the aging process • Get a more restful and rejuvenating night’s sleep • Reduce stress and improve mental health—and your long-term quality of life The Microbiome Master Key is an updated and expanded new edition of The Whole-Body Microbiome.