Search results for ""forever""

She said, "I became a singer because I couldn't get work as an actress," but Barbra Streisand not only became both but revolutionized the two professions. Her music transformed the smooth, uninflected style of the Frank Sinatras and Ella Fitzgeralds into an engine of dramatic vocalism in which each song is like a miniature three-act play. And Streisand's films changed forever the ideal of how a movie star chooses roles, going from musicals to dramas to comedies, from period fare to ultra-modern tales, from Funny Girl to The Way We Were to Yentl. mainstream show-business principal to deconstruct an artist On Streisand begins with a broad year-by-year outline of the landmark achievements and a few of her more whimsical escapades, as when Rex Reed apologizes for an oafish interview piece and she responds with "I had more respect for him when he hated me." This is followed by a long essay on how Streisand's idiosyncratic self-realization marks her as a unique national treasure, an artist without limits. Then comes the major part of the book, a work-by-work analysis. This section is broken down into separate chapters, each organized chronologically: the stage shows, then the television shows and concerts, then the movies, and last (because longest) the recordings. Throughout, Mordden follows Streisand's independence, which he sees as her central quality. Throughout all of the chapters on Streisand's shows, concerts, films, and recordings, Mordden illustrates how she was exercising individualistic control of her career from her very first audition, and how the rest of her professional life unfolded from that point. pioneered an intense and even passionate singing style at A book written by an opinionated expert whose prose is consistently full of flair and wit, On Streisand: An Opinionated Guide will appeal to general readers in all aspects of American life that Streisand has touched, from film to television to popular music to stardom. Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra. Further, like Dustin Hoffman and Jack Nicholson she was one of the new wave actors of the 1960s who broke away from the standard models for movie stars. But Streisand has much greater range than others of this kind, as comfortable in musical comedy as in serious drama. Thus, she has moved from the madcap roles of Hello, Dolly! and What's Up, Doc? to the tale of a young woman at war with patriarchal religious fundamentalism (in Yentl) and the insanity hearing of a prostitute who has killed (in self-defense) and whose parents want to put her away to keep her from revealing that her step-father has preyed on her sexually. Further, Streisand has directed three of her films, rare enough for an actor but perhaps especially for a woman. An American Original, Streisand is controversial as well, as all Originals are. Mediocrities may be dull, but they never get bad reviews; Streisand has irritated many a sensibility. As she herself has said, "I'm a liberal, opinionated Jewish feminist-I push a lot of buttons." There is as well the "I'm so wonderful" vanity that has haunted some of her later work, as when she records duets with the rich and famous but isolates herself from them, letting the editing of the tapes bring them together, as if she were an ice princess who might melt upon human contact. Streisand, as her own movie producer, has also been accused of recutting the director's final version to flatter her shots over those of her colleagues. And The Mirror Has Two Faces seems designed to let Streisand direct her own Cinderella tale, not unlike the old Hollywood romances in which the secretary takes off her glasses and the boss cries, "Miss Johnson!...Clarice... Why, you're... you're beautiful!" Nevertheless, Streisand has been, in all, an invigorating artist, not only unique but extraordinary. It would be impossible to imagine what American culture would have been like without her.

Read more less

A real, emotional, and vulnerable story of one man’s persistent courage to overcome some of life’s worst and greatest challenges, while finding hope, healing, love, peace, and fulfillment along the journey of life.A heartfelt, emotive, and hopeful account of one man’s awe-inspiring journey to overcome the seemingly impossible—near-death experiences, abuse of all kinds, depression, anxiety, addictions, and eating disorders. It captures how he embraced the past with truth, courage, and sincerity to help others find the answers to what it really takes to overcome and lead a fulfilled and meaningful life after being knocked down. Jay Fantom invites us all to be brave and courageous as we follow him down what he calls “The Path of an Eagle.” It is where we will find hope and strength in God, as He will enable us to spread our wings and take flight—because we weren’t meant to stay on the ground. Despite the struggles attempting to keep us down, we were made for the skies…and to soar above the clouds. “Jay’s willingness to vulnerably share his truth will change you forever. When you witness someone live their truth, it gives you permission to do the same. I highly recommend this book!” —Gabby Bernstein, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author of The Universe Has Your Back “Jay’s stories will grip you, move you, and inspire you. The Path of an Eagle is one for the story lovers and those searching for wisdom, truth, and real connection in their lives.” —Mel Robbins, New York Times Bestselling Author of The High 5 Habit and The 5 Second Rule, World Renowned Motivational Speaker “This book is spreading such a powerful message out to the world. It’s full of useful strategies and resources to help you overcome whatever challenge you may face in your life. Definitely worth a read!” —Nick Vujicic, New York Times Bestselling Author, World-Renowned Speaker, Coach, and Entrepreneur “A must-read! The Path of an Eagle is a journey of self-discovery and one brave young man’s fight to rise above tragedy and become a light for those struggling in the darkness. Kudos to Jay for having the courage to share deeply personal, vulnerable experiences which served to help the reader to understand the struggles of a young male—which oddly, were not so different from the struggles I and so many other young women have endured.” —Tana Amen, B.S.N, R.N. New York Times Bestselling Author of The Omni Diet, The Relentless Courage of a Scared Child, and VP, Amen Clinics “Real and authentic are the two words that will burst into your mind as you read The Path of an Eagle. The stories Jarred shares about his own experiences will not only challenge you, but inspire you to become better in your own life. This is a must-read for anyone wanting to grow and reach their full potential.” —Dr. Nicole LePera, New York Times Bestselling Author of How to Do the Work “The Path of an Eagle is filled with many heartfelt and inspiring stories from Jay’s life. This book will take you down the right paths toward healing your mind and heart from the unthinkable. It’s a must-read.” —Dr. Caroline Leaf, Communication Pathologist and Neuroscientist, New York Times Bestselling Author “In The Path of an Eagle, Jay shares a real and vulnerable look at his story—and in our world full of highlight reels, it’s much needed. He offers the inspiration, encouragement, and truth that anyone who feels knocked down needs to hear. Whether or not you’re experiencing that kind of season, this book can help set you up for mental, emotional, and spiritual success.” —Dr. Will Cole, Leading Functional Medicine Expert, New York Times Bestselling Author of Intuitive Fasting

