Search results for ""escape""

'Perfect if you loved THE THURSDAY MURDER CLUB' - reader review'An entertaining romp and a fascinating insight into the weird and wonderful ways of the British aristocracy' S.J. Bennett, author of The Windsor KnotIt's the 1930s and a mysterious illness is spreading over Scotland. But the noble and ancient family of Inverkillen, residents of Loch Down Abbey, are much more concerned with dwindling toilet roll supplies and who will look after the children now that Nanny has regretfully (and most inconveniently) departed this life.Then Lord Inverkillen, Earl and head of the family, is found dead in mysterious circumstances. The inspector declares it an accident but Mrs MacBain, the head housekeeper, isn't so convinced. As no one is allowed in or out because of the illness, the residents of the house - both upstairs and downstairs - are the only suspects. With the Earl's own family too busy doing what can only be described as nothing, she decides to do some digging - in between chores, of course - and in doing so uncovers a whole host of long-hidden secrets, lies and betrayals that will alter the dynamics of the household for ever.Perfect for fans of Downton Abbey, Agatha Christie and Richard Osman's The Thursday Murder Club, LOCH DOWN ABBEY is a playful, humorous mystery that will keep you glued to the page!READERS LOVE LOCH DOWN ABBEY!'Beautifully written . . . this is a joyous read that will stay with me for a long time' - 5 STARS'The ending took me completely by surprise but in the best way' - 5 STARS'If you want to escape for a while, this is definitely a good book for that' - 5 STARSTthis very funny and unputdownable novel is a sure winner from start to finish! To be enjoyed without moderation.' - 5 STARS'It's amazing what secrets are hidden . . . Excellent :)' - 5 STARS

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*BRITISH BOOK OF THE YEAR* EasternEyePicked as as one of STYLIST'S *BEST AUTUMN READS OF 2020* 'A much-needed escape into a lyrical world'Let her be a little less human, a little more divineGive her heart armour so it doesn't break as easily as mineOne girl's wild journey of strength, beauty and growth as she discovers who she really is.Lyrical wonder, spiritual revelation and revolution meet with epic mythical landscapes in this deeply intimate coming-of-age story, one that teaches us all, no matter how small we feel, to become the masters of our own destiny.Meet Paro. A girl with a strong will, a full heart and much to learn. Born into a family reeling from the ruptures of Partition, follow her as she crosses the precarious lines between childhood, teenage discovery and realising her adult self.Nikita Gill's masterful poetry and beautiful illustrations conjure up jasmine-scented voices and smiles inhabited by ancestor's souls, rain dancing in a new city and the painful caverns in our hearts. We are taken on a journey of deity wisdom, fragmented family, and love lost and gained. We see power in belief, healing from trauma and hope after conflict. Undercurrents of the Trimurti - the Creator, the Preserver and the Destroyer - run deep, as Paro must confront fear, desire and the darkest parts of herself in the search for meaning and, ultimately, empowerment.Navigating different cultures, religions and identities, The Girl and the Goddess is a mesmerising poetic tale of where we come from, how we grow and how we become who we are.'A moving, layered story' The Irish Times'One of the best books of the year ... a spiritually enriching experience' EasternEye

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Decades tend to crest halfway through, and 1995 was the year of the Nineties: peak Britpop (Oasis v Blur), peak YBA (Tracey Emin's tent), peak New Lad (when Nick Hornby published High Fidelity, when James Brown's Loaded detonated the publishing industry, and when pubs were finally allowed to stay open on a Sunday). It was the year of The Bends, the year Danny Boyle started filming Trainspotting, the year Richey Edwards went missing, the year Alex Garland wrote The Beach, the year Blair changed Clause IV after a controversial vote at the Labour Conference. Not only was the mid-Nineties perhaps the last time that rock stars, music journalists and pop consumers held onto a belief in rock's mystical power, it was a period of huge cultural upheaval - in art, literature, publishing and drugs. And it was a period of almost unparalleled hedonism, a time when many people thought they deserved to live the rock and roll lifestyle, when a generation of narcotic omnivores thought they could all be rock stars just by buying a magazine and a copy of (What's the Story) Morning Glory? Faster Than a Cannonball is a cultural swipe of the decade from loungecore to the rise of New Labour, teasing all the relevant artistic strands through interviews with all the major protagonists and exhaustive re-evaluations of the important records of the year - The Bends by Radiohead, Grand Prix by Teenage Fanclub, Maxinquaye by Tricky, Different Class by Pulp, The Great Escape by Blur, It's Great When You're Straight... Yeah! by Black Grape, Exit Planet Dust by the Chemical Brothers, I Should Coco by Supergrass, Elastica by Elastica, Pure Phase by Spiritualized, ...I Care Because You Do by Aphex Twin and of course (What's the Story) Morning Glory by Oasis, the most iconic album of the decade.

