Non Fiction Books

Book SynopsisHe offers four core pillars to cultivate such resilience: Pillar 1- Ditch the Façade, Embrace Reality Pillar 2- Listen to Your Body Pillar 3- Respond, Instead of React Pillar 4- Transcend Discomfort Smart and wise all at once, Magness flips the script on what it means to be resilient.Trade Review"In Do Hard Things, Steve Magness beautifully and persuasively reimagines our understanding of toughness. This is a must-read for parents and coaches and anyone else looking to prepare for life's biggest challenges." — Malcolm Gladwell, author of Outliers and Talking to Strangers and host of the Revisionist History podcast “For too long, we have lauded stories of coaches and leaders who practice the ‘weed-out’ school of toughness—subject a bunch of people to something unpleasant, and those who survive must have become high performers because of it. While those stories have grown in prominence, the body of scientific research has grown in a different direction, indicating that fortitude is not a trait that magically grows under extreme duress, but rather a skill that can slowly but surely be cultivated. It is time to bring the stories in line with the research, and I think Steve Magness is perfectly positioned to do just that.” — David Epstein, New York Times bestselling author of Range and The Sports Gene "Steve delivers a critical message for our current age of posing and performance: real toughness is not about callous bravado, but instead about the ability to navigate difficulty with grace and an unwavering focus on what matters." — Cal Newport, New York Times bestselling author of Deep Work and Digital Minimalism “Steve Magness is one of the giants of modern thinking about high performance across domains, blending a broad knowledge of cutting-edge psychology with hard-earned practical experience from the world-class athletes and other experts he coaches. In his new book, he takes on an age-old question—who triumphs, and why, when the going gets tough?—and reveals that many of our cherished instincts and assumptions are wrong. A crucial read for anyone who cares about delivering their best when the stakes are highest.” — Alex Hutchinson, New York Times bestselling author of Endure "Do Hard Things will change your mind about what it means to be tough. Steve Magness makes a beautiful and compelling case for the value of inner strength over outer strength and humility over bluster. A must read!” — Annie Duke, author of Thinking in Bets "In Do Hard Things, Steve Magness dismantles the widely endorsed but damaging suggestion that toughness is about bulldozing your way through difficult situations. Magness' version of toughness—"real toughness"—is more nuanced, forgiving, flexible, and learnable. Real toughness means processing stressors thoughtfully, deliberately, and with vulnerability, rather than superficially and rigidly. Do Hard Things changed how I think about stoicism and strength, both on the sports field and more broadly, and I can't recommend it highly enough." — Adam Alter, Professor of Marketing and Psychology, New York University Stern School of Business and New York Times bestselling author of Irresistible and Drunk Tank Pink “Steve Magness possesses an incredible range of wisdom and knowledge about the science, psychology and practical sides of sport performance. Do Hard Things is a master class in how to develop resilience, persistence and confidence under pressure.” — Christie Aschwanden, New York Times bestselling author of Good to Go “A welcome alternative to the traditional emphasis on ‘pushing through.’ Informative and entertaining, this has the power to help readers go the extra mile.” — Publishers Weekly "A must-read book on a timely and timeless topic, written by the perfect person to explore what it actually means to be tough. Steve's been thinking about these issues for years, and this book presents a fascinating and, more importantly, extremely helpful new perspective on toughness and how to build it." — Brad Stulberg, bestselling author of The Practice of Groundedness and Peak Performance "Steve Magness has established himself as a leading voice in performance optimization and achieving one's personal bestness, arete as the Greek's say. In Do Hard Things, Magness questions longstanding beliefs that toughness is developed through hubris and infallibility. What he reveals is both hopeful and reassuring. Do Hard Things is essential reading for anyone looking to cultivate inner strength in a genuine and authentic way." — Dean Karnazes, ultramarathoner and New York Times bestselling author "Do Hard Things is an incredibly deep and completely new approach that examines why and how people overcome the toughest situations. Explaining different stories in a very entertaining lecture for the readers, Steve Magness, one of the most recognized authors and thinkers in sports science, gives us a master class on how to develop resilience and skills to perform at our best in difficult situations." — Kilian Jornet, author of Above the Clouds “A thoughtful examination of what it really means to have the right stuff.” — Adam Grant, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Think Again and host of the TED podcast WorkLife “We're past the days of ‘no pain, no gain.’ Steve Magness, elite running coach and performance guru, on what toughness looks like now.” — GQ

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Book SynopsisTHE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLERImpossible to read with dry eyes or an unaltered mindset' Sunday TimesIlluminating and beautiful' Cathy RentzenbrinkWhat if everything you thought you knew about death was wrong?How should we prepare for the facts of dying and saying our goodbyes?And what if understanding death improved your life?By turns touching and tragic, funny and wise, With the End in Mind brings together Kathryn Mannix ' s lifetime of medical experience to tell powerful stories of life and death.Trade Review‘It is incredibly moving, of course, but what it isn’t is miserable. Yes this is a book about death, but it is also a book about joy. There aren’t all that many books that change the way you see the world. This book really might. It will make you want to do a better job of loving and living. It will make you want to be kinder. And it will make you want to cherish every precious moment of your precious life.’Sunday Times ‘Extraordinary and profoundly moving. … Any reader will come away with the wish that they will be cared for at the end by someone with Mannix’s imaginative sympathy and matter-of-fact generosity of perception’Rowan Williams, New Statesman ‘Illuminating and beautiful … I shed a few tears but it’s not gut wrenching and Mannix weaves the light and dark strands of her experience with finesse. It’s essential reading for anyone who will encounter death, and that means all of us.’Cathy Rentzenbrink, The Times ‘I got to the end of Kathryn Mannix’s book with just one thought – I wish I’d been a palliative consultant … A reminder that talking about death is an Act of Love’Greg Wise ‘In the last few years, there has been a crowd of books by doctors, scientists and writers that have sought to show us different, kinder ways of ending: Atul Gawande, Oliver Sacks, Henry Marsh… the list is long. Now Kathryn Mannix joins this distinguished group. Mannix’s aim is to shed a soft, clear light on a subject too often avoided. Mild, tender and conciliatory, I would like her to be my compassionate, wise doctor when I lie dying.’Observer

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Book SynopsisThe bible of Indian home cooking, with over 1,000 recipesTrade Review'Beautifully-designed... Indispensable information on ingredients and equipment... Manages to make even the most exotic and esoteric regional recipes accessible with straightforward methods and plain language.' - Good Things 'Part of Phaidon's ridiculously popular culinary-bible series, it could mean you'll never need a takeaway again.' - Sunday Times 'Phaidon have once again produced another wittily packaged, yet comprehensive cookbook... An excellent collection.'- Chef 'Beautiful... 1,000 family recipes that have been collected from all over the subcontinent.' - Independent

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Book SynopsisThe physiologist Benjamin Libet famously demonstrated that activity in the brain''s motor regions can be detected some 300 milliseconds before a person feels that he has decided to move. Another lab recently used fMRI data to show that some conscious decisions can be predicted up to 10 seconds before they enter awareness (long before the preparatory motor activity detected by Libet). Clearly, findings of this kind are difficult to reconcile with the sense that one is the conscious source of one''s actions. The question of free will is no mere curio of philosophy seminars. A belief in free will underwrites both the religious notion of sin and our enduring commitment to retributive justice. The Supreme Court has called free will a universal and persistent foundation for our system of law. Any scientific developments that threatened our notion of free will would seem to put the ethics of punishing people for their bad behaviour in question.In Free Will Harris debates these ideas aTrade Review"In this elegant and provocative book, Sam Harris demonstrates—with great intellectual ferocity and panache—that free will is an inherently flawed and incoherent concept, even in subjective terms. If he is right, the book will radically change the way we view ourselves as human beings." —V. S. Ramachandran, Director of the Center for Brain and Cognition, UCSD, and author of The Tell-Tale Brain"Brilliant and witty—and never less than incisive—Free Will shows that Sam Harris can say more in 13,000 words than most people do in 100,000." —Oliver Sacks"Free will is an illusion so convincing that people simply refuse to believe that we don’t have it. In Free Will, Sam Harris combines neuroscience and psychology to lay this illusion to rest at last. Like all of Harris’s books, this one will not only unsettle you but make you think deeply. Read it: you have no choice."—Jerry A. Coyne, Professor of Ecology and Evolution, University of Chicago, and author of Why Evolution Is True"Many say that believing that there is no free will is impossible—or, if possible, will cause nihilism and despair. In this feisty and personal essay, Harris offers himself as an example of a heart made less self-absorbed, and more morally sensitive and creative, because this particular wicked witch is dead." —Owen Flanagan, Professor of Philosophy, Duke University, and author of The Really Hard Problem"If you believe in free will, or know someone who does, here is the perfect antidote. In this smart, engaging, and extremely readable little book, Sam Harris argues that free will doesn’t exist, that we’re better off knowing that it doesn’t exist, and that—once we think about it in the right way—we can appreciate from our own experience that it doesn’t exist. This is a delightful discussion by one of the sharpest scholars around.” —Paul Bloom, Professor of Psychology, Yale University, and author of How Pleasure Works