Read more less

¡Edición en español y rimada del famoso clásico de Dr. Seuss sobre la protección del medio ambiente! Mucho antes del triunfo de la corriente «ser verdes», Dr. Seuss habló en nombre de los árboles y nos advirtió del peligro de no ser respetuosos con el medio ambiente. En esta excelente traducción rimada (impresa en papel reciclado), conocemos a Fuena-Vez y cómo la tala de los áboles Trúfula cambió para siempre el paisaje. Regalo ideal para los pequeños guardianes ecologistas y admiradores de Dr. Seuss, El Lórax no solo nos muestra la belleza del mundo que nos rodea, sino que también nos enseña que es responsabilidad nuestra protegerlo. Las ediciones rimadas, en español, de los clásicos de Dr. Seuss, publicadas por Random House, brindan la maravillosa oportunidad de disfrutar de sus historias a más de treinta y ocho millones de personas hispanohablantes en Estados Unidos. Los lectores podrán divertirse con las ediciones en español de The Cat in the Hat (El Gato Ensombrerado); Green Eggs and Ham (Huevos verdes con jamón); One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish (Un pez, dos peces, pez rojo, pez azul); The Lorax (El Lórax); Oh, the Places You'll Go! (¡Oh, cuán lejos llegarás!); How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (¡Cómo el Grinch robó la Navidad!); The Cat in the Hat Comes Back (El Gato Ensombrerado ha regresado); I Can Read With My Eyes Shut! (¡Yo puedo leer con los ojos cerrados!); Horton Hears a Who! (¡Horton escucha a Quién!); The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins (Los 500 sombreros de Bartolomé Cubbins); There's A Wocket in my Pocket! (¡Hay un Molillo en mi Bolsillo!); Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You? (¡El Sr. Brown hace Muuu! ¿Podrías hacerlo tú?); Ten Apples on Top! (¡Diez manzanas en la cabeza!); What Pet Should I Get? (¿Cómo podré decidir qué mascota elegir?); y Yertle the Turtle and Other Stories (Yoruga la Tortuga y otros cuentos). A rhymed, Spanish translation of Dr. Seuss's beloved classic about protecting the environment!Long before "going green" was mainstream, Dr. Seuss's Lorax spoke for the trees and warned of the dangers of disrespecting the environment. In this excellent, rhymed translation (printed on recycled paper), we learn of the Once-ler and how his harvesting of the tufted Truffala Trees changed the landscape forever. A perfect gift for young Dr. Seuss fans and budding environmentalists, The Lorax shows not only the importance of seeing the beauty in the world around us, but also our responsibility to protect it.Random House's rhymed, Spanish-language editions of classic Dr. Seuss books make the joyful experience of reading Dr. Seuss books available for the more than 38 million people in the United States who speak Spanish. Readers can enjoy The Cat in the Hat (El Gato Ensombrerado); Green Eggs and Ham (Huevos verdes con jamón); One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish (Un pez, dos peces, pez rojo, pez azul); The Lorax (El Lórax); Oh, the Places You'll Go! (¡Oh, cuán lejos llegarás!); How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (¡Cómo el Grinch robó la Navidad!); The Cat in the Hat Comes Back (El Gato Ensombrerado ha regresado); I Can Read With My Eyes Shut! (¡Yo puedo leer con los ojos cerrados!); Horton Hears a Who! (¡Horton escucha a Quién!); The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins (Los 500 sombreros de Bartolomé Cubbins); There's A Wocket in my Pocket! (¡Hay un Molillo en mi Bolsillo!); Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You? (¡El Sr. Brown hace Muuu! ¿Podrías hacerlo tú?); Ten Apples on Top! (¡Diez manzanas en la cabeza!); What Pet Should I Get? (¿Cómo podré decidir qué mascota elegir?); and Yertle the Turtle and Other Stories (Yoruga la Tortuga y otros cuentos).

Read more less

'A perfect feel-good story about family dynamics and sisterly love, with characters you truly care about. Loved it. Highly recommended.' – Jennifer Bohnet 'I really loved this book. It was warm, funny and smart and made me want to get out into the garden. If you love reading and gardening then this is a perfect combination. A gorgeous story with a beautiful setting.' – Kate Forster From the author of the bestselling Mill Grange series a new exciting series perfect for fans of Cathy Bramley, Jo Thomas and Trisha Ashley! It has always been Maddie Willand's dream to take over her father's plant nursery. But after his sudden death, she is devastated to discover that she might lose The Potting Shed forever. Maddie's bossy older sister, Sabi, is joint owner of the nursery, and she's convinced that the best thing for both of them would be to sell up. Determined to keep the business going, Maddie can't afford any distractions, but staying focused might be harder than she thinks when – after a major garden centre chain puts in an offer – her search for legal advice throws her into the path of attractive lawyer Ed... As frost begins to fall over The Potting Shed, will Maddie find the strength to save her father's legacy and open herself up to new beginnings? Readers love Frost Falls at the Potting Shed! 'What a treat this was!... It's a sentimental and heart warming read exploring loss, family relationships and of course a whole load of festive cheer thrown in for good measure. An absolute delight to read!' NetGalley Reviewer, 5* Review 'Goodness, how much do I adore this book?! Full of romance and friendship, and there is so much warmth threaded through the story... Such a charming and feel-good story of love... A definite must read!' NetGalley Reviewer, 4* Review 'What a great story! Really enjoyed reading this and couldn't put it down... A real cosy Christmas book that kept me guessing until virtually the end as to which way this story would go.' NetGalley Reviewer, 5* Review 'Absolutely loved this book, couldn't put it down no matter how hard I tried.' NetGalley Reviewer, 5* Review 'Adore this story! A true delight! Look forward to reading more of Ms. Kane's books.' NetGalley Reviewer, 4* Review 'Grabbed me from the first chapter. I would have read it in one sitting if I had been able to... Brilliantly done!' NetGalley Reviewer, 4* Review 'Absolutely delightful... Captivating from start to finish... Charming and witty... Highly recommend this fun and quick holiday read!' NetGalley Reviewer, 5* Review 'Had the loveliest time reading Frost Falls at The Potting Shed! It was a wonderful heart-warming read to prepare me for the holidays, with warm characters, festive spirit, and a moving story of family... The perfect read for lovers of cosy women's fiction and romance, and it's sure to be a hit with fans of Kate Forster, Linn B Halton, and Rachel Burton.' NetGalley Reviewer, 4* Review 'Sweet holiday read with moments to pull you in from the start. I felt so cozy reading this book wishing for Christmas!' NetGalley Reviewer, 5* Review 'Adorably, cozy read... A lovely wintery feel... Really looking forward to the second book in this series.' NetGalley Reviewer, 4* Review 'I REALLY enjoyed this story... This book has a lot of heart and shows the kindness that can occur between humans. Would read it again as well as more stories by this author!!!' @tales.of.tammy, 4* Review 'Gave me the warm fuzzies... A sweet read and a few hours of escapism... So lovely.' NetGalley Reviewer, 5* Review 'Sweet, fun story... Great. A fast read for me!' NetGalley Reviewer, 5* Review 'Amazing cast of characters... A brilliant start to a new series.' NetGalley Reviewer, 5* Review 'Loved the story... It was easy to keep turning the pages and root for the underdog.' 27 book street, 5* Review