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'Darkly entertaining police procedural with a difference' CRIME REVIEW'Fizzes with life' - STUART TURTON, Costa First Novel Award winner'A thrilling ride with dark humour, action and a touching side that's hard to forget' SUN five stars (book of the week)WHO BETTER TO SOLVE A MURDER THAN A DEAD DETECTIVE?When Detective Inspector Joe Lazarus storms a Lincolnshire farmhouse, he expects to bring down a notorious drug gang; instead, he discovers his own dead body and a spirit guide called Daisy-May. She's there to enlist him to the Dying Squad, a spectral police force made up of the recently deceased. Joe soon realises there are fates far worse than death. To escape being stuck in purgatory, he must solve his own murder. Reluctantly partnering with Daisy-May, Joe faces dangers from both the living and the dead in the quest to find his killer - before they kill again.Recruits are loving THE DYING SQUAD:'At times evocative of Richard Kadrey's Sandman Slim series, but without its hardboiled cynicism, this is an impressive and memorable debut' CRIME TIME'Whip-smart, fresh with a dash of dark humour, The Dying Squad is a wildly entertaining read. Highly recommended' - ADAM HAMDY, Sunday Times bestselling author'Adam has crafted something unique with The Dying Squad, mashing fantasy and crime together in a way I've not seen before . . . I'm sure it will be a huge success' - JAMES OSWALD, author of the Sunday Times bestselling Inspector McLean series'Superbly plotted and packs an emotional heft rarely seen in a debut' - MW CRAVEN, CWA Gold Dagger Award winner 'Funny, creepy and compelling' - ANNA STEPHENS, acclaimed author of Godblind 'Grim, wry and inventive, a twisting tale with both guts and heart. Never has Lincolnshire seemed more desolate, or more menacing' - DAVID WRAGG, The Black Hawks

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THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME. A PRIZE WORTH KILLING FOR.'Brilliant twists and an absolutely killer reveal in the final pages' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ READER REVIEW'I flew through this in a day' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ READER REVIEW'Karen Hamilton is the queen of thrillers' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ READER REVIEW'Peak tension and perfect plotting' Victoria Selman'A hike from hell... one that will make you feel thankful for keeping your feet firmly on the ground' Daily Mail'Leaves you breathless' The Sun'Karen Hamilton moves from sly comedy to tragedy with unsettling ease' Sunday Times'Exhilarating and addictive' PrimaWe call it the Great Escape. The annual trip where my boss asks us expert travel guides to escort a group of privileged, uber-wealthy clientele on some far-flung expedition, a cut-throat contest for riches and glory.The stakes have never been higher, nor the challenge harder: I must summit Mount Kilimanjaro before my rival guide to win the ultimate prize.But this once-in-a-lifetime trip was never about winning to me. I'm here for answers, even if no one is ready to give them up. By the time we reach the top I will have the truth, if it kills me.THE QUESTION IS, HOW FAR WILL THEY GO TO KEEP ME QUIET?Praise for Karen Hamilton:'Fabulously dark' Harriet Tyce'An irresistible slice of escapism' TM Logan'Full of twists and turns, it will keep you furiously turning the pages' Sarah Pearse'Compelling, absorbing and highly entertaining.' Allie Reynolds'Sizzles with tension, desire, and menace.' Jack Jordan'Be prepared to put your life on hold' Good Housekeeping'This is the must read book of the summer!' Steph Broadribb'Fast-moving and fun' Observer

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'Shand has fashioned a gripping and original story - and he writes like a dream' The Times'It has the pace and dynamism of a thriller ... and his social commentary is funny and on target' The HeraldAnd how to tell what the best things were? Well, that was easy: the best things were the ones with the most people looking at them.Alastair Buchanan has a comfortable life. It's been a year since he received his very own junior - a clone designed to help him escape the daily grind. So why does Alastair spend his days alone, online, obsessing over his status? When his long-term girlfriend Caitlin can't take it anymore, Alastair does his best to hold it together. But then, a remnant from his past appears and he is forced to confront the level of control that technology has over his life. Elsewhere, an anti-tech terrorist cell dedicated to yanking humanity back to the 1990s is building momentum. And looming over everyone is Kim Larson, inventor of the juniors. But when Kim realises that humanity's future lies in the stars, who will be left to hold him to account? From award-winning author Daniel Shand, Model Citizens explores a surreal world peopled by humans struggling with their dehumanising present. Full of suspense, it asks us what we give up when we exist online, and who we can trust to take care of us. Model Citizens is a subversive and darkly comic story of class, technology, and responsibility, offering a vision of the future that may be closer than we realise.'A dazzling novel' Edmund Gordon, award-winning author'A consumerist hellscape is brilliantly evoked . . . the cloned self as ultimate consumer product is a compelling idea and Shand has such fun with it that the reader gets carried along' Irish Times