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Book SynopsisFrom one of America’s most brilliant writers, a New York Times bestselling journey through psychology, philosophy, and lots of meditation to show how Buddhism holds the key to moral clarity and enduring happiness.At the heart of Buddhism is a simple claim: The reason we suffer—and the reason we make other people suffer—is that we don’t see the world clearly. At the heart of Buddhist meditative practice is a radical promise: We can learn to see the world, including ourselves, more clearly and so gain a deep and morally valid happiness. In this “sublime” (The New Yorker), pathbreaking book, Robert Wright shows how taking this promise seriously can change your life—how it can loosen the grip of anxiety, regret, and hatred, and how it can deepen your appreciation of beauty and of other people. He also shows why this transformation works, drawing on the latest in neuroscience and psychology, and armed with an acute understanding of human evolution. This book is the culmination of a personal journey that began with Wright’s landmark book on evolutionary psychology, The Moral Animal, and deepened as he immersed himself in meditative practice and conversed with some of the world’s most skilled meditators. The result is a story that is “provocative, informative and...deeply rewarding” (The New York Times Book Review), and as entertaining as it is illuminating. Written with the wit, clarity, and grace for which Wright is famous, Why Buddhism Is True lays the foundation for a spiritual life in a secular age and shows how, in a time of technological distraction and social division, we can save ourselves from ourselves, both as individuals and as a species.Trade Review“A sublime achievement.” —Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker“Provocative, informative and... deeply rewarding.... I found myself not just agreeing [with] but applauding the author.” —The New York Times Book Review“This is exactly the book that so many of us are looking for. Writing with his characteristic wit, brilliance, and tenderhearted skepticism, Robert Wright tells us everything we need to know about the science, practice, and power of Buddhism.” —Susan Cain, bestselling author of Quiet“I have been waiting all my life for a readable, lucid explanation of Buddhism by a tough-minded, skeptical intellect. Here it is. This is a scientific and spiritual voyage unlike any I have taken before.” —Martin Seligman, professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania and bestselling author of Authentic Happiness“A fantastically rational introduction to meditation…. It constantly made me smile a little, and occasionally chuckle…. A wry, self-deprecating, and brutally empirical guide to the avoidance of suffering.” —Andrew Sullivan, New York Magazine “[A] superb, level-headed new book.” —Oliver Burkeman, The Guardian“Robert Wright brings his sharp wit and love of analysis to good purpose, making a compelling case for the nuts and bolts of how meditation actually works. This book will be useful for all of us, from experienced meditators to hardened skeptics who are wondering what all the fuss is about.” —Sharon Salzberg, cofounder of the Insight Meditation Society and bestselling author of Real Happiness “What happens when someone steeped in evolutionary psychology takes a cool look at Buddhism? If that person is, like Robert Wright, a gifted writer, the answer is this surprising, enjoyable, challenging, and potentially life-changing book.” —Peter Singer, professor of philosophy at Princeton University and author of Ethics in the Real World“Delightfully personal, yet broadly important.” —NPR“Rendered in a down-to-earth and highly readable style, with witty quips and self-effacing humility that give the book its distinctive appeal and persuasive power.” —America Magazine“Beautifully written and persuasively argued, Why Buddhism is True is the most accessible book on some of Buddhism’s extraordinary, even radical, claims.... Powerful, eloquent, spiritual and scientific... A creative and compelling exploration of the Buddha’s mind.” —The Tribune (India)“[Why Buddhism is True] will become the go-to explication of Buddhism for modern western seekers, just as The Moral Animal remains the go-to explication of evolutionary psychology.” —Scientific American“Cool, rational, and dryly cynical, Robert Wright is an unlikely guide to the Dharma and ‘not-self.’ But in this extraordinary book, he makes a powerful case for a Buddhist way of life and a Buddhist view of the mind. With great clarity and wit, he brings together personal anecdotes with insights from evolutionary theory and cognitive science to defend an ancient yet radical world-view. This is a truly transformative work.” —Paul Bloom, professor of psychology at Yale University and author of Against Empathy: The Case for Rational Compassion“[Written] with such intelligence and grace.” —Patheos“What a terrific book. The combination of evolutionary psychology, philosophy, astute readings of Buddhist tradition, and personal meditative experience is absolutely unique and clarifying.” —Jonathan Gold, professor of religion at Princeton University and author of Paving the Great Way: Vasubandhu's Unifying Buddhist Philosophy“Joyful and insightful... both entertaining and informative.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)“A light, accessible guide for anyone interested in the practical benefits of meditation.” —Vox“A well-organized, freshly conceived introduction to core concepts of Buddhist thought.... Wright lightens the trek through some challenging philosophical concepts with well-chosen anecdotes and a self-deprecating humor.” —Kirkus Reviews“[Wright’s] argument contains many interesting and illuminating points.” —The Washington Post“Amusing and straight-forward.... Anyone... can safely dip their toes in the water here.” —BookFilter“Regardless of their own religious or spiritual roots, many open-minded readers who accompany [Wright] on this journey will find themselves agreeing with him.” —Shelf Awareness

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Book SynopsisLearn how to use watercolor to soothe your soul with this beginner?s guide to painting for relaxation. This fresh approach looks first at the process of painting as a means to de-stress and unwind. Many people love the idea of painting but hold themselves back from starting because they are worried about not being good enough or not feeling as though as are creative. In this guide for the absolute beginner, artist and teacher Sharone Stevens shows you that watercolor can be accessible to everyone and that just painting very simple lines, patterns and shapes in calming colors, concentrating on each brush stroke, can have a powerful meditative effect, while at the same time allowing you to create beautiful art you can be proud of. She also encourages you to connect more with the world around you, finding inspiration in your every-day life and discovering the beautiful textures found in nature, from tree trunks to fruit and butterflies! The aim of the techniques and projects in this book is to create art that relaxes both the artist and the viewer of the finished piece. Projects range from simple gift tags, bookmarks, cards and small wall pieces to larger art pieces that you never thought possible ? all done with a focus on relaxation ? which is so important in today?s fast-paced, increasingly digital world. Learn how to mix a calming color palette, try simple painting exercises to get into a relaxed flow, and create beautiful artworks that will lift the spirits both during the painting process and beyond, as finished pieces of art. Author Sharone Stevens is an established art teacher and talented artist who is passionate about using art for relaxation and encouraging others to build a regular creative practice. Her gentle lessons and nurturing reassurance will guide even total beginners through the process of making soothing, soulful modern watercolor art.

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Book Synopsis(Edition updated in 2023) MICHELIN North and Central Belgium Regional Map scale 1/200,000 will provide you with an extensive coverage of primary, secondary and scenic routes for this region. In addition to Michelin's clear and accurate mapping, this regional map includes all the practical information for a trouble free journey, including major town plans as well as tourism information to make the most of your journey. With MICHELIN Regional Maps, find more than just your way! MICHELIN REGIONAL MAPS include practical information for a trouble free journey and show primary & secondary road networks. * Administrative boundaries * Scenic routes and tourist sights * Place name index * Time and distance charts * Plans for a selection of major towns * Practical information: danger alerts, service stations, picnic areas

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Book Synopsis#1 NATIONAL BESTSELLER * NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * The renowned author of Between the World and Me journeys to three resonant sites of conflict to explore how the stories we tell and the ones we don't shape our realities.?Ta-Nehisi Coates always writes with a purpose. . . . These pilgrimages, for him, help ground his powerful writing about race.? Associated Press?Coates exhorts readers, including students, parents, educators, and journalists, to challenge conventional narratives that can be used to justify ethnic cleansing or camouflage racist policing. Brilliant and timely.? Booklist (starred review)A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: The New York Times Book Review, NPR, Vanity Fair, Town & Country, Electric LitTa-Nehisi Coates originally set out to write a book about writing, in the tradition of Orwell's classic ?Politics and the English Language,? but found himself grappling with deeper questions about how our stories our reporting and imaginative narratives and mythmaking expose and distort our realities.In the first of the book's three intertwining essays, Coates, on his first trip to Africa, finds himself in two places at once: in Dakar, a modern city in Senegal, and in a mythic kingdom in his mind. Then he takes readers along with him to Columbia, South Carolina, where he reports on his own book's banning, but also explores the larger backlash to the nation's recent reckoning with history and the deeply rooted American mythology so visible in that city a capital of the Confederacy with statues of segregationists looming over its public squares. Finally, in the book's longest section, Coates travels to Palestine, where he sees with devastating clarity how easily we are misled by nationalist narratives, and the tragedy that lies in the clash between the stories we tell and the reality of life on the ground. Written at a dramatic moment in American and global life, this work from one of the country's most important writers is about the urgent need to untangle ourselves from the destructive myths that shape our world and our own souls and embrace the liberating power of even the most difficult truths.