Read more less

Everyone deserves a Christmas treat...The annual Wheaton gingerbread exhibit (a model village made of gingerbread) and grotto has been an important part of the sleepy Cotswold hamlet’s Christmas celebrations for decades.For years the gingerbread exhibition drew visitors from across the region and each year the model town grew more elaborate and ambitious but recently, interest has been dwindling. The gingerbread grotto needs to be rehomed or close forever.Sixty-four-year-old Margi, the event’s founder, has had enough of village life (and its total lack of eligible men) and is planning to sell up and head to Birmingham to live closer to her niece.She has lost her spark and her Christmas spirit and decides this will be her last gingerbread village, but despairs when she finds her only support is her old friend, Izzy, her niece Lucy from Birmingham, and Fern, the shy young farmer’s daughter. Oh, and Patrick, the gorgeous, reliable school caretaker.As if this wasn’t enough, Lucy is determined to get her out dating again and persuades her to try some online dating apps but Margi’s had her heart broken too many times and wonders if she has just missed her chance.Can they save the Gingerbread Grotto and can Margi get her old spark and her Christmas spirit back?A cosy, totally feelgood seasonal read that will have you smiling. The perfect read to snuggle up and have you feeling festive! Fans of Jenny Colgan and Trisha Ashley will love this book.Readers are loving The Gingerbread Christmas Village:'If you want a feel-good romance...then Kiley Dunbar is definitely the author to turn to. A wonderful festive read!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review'A delightful exploration of community, multi generational friendships and love. It is full of seasonal warmth, the scent of cinnamon and the spark of Christmas lights.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review'This was a beautiful festive read which really gets to the heart of Christmas...uplifting and positive and brought happiness to the reader.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review'The ending was perfect... I finished the book feeling warm, cheery, hopeful, and smiling.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review'A beautiful storyline, great cast of characters, and beautiful scenery. I loved every moment...Kiley's books are such a treat!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review'I went into this story blind and was DELIGHTED that it featured an older heroine!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader ReviewPraise fo Kiley Dunbar's cosy, warm, festive reads:‘What an adorable, emotional, and beautiful read!!...made me believe in the Christmas magic all over again…This is certainly one of my favourite holiday reads and a book that will stick with me.’ Diary of a Book Fiend‘Wow!!...This is a must read, heartwarming Christmas story. I would easily give this book hundreds of stars.’ Little Miss Book Lover 87‘The epitome of Christmas, winter wonderlands, sleds, warm fires and the coziest of romances…If Kiley keeps writing holiday stories like this I may give up all other genres of books.’ Reading Girl Reviews‘With plenty of Christmassy feel-good vibes and cute puppies, it's a wonderful holiday romance.’ Ellesea Loves Reading‘Full of festive feeling, fabulous characters, friends, family, and snow…I just loved every second of this book.’ Rachel’s Random Reads‘There's many types of Christmas books. But the best ones? Those are the ones that leave you feeling things...Kiley Dunbar managed to make me fall in love with her characters and left me with actual tears in my eyes.’ Walking Through The Pages'It's so festive and wintery and simply gorgeous!...The characters were enjoyable to get to know and I loved the location.’ The Cosiest Corner

Read more less

"I loved this book when I read it in Arabic. The Penguin's Song is a classic novel of the Lebanese civil war."--Rabih Alameddine, author of An Unnecessary Woman "Sixteen years after appearing in Daoud's native Lebanon, this elegiac novel has finally arrived in English ...Daoud's novel seems to have inherted its sensibilities--its recursive and dense sentences, its damaged narrator, its poignant obsession with lost time--from Remembrance of Things Past or Notes From the Underground...This is a novel about the trap of poverty--but also an affirmation of the Underground Man's noted maxim: 'I swear, gentlemen, that to be too conscious is an illness.'"--Paul Toutonghi, The New York Times Book Review "In The Penguin's Song, a city falls, a father dies, two women walk the same road over and over, a boy with a broken body dreams of love. Like Agota Kristof's Notebook Trilogy, this spare yet lyrical parable tells us more about exile, loss and the wearing away of hope than most us want to know. I love this beautiful book."--Rebecca Brown, author of American Romances and The End of Youth "Daoud's novel is an elegiac account of loneliness and separation...This is a haunting story inhabited by the ghosts of past lives and demolished buildings, where desires are left unfulfilled and loneliness sweeps through every soul. "--Publishers Weekly "Daoud's claustrophobic novel hauntingly conveys one family's isolation after being relocated during the Lebanese civil war...Daoud's evocation of history as it is experienced is excellent. His characters live through momentous events, but their struggles to survive land them in a kind of purgatory. A novel that defies expectations as it summons up the displacement and dehumanization that can come with war."--Kirkus Reviews " ...deftly explores how people cope with the aftermath of war and the tremendous struggle of rebuilding not only with bricks and concrete but with heart, hopes, and dreams."--Lisa Rohrbaugh, Leetonia Community P.L., OH, and Library Journal "Hassan Daoud is one of Lebanon's most important living writers. With her usual empathy and elegance, veteran translator Marilyn Booth brings out the idiosyncrasies and pathetic charm of this unlikely protagonist in his suffocating world. This is a heartbreaking novel that shines a light with empathy onto small lives lived humbly on the margins." --Max Weiss, Professor of History and Near Eastern Studies, Princeton University and author of In the Shadow of Sectarianism: Law, Shi'ism and the Making of Modern Lebanon As war wreaks havoc on the historic heart of Beirut, tenants of the old city are pushed to the margins and obliged to live on the surrounding hillsides, where it seems they will stay forever, waiting. The dream of return becomes a way of life in the unending time of war. "The Penguin" is a physically deformed young man who lives with his aging mother and father in one of the "temporary" buildings. His father spends his days on the balcony of their apartment, looking at the far-off city and pining for his lost way of life. Mother and father both find their purpose each day in worrying about the future for their son, while he spends his time in an erotic fantasy world, centered on a young woman who lives in the apartment below. Poverty and family crisis go hand in hand as the young man struggles with his isolation and unfulfilled sexual longing. Voted "The Best Arabic Novel of the Year" when it was first published, The Penguin's Song is a finely wrought parable of how one can live out an entire life in the dream of returning to another.