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From New York Times bestselling author Tasha Alexander comes a stunning novel of historical suspense set in Victorian England, meticulously researched and with a twisty plot that involves stolen antiquities, betrayal, and murderLady Emily's first mystery . . .For Emily, accepting the proposal of Philip, the Viscount Ashton, was just an easy way to escape her stifling home life and overbearing mother. So when her new husband dies on safari soon after the wedding, she feels little grief. After all, she barely knew the man. Now, nearly two years later, she discovers that Philip was a far different man from the one she had married so cavalierly. His journals reveal him to have been a gentleman scholar and antiquities collector who, to her surprise, was deeply in love with his wife. Emily becomes fascinated with this new image of her dead husband and immerses herself in his intellectual pursuits, studying Greek and spending time in the quiet corridors of the British Museum.But there, amid priceless ancient statues, she uncovers a dark, dangerous secret involving stolen artifacts from the Greco-Roman galleries - and as she sets out to solve the crime she discovers even more surprises about the husband she never knew . . .Praise for Tasha Alexander'This engaging, witty mix of Victorian cozy and suspense thriller draws its dramatic spark from the endearingly headstrong heroine's growth in life and love. A memorable debut' Booklist'Enchanting... Alexander keeps readers guessing until the very end' Publishers Weekly'Tasha Alexander is one to watch - and read... despite her cliffhanger climaxes and witty repartee, there's a depth of sensitivity that sets her apart' The Huffington Post'Fans of Anne Perry and Elizabeth Peters will welcome this debut novel' The Denver Post

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Wife, widow, mother, survivor, the story of the last queen of Henry VIII. Catherine Parr was enjoying her freedom after her first two arranged marriages when she caught the attention of the elderly Henry VIII. The most reluctant of all Henry's wives, she offered to become his mistress rather than submit herself to the dangers of becoming Henry's queen. This only increased Henry's enthusiasm for the vibrant, intelligent young widow and Catherine was forced to abandon her handsome lover, Thomas Seymour, for the decrepit king. She quickly made her role as queen a success, providing Henry VIII with a domestic tranquillity that he had not known since the early days of his first marriage. For Henry, Catherine was a satisfactory choice but he never stopped considering a new marriage, much to Catherine's terror. Catherine is remembered as the wife who survived but, without her strength of character it could have been very different. It was a relief for Catherine when Henry finally died and she could secretly marry Thomas Seymour. Left with no role in government affairs in her widowhood, she retired to the country, spending time at her manors at Chelsea and Sudeley. It was here that her heart was broken by her discovery of a love affair between her stepdaughter, the future Elizabeth I, and her husband. She died in childbirth accusing her husband of plotting her death. Traditionally portrayed as a matronly and dutiful figure, Elizabeth Norton's new biography shows another side to Catherine. Her life was indeed one of duty but, throughout, she attempted to escape her destiny and find happiness for herself. Ultimately, Catherine was betrayed and her great love affair with Thomas Seymour turned sour.

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With a foreword by William Boyd'Gripping and revelatory' Tom Holland'As convoluted and deadly as the plot of a novel by John le Carre, but all too real' Daily Mail, Must Reads'With a gripping narrative and vivid interviews with those on all sides whose lives were directly affected by that grim symbol of the East-West divide that poisoned Europe for almost half a century, [MacGregor] has made an important contribution to the history of our times' Jonathan Dimbleby'Captures brilliantly and comprehensively both the danger and exhilaration that I and other reporters, soldiers, and people experienced intersecting with the wall - a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the Europe we have inherited' Jon SnowA powerful, fascinating, and ground-breaking history of Checkpoint Charlie, the legendary and most important military gate on the border of East and West Berlin where the United States and her allies confronted the USSR during the Cold War.As the sixtieth anniversary of the construction of the Berlin Wall approaches in 2021, Iain MacGregor captures the mistrust, oppression, paranoia, and fear that gripped the city throughout this period. Checkpoint Charlie is about the nerve-wracking confrontation between the West and the Soviet Union that contains never-before-heard interviews with the men who built and dismantled the Wall; lovers who crossed it; relatives and friends who lost family trying to escape over it; German, British, French, and Russian soldiers who guarded its checkpoints; CIA, MI6 and Stasi operatives who oversaw secret operations across its borders; politicians whose ambitions shaped it; journalists who recorded its story; and many more whose living memories contributed to the full story of Checkpoint Charlie. A brilliant work of historical journalism, Checkpoint Charlie is an invaluable record of this period.