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Book SynopsisA clinical psychiatrist explores the effects of DMT, one of the most powerful psychedelics known.Trade Review"Fascinating and provocative. A remarkable exploration of the boundaries of science and consciousness itself." * Rupert Sheldrake, author of The Presence of the Past *"Rick Strassman's pioneering research work with DMT, a natural psychedelic drug used by Amazonian Indians, raises fascinating questions about the neurochemical basis of experience and the feasibility of conducting human research with mind-altering drugs in a university medical center. Truly adventurous reading!" * Andrew Weil, M.D., author of Spontaneous Healing *"This book is essential reading for anyone with an interest in the mind, philosophy, the nature of reality, and spirituality." * Karl Jansen, M.D., Ph.D. *"DMT: The Spirit Molecule points the way beyond the present impasse of the reigning 'drug abuse' paradigm." * Jonathan Ott, author of The Age of Entheogens and Hallucinogenic Plants of North America *"The most extensive scientific study of the mental and perceptual effects of a psychedelic drug since the 1960s." * Ralph Metzner, Ph.D., author of Ayahuasca: Consciousness and the Spirits of Nature *"Strassman's important research contributes to a growing awareness that we inhabit a multi-dimensional universe." * John Mack, MD Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, author of Abduction and Passport to t *"Strassman raises vital questions about the origin of spiritual experiences and the nature of consciousness." * Larry Dossey MD, author of Reinventing Medicine, and Healing Words; Executive Editor, Alternative Th *"DMT: The Spirit Molecule is a fascinating journey into the research of psychedelics. . . . The questions and possible explanations about the endogenous presence of DMT that he raises not only enlarge the discussion about psychedelics but also expand our understanding of the nature of consciousness." * Jule Klotter, Townsend Letter for Doctors & Patients - July, 2001 *"This book will be of profound interest to . . . anyone with a deep interest in the study of consciousness, visionary states and/or psycho-pharmacology." * J. P. Harpignies, Lapis *"Strassman's psychonauts regularly found themselves hurtled into alien laboratories, high-tech nurseries, and Day-Glo hieroglyphic hypercubes." * Erik Davis, The Village Voice *"DMT: the Spirit Molecule is an enriching journey into one scientist's courageous attempt to solve a bit more of the brain/mind/spirit mystery at the center of human existence." * Vicki Ecker, UFO Magazine, December-January 2002 *"What you will find is a thoughtful, well-written report about another of life's mysteries." * James Dekorne, Fortean Times, November 2001 *"Strassman's research was an important step, one that will potentially illuminate the path for future researchers and volunteers alike, and this book is a great contribution to the ongoing dialogue surrounding psychedelics." * Scotto, Trip, Fall 2001 *"This is probably the most thorough book on the psychedelic, DMT--its history, chemistry, uses (legal and illegal), and its effects. This is a very compelling, thoughtful book, written by a scrupulous scientist with the soul of a meditator." * The Book Reader, Spring/Summer 2002 *"The account of the project is an excellent inside view of human drug studies, especially those with psychedelics." * Paul Von Ward, The AHP Perspective, June/July 2002 *"This book is a highly readable, intriguing, provocative description of Rick Strassman's theories and research concerning the effects of DMT." * Alissa Hirshfeld-Flores, M.A., LMFT, The American Journal of Psychiatry, August 2002 *"Rick Strassman's experimentation with the psychoactive substance DMT is taking up where Leary's 1950/60's LSD experiments stopped." * Rev. Dr. S. D'Montford, New Dawn, Jan-Feb 2006 *"[Strassman's] account, written more for the layman than the specialist, is ground-breaking, and raises the interesting question as to what is truly a psychedelic experience." * Peter Fenwick, The Scientific and Medical Network, Summer 2007 *"Near-death experiences. Alien abductions. Lucid dreams. Even gods and goddesses. Try DMT for an explanation and it all holds together. It's brain chemistry. It's neuropharmacology. It's quite possibly other realms. Whatever it is, it's the new frontier, a closer examination of consciousness, and it's very, very exciting!" * betaphilings.com, Dec 2008 *"[Strassman] is a gifted writer and makes scientific jargon easy to read. The book gives very interesting examples of what the volunteers envisioned and how they felt throughout the experiences. . . . It is important for us as a society to look at legal, controlled, and supervised experimentation with psychoactive drugs with open minds, and with eventual scientific benefit in mind." * Levi Cox, FLC Law and Society Science & Metaphysics Blog, Feb 2009 *"Fascinating stuff! If this kind of thing interests you then pick up this book today." * Loretta Nall, blog by former Alabama Gubernatorial Candidate, June 2009 *"In the end, I felt the most important element of the book was the contextualization of the questions most important in psychedelic research. Strassman keenly recognizes and extrapolates the areas that appear to be most vital in the further study and theory of psychedelics." * The Psychedelic Press UK, Sept 2009 *“Highly readable, intriguing, provocative. . . . [An] intellectually courageous book. . . . Will be of great use both to researchers and clinicians, as well as to laypeople.” * American Journal of Psychiatry, 2002 *“A dazzling journey through psychedelic drug experimentation and a tantalizing peek into a new model of how the brain and mind work. Strassman’s research points toward a physiological basis for spirit and its interaction with the human body; his data suggests that our brain chemistry allows us access to other realms of existence just when we need it most, and his story recounts both the dangers and promises of entering this brave new world.” * Bruce Greyson, Editor, Journal of Near-Death Studies *Table of ContentsDMT: The Spirit Molecule A Doctor's Revolutionary Research into the Biology of Near-Death and Mystical Experiences Acknowledgments Introduction Prologue: First Sessions Part I: The Building Blocks Part II: Conception and Birth Part III: Set, Setting, and DMT Part IV: The Sessions Part V: Taking Pause Part VI: What Could and Might Be

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Book SynopsisEach of the 101 felted flower projects are explained with step-by-step photos, creating an enjoyable activity for children or adults.

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Book SynopsisJoan Didion's hugely influential collection of essays which defines, for many, the America which rose from the ashes of the Sixties.We tell ourselves stories in order to live. The princess is caged in the consulate. The man with the candy will lead the children into the sea. In this now legendary journey into the hinterland of the American psyche, Didion searches for stories as the Sixties implode. She waits for Jim Morrison to show up, visits the Black Panthers in prison, parties with Janis Joplin and buys dresses with Charles Manson's girls. She and her reader emerge, cauterized, from this devastating tour of that age of self discovery into the harsh light of the morning after.Trade Review'All the essays manifest not only her intelligence but an instinct for details that continue to emit pulsations in the reader's memory, and a style that is spare, subtly musical in its phrasing, and exact. Add to this her highly vulnerable sense of herself, and the result is a voice like no other in contemporary journalism.'NEW YORK TIMES 'Demonstrates an uncanny ability to capture the insidious and pervasive infections of mind and spirit that have led to both the corruption of government and business, and the withering of the individual.'CHICAGO SUN-TIMES 'Everything Didion writes has a land's end edginess to it – a hyperattentive eye on the dramas found at the outskirts of the human condition. She writes as someone who has come through great shudders of the earth with a fundamental understanding that everything is subject to instantaneous and complete revision.'VILLAGE VOICE 'She is the best chronicler California has'VOGUE 'Simply an original and unexpected writer who is never banal'NEW YORK REVIEW OF BOOKS

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Book SynopsisSashiko, the traditional Japanese technique of needlework quilting, uses simple running stitch to create beautifully decorative patterns ideal for patchwork, quilting and embroidery. Sashiko (pronounced shash-ko) means ''stab stitch'' and refers to the small running stitch that is worked to build up distinctive decorative patterns, of which there are hundreds. The book begins by exploring the origins of the technique to strengthen clothes and to make them warmer. Getting Started describes everything you need to begin stitching, including selecting suitable fabrics and threads, marking out patterns on the fabric, as well as the stitching technique itself. Ten project chapters show how easy it is to use sashiko patterns to make beautiful items for the home. The sashiko patterns are described in step-by-step detail in the pattern library, showing you exactly how to achieve each individual pattern with ease. Finally a gallery of work by contemporary Japanese textile artists provides extra inspiration.Table of ContentsIntroduction History of Sashiko - illustrated with examples of original sashiko; Getting Started - equipment, tools, marking out distortions, starting and finishing, threads and needles stitching action, fabrics, sashiko for patchwork and quilting, counted sashiko; The Projects Framed samplers X 3 Coasters X 12 Greetings cards X 6 Table mats X 2 Sampler cushions X 2 Tote bags X 2 Noren curtain (traditional door hangings) Drawstring bags X 2 Zabuton floor cushions X 2 Table runner Pattern Library; Running Stitch; Patterns - square, square and spiral, shippo and curves, starfish, waves, hemp leaf, weaves, square grid, diamonds, hexagons, saya brocade, and variations on each; One-Stitch; Patterns rice, coin, persimmon flower, woven, darned, and variations on each; Motifs Gallery Acknowledgments Suppliers Bibliography Pattern Index General Index