Read more less

A fantastic debut from a HILARIOUS and brilliantly ORIGINAL NEW VOICE in women’s fiction... ‘I loved it. It’s an absolute joy... I finished the book with a huge smile on my face’ BETH O’LEARY, Sunday Times bestselling author of The FlatshareMy brother’s getting married in a few weeks and asked for help picking a song for his first dance. I suggested Kiss’s ‘Love’s a Slap in the Face’. It didn’t go down well.When she was a teenager, Zoë Frixos fell in love with Simon Baxter, her best friend and the boy next door. But his family moved to America before she could tell him how she felt and, like a scratched record, she’s never quite moved on. Now, almost twenty years later, Simon is heading back to London, newly single and as charming as ever . . .But as obstacles continue to get in her way – Simon’s perfect ex-girlfriend, her brother’s big(ish) fat(ish) Greek wedding, and an obnoxious publicist determined to ruin her career – Zoë begins to wonder whether, after all these years, she and Simon just aren’t meant to be.What if, despite what all the songs and movies say, your first love isn't always all it's cracked up to be? What if, instead Zoë and Simon are forever destined to shuffle around their feelings for each other, never quite getting the steps right . . .With a smart, relatable central character and razor-sharp wit, Love Songs for Sceptics is perfect for fans of Mhairi McFarlane, Lucy Vine and Lindsey Kelk. ‘A dazzling debut. Christina has a fresh, fun voice – I laughed and cried in abundance!’ HEIDI SWAIN, Sunday Times bestselling author ‘Brilliantly written, Love Songs for Sceptics is warm, engaging and so funny. I am officially a huge fan and can't wait for more from Christina’ LUCY VINE 'I absolutely loved Love Songs for Sceptics. Hope infused into every page - JOYOUS' MIRANDA DICKINSON 'Do you ever feel like an author reached into your brain and pulled out the exact book you wanted, at the exact right time? This is what it felt like from the very first page of Love Songs for Sceptics. Voicy, heartfelt, hilarious, propulsive--this book is brilliant. With the ache of second chances, the chaos of family, and in the iconic backdrop of London, Love Song for Sceptics strikes the perfect notes of romance, snark, and yes, even sweetness (hold the schmaltz).' Christina Lauren, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author ‘Christina is a breath of fresh air, and her book throbs with fun and sentiment. A wry modern eye and a sparkling debut’ JULIET ASHTON, author of The Sunday Lunch Club 'Engaging, relatable and brilliantly funny!' JOANNA BOLOURI, author of Relight My Fire ‘An exciting new talent. Funny, sharp and real – it’ll make your heart sing’ LAURA KEMP, author of The Year of Surprising Acts of Kindness 'I loved this book. Christina’s debut is funny, relatable, and smart. And also made me hungry for Greek food!' CATHERINE BENNETTO, author of How Not to Fall in Love Actually 'I'm blown away that this was a debut. Christina's writing is polished, engaging, and witty; I was invested in Zoë's life straight away and I loved, loved, loved Zoë's personal growth. Love Songs for Sceptics hooked me from the first page, made me smile all the way through, and immediately cemented itself as one of my all-time favorite contemporary love stories.' SARAH HOGLE, author of You Deserve Each Other 'Funny, sweet, and full of surprises, Love Songs for Sceptics is the perfect rom-com for music nerds.' KERRY WINFREY, author of Waiting for Tom Hanks and Not Like the Movies

Read more less

In 1960 Timothy Leary was not yet famous -- or infamous -- and Allen Ginsberg was both. Leary, eager to expand his experiments at the Harvard Psilocybin Project to include accomplished artists and writers, knew that Ginsberg held the key to bohemia's elite. Ginsberg, fresh from his first experience with hallucinogenic mushrooms in Mexico, was eager to promote the spiritual possibilities of psychedelic use. Thus, "America's most conspicuous beatnik" was recruited as Ambassador of Psilocybin under the auspices of an Ivy League professor, and together they launched the psychedelic revolution and turned on the hippie generation. White Hand Society weaves a fascinating and entertaining tale of the life, times and friendship of these two larger-than-life figures and the incredible impact their relationship had on America. Peter Conners has gathered hundreds of pages of letters, documents, studies, FBI files, and other primary resources that shed new light on their relationship, and a veritable who's who of artists and cultural figures appear along the way, including Jack Kerouac, William Burroughs, Thelonious Monk, Willem de Kooning, and Barney Rosset. The story of the "psychedelic partnership" of two of the most famous, charismatic and controversial members of America's counterculture brings together a multitude of major figures from politics, the arts, and the intersection of intellectual life and outlaw culture in a way that sheds new light on the dawn of the 1960s. "Through the years City Lights has brought us seminal work by Allen Ginsberg, Gregory Corso, and now, this detail-rich double bio of Allen Ginsberg and Timothy Leary. I knew both these men pretty well, and the times intimately, and Peter Conners has been true to it all. I don't know how he amassed the trunks of data he must have used to find the jillions of details which were new to me, but I'm certainly glad that he did. This book wins a well deserved spot on my shelf, and belongs with anyone who wants an intimate view of the Sixties-Seventies spinning of the Great Wheel of the Dharma." --Peter Coyote, actor/author, Sleeping Where I Fall "Peter Conners has given us a wondrous tale of picaresque adventure and authentic friendship -- between Leary the trickster-explorer-scientist and Ginsberg the activist-bard-philosopher, two seminal figures who pioneered new pathways through the cultural maelstrom of the sixties."--Ralph Metzner, co-author, with Ram Dass & Gary Bravo, of Birth of a Psychedelic Culture "The Psychedelic Revolution of the Sixties began with the meeting of two visionary explorers into the unmapped regions of inner consciousness -- Timothy Leary and Allen Ginsberg. In the White Hand Society Peter Conners charts the course from the earliest dirt roads of laughing gas to the superhighways of LSD in one compelling story. It is a thrilling ride on what Ginsberg called the Trackless Transit System, going where no one else had dared venture. Take this as a new kind of guidebook into the mystery of the mind." --Bill Morgan, author of Beat Atlas: A State by State Guide to the Beat Generation in America and The Typewriter Is Holy: The Complete, Uncensored History of the Beat Generation "Peter Conners' White Hand Society is a gripping account of a key event in 20th Century history, the decision to actively promote strong psychedelics to the population at large. Conners tells the Timothy Leary story from the traditional perspective of the West Coast counterculture, but he emphasizes the egalitarian influence that the Beat movement had on him and, in particular, the huge Blakean personality of Allen Ginsberg. The result is a portrait of two remarkable figures who came together and changed our culture forever." --John Higgs