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Discover the classic mystery from Dick Francis, one of the greatest thriller writers of all time'Once you start reading you won't be able to stop' 5***** Reader Review'Couldn't put it down. I was awake half the night even on the second read!' 5***** Reader Review______As an amateur jockey, Roland Britten was lucky, and as an accountant he was rigorous. He knew he was on the hate list of several fraudsters, but never thought pen-pushers got kidnapped. And not from a racecourse right after beating the odds to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Held prisoner, Britten has no idea who his kidnappers are nor why they have abducted him. Only when resourceful school headmistress Hilary Pinlock gives him the opportunity to escape is he able to seriously think about what has happened and turn his logical mind to track down his abductors. But his kidnappers haven't finished with him yet - and they'll risk anything to get hold of him once again . . .Packed with intrigue and hair-raising suspense, Risk is just one of the many blockbuster thrillers from legendary crime writer Dick Francis.Praise for Dick Francis:'As a jockey, Dick Francis was unbeatable when he got into his stride. The same is true of his crime writing' Daily Mirror'The narrative is brisk and gripping and the background researched with care . . . the entire story is a pleasure to relish' Scotsman'Dick Francis's fiction has a secret ingredient - his inimitable knack of grabbing the reader's attention on page one and holding it tight until the very end' Sunday Telegraph'A regular winner . . . as smooth, swift and lean as ever' Sunday Express'The master of suspense and intrigue' Country Life'Francis writing at his best' Evening Standard'Still the master' Racing Post

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Tell No Lies is the outstanding new thriller from Gregg Hurwitz.NO CHOICEDaniel Brasher is leaving behind his job as a probation counsellor working with hardened criminals to spend more time with his wife, now well again after serious illness. However, nothing is ever that simple . . .NO TIMEWhen he finds a scrawled message in the post at work - 'admit what you've done or you will bleed for it. You have 'til midnite' - he is horrified but relieved to discover it's not addressed to him. Then he learns that the intended victim is already dead.NO ESCAPEMore death threats signal a series of gruesome, seemingly inexplicable murders. Until a note is addressed to Daniel himself. And with the clock ticking he must discover who wants him dead. And why. Or become the next victim . . .Perfect for fans of Harlen Coben and Linwood Barclay, Tell No Lies is Gregg Hurwitz's best thriller yet, guaranteed to keep readers up all night. Praise for Gregg Hurwitz: 'Outstanding in every way' Lee Child'Pure nail-biting stay-up-all-night suspense' Harlan Coben'Thriller writing at its best' Tess Gerritsen'Memorable as hell' James Patterson'Gripping. Hurwitz knows how to write a thriller' Michael Connelly'Simply brilliant' Anne Rice'So fast it should come with and airbag' Linwood Barclay'Chilling and riveting' Jonathan Kellerman'Gregg Hurwitz deservedly takes his place at the forefront of suspense writers' David Baldacci'A quantum leap forward in suspense' Dennis Lehane'Exerts a vice-like grip on the reader . . . reminiscent of another American master, Harlan Coben' CrimetimeGregg Hurwitz is the internationally bestselling author of You're Next, Or She Dies, We Know and I See You. A graduate of Harvard and Oxford Universities, he lives with his family in California, where he writes screenplays, television and comics including Batman and Wolverine.

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Henrietta Anne Stuart, youngest child of Charles I and Henrietta Maria, was born in June 1644 in the besieged city of Exeter at the very height of the English Civil War. The hostilities had separated her parents and her mother was on the run from Parliamentary forces when she gave birth with only a few attendants on hand to give her support. Within just a few days she was on her way to the coast for a moonlit escape to her native France, leaving her infant daughter in the hands of trusted supporters. A few years later Henrietta Anne would herself be whisked, disguised as a boy, out of the country and reunited with her mother in France, where she remained for the rest of her life. Henrietta's fortunes dramatically changed for the better when her brother Charles II was restored to the throne in 1660. After being snubbed by her cousin Louis XIV, she would eventually marry his younger brother Philippe, Duc d'Orl ans and quickly become one of the luminaries of the French court, although there was a dark side to her rise to power and popularity when she became embroiled in love affairs with her brother in law Louis and her husband's former lover, the dashing Comte de Guiche, giving rise to several scandals and rumours about the true parentage of her three children. However, Henrietta Anne was much more than just a mere court butterfly, she also possessed considerable intelligence, wit and political acumen, which led to her being entrusted in 1670 with the delicate negotiations for the Secret Treaty between her brother Charles II and cousin Louis XIV, which ensured England's support of France in their war against the Dutch.