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Book Synopsis#1 New York Times non-fiction bestseller #2 Sunday Times non-fiction bestsellerSHORTLISTED FOR THE FINANCIAL TIMES BUSINESS BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARDCHOSEN AS A BOOK OF THE YEAR BY APPLE, AMAZON, THE TIMES AND FINANCIAL TIMESEpic feats. Epic failures. An epic story.Walter Isaacson charts Elon Musk’s journey from humble beginnings to one of the wealthiest people on the planet – but is Musk a genius or a jerk?   From the author of Steve Jobs and other bestselling biographies, this is the astonishingly intimate story of Elon Musk, the most fascinating and controversial innovator of our era – a rule-breaking visionary who helped to lead the world into the era of electric vehicles, private space exploration and artificial intelligence. Oh, and took over Twitter. When Elon Musk was a kid in South Africa, he was reguTrade Review‘Its portrait of the tech maverick is fascinating. . . a persuasive mixture of alarm and deep admiration' * Daily Telegraph *‘[Isaacson] has done something amazing with the Musk biography which is to write a 688-page quick read’ * Financial Times *‘Whatever you think of Mr Musk, he is a man worth understanding – which makes this a book worth reading’ * The Economist *‘A penetrating new biography’ * Daily Mail *‘A beat-by-beat book that follows the tycoon inside important rooms, as well as exploring obscure regions of his mind’ * The Times *‘A comprehensive, deeply reported chronicle of the world-shaping tech mogul’s life’ * Politico *‘An experienced biographer’s comprehensive study’ * Observer *‘He forms his own conclusions, which are mostly admirably balanced and mature. . . Isaacson, in his quest for a comprehensive audit of the Musk phenomenon, errs slightly on the side of the voyeur in these encounters, but I can’t blame him. It’s quite the spectacle’ * Independent *‘The book contains a series of illuminating anecdotes about Musk’ * Guardian *'Isaacson offers both an engaging chronicle of his subject’s busy life so far and some compelling answers’ * Wall Street Journal *‘The most complete profile of Musk yet’ * Time Magazine *'There’s not much middle ground on Musk – people love him or hate him – but Isaacson is best positioned to figure out what makes him tick’ * Los Angeles Times *‘The resulting book delves deep into the billionaire’s demons, including childhood bullies and a difficult father, and interrogates their relationship to his success’ * New York Times *‘Isaacson deftly handles complicated matters like the development of electric vehicles, rockets and artificial intelligence while also deeply exploring Musk’s background and family’ * AP News *‘This fast-paced biography. . . [is] a head-spinning tale about a vain, brilliant, sometimes cruel figure whose ambitions are actively shaping the future of human life' -- Ron Charles * CBS Sunday Morning *‘Everything you'd expect from a book on Musk. . . While the stories are fascinating and guaranteed to spark a mountain of coverage, founders and entrepreneurs will also unearth valuable lessons’ * Inc. *‘The book is bursting with stories. . . A deeply engrossing tale of a spectacular American innovator’ * New York Journal of Books *‘Walter Isaacson’s intimate account of a tech titan’ * TLS *‘this biography of Elon Musk is still fascinating. How could it not be? . . . He has spoken to practically everybody’ * Evening Standard *‘a highly readable portrait of a very unusual personality. . . It is a considerable achievement on Isaacson’s part to have persuaded this reviewer. . . to adopt a more sympathetic view of Musk and set aside much of the familiar media caricature of him.’ * Literary Review *‘Described by the FT as a “688-page quick read” for the TikTok generation, Isaacson’s biography of the South African entrepreneur races along at bone-rattling speed. That certainly makes for an entertaining exploration of Musk the celebrity’ * Financial Times, Technology *‘From its cover… to its size (nearly 700 pages), this account of the world’s highest profile technology entrepreneur shouts importance… Isaacson does a good job of illustrating the crazy genius of his multiple projects' * Financial Times, Business *‘[There are] few biographers who have had so much access to powerful people as Walter Isaacson. So his biography Elon Musk is a must-read. . . in my view, it is the details about his attitude towards artificial intelligence at Tesla, or his dealings with the Ukrainian government, which are most fascinating. Whatever you think of Musk, [this is] an illuminating book that forces us to confront a crucial question: are innovators always half-mad?’ -- Gillian Tett * Financial Times *‘This biography, written with his approval, follows him from his dweebish, unhappy childhood to Twitter trolling adulthood’ * The Times, Books of the Year *'Isaacson, a highly respected biographer, does an excellent job in tying him down. Musk cooperated in its writing, but it's no hagiography, delving into dark family secrets, exposing Musk's anti-social nature, his addiction to drama and risk, his tendency to, in the words of his ex-wife, go "king-crazy"' * Daily Mail, Biographies of the Year *

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Book SynopsisTHE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERA WATERSTONES BEST BOOK OF 2023BARNES & NOBLE''S BEST SCIENCE & NATURE BOOKS OF 2023The arts can deliver potent, accessible and proven solutions for the wellbeing of everyone. In this book, Magsamen and Ross offer compelling research that shows how engaging in an art project for as little as forty-five minutes reduces the stress hormone cortisol and just one art experience per month can extend your life by ten years. This can be anything from painting and dancing to expressive writing, architecture and more - no matter your skill level. Your Brain on Art is an authoritative guide to how neuroaesthetics can help us transform traditional healing, build healthier communities and mend an aching planet.

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Book SynopsisDana Fox, author of Watercolor with Me: In the Forest and founder of Wonder Forest, provides fifty new marine-themed projects in this beginner-friendly watercolour guide. Known for her whimsical art style and straightforward instruction, Dana leads you through three major watercolour techniques: wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, and ink-and-wash. Best of all, there’s no sketching required, so you can focus on each painting method.

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Book SynopsisMake a beautiful, modern quilt of your own design with the 100 original quilt blocks or try one of the 5 city-themed sampler quilts designed by Tula.

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Book SynopsisThe long-awaited memoir from founder and lead-singer of definitive noughties pop-punk band Sum 41, Deryck Whibley.

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Book SynopsisThe second set of books collecting Bill Watterson's timeless Calvin and Hobbes comics in a new portable format designed to introduce the timeless adventures of a boy and his stuffed tiger to a new generation of readers. Featuring nearly 500 comics presented chronologically from March 1987 to July 1988, this is the second set in a planned series of seven.Calvin and Hobbes is one of the most popular comic strips of all time. The imaginative world of a boy and his real-only-to-him tiger first appeared in 1985 and could be read in more than 2,400 newspapers when Bill Watterson retired on January 1, 1996. This compact, portable new format will fit easily into backpacks as well as on the collector's shelf. Featuring archival slipcase and cover art selected by the author, The Calvin and Hobbes Portable Compendium pays tribute to the strip's origin in newspapers while appealing to both new and exist

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Book SynopsisKawaii is a Japanese word meaning ‘super-cute’, and it’s a trend that’s sweeping the globe. Anything can be drawn in the kawaii style, from animals, people, vegetables and flowers to food, vehicles and household items. Here, expert comic book and manga artist Yishan Li shows you how to draw amazingly adorable animals in just a few simple steps. Draw the cutest rabbit you’ve ever seen, a playful panda, koala, fox, sheep and more. There are 28 different drawings to choose from, all full of personality and bubbling over with charm. Each one is developed in 8 easy stages from a rough sketch of the basic shapes through to the finished, coloured drawing, making this book suitable for adults and children of all ages and abilities.Trade ReviewA great book for beginners! It certainly is just that. I was impressed by the simplicity of the book but with excellent results. This book would make an ideal Birthday or Christmas gift for people of all ages, providing they like drawing or animals. I am someone who really and honestly cannot draw! I mean everyone can draw in some capacity but I draw most things badly, so I jumped at the chance to use these simple steps to improve my drawing abilities. The book is so easy to follow, with 8 simple steps to the general shape of the animals. And then you are free to add your own details. They give you inspiration with one coloured in and completely detailed animal per page, so you can attempt a similar end result. The steps are easy, you need a pencil, and I would recommend a rubber, so that you can erase any lines that you don’t need when you complete the finer details. Some lines are there to build shape but not needed at the end. There are all sorts of animals, fish and birds in this book, something for everyone’s tastes. I have given this book a 5-star review. It has something for everyone, with a variety of animals, easy steps to follow and it also gives people the freedom to add their own details, as well as getting great results. -- Sabrina Hackett-Saikul * severnwishes.co.uk *Great book, ideal for beginners! This book is fantastic and easy to follow. The animals couldn’t be any cuter! I find drawing animals freehand very difficult, but this book gives easy step by step applications so that anyone can give it a go. As I’ve practised I’ve gotten better and better at them too. An ideal book for anyone looking to improve their animal drawing skills whilst making them very cute too. -- Customer Review * Amazon *Table of ContentsPlayful puppy Cute kitten Chipmunk Rabbit Chameleon Love Birds Mouse Owl Prancing pony Sheep Cow Hen and chicks Elephant and calf Sloth Honey bear Baby tiger Leaping llama Tumbling panda Raccoon Gorilla Meerkat Koalas Happy hippo Singing frogs Shark Busy beaver Snake Tortoise