Read more less

A beautiful, step-by-step guide for bringing movement-based meditation into your yoga practice and your life. (website: brief marketing statement – 385/500 cwsm) Distilled from Elena Brower and Erica Jago’s acclaimed workshops and training programs, Art of Attention has become an essential resource among instructors and students seeking to bring movement-based mindfulness into their practice. This beautiful illustrated book guides you through pose-by-pose practices, journaling, and luminary wisdom into the deeper experiences of yoga practice. (website: description area copy – no character length limit) Yoga begins with physical well-being. But it can also transport us—through meditation, self-awareness, and movement—into a lifelong exploration of presence, elegance, and deeper life purpose. With Art of Attention, Elena Brower and Erica Jago show us the way. Distilled from their acclaimed workshops and training programs, this multifaceted book can be used as: • A step-by-step workshop for merging movement-based mindfulness with traditional yoga • A "tool kit" of asanas, meditations, self-inquiry questions, and healing practices for creating your own daily spiritual practice • An uplifting source of visual beauty and wisdom teachings for inner reflection and elevation For students and teachers at every level, this one-of-a-kind resource takes us further into yoga—and the art of living—with clarity, creativity, wonder, and depth. Includes contributions from MC YOGI, Gabrielle Bernstein, Donna Karan, Gwyneth Paltrow, Christy Turlington Burns, and others inspired by Elena and Erica’s work. (website: "Highlights" sidebar) Chapters: 1. Reduce Tension and Find Forgiveness (preface by MC YOGI) 2. Let Go of Blame (preface by Gabrielle Bernstein) 3. Breathe and Find Stillness (preface by Donna Karan) 4. Explore Your Highest Possibilities (preface by Gwyneth Paltrow) 5. Let Your Life Reflect Your Practice (preface by Christy Turlington Burns) (amazon/eloquence copy) "The wondrous images accompanying this invitation to practice set this book apart, conveying the beauty and adventure of contemporary yoga practice." --Kaitlin Quistgaard, former editor-in-chief, Yoga Journal "I’ve been inspired by Elena’s commitment to bring us closer to our bodies and hearts, and this book accomplishes her objective beautifully. Art of Attention is an instructive, healing homage to the practice of yoga." --Dr. Frank Lipman, founder and director of Eleven-Eleven Wellness Center, New York City "Every once in a while a book arrives in this world that contains magic so profound it will transform you forever, it will wake you up, turn up the light on your soul, and provide an oasis of healing, rejuvenation, and restoration for you to return to over and over again. Art of Attention is such a book. It will carry you gently into a deep yoga practice, while enlivening your mind, opening your heart, and soothing your soul." --Mark Hyman, MD, author of the #1 New York Times bestseller The Blood Sugar Solution "The beauty, wisdom, and guidance in Art of Attention will not only strengthen your yoga practice, it will lead you to a deeper knowing and acceptance of yourself." --Kris Carr, author of the New York Times bestseller Crazy Sexy Diet "Elena and Erica have taken us on a journey, an initiation, a soulful exploration of the embodiment of divine movement through yoga. This book is a beautiful expression of their attention to luminous detail and sacred practice, and now it is a gift for all of us. Thank you goddesses!" --Latham Thomas, founder of Mama Glow "Full of inspiration, creativity, and awareness, Art of Attention will sensitize and energize your cells from the inside out, and jolt you into finding new expressions and discoveries in your practice and your life." --Tara Stiles, bestselling author of Yoga Cures and Slim Calm Sexy Yoga "Can a book be a sanctuary? With Art of Attention, Erica and Elena have manifested an interactive portal to somatic consciousness, inner beauty, and self-reckoning. It stirs the heart, mind, and body to actively introvert and attend to the deepest layers of being." --Jill Miller, anatomy and movement specialist, creator of Yoga Tune Up®

Read more less

The first electrifying book in Maggie Stiefvater's The Raven Cycle series. "There are only two reasons a non-seer would see a spirit on St. Mark's Eve... Either you're his true love... or you killed him." Part of a clairvoyant family, Blue has spent sixteen years being told that if she kisses her true love, he will die. So when she meets Gansey's spirit on the corpse road, Blue knows that either he is her true love - or she has killed him. The boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her. His name is Gansey, and he is a student at Aglionby, a wealthy local private school. With three other mysterious and privileged boys, he is on a quest to find the grave of Glendower - a Welsh king buried somewhere on a Virginia ley line. Whoever finds him will be granted a supernatural favour. Never before has Blue felt such magic around her. But is Gansey really her true love - the one she is destined to kill? Blue never fully believed in the prophecy. But as she is caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she's not so sure anymore. Absolutely addictive writing for teen girls... and grown-up girls... Magic, mystery and adventure at every turn From the bestselling author of Shiver, Linger and Forever which all debuted at #1 on the UK book bestseller charts Film rights to The Raven Cycle have been acquired PRAISE FOR MAGGIE STIEFVATER BOOKS The Raven Boys: A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year 2012 "Stiefvater is a master storyteller." - USA Today "A dizzying paranormal romance tinged with murder and Welsh mythology." - The Los Angeles Times "Simultaneously complex and simple, compulsively readable, marvelously wrought." - Kirkus Reviews "A tour de force... such a memorable read." - Publishers Weekly "One unexpected and wonderful surprise after another... a marvel of imagination." - Booklist "The Raven Boys is an incredibly rich and unique tale, a supernatural thriller of a different flavor... Fans have been salivating for Stiefvater's next release and The Raven Boys delivers." - School Library Journal "Equal parts thriller and mystery, with a measured dash of romance sprinkled on top... Maggie has woven such a unique, intriguing narrative that I struggled for comparisons." - MTV.com Blue Lily, Lily Blue: "Blue Lily, Lily Blue is, simply, a triumph." - Booklist "Expect this truly one-of-a-kind series to come to a thundering close." - Kirkus Reviews "We have not yet finished loving these characters and exploring their world." - The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books "Stiefvater's razor-sharp characterizations, drily witty dialogue, and knack for unexpected metaphors and turns of phrase make for sumptuous, thrilling reading... Readers will snap up the final installment the second it's available." - Publishers Weekly "The prose is crisp and dazzling and the dialogue positively crackles." - School Library Journal The Scorpio Races: "Masterful. Like nothing else out there now." - Kirkus Reviews "An utterly compelling read." - Publishers Weekly "Filling it with loving descriptions of wet, wind-tossed Thisby as well as exciting equine action, Stiefvater has created a thrilling backdrop for the love story that blooms...A book appealing to lovers of fantasy, horse stories, romance, and actionadventure alike, this seems to have a shot at being a YA blockbuster." - School Library Journal #1 New York Times bestselling Shiver trilogy: "A lyrical tale of alienated werewolves and first love....Stiefvater skillfully increases the tension throughout; her take on werewolves is interesting and original while her characters are refreshingly willing to use their brains to deal with the challenges they face." - Publishers Weekly "Readers will be able to enjoy Stiefvater's fast-paced storytelling and dedication to the old-fashioned art of creating a believable and enduring romance. Shiver is beautifully written, even poetic at times, and a perfect indulgence for readers of all ages." - Bookpage.com "This riveting narrative, impossible to put down, is not only an excellent addition to the current fangs and fur craze, but is also a beautifully written romance that, along with Shiver, will have teens clamoring for the third and final entry." - VOYA