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'Centuries Will Not Suffice' explores how different people responded to the Lithuanian Holocaust and the roles that they played. It considers the past history of the perpetrators and those who took great risks to save Jews, as well as describing the experiences of many who were caught up in the maelstrom. Unlike the figures at the top of the Nazi hierarchy, the men who were responsible for these killings have been largely forgotten. Karl Jäger was a senior SS figure who was in charge of the units that carried out most of them. He complained that his experiences caused him to suffer nightmares but continued to order his units to carry on and refused offers of sick leave on the grounds that he regarded it as his duty to remain in his post. He took refuge in compiling painstakingly detailed reports of the killings, listing the numbers executed at every location and breaking them down into men, women and children. The roles played by other figures, from Himmler and Heydrich at the summit, through the ranks of men down to Martin Weiss and Bruno Kittel who were personally responsible for carrying out Nazi policies, are all described. Before the German invasion of Lithuania, two diplomats – Chiune Sugihara from Japan and Jan Zwartendijk from the Netherlands – recognised the great danger that lay ahead for the Jews of the Baltic region and did what they could to help them escape. Karl Plagge, a major in the army, did all he could to save Jews. What perhaps make the terrible story of the Baltic genocide unique is that the Nazi regime was able to rely upon collaboration by convincing the populace that the Soviet invasion of the area was the responsibility of the Jews.

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'Nobody does cosy, get-away-from-it-all romance like Jenny Colgan' Sunday Express'A sheer delight from start to finish' Sophie Kinsella ___________________________________ They live five hundred miles apart. Yet their lives are about to collide . . . Curl up and escape with Jenny Colgan 'An evocative, sweet treat' Jojo Moyes'This sweet romance will lift your spirits' Sunday Mirror 'Gorgeous, glorious, uplifting' Marian Keyes 'Irresistible' Jill Mansell 'Just lovely' Katie Fforde 'Naturally funny, warm-hearted' Lisa Jewell 'A gobble-it-all-up-in-one-sitting kind of book' Mike Gayle ___________________________________Lissa loves her job as a nurse, but recently she's been doing a better job of looking after other people than looking after herself. After a traumatic incident at work leaves her feeling overwhelmed, she agrees to swap lives with someone in a quiet village in Scotland.Cormac is restless. Just out of the army, he's desperately in need of distraction, and there's precious little of it in Kirrinfief. Maybe three months in London is just what he needs. As Lissa and Cormac warm to their new lives, emailing back and forth about anything and everything, finally things seem to be falling into place. But each of them feel there's still a piece missing. What - or who - could it be?And what if it's currently five hundred miles away? ___________________________________ Why readers ADORE Jenny Colgan 'Jenny Colgan has a way of writing that makes me melt inside' 'Her books are so good I want to start over as soon as I have finished' 'There's something so engaging about her characters and plots' 'Her books are like a big, warm blanket' 'Her stories are just so fabulous' 'She brings her settings and characters so vividly to life' 'The woman is just magic'

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THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR Allan Mallinson brings us another compelling and deeply atmospheric adventure featuring Matthew Hervey. If you like Patrick O'Brian, Bernard Cornwell and CS Forester, you will love this! "Most impressive...Mallinson reinforces his position as a master of narrative military history" -- THE TIMES"As good on the details of the workings of a cavalry regiment in 1820 as ever Patrick O'Brian was on the workings of an 1820 warship" -- SPECTATOR"What a pleasure...concentrating on the battle of Talavera and the investment of Badajoz, both sparklingly described, he plays to his undoubted strengths" - OBSERVER"The atmosphere and authenticity continues to work its spell all the way through." -- ***** Reader review"Highly enjoyable novel. Great story. Thoroughly recommend for lovers of adventure novels." -- ***** Reader review"A truly outstanding read" -- ***** Reader review *********************************************************Badajoz: Christmas 1826Matthew Hervey of the 6th Light Dragoons is a prisoner of the Spanish, incarcerated in the infamous fortress of Badajoz.As he plans his escape, his thoughts return to the year 1812 when he was a cornet in Wellington's Peninsular Army. He and the Sixth had survived Corunna to endure three more years of brutal fighting that would culminate in one of the most vital and vicious confrontations of the campaign - the siege of Badajoz.While Hervey paces his prison cell, and re-lives the bloodshed of battles past, friends from unexpected quarters rush to his aid...An Act of Courage is the seventh book in Allan Mallinson's Matthew Hervey series. His adventures continue in Company of Spears. Have you read his previous adventures A Close Run Thing, The Nizam's Daughters, A Regimental Affair, A Call to Arms, The Sabre's Edge and Rumours of War?