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Book SynopsisLearn to draw thepopular Japanese style of anime and manga like a pro with renowned Instagram artist Yoai in this follow-up to her best-selling Chibi Art Class. In Anime Art Class, you will learn how to draw Yoai’s signature cute characters, from their bodies and facial features, including their dreamy eyes, to trendy clothes and accessories and fun hair. The 20 tutorials, with simple step-by-step illustrations and instructions, guide you from drawing characters in pencil and pen to coloring and shading them in with colored pencils, markers, and watercolor paints.Also find: An overview of the tools and materials you can use to create anime art Anime basics, including demonstrations for drawing every part of the body and article of clothing Techniques for refining your pencil sketches, inking your drawings, and adding color Tips and troubleshooting advice for perfecting your drawings An inspiration gallery of different eyes, hairstyles, clothing, accessories, and poses that you can also use as coloring pages Soon you will be enhancing your notebooks, stationery, artwork, and more with your own unique anime world. Anime Art Class is now in session! Create even more supercute artwork with these other books from the Cute and Cuddly Art series:Chibi Art Class, Mini Chibi Art Class, Cute Chibi Animals, Anime Art Class, and Cute Chibi Mythical Beasts & Magical Monsters.Trade Review"Highly recommended for any aspiring artist interested in learning the basics of how to create delightful and appealing characters!” * Midwest Book Review *"Does an excellent job of including educational content on incorporating art elements (e.g. colours, lines, value, shapes), multiple art techniques, and various art mediums (e.g. markers, pencil crayons, water colours, ink, pencil) in their artwork... sure to please many art and anime enthusiasts." * Metroland Toronto *Table of ContentsIntroduction MaterialsAnime Basics Bodies Facial Features Hair Clothes and ShoesAnime Techniques Pencil Sketching and Shading Inking Line Art Adding Base Color Shading Blending Making a Gradient Fixing Mistakes Have Fun and Stay Healthy!Tutorials Pencil Sketching Inking Coloring with Colored Pencils Coloring with Markers Coloring with WatercolorsInspiration Gallery & Coloring Pages Color Combinations Eyes Hairstyles Clothes Accessories Poses

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Book SynopsisThe Climbing Bible: Practical Exercises by Martin Mobråten and Stian Christophersen is a collection of exercises specifically designed to help you train technique and strength so that you can develop and improve as a climber. After two decades of climbing, training and coaching, the authors have built up a huge library of exercises, and they share many of them with you in this book.The first section focuses on your technique, with emphasis on footwork, grip positions, balance, direction of force and dynamics, among other things. The second section features exercises to help you train strength and power – with on-the-wall exercises, finger strength and fingerboarding exercises, arm exercises and more. Also included is a section for children and young climbers to help their parents and coaches create great sessions for kids. This chapter presents games, technique exercises and physical training ideas for children.Illustrated with over 200 technique and action photos, and with insights from the authors and other top climbers, The Climbing Bible: Practical Exercises will inspire you to try new exercises in every training session. Keep it in your climbing wall bag, cover it in chalk and embrace the variety so easily found in climbing.

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Book SynopsisIntroducing Human Design, the revolutionary system that reveals the personality blueprint' of who you were born to be. Using the precise details of your birth, it''s more accurate than astrology. And by downloading the free software, you can map your own life chart, and those of your friends and family. You''ll never read your horoscope again.Forget your sign, what's your design?Would you like to know how to make the best decisions and follow your correct path in life?Would you like to know how you best interact with people, both professionally and personally?Would you like to know who you really are?Human Design is an exciting new profiling system that answers all these questions by pinpointing your personality ''blueprint''. According to Human Design, we are each born with an inbuilt individuality as unique as our fingerprint accessed simply from the date, time and location of our birth.Using this information, Human Design produces a ''life chart'', revealing a remarkably detailed and accurate picture of your personality blueprint, including your strengths and limitations, people you work best with, how you communicate in short who you were designed to be from birth.Chetan Parkyn, an ex-mechanical engineer, is the most successful practitioner of Human Design in the world. Here he launches his first book , and offers free downloadable software, as an introductory guide to interpreting your Human Design chart and how to apply it to your life to release your true potential. Once you know which of the 5 personality types you are, from there you can discover your detailed personality blueprint including:whether you are designed with creative or organisational energyyour style of decision-making and how it can maximise your opportunitieshow you interact with people socially or fit into a team at workare you designed to be a guider or a followerhow you emotionally and mentally respond to challenges and problem-solvingThe power of the Human Design system is surprising thousands of people around the world with its staggering accuracy and relevance, and asks the question: Are you living your Human Design?

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Book SynopsisAimed to fashion students and designers, Palette Perfect is both a practical guide and an inspirational book that proposes a reflection on the universe of colour combinations, the moods and atmospheres they evoke and how we associate particular places and emotions to special colours. Each chapter explores a particular mood and describes the corresponding feelings and colour combinations, using as examples exquisite photographs of objects, still-lives, landscapes, interiors and fashion. At the end of each chapter, a wide variety of palettes representing the chapter’s particular mood or atmosphere is included.

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Book SynopsisIt. Is. On. From the pen of the prolific (and bestselling) author Barney Stinson comes the indispensable guide for every Bro looking to score with The Ladies. Featuring the famous plays including: -The Lorenzo Von Matterhorn -Mrs. Stinsfire -The Ted Mosby -The Time Traveller -The 'SNASA' -The Scuba Diver -The 'He's Not Coming' … and other greatest hits from Barney Stinson's secretPlaybookof legendary moves. So suit up and get ready to be schooled in awsomeness.

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Book SynopsisA fully illustrated Kama Sutrafrom the extraordinary and rare art collection of Lance Dane.Trade Review"Gives us the dazzling artwork from museums and private collections worldwide... fascinating...sex has not changed in over 2,000 years." * Lois Mark Stalvey, Red Rock News, January 28, 2004 *"A new, gorgeously illustrated edition of the famous Hindu Classic." * Erotic Review, Dec/Jan 2004, Issue 58 *"It is not, in fact, a pornographic work, but a book depicting the art of living for the civilized and refined citizen, finding its expression in the sphere of love, eroticism, and the sensual pleasures of life. . . . Rather than calling the Kama Sutra pornography and hiding it on the highest shelf of their bookcases, Western readers should see it as the expression of a refined, sophisticated people on the art of love." * Audrey Chaix, Vulpes Libris, Jan 2010 *Table of ContentsThe Complete Illustrated Kama Sutra Preface to Kama SutraIntroduction to Kama SutraBook 1--General Principles Study of the Shastras Dharma, Artha, Kama Study of Arts, Sciences Man about Town Nayikas and MessengersBook 2--Love-Play and Sexual Union Sexual Union The Embrace The Kiss Pressing and Nail Marks The Bite Sexual Vigor and Intensity Striking and Spontaneous Sounds Donning the Male Role Oral Congress Beginning and End of CongressBook 3--Courtship and Marriage Betrothal and Marriage Instilling Confidence in the Bride Courting a Maid Behavior of a Couple Kinds of MarriageBook 4--The Wife Duties of a Wife Senior and Junior WivesBook 5--Seducing the Wives of Others Characteristics of Men and Women Getting Acquainted Ascertaining Emotions Duties of a Go-between Behavior of a King Conduct of Ladies of the Inner CourtBook 6--The Courtesan Beguiling the Right Man Living as his Wife Acquiring Wealth Reconciliation Special Gains Gains and LossesBook 7--Secret Lore, Extraneous Stimulation, and Sexual Power Beautifying the Body Regarding Virility

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Book SynopsisThe essential account of geopolitics - including an afterword on President Donald Trump ''For anyone wanting to find out more about the world we live in . . . there is one simple answer: read Noam Chomsky'' New StatesmanNoam Chomsky: philosopher, political writer, fearless activist. No one has done more to question the hidden actors who govern our lives, calling the powers that be to account. Here he presents Who Rules the World?, his definitive account of those powers, how they work, and why we should be questioning them.From the dark history of the US and Cuba to China''s global rise, from torture memos to sanctions on Iran, this book investigates the defining issues of our times and exposes the hypocrisy at the heart of America''s policies and actions. The world''s political and financial elite are now operating almost totally unconstrained by the so-called democratic structure. With climate change and nuclear proliferation threatening our very survival, dissenting voices have never been more necessary.Fiercely outspoken and rigorously argued, Who Rules the World? is an indispensable guide to how things really are.''Chomsky is a giant: not just for his intellect, but for his huge influence on millions of people who want an alternative to injustice'' Owen JonesTrade ReviewPublisher's description. Noam Chomsky is the world's most influential political commentator, bar none. Here he presents a comprehensive examination of contemporary America, its behaviour at home and abroad, its single-minded pursuit and exercise of power. * Penguin *