Read more less

'A sensual feast of a novel, written with elegance, beauty, charm and skill in a voice that is both lyrical and unique. The Language of Food is an intriguing story with characters that leap off the page and live, but what sets it apart from it's contemporaries is Abbs' outstanding prose' Santa Montefiore Eliza Acton, despite having never before boiled an egg, became one of the world’s most successful cookery writers, revolutionizing cooking and cookbooks around the world. Her story is fascinating, uplifting and truly inspiring.Told in alternate voices by the award-winning author of The Joyce Girl, and with recipes that leap to life from the page, The Language of Food by Annabel Abbs is the most thought-provoking and page-turning historical novel you’ll read this year, exploring the enduring struggle for female freedom, the power of female friendship, the creativity and quiet joy of cooking and the poetry of food, all while bringing Eliza Action out of the archives and back into the public eye. ‘I love Abbs’s writing and the extraordinary, hidden stories she unearths. Eliza Acton is her best discovery yet’ Clare Pooley'A feast for the senses, rich with the flavours of Victorian England, I prepared every dish with Eliza and Ann and devoured every page. A literary - and culinary - triumph!' Hazel Gaynor ‘Exhilarating to read - thoughtful, heart-warming and poignant, with a quiet intelligence and elegance that does its heroine proud’ Bridget Collins 'A sumptuous banquet of a book that nourished me and satisfied me just as Eliza Acton’s meals would have... I adored it' Polly Crosby ‘An effervescent novel, bursting with delectable language and elegant details about cookbook writer, Eliza Acton. Don’t miss this intimate glimpse into the early English kitchens and snapshot of food history’ Sara Dahmen ‘Wonderful... Abbs is such a good story teller. She catches period atmosphere and character so well’ Vanessa Nicolson 'Two of my favourite topics in one elegantly written novel - women’s lives and food history. I absolutely loved it' Polly Russell 'A story of courage, unlikely friendship and an exceptional character, told in vibrant and immersive prose' Caroline Scott ‘Richly imagined and emotionally tender’ Pen Vogler 'Characters that leap off the page, a fascinating story and so much atmosphere, you feel you're in the kitchen with Eliza - I loved it.' Frances Quinn 'I was inspired by Eliza's passion, her independence, her bravery and ambition. Like a cook's pantry, The Language of Food is full of wonderful ingredients, exciting possibilities and secrets. Full of warmth and as comforting as sitting by the kitchen range, I loved it' Jo Thomas 'A delightful read' Nina Pottell 'Clever, unsentimental, beautifully detailed and quietly riveting' Elizabeth Buchan, author of Two Women in Rome ‘A wonderful read’ John Torode 'A really charming historical fiction novel that's full of gorgeous recipies and descriptions of food. At its heart is the uplifting story of the friendship between Eliza and Ann Kirby, her kitchen help, which crosses the class divide.' Good HousekeepingEngland 1835. Eliza Acton is a poet who dreams of seeing her words in print. But when she takes her new manuscript to a publisher, she’s told that ‘poetry is not the business of a lady’. Instead, they want her to write a cookery book. That’s what readers really want from women. England is awash with exciting new ingredients, from spices to exotic fruits. But no one knows how to use them Eliza leaves the offices appalled. But when her father is forced to flee the country for bankruptcy, she has no choice but to consider the proposal. Never having cooked before, she is determined to learn and to discover, if she can, the poetry in recipe writing. To assist her, she hires seventeen-year-old Ann Kirby, the impoverished daughter of a war-crippled father and a mother with dementia. Over the course of ten years, Eliza and Ann developed an unusual friendship – one that crossed social classes and divides – and, together, they broke the mould of traditional cookbooks and changed the course of cookery writing forever.

Read more less

'This is a gorgeous book. It's tender and fierce, beautiful even as it depicts some ugly truths. The prose is passionate and honest, unsentimental and big-hearted. The very best books move you to reconsider the world around you and this is one of those. I truly loved it' – Nicola Yoon, bestselling author of Everything, Everything From the New York Times bestselling author of the Shatter Me series comes a powerful, heartrending contemporary YA novel about fear, first love, and the devastating impact of prejudice It’s 2002, a year after 9/11, and Shirin has just started at yet another new high school. It’s an extremely turbulent time politically, but especially so for a sixteen-year-old Muslim girl who’s tired of being stereotyped. Shirin is never surprised by how horrible people can be. She’s tired of the rude stares, the degrading comments – even the physical violence she endures as a result of her race, her religion, and the hijab she wears every day. Shirin drowns her frustrations in music and spends her afternoons break-dancing with her brother. But then she meets Ocean James. He’s the first person in forever who really seems to want to get to know her. It terrifies her -they seem to come from two irreconcilable worlds – and Shirin has had her guard up against the world for so long that she’s not sure she’ll ever be able to let it down. Perfect for fans of the Shatter Me series as well as Angie Thomas's The Hate U Give and Nicola Yoon's The Sun is Also A Star. About the author: Tahereh Mafi is the New York Times bestselling author of the Shatter Me series which has been published in over 30 languages around the world. She was born in a small city somewhere in Connecticut and currently resides in Santa Monica, California, with her husband, Ransom Riggs, fellow bestselling author of Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children, and their young daughter. She can usually be found overcaffeinated and stuck in a book. You can find her online just about anywhere at @TaherehMafi or on her website, www.taherehbooks.com. Also by Tahereh Mafi: Shatter Me Unravel Me Ignite Me Restore Me Praise for A Very Large Expanse of Sea: 'This is a gorgeous book. It's tender and fierce, beautiful even as it depicts some ugly truths. The prose is passionate and honest, unsentimental and big-hearted. The very best books move you to reconsider the world around you and this is one of those. I truly loved it.' – Nicola Yoon, bestselling author of Everything, Everything 'I started reading A Very Large Expanse of Sea on a plane and couldn't put it down until I'd finished the entire thing. Tahereh Mafi's beautiful story touched my heart and taught me so much, I cannot wait for the world to read!!' – Tomi Adeyemi, bestselling author of Children of Blood and Bone 'A raw yet astoundingly elegant examination of identity, loneliness and family that is unflinching in its honesty and power. Tahereh Mafi holds nothing back – and the reader is better for it.' – Sabaa Tahir, New York Times bestselling author of Ember in the Ashes 'A Very Large Expanse of Sea reads like a beautiful heart – one that shines and aches and yearns, and above all else, one that loves fiercely against all odds. Years from now, you will remember exactly where you were and what you were doing when you experienced this. A transcendent story about truth, love and finding joy.' – Marie Lu, New York Times bestselling author of the Legend series.' Praise for the Shatter Me series: "Dangerous, sexy, romantic, and intense. I dare you to stop reading." – Kami Garcia, #1 New York Times bestselling co-author of the Beautiful Creatures series "Addictive, intense, and oozing with romance. I'm envious. I couldn't put it down." – Lauren Kate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fallen series "Tahereh Mafi's bold, inventive prose crackles with raw emotion. A thrilling, high-stakes saga of self-discovery and forbidden love, the Shatter Me series is a must-read for fans of dystopian young adult literature – or any literature!" -Ransom Riggs, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children "IGNITE ME really does ignite all five of your senses. It blows your mind and makes you hungry for more of its amazing characters. It will completely blow your expectations; Tahereh Mafi truly knows how to deliver!" – Teenreads.com