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'I loved it' Eloisa James'Smart, sexy, and always romantic' Julia Quinn'For a smart, witty and passionate historical romance, I recommend anything by Sarah MacLean' Lisa KleypasWhen Wicked Comes Calling . . .When a mysterious stranger finds his way into her bedchamber and offers his help in landing a duke, Lady Felicity Faircloth agrees - on one condition. She's seen enough of the world to believe in passion, and won't accept a marriage without it.The Wallflower Makes a Dangerous Bargain . . .Bastard son of a duke and king of London's dark streets, Devil has spent a lifetime wielding power and seizing opportunity, and the spinster wallflower is everything he needs to exact a revenge years in the making. All he must do is turn the plain little mouse into an irresistible temptress, set his trap and destroy his enemy.For the Promise of Passion . . .But there's nothing plain about Felicity Faircloth, who quickly decides she'd rather have Devil than another. Soon, Devil's carefully laid plans are in chaos and he must choose between everything he's ever wanted . . . and the only thing he's ever desired.xxxPraise for Sarah MacLean:'My absolute go-to author for clever, sexy and fun historical romances' Jennifer L. Armentrout'Sarah MacLean has reignited the romance genre with a bolder edge' The New Yorker'Funny, smart, feminist and roastingly hot' BookRiot.com'Do yourself a favor and discover the compelling magic of Sarah MacLean' Amanda Quick'MacLean writes with an entirely unique blend of elegance and ferocity that bursts from every page' Entertainment WeeklyxxxTHE BAREKNUCKLE BASTARDSThree brothers, bound by a secret they cannot escape . . .The Devil, all vengeance and viceThe Beast, all fists and furyThe Duke, all power and past. . . and the women who bring them to their knees.

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The definitive account of one of the biggest medical disasters in history – and the lengths that big pharma, the NHS and governments worldwide took to cover it up'The Poison Line is the gripping tale of a terrible scandal' Jonathan Freedland, author of The Escape Artist‘A devastating piece of reportage. Books are routinely described as extraordinary, but this one really is’ John Preston, author of Fall________________Factor VIII was billed as a medical miracle when it was put on the market in the late 1960s: a revolutionary treatment that meant people with haemophilia could live full, ordinary lives.But as the treatment was rolled out, haemophiliacs began to contract hepatitis and AIDS in terrifying numbers. Rumours circulated in the press; a climate of fear took hold. How safe was Factor VIII?Even as medical bodies and pharmaceutical companies tried to discredit whistleblowers and diminish the evidence, it became clear that the ‘miracle’ treatment was infected. Factor VIII was killing the very people it promised to protect. And government embarked on a cover-up on an industrial scale.Award-winning investigative journalist Cara McGoogan follows the survivors-turned-campaigners, the small-town lawyers and the fearless journalists to uncover what really happened in the infected blood scandal.________________‘This is a vital account of the infected blood scandal and subsequent cover-up . . . The truth must be told’ Andy Burnham'Cara McGoogan's work serves as a beacon for those of us dedicated to uncovering facts in the service of justice and human rights’ Eliot Higgins, author of We Are Bellingcat'Cara McGoogan is an indefatigable detective and a born storyteller' Steve Coll, author of Ghost Wars'The definitive account of one of modern medicine's most chilling scandals' Gerald Posner, author of PharmaBASED ON THE MULTI-AWARD-WINNING BED OF LIES PODCASTA Financial Times and Prospect 2023 Book of the Year