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Book SynopsisA practical guide to those bewildered or exhausted by management, written for bosses and those who manage bosses. Drawing on years of first-hand experience, Radical Candor shows you how to be successful while retaining your integrity and humanity. From Kim Scott, former manager at Google and Apple, and CEO coach to Silicon Valley.'Reading Radical Candor will help you build, lead, and inspire teams to do the best work of their lives.' – Sheryl Sandberg, author of Lean InIf you don't have anything nice to say then don't say anything at all . . . right?While this advice may work for home life, as Kim Scott has seen first hand, it is a disaster when adopted by managers in the work place.Scott earned her stripes as a highly successful manager at Google before moving to Apple where she developed a class on optimal management. Radical Candor draws directly on her experiences at these cutting edge companies to reveal a new approach to effective management that delivers huge success by inspiring teams to work better together by embracing fierce conversations.Radical Candor is the sweet spot between managers who are obnoxiously aggressive on the one side and ruinously empathetic on the other. It is about providing guidance, which involves a mix of praise as well as criticism – delivered to produce better results and help your employees develop their skills and increase success.Great bosses have a strong relationship with their employees, and Scott has identified three simple principles for building better relationships with your employees: make it personal, get stuff done, and understand why it matters.Radical Candor is the perfect handbook for those who are looking to find meaning in their job and create an environment where people love both their work and their colleagues, and are motivated to strive to ever greater success.Featuring a new preface, afterword and Radically Candid Performance Review Bonus Chapter, the fully revised & updated edition of Radical Candor is packed with even more guidance to help you improve your relationships at work.Trade ReviewReading Radical Candor will help you build, lead, and inspire teams to do the best work of their lives -- Sheryl Sandberg, author of Lean InKim Scott has a well-earned reputation as a kickass boss and a voice that CEOs take seriously. In this remarkable book, she draws on her extensive experience to provide clear and honest guidance on the fundamentals of leading others: how to give (and receive) feedback, how to make smart decisions, how to keep moving forward, and much more. If you manage people - whether it be 1 person or a 1,000 - you need Radical Candor. Now. -- Daniel Pink, author of the New York Times bestseller DriveI raced through Radical Candor - it's thrilling to learn a framework that shows how to be both a better boss and a better colleague. Radical Candor is packed with illuminating truths, insightful advice, and practical suggestions, all illustrated with engaging (and often funny) stories from Kim Scott's own experiences at places like Apple, Google, and various start-ups. Indispensable. -- Gretchen Rubin, author of the New York Times bestseller The Happiness ProjectTable of ContentsIntroduction - i: INTRODUCTION Section - ii: HOW TO USE THIS BOOK Unit - 1: PART I A NEW MANAGEMENT PHILOSOPHY Chapter - 1: BUILD RADICALLY CANDID RELATIONSHIPS: Bringing your whole self to work Chapter - 2: GET, GIVE, AND ENCOURAGE GUIDANCE: Creating a culture of open communication Chapter - 3: UNDERSTAND WHAT MOTIVATES EACH PERSON ON YOUR TEAM: Helping people take a step in the direction of their dreams Chapter - 4: DRIVE RESULTS COLLABORATIVELY: Telling people what to do doesn’t work Unit - 2: PART II TOOLS & TECHNIQUES Chapter - 5: RELATIONSHIPS: An approach to establishing trust with your direct reports Chapter - 6: GUIDANCE: Ideas for getting/giving/encouraging praise & criticism Chapter - 7: TEAM: Techniques for avoiding boredom and burnout Chapter - 8: RESULTS: Things you can do to get stuff done together—faster Section - iii: GETTING STARTED Acknowledgements - iv: ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Index - v: INDEX

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Book SynopsisDavid Whyte''s Consolations use everyday words to present us with a prism through which to better understand ourselves and the lives we walk through. At the request of readers globally, Whyte returns with fifty-two short, elegant meditations on a single word ranging from ''Anxiety'' to ''Body'', ''Freedom'', ''Shame'' and ''Moon''. He embraces their nuances, amplitudes and depths, and, in doing so, confronts realities that many of us would spend a lifetime trying senselessly to avoid.In Consolations II, anxiety might be more mercifully understood as the preparation for being hurt, fixed beliefs are recognised as the very places where we do not wish to understand, guilt is a friend compassionately waiting for us to catch up and routine becomes a form of ritual and worship. Each piece in this life-affirming book is an invitation to slow down, shift our perspective and find comfort. In these pages, Whyte explores the full constellation of human experience.

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Book Synopsis"David Stroh has produced an elegant and cogent guide to what works. Research with early learners is showing that children are natural systems thinkers. This book will help to resuscitate these intuitive capabilities and strengthen them in the fire of facing our toughest problems."—Peter Senge, author of The Fifth Discipline Concrete guidance on how to incorporate systems thinking in problem solving, decision making, and strategic planning—for everyone! Donors, leaders of nonprofits, and public policy makers usually have the best of intentions to serve society and improve social conditions. But often their solutions fall far short of what they want to accomplish and what is truly needed. Moreover, the answers they propose and fund often produce the opposite of what they want over time. We end up with temporary shelters that increase homelessness, drug busts that increase drug-related crime, or food aid that increases starvation. How do these unintended consequences come about and how can we avoid them? By applying conventional thinking to complex social problems, we often perpetuate the very problems we try so hard to solve, but it is possible to think differently, and get different results. Systems Thinking for Social Change enables readers to contribute more effectively to society by helping them understand what systems thinking is and why it is so important in their work. It also gives concrete guidance on how to incorporate systems thinking in problem solving, decision making, and strategic planning without becoming a technical expert. Systems thinking leader David Stroh walks readers through techniques he has used to help people improve their efforts on complex problems like: ending homelessness improving public health strengthening education designing a system for early childhood development protecting child welfare developing rural economies facilitating the reentry of formerly incarcerated people into society resolving identity-based conflicts and more! The result is a highly readable, effective guide to understanding systems and using that knowledge to get the results you want. Trade Review “I don't know of another book in this field that presents the ideas of systems thinking in such a clear and practical way, with so many real-world examples."--Janice Molloy, managing editor, Reflections: The SoL NorthAmerica Journal on Knowledge, Learning, and ChangePublishers Weekly- "This dense volume will be of genuine use to many in the nonprofit world ... Stroh has a valuable insight to impart: Becoming a more effective systems thinker is not just an analytical task 'but also an emotional, physical, and ultimately spiritual one.' For those dedicated enough to stay with Stroh's message, this book will be a useful beginning.”“Stroh has offered an important gem in his new book, Systems Thinking for Social Change. Both illuminating and immediately useful, the book shares the key dynamics and success factors gleaned from his long career of working with organizations struggling with society’s most persistent issues. A must read for anyone whose aim is to make a difference on the ground.”--Kristina Wile, co-president, Leverage Networks, and managing partner, Systems Thinking Collaborative“If there is only one book you read on systems thinking, it should be Systems Thinking for Social Change. If you’re new to systems thinking, I consider this a must read. If you’ve been involved in systems thinking for some time and want a renewed and extended perspective, I highly recommend it. Stroh’s new work covers all the relevant areas appropriate for a solid introduction to systems thinking, though it doesn’t stop there. It makes a serious contribution by detailing a number of real-world situations that have been investigated and improved using the approach presented in the book. And it does very well something that I’ve not seen done before: it not only shows how to map the current system, but also shows how to then create a revised map of how the system is intended to work in the future. This approach ends up identifying where measurements should be made on an ongoing basis to ascertain whether the system is undergoing the intended transformation.”--Gene Bellinger, director, Systems Thinking World, Inc.“The philanthropic sector has shifted from a ‘charity’ mindset to a focus on changing systems to create sustainable change. Systems Thinking for Social Change offers practical tools for those serious about improving communities and organizations. It doesn’t minimize the complexity, but rather empowers social-change agents with tools to understand the complexity and identify the leverage points.”--Teresa Behrens, director, Institute for Foundation and Donor Learning“Over fifteen years ago, David Stroh was instrumental in introducing systems thinking to the peace-building field, using tools that have proven to be powerful for improving the effectiveness of our work. This book is a valuable resource for our field — a must read for all practitioners who have been seeking practical and easy-to-understand guidance on using systems thinking for conflict analysis and strategic planning for better impacts.”--Diana Chigas, professor of practice, Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, and co-director of collaborative learning, CDA Collaborative Learning Projects“This is a must read for public leaders and citizens who are interested in the learning disciplines required for a sustainable, proactive approach to preserving our shared resources.”--Georgianna Bishop, president, The Public Sector Consortium“For those who have worked for many years in the social-service sector, and who have grown cynical or disillusioned as to whether it is even possible to effect major social change, David Peter Stroh’s book, Systems Thinking for Social Change, is a must read—a clear, thoughtful, and practical guide for those desiring to create lasting social change. But reader beware! Systems thinking is more than a new way of thinking. As Stroh puts it, it is a new way of being. It requires the ability to look at things in a new way, to interact with others differently, to have a clear vision of where you want to go, a willingness to see things the way they are and, finally, the courage to take responsibility for why the system as is isn’t working. If you want to help create long-lasting, effective social change, if you want to say ‘we’re doing it—we’re actually making progress,’ then read this book.”--Anne Miskey, executive director, Funders Together to End Homelessness“David Stroh, in his invaluable new book, shows that good intentions are not enough for those who aspire to make lasting progress on fundamental social issues—and also how the language and tools of systems theory can provide a deeper understanding of the root causes and help identify the leverage points for productive and sustainable change.”--Russell Eisenstat, executive director, Center for Higher Ambition Leadership“Societal problems are a swirl of causes, effects, interactions, and contributing relationships. Yet, too often, simplistic answers are applied by the well-intended that only touch on one strand of what is (in reality) a complex and interconnected web. Stroh’s work provides an actionable guide on how to model these relationships—and more importantly how to have a meaningful and lasting impact on them.”--Jason E. Glass, superintendent and chief learner, Eagle County Schools "With this book Stroh has produced an essential —and long overdue—guide to applied systems thinking. A few well-selected examples of initiatives that turned from ‘working’ to ‘transformative' lay the foundation for how change makers can address chronic, complex social problems and deepen their impact. After helping the reader recognize what might be holding their interventions back, the book moves with ease into ways of finding leverage, the use of systems stories, and the power of visioning. In Stroh’s capable hands, systems thinking becomes a tool for defining personal or organizational priorities, for planning, and for evaluating success through measurable indicators. But the book is much more than a formidable toolbox from which to draw on a daily basis. It is, at its deeper level, a warm invitation to cultivate systems thinking as 'a way of being, not just doing' so that on the way to long-lasting, desirable outcomes, change makers can become more and more the change they want to see."--Marta Ceroni, executive director, Donella Meadows Institute“As philanthropic organizations increasingly seek to strengthen their impact, the perspectives, methods, and tools described in Stroh’s book provide us with critical guidance for thinking and action to address complex social problems and for building ‘all-in’ approaches to problem solving. Anyone in government, nonprofits, or philanthropy can benefit from this approach to solutions. And while it might take a lifetime to master the use of systems thinking for social change, reorienting how we think about problems in this way can immediately set us on a new path toward sustainability and greater likelihood of success.”--Lexi Nolen, vice president, Episcopal Health Foundation“It is not hard for people to appreciate that fragmented, piecemeal efforts to solve complex problems are ineffective. But having concrete approaches to an alternative is another matter. After almost four decades of applying practical systems-thinking tools in diverse settings, David Stroh has produced an elegant and cogent guide to what works. Research with early learners is showing that children are natural systems thinkers. This book will help to resuscitate these intuitive capabilities and strengthen them in the fire of facing our toughest problems.”--Peter Senge, senior lecturer, MIT, and author of The Fifth Discipline "Systems Thinking for Social Change uses clear, down-to-earth language to explain and illustrate systems thinking, why it matters, and how it can lead to greater success in the social sector. The book is brief yet deep, big picture yet rigorously analytical. Stroh displays considerable narrative skill, especially when he shares numerous stories from his practice of applying various systems tools that led groups to new and startling conclusions. Reading this book will test the reader substantially, as the author invites us to a deeper level of introspection about our own role in systems failures of every kind—organizational and societal—and gently asks us to embrace a new way, not merely of thinking but of being in the world. A remarkable book."--David Nee, Growth Philanthropy Network; and former executive director, William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund"Drawing on a deep well of experience, Stroh masterfully weaves metaphor, story, and practical tools, modeling for us all effective systems thinking in action. Read it and get ready to take your game up a notch."--Linda Booth Sweeney, author of Connected Wisdom, and coauthor of the The Systems Thinking Playbook“Systems thinking quickly gets very abstract and technical, often underplaying the social and storytelling dimensions. For a long time I’ve been looking for a more practical, readable, and engaging introductory book for my classes. Now, finally, here it is!”--Per Espen Stoknes, author, What We Think About When We Try Not To Think About Global Warming, and senior lecturer at BI Norwegian Business School“David Peter Stroh has been a pioneer in the effort to bring principles of systems into the service of those striving for constructive social change. (I took a course from him over thirty years ago.) Many books tell you how to engage in systems thinking but not how to apply it. This is a very useful exception. Peter draws on many years of professional engagement with the important problems of our society. Of course reading his book won’t let you banish all those problems. But it will help you focus your effort where you can have the best impact, and it will show you how to enlist others in the effort.”--Dennis Meadows, coauthor, Limits to Growth, and former director, Institute for Policy and Social Science Research