Read more less

***'The best gardening book of 2022.' The Telegraph'A book to make even a quick trip to the corner shop endlessly fascinating. Dark has been dubbed the millennial Monty Don for this beautifully written study of the oft-overlooked nature on our doorsteps...Dark teases the drama, humour and history from even the most commonplace buddleja, box and tulip.' George Hudson, Evening Standard, Favourite Gardening Books of the Year'This enjoyable read throws a spotlight on the everyday.' Rachel de Thame's 10 Best Gardening Books of 2022, the Sunday Times'Gardening for a billionaire taught Ben Dark that "plants alone are not enough to make a garden special". Instead he finds "special" in the people and the history, as well as the plants, that fill 19½ London front gardens. A soulful read.' Tom Howard, RHS The Garden, Best Books of The Year'A wonderful book.' Alexandra Shulman, Mail on Sunday'Meet the millennial Monty Don.' The Sunday Times Style'Ben Dark's beautifully observed book, The Grove: A Nature Odyssey in 19 ½ Front Gardens, tells the stories of 20 key plants growing in a single London street's front gardens in a way that's as engaging as it is informative.' The Irish TimesAny walk is an odyssey when we connect with the plants around us. Each tree or flower tells a tale. Mundane 'suburban' shrubs speak of war and poetry, of money, fashion, love and failure. Every species in this book was seen from one pavement over twelve months and there is little here that could not be found on any road in any town, but they reveal stories of such weirdness, drama, passion and humour that, once discovered, familiar neighbourhoods will be changed forever.There is a renewed interest in the nature on our doorsteps, as can be seen in the work of amateur botanists identifying wildflowers and chalking the names on the pavements.But beyond the garden wall lies a wealth of cultivated plants, each with a unique tale to tell. In The Grove, award-winning writer and head gardener Ben Dark reveals the remarkable secrets of twenty commonly found species - including the rose, wisteria, buddleja, box and the tulip - encountered in the front gardens of one London street over the course of year. As Ben writes, in those small front gardens 'are stories of ambition, envy, hope and failure' and The Grove is about so much more than a single street, or indeed the plants found in its 19 ½ front gardens. It's a beguiling blend of horticultural history and personal narrative and a lyrical exploration of why gardens and gardening matter.'A testament to the secret communal power of a front garden.' Alice Vincent, New Statesman'Find joy in the ordinary plots on a city street.' RHS The Garden'Dark makes horticultural history fun and funny.' Editor's Choice, The Bookseller'Ben Dark is such a wonderful writer - The Grove drew me in from the first line.' Lia Leendertz'The Grove is overflowing with delicious nuggets of cultural, social and garden history ­- and I adore Ben Dark's humour and humility in equal measure.' Advolly Richmond'A heartfelt romp through the wisteria and wilderness of London's horticulturally remarkable front gardens.' Jack Wallington'A confident and elegantly written account of the fascinating narratives and histories entangled within the garden plants of a residential London street ... Dark's prose is in the tradition of classic garden writing: humorous, relatable, poetic and insightful ... The Grove is a refreshing read among modern narrative gardening books.' Gardens Illustrated'Fans of Ben Dark's mellifluous tones on The Garden Log podcast will be delighted by how perfectly his lyrical musings transfer to the printed page as, with infant son in tow, he invites the reader upon a series of horticultural expeditions inspired by the deceptively ordinary planting of the front gardens in a south London street. The kind of thoroughly enjoyable read where you realise, late in the day, that learning has snuck in by the back door, though you feel inclined to forgive the author on account of the fun you've had along the way.' Andrew O'Brien'Dark creatively blends practical horticultural knowledge, meditations on his own dream garden, and literary references, including Vita Sackville-West's husband's letter on JP Morgan's garden: "All very good taste and depressing. No inner reality." This will leave armchair gardeners seeing their surroundings with fresh eyes.' Publisher's Weekly'Dark's book amused and educated me during recent bouts of insomnia. I found snippets of information that now elevate my occasional street wanderings to something approaching a botanical exploration. At less than a tenner for the paperback edition, that's truly affordable schooling.' David Wheeler, The Oldie

Read more less

Know joy. Keep joy. Live joy! Joy can feel elusive when defined by how you feel in a given moment or what your circumstances are at the present. Sometimes joy feels like it can be taken away, even when things are good. During a long season, Suzanne Eller discovered six surprising biblical truths about joy. Those truths helped her see joy and God in a new light. You are invited to embrace those same truths! JoyKeeper will help you · replace the need to hide emotions with honesty about how you feel · redefine joy from an up-and-down feeling to who God is in the right-now · discover how joy guides you through the hard places as well as the good · run freely to your Source of joy, rather than try to do it on your own · confront everyday joy stealers to live day-to-day as a JoyKeeper Thirty practical and inspirational daily exercises are also included so you can intentionally practice these truths. Includes a small-group study guide Suzanne (Suzie) Eller is a bestselling author, Bible teacher, and cohost of the More Than Small Talk podcast. Suzie has been featured on hundreds of TV and radio programs. When she's not writing, you'll find her kayaking, hanging out with her "littles," finding the best food truck, or hiking. Learn more at www.suzanneeller.com. "Suzie has not only written but lived these beautiful, powerful words. In our uncertain world, we all need to know how to hold on to our joy no matter what happens. Suzie is the wise friend and insightful guide who will show you."--HOLLEY GERTH, Bestselling Author, Life Coach, and More than Small Talk Podcast Cohost "Some books fill your mind and others fill your heart. JoyKeeper does both, and then goes a step further, taking you by the hand to guide you through the process of knowing, keeping, and living joy in the midst of challenging circumstances. Suzie Eller shares honest struggles and hard-earned wisdom on every page, always pointing us to Scripture, always circling back to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross. And what a delight to find a thirty-day devotional included in the book, offering daily encouragement for all of us who want to embrace a JoyKeeper life. So well done, and so needed."--LIZ CURTIS HIGGS, author of 31 Proverbs to Light Your Path "For everyone who has ever thought that joy was for other people (you know, those super-spiritual people who have the inside track to what God wants . . . ). Suzie is here to tell you joy, deep soul-satisfying joy, is available to all of us who love God in our own imperfect way."--KATHI LIPP, bestselling author "Each of us wrestle with sticky spots in our lives that try, on a daily basis, to steal the joy Jesus has promised for us. JoyKeeper helped me to identify a robber in my life. As I have put the truth I learned through JoyKeeper into practice, I have found a new joy I've never known. I now know that specific robber's identity and can send him packing when he comes into view."--LYNN COWELL, author of Make Your Move and member of the Proverbs 31 Ministries speaking and writing teams "During family struggles, health challenges, and disappointment, joy can seem elusive. In JoyKeeper, Suzie Eller intimately shares her path to joy through cancer diagnoses and heartache. Using insightful reflection questions and engaging storytelling, Suzie invites every woman with scars on a journey to becoming a JoyKeeper."--DR. SAUNDRA DALTON-SMITH, author of Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity "A fresh wind of hope comes as you read Suzie Eller's newest book, JoyKeeper. Suzie grants her reader permission to be real about what we feel, while equipping us with the tools needed to leap into action as God's joykeepers. Say good-bye to worry, and hello to deep, lasting joy!"--KRISSY NELSON, author, speaker, TV hose, Krissy Nelson Ministries "I have watched Suzie maintain joy in the face of adversity. JoyKeeper is written with vulnerability and profound insight guiding readers to encounter joy in a way they haven't yet--by knowing. Joykeeper is a lifeline when joy seems like a lost cause and a fleeting feeling."--JENNIFER RENEE WATSON, More Than Small Talk podcast cohost and author of Freedom!: The Gutsy Pursuit of Breakthrough and the Life Beyond It "To learn and know joy that supersedes our circumstances is not only life-sustaining, it's life-giving - to us and to everyone whose lives intersect with ours both now and in the future. This truth, this hope, has become the testimony of Suzie's life amidst real struggle and through this book she has chosen to become a kind and gentle mentor, a friend who is willing to teach us how we can choose joy in both the mountains and valleys as well."--KATIE WESTENBERG, author of I Choose Brave "Suzie's transparency, wisdom, and biblical teaching make you feel right at home and safe. I felt seen, understood, and mentored throughout this entire book. Not only does she offer powerful truths, but she equips you with practical application for breakthrough. This book helped me rediscover the joy I've been longing for and I'm forever grateful."--CHRISTY RODRIGUEZ, speaker and writer; host, The Brave Place Podcast with Christy Rodriguez; director and CEO, BraveGirlCommunity.com