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Britain's foremost woman travel writer Sara Wheeler records her life of adventure, from the Antarctic to ZanzibarA Times Literary Supplement and Financial Times Book of the Year'Funny, furious writing from the queen of intrepid travel' Daily Telegraph'Intrepid and sparky, full of canny quips and lightly poetic observations' Mail on SundaySara Wheeler is Britain's foremost woman travel writer. Glowing Still is the story of her travelling life - what is 'important, revealing or funny' - in a notoriously testosterone-laden field. Growing up among blue-collar Conservatives in Bristol where 'we didn't know anyone who wasn't like us', Wheeler knew she needed to get away. In her twenties she began a dramatic escape: Pole to Pole, via Poland. Glowing Still recalls happy days on India's Puri Express; an Antarctic lavatory through which a seal popped up (hot fishy breath!); and the louche life of a Parisian shopgirl. Corralling reindeer with the Sámi in Arctic Sweden and towing her baby on a sledge, a helpful herdsman advised her to put foil down her bra to facilitate nursing.Launching at Nubility, Wheeler voyages, via small children, to the welcoming port of Invisibility (she leaves Immobility for the next volume). As she writes in the introduction, when she set sail 'Role models were scarce in the travel-writing game.' But advancing years usher in unheralded freedoms, and journey's end finds Wheeler at peace among Zanzibar dhows, contemplating our connection with other lives - the irreplaceable value that travel brings - and paying homage to her heroines, among them Martha Gellhorn, the ineffable war correspondent who furnishes Wheeler's epigraph: 'I do not wish to be good. I wish to be hell on wheels, or dead.'

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'The fact that this novel is so witty is incidental to how good it is - it has characters you care about deeply and a heart as big as a cathedral' Miles JuppLet me tell you a story, about a man I knew, and a man I know...Mr Baxter is ninety-four years old when he falls down his staircase and grudgingly finds himself resident at Melrose Gardens Retirement Home. Baxter is many things - raconteur, retired music teacher, rabble-rouser, bon viveur - but 'good patient' he is not. He had every intention of living his twilight years with wine, music and revelry; not tea, telly and Tramadol. Indeed, Melrose Gardens is his worst nightmare - until he meets Gregory. At only nineteen years of age, Greg has suffered a loss so heavy that he is in danger of giving up on life before he even gets going. Determined to save the boy, Baxter decides to enlist his help on a mission to pay tribute to his long-lost love, Thomas: the man with whom he found true happiness; the man he waved off to fight in a senseless war; the man who never returned. The best man he ever knew.With Gregory in tow Baxter sets out on a spirited escape from Melrose, bound for the war graves of Northern France. As Baxter shares his memories, the boy starts to see that life need not be a matter of mere endurance; that the world is huge and beautiful; that kindness is strength; and that the only way to honour the dead, is to live.Baxter's Requiem is a glorious celebration of life, love and seizing every last second we have while we're here.

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***Winner of the August Derleth Award for Best Horror Novel***Just Like Home is a darkly gothic thriller from nationally bestselling author Sarah Gailey, perfect for fans of Netflix's The Haunting of Hill House.Going home is always hard.For Vera, going home means returning to the notorious Crowder House where her serial killer father murdered his victims and buried their bodies beneath. Then notes start to appear in Vera's father's handwriting - but they can't be from him. He has been dead for years. Vera thought that the house had given up all its secrets but now she must uncover how deep the rot goes. READERS LOVE JUST LIKE HOME:'If you are a fan of Stephen King, then this book will be the one for you''Along with an engaging plot, the writing is compelling and beautiful. This is a book that I feel will stick with me for a long time to come''A creepy and dark read and definitely not what I was expecting. I could not put this book down and finally turned the last page in the wee hours' 'I was actually terrified while reading it, and the emotion lingered long after I finished it. It kept me up all night' 'A slow burn thriller with an unnerving protagonist and an atmospheric setting? Yes, please!' 'It was dark, creepy and haunting and made me sleep with a light on'**************************************************PRAISE FOR THE ECHO WIFE:'An edge-of-your-seat tale . . . a unique, thrilling adventure, with truly unexpected twists and turns the whole way through' Independent'It's an unpredictable story . . . chilling . . . for an escape from our current stuck-at-home situation, The Echo Wife could be for you' Daily Record'Looking for one of the best science fiction books wrapped up in a mystery? Look no further . . . Gloriously inventive and full of surprises' Woman & Home Online