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Book Synopsis‘The best biography I’ve read recently’ – Colin Bateman, Sunday Independent An excellent examination of Mayne… Ross corrects many of the myths about him that have flourished over the years - History of War magazine ‘This welcome reassessment, officially backed and well-researched, sets the record straight’ – Soldier Magazine‘Paddy’ Mayne was one of the most outstanding special forces leaders of the Second World War. Hamish Ross’s authoritative study follows Mayne from solicitor and rugby international to troop commander in the Commandos and then the SAS, whose leader he later became and whose annals he graced, winning the DSO and three bars, the Croix de Guerre and the Légion d’Honneur.Mayne’s achievements attracted attention, and after his early death legends emerged, based largely on anecdote and assertion. Hamish Ross’s closely researched biography challenges much of the received version, using contemporary sources, the official war diaries, the chronicle of 1 SAS, Mayne’s papers and diaries, and a number of extended interviews with key contemporaries.Ross’s analysis shows Mayne to be a dynamic, yet principled and thoughtful man, committed to the unit’s original concepts. He was far from flawless, but his leadership and tactical brilliance in the field secured the reputation of the SAS, proving he was every bit a rogue hero.Trade ReviewThe best biography I’ve read recently -- Colin BatemanThis welcome reassessment, officially backed and well-researched, sets the record straightAn excellent examination of Mayne… Ross corrects many of the myths about him that have flourished over the years.” * History of War magazine *

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Book SynopsisJames da Costa is the co-founder and COO of digital bank, Fingo. He is a researcher at Stanford University's Digital Economy Lab and a guest lecturer at the University of Warwick. He is an expert and leading voice in the Fintech space and has been recognized as a Forbes 30 Under 30 and an MIT Innovator Under 35. He is a Diana Award recipient and is a Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Goalkeeper. He is based in San Francisco, USA.

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Book SynopsisWith Drawing: Landscapes, learn to render a variety of beautiful landscape subjects in graphite pencil. William F. Powell invites you into his artistic world to explore a number of basic drawing techniques and shows how to develop a drawing to its fullest through a series of step-by-step demonstrations. In this 10.25 × 13.75–inch book, Powell explains a number of drawing techniques and special effects and gives tips on how to design a well-balanced composition.Landscapes provides you with the necessary knowledge to create your own landscape drawings from preliminary sketch to the completed work. Discover different methods of shading, ways of manipulating drawing tools to produce specific textures, and a wealth of beautiful landscapes to both copy and admire, includes scenes from American national parks. Also included are simple techniques for developing common landscape elements—such as trees, clouds, rocks, and water—and how to apply a variety of methods to convey a sense of realism. Then, with a little practice, you will be able to apply your newfound skills and draw your own beautiful landscape masterpieces! Designed for beginners, the How to Draw & Paint series offers easy-to-follow guides that introduce artists to basic tools and materials and include simple step-by-step lessons for a variety of projects suitable for the aspiring artist. Drawing: Landscapes allows artists to develop drawing skills by demonstrating how to start with basic shapes and use pencil and shading techniques to create varied textures, values, and details for a realistic, completed landscape drawing.Table of ContentsTools & Materials Shading Techniques Surfaces & Textures Drawing Practice Finding Subjects Perspective Clouds Rocks Trees & Bushes Structures Mountains Deserts Creeks & Rocks Half Dome, Yosemite Grand Falls, Yellowstone