Read more less

OPEN, BALANCED DIALOGUE--THE KEY TO PEAK TEAM PERFORMANCEIn a world of rapid-fire change, it's more important than ever to build teams that work well when the pressure is on—and quality communication can mean the difference between success and failure.Conversational Capacity provides the communication tools you need to ensure that your team remains on track even when dealing with its most troublesome issues, that it responds to tough challenges with agility and skill, and performs brilliantly in circumstances that would incapacitate less disciplined teams.Praise for Conversational Capacity:"This book blows the lid off everything you have learned about team building and will have you asking, 'Why didn't someone show me this before?'" -- Rick Woodcock, Chief Technology Officer of the US Naval Institute, Annapolis"Easy to implement, Craig Weber's techniques will transform your organization. We put these principles into practice and saw immediate results." -- Scott Goodey, CEO, Greenpoint Technologies"A must-read for leaders and those who aspire to lead. It's one of the most influential books on the value of teaming." -- Benjamin Ola Akande, PhD, Professor of Economics and Dean of the George Herbert Walker School of Business and Technology, Webster University"Conversational Capacity is one of those rare books that will forever change how you see yourself and the people with whom you work. Read it. Recommend it to your boss, your team, and your friends." -- Jan Wilmott, Director of Leadership Development at the Royal Bank of Canada"This book provides a practical roadmap to learning the single most important skill that any leader can and should master. Conversational Capacity will change the way you lead and transform your relationships--at work and at home." -- Andy Restivo, President and CEO of Creative Channel Services, an Omnicom Group Company"Conversational Capacity shows leadership teams how to think actively and adapt quickly. Better yet, the simplicity of the book enables the reader to apply the concepts and ideas in any leadership position." -- Mark Milliner, CEO of Personal Insurance at Suncorp "Craig Weber has a gift for connecting what it means to build healthy relationships with the nuts and bolts of running an organization. In Conversational Capacity he brings a refreshing combination of practical tools, personal examples, and wisdom from having worked with hundreds of leaders over the years. If you are a leader or someone interested in getting better at what you do, Conversational Capacity is a must read." -- Rob McKenna, PhD, Executive Director of the Center for Leadership Research and Development and author of Dying to Lead "Craig Weber challenges us to think differently about the way we talk to each other. Not since the seminal work of Chris Argyris have I read a book that so well documents the promise and the peril of dialogue. Readers will learn to develop conversational competence with team members and with leaders at all levels. You will learn to become more mindful in difficult situations, appreciate the power of curiosity, and develop ways to experiment, compare, reframe, and reengage with renewed commitment. We need this book, now more than ever. Once you read it, you will want to share it as soon as possible!" -- Frank J. Barrett, PhD, Professor of Management and Organizational Behavior, Global Public Policy, at the Graduate School of Business and Public Policy, Naval Postgraduate School and author of Yes to the Mess "This book has transformed the way I lead, teach, and facilitate. Weber captures the essence of team effectiveness and provides a well-researched and tested model that supports the other building blocks of leadership." -- Dr. Tony Herrera, Direct of Partner Development at Schreiber Foods"Required reading! Improving the conversational capacity of your team and organization is invaluable. These same skills are needed to address the broader issues we face as a society. Get this book! Share it with your colleagues, friends, and family." -- Chris Soderquist, President of Pontifex Consulting and author of The Strategic Forum"Craig Weber's Conversational Capacity works. It works to build an internal culture that allows our organization to focus on the work at hand--without the drama, emotions, and egos that often get in the way of creating a high-functioning organization. It also works when building relationships with funders, stakeholders, and other clients, allowing our team to listen for commonalities and to find areas of true agreement." -- Michele Lueck, President and CEO of the Colorado Health Institute"Those who aspire to use a conversational process to facilitate and deliver high-impact team results have come to the right place. Having worked with Craig Weber to design training programs for colleagues, I can personally attest to his brilliance in using narratives to capture our attention and emotional intelligence with evidence-based methods to build our conversational skills. With clarity, practicality, and case examples, this book will help you find the sweet spot in any conversation while ensuring a productive outcome." -- Dr. Kathleen Keil, Senior Manager of Learning and Development at Pfizer Animal Health"Craig Weber's Conversational Capacity reduces organizational fear through a simple, effective technique that increases trust and maximizes creativity. It will help any organization realize new levels of confidence, creativity, and success. The tools within these pages may very well be the most important keys to both change and growth in the twenty-first century." -- Scott Eck, President of Leadership Masters"We often see the need for collaboration but do not have the tools and skills required to make it happen. Using Craig Weber's techniques to build conversational capacity is exactly what we need in both our professional and personal lives." -- Karen Minyard, PhD, Director of the Georgia Health Policy Center at the Andrew Young School of Public Policy, Georgia State University"The ideas in these pages are profound, life changing, and applicable to every area of life. My nonprofit team acquired a new set of skills that increased our capacity to tackle governance, interpersonal relationships, and the future in a dynamic and changing economy. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a master the tools required to elevate awareness, skill, and discipline to achieve desired--and amazing--results." -- Jane Soderquist, Board Chair of the Upper Valley Waldorf School

Read more less