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Book SynopsisFinally sort out who’s who in Greek mythology—from gods, goddesses, heroes, monsters, and everyone in between!Greek mythology continues to appear in popular movies and books today but have you ever wondered about where these characters started out? Discover the origins of your favorite characters from Greek mythology with this collection of profiles to tell you who’s who in classical lore! In Greek Mythology, you will discover the backstories of the heroes, villains, gods, and goddesses that enjoy popularity in today’s shows and films. With comprehensive entries that outline each character’s name, roles, related symbols, and foundational myths, you can get to know the roots of these personas and better understand the stories they inspire today. With this character-focused, handy reference, you will never be confused about Ancient Greece!Trade Review“Albert gives a witty and unapologetic perspective on famous classical stories through a modern, feminist lens.” —Rachel Smythe, creator of the Lore Olympus Webtoon“This is not your grandma’s mythology primer. Liv Albert continues her work to bring Greek mythology into modern times with this refreshing, forward-thinking, and best of all, hilarious almanac. Paired with the stunning artwork by Sara Richard, the book feels like an heirloom created for our generation to pass down.” —Emily Edwards, author and host of the Fuckbois of Literature podcast“Beautifully illustrated and instantly absorbing, Greek Mythology: The Gods, Goddesses, and Heroes Handbook tells the familiar stories in a fresh, entertaining way and also delves into more obscure myths, origin stories, and characters—leaving no corner of Greek mythology unexplored.” —Jenny Williamson, cohost of the Ancient History Fangirl podcast“Gripping, deftly executed, and beautifully told, Greek Mythology: The Gods, Goddesses, and Heroes Handbook is at once a primer for those new to mythology and a compass for those looking to further explore the stories that still shape our world. Feminist and wise, this is a must-read for fans of Lore Olympus or Percy Jackson.” —Genn McMenemy, cohost of the Ancient History Fangirl podcast“I highly recommend reading this book if you want to know all the gossip straight from Mount Olympus. This will be a treasured book for any new or longtime Greek mythology obsessives.” —Mari Phillips, owner of MYTHSNTiTS, illustrator“Liv brings her trademark panache to this collection! This handbook is packed with connections between ancient myth and popular culture. It’s a wild ride accompanied by Sara Richard’s gorgeous illustrations, suitable for those who adore mythology and enthusiastic beginners. This book is a treat for anyone who likes their ancient past with a dose of humor. We know that we do!” —Dr. Rad and Dr. G, cohosts of The Partial Historians podcast“Brilliant, funny, and exciting….Greek mythology can be complex, and Liv has explained it in a way that is easy to digest, with some beautiful imagery alongside the stories.” —Jeff Murray, artist“A stylish new guide book for modern audiences.” —Mental Floss“A delightfully updated version of many of the most famous Greek myths.” —Memphis Flyer“There’s a lot of information packed in this impressive book.” —SciFiChick.com“A must-have guide to who’s who in Greek myth … the stunning illustrations are exquisite and breathtaking, making this book a beautiful piece of art as well as an excellent source of knowledge and entertainment.” —Jennifer Saint, author of Ariadne“A beautifully illustrated and well-written introduction to the wide world of Greek mythology.” —A Universe in Words“Smart and witty.” —Hazlitt"A fun, engaging handbook with beautiful illustrations." —Rhea Classica Review

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“In Women Holding Things, artist Kalman—an uncommon philosopher of the quietly magnificent in the mundane—celebrates all the things we hold. […] The tender, infinitely expressive paintings are captioned with spare words that lend each vignette an extra air of human fragility and resilience.” — Maria Popova, The Marginalian “The prospect of reading and looking at Kalman’s work gets my heart moving like a squirmy animal. This is not a hyperbole. The excitement, I think, is in how she is able to locate the elusive sweet spot of poignant and funny, along with the often-dark complexities behind these emotions. I feel like I will learn something new about people, myself.” — Literary Hub “When [Maira] Kalman looked at her archives, she noticed that she had a large collection of photographs of women holding things. […] The project that germinated […] “Women Holding Things,” gathers dozens of new images and some previously unpublished ones.” — New Yorker "Kalman’s images encompass both everyday pleasures and incomprehensible loss, always affirming art’s sustaining grace." — Roberta Smith, co-chief art critic of the New York Times “I love Maira Kalman. I love her painting, I love her perspective, I love her handwriting, and I love her books, which somehow contain all of those things and so much more. Maira is a gift to the world, and her gifts should also be your gifts. They will certainly be my gifts.” — Emma Straub, Bookstore Owner and Author “The mega-talented writer and artist Maira Kalman presents, in radiant color, Women Holding Things. Kalman’s brief texts are thoughtful, autobiographical, powerful. This life-affirming book shines a light on women’s lives and how we all hold our humanity.” — Sandee Brawarsky, Hadassah Magazine

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Book SynopsisIn 101 Mixed Media Techniques, artists of all backgrounds and skill levels will learn and explore fun, cutting-edge techniques in the popular genre of mixed media art. Mixed media enthusiasts will enjoy learning the essential concepts for creating their own mixed media art—whether they are experienced in its approaches or just starting out. 101 Mixed Media Techniques features a wide variety of traditional and eclectic techniques, including drawing and painting, stamping, stitching, using photos, prepping backgrounds, working with wax, using different kinds of inks, collaging, journaling, and working with encaustics. Multiple ways to use each technique are provided to inspire and nurture creative freedom in every artist. Each technique is presented in a step-by-step format, beginning with an overview of the required tools and materials. The instructions are straightforward and approachable, so artists of all levels can master them with ease. The engaging and accessible format caters to individual learning preferences, allowing artists to focus on a single technique or several at a time. Readers will not only learn a variety of techniques, but will also discover new ideas and inspiration for using the techniques in their own projects. With so many options to choose from, 101 Mixed Media Techniques has something for every artist and is sure to inspire new forms of creativity.

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Book SynopsisPresented for the first time ever, the 3 volume set of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Library enclosed in a deluxe slipcase. For the first time, the collected texts from the critically and commercially acclaimed fantasy video game The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim are bound together in three exciting volumes. Lavishly illustrated and produced, these titles are straight out of the world of Skyrim - and a must for any wandering adventurer. Delve deeper into the lore behind one of the most successful and critically acclaimed fantasy games of all time, Skyrim. Featuring in-game texts on factions, landscapes, creatures, heroes, and dragons.

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Book SynopsisThe epic that began with the Hugo and Nebula Award-winning classic DUNE continues ...Trade ReviewI know nothing comparable to it except The Lord of the Rings * Arthur C. Clarke on Dune *It is possible that Dune is even more relevant now than when it was first published * The New Yorker on Dune *An astonishing science fiction phenomenon * The Washington Post on Dune *One of the monuments of modern science fiction * The Chicago Tribune on Dune *Powerful, convincing, and most ingenious * Robert A. Heinlein on Dune *A novel of extraordinary complexity ... the work of a speculative intellect with few rivals in modern SF * The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction on Dune *A tight mesmerising fabric, interwoven with a potent element of mysticism ... intensely realised * Brian W. Aldiss on Dune *

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Book SynopsisThe struggle for wealth and power that has surrounded oil for decades continues to shake the world economy, dictate the outcome of wars, and transform the destiny of men and nations. The Prizeis as much a history of the twentieth century as of the oil industry itself. The canvas of this history is enormous -- from the drilling of the first well in Pennsylvania through two great world wars to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait and Operation Desert Storm. The cast extends from wildcatters and rogues to oil tycoons, and from Winston Churchill and Ibn Saud to George Bush and Saddam Hussein. The definitive work on the subject of oil and a major contribution to understanding our century, The Prizeis a book of extraordinary breadth, riveting excitement -- and great importance.

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Book SynopsisTranslated by Abdullah Yusuf Ali, The Holy Qur'an (also known as The Koran) is the sacred book of Islam. It is the word of God whose truth was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel over a period of 23 years. As it was revealed, so it was committed to memory by his companions, though written copies were also made by literate believers during the lifetime of the Prophet. The first full compilation was by Abu Bakar, the first Caliph, and it was then recompiled in the original dialect by the third Caliph Uthman, after the best reciters had fallen in battle. Muslims believe that the truths of The Holy Qur'an are fully and authentically revealed only in the original classical Arabic. However, as the influence of Islam grows and spreads to the modern world, it is recognised that translation is an important element in introducing and explaining Islam to a wider audience. This translation, by Abdullah Yusuf Ali, is considered to be the most faithful rendering available in English.

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Book SynopsisFor fans of James O'Barr's graphic novel The Crow, The Crow (1994), The Crow: City of Angels (1996), The Crow: Salvation (2000), The Crow: Wicked Prayer (2005), and The Crow (2024) movie starring Bill Skarsgård.

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Book SynopsisEnter the world of Junji Ito’s art––an abyss of horror and sublime beauty.A first-ever collection of Junji Ito’s artworks, featuring over 130 images from his bestselling manga titles along with rare works. This sublime collection includes all of Ito’s unforgettable illustrations in both black-and-white and color, from Tomie’s dreadful beauty to the inhuman spirals of Uzumaki. Includes an interview focused on Ito’s art technique as well as commentary from the artist on each work.

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Book SynopsisGeorge Farmer is based in the UK

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Book SynopsisNEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING ILLUSTRATOR    From the creator of Floriography and the Woodland Wardens Oracle Deck comes this beautifully illustrated exploration of the folklore, mythology, and history surrounding our favorite winged companions.Birds have inspired us since the dawn of time: their elegance in flight, captivating colors, and delicate mannerisms spark hope, joy, and delight. Cultures around the world have historically looked to birds as sacred messengers, intermediaries between earth and sky, including them in myths and legends and using them to teach moral lessons and historical truths.   In Jessica Roux’s Ornithography, each of 100 entries focuses on one bird species, featuring a full-page color illustration in her detailed, darkly romantic style and the lore behind each bird.   The perfect gift for birdwatchers, gardeners, and history buffs, as well as all readers who appr

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Book SynopsisIn Loveology John Mark Comer, popular pastor and speaker, breaks down what relationships are all about. Sex, love, marriage, romance, dating and singleness---what went wrong after the Garden of Eden beginning? God thought the whole thing up; what does he have to say to us now? Learn a new theology of love that could change everything for you.

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