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Shortlisted for the James Cropper Wainwright Prize 2022 for Nature Writing - Highly Commended Winner for the Richard Jefferies Award 2021 for Best Nature Writing 'A rural, working-class writer in an all too rarefied field, Chester’s work is unusual for depicting the countryside as it is lived on the economic margins.' The Guardian 'An important portrait of connection to the land beyond ownership or possession.' Raynor Winn ‘It’s ever so good. Political, passionate and personal.’ Robert Macfarlane ‘Evocative and inspiring…environmental protest, family, motherhood and…nature.’ Claire Fuller, author of Unsettled Ground, Costa Novel Award Winner 2021 Nature is everything. It is the place I come from and the place I got to. It is family. Wherever I am, it is home and away, an escape, a bolt hole, a reason, a place to fight for, a consolation, and a way home. As a child growing up in rural England, Guardian Country Diarist Nicola Chester was inexorably drawn to the natural landscape surrounding her. Walking, listening and breathing in the nature around her, she followed the call of the cuckoo, the song of the nightingale and watched as red kites, fieldfares and skylarks soared through the endless skies over the chalk hills of the North Wessex Downs: the ancient land of Greenham Common which she called home. Nicola bears witness to, and fights against, the stark political and environmental changes imposed on the land she loves, whilst raising her family to appreciate nature and to feel like they belong – core parts of who Nicola is. From protesting the loss of ancient trees to the rewilding of Greenham Common, to the gibbet on Gallows Down and living in the shadow of Highclere Castle (made famous in Downton Abbey), On Gallows Down shows how one woman made sense of her world – and found her place in it.

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Collecting five stories of suspense, mystery and slow, creeping horror, Daphne Du Maurier's Don't Look Now and Other Stories includes an introduction by Susan Hill, author of The Woman in Black, in Penguin Modern Classics.John and Laura have come to Venice to try and escape the pain of their young daughter's death. But when they encounter two old women who claim to have second sight, they find that instead of laying their ghosts to rest they become caught up in a train of increasingly strange and violent events. The four other haunting, evocative stories in this volume also explore deep fears and longings, secrets and desires: 'Not After Midnight', in which a lonely teacher investigates a mysterious American couple; 'A Border Line Case', in which a young woman confronts her father's past and his associations with the IRA; 'The Way of the Cross', in which a party of pilgrims to Jerusalem encounter strange phenomena in the Garden of Gethsemane; and 'The Breakthrough', in which a scientist claims to be able to trap the soul at the point of death ...Daphne du Maurier (1907-89) - English novelist, biographer, and playwright, who published romantic suspense novels, mostly set on the coast of Cornwall. Du Maurier is best known for and Jamaica Inn (1936), filmed by Alfred Hitchcock in 1939, Rebecca (1938), filmed by Hitchcock in 1940, and The Birds (1952), filmed by Hitchcock in 1963. If you enjoyed Don't Look Now and Other Stories, you might like Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House, also available in Penguin Modern Classics.'Daphne du Maurier has no equal' Sunday Telegraph'Du Maurier created a scale by which modern women can measure their feelings'Stephen King

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‘Wow! I adore this book and Belinda Missen is an author I will be reading more from . . . Love, love, love!’ Reader review ‘Will make you feel quite warm and fuzzy on a cold winter’s night’! The Daily Record Perfect for fans of Mhairi McFarlane, Laura Jane Williams and Josie Silver. In the space of a week, Katharine Patterson has quit her job, decided to move back home, and broken up with the guy she thought was the one. No big deal. Because Katharine has a plan. She’s going to open her own art gallery, just like she’s always wanted. What she’s not going to do is worry about boyfriends. Then she meets Kit, a handsome and talented local artist. He might be the most stubborn person Katharine has ever met. He might also make her feel like no one ever has before. And Katharine might be about to fall accidentally in love Readers are raving about Accidentally in Love! ‘Cute, mouth watering, deliciously sweet and heartwarming book gives you enough positive energy to get through your hell of a week! And I enjoyed every second of it!’ ‘If you like well-written LOL books with feisty female leads then this is for you… A highly satisfactory 5 star read.’ ‘A refreshing, sweet rom-com… I was in the mood for a great pick-me-up read and this really hit the spot.’ ‘My first book by this author, and what a find!’ ‘I LOVED the story line… This was a read that I told myself I would stop but ended up reading the whole book in one sitting. Such a fun romance!‘ ‘Filled with witty humor, well-crafted dialogue, and tender emotional moments, Accidentally in Love is the perfect bookish escape.’ ‘I loved the chemistry between Kit and Katie……Sharp and witty dialogue between leads always wins my heart.’

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‘Kiley's writing is delightful and so easy to cosy down with…Best book of the year!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Reader ReviewA fairytale ending isn’t just for fiction…The Borrow-a-Bookshop is recovering, seven months on from the winter flood that destroyed all its stock, and the latest temporary bookseller, Joy Foley, arrives in Clove Lore with her daughter, five-year-old Radia Pearl. As a tech expert, she’ll be working on dragging the Bookshop into the twenty-first century.But what no one knows is that Joy is running from Radia Pearl’s father. She can’t settle down here or anywhere … moving on is how she stays safe. So when Radia befriends Monty Bickleigh, ex-fisherman and the new cook at The Siren’s Tail pub, despite herself, Joy finds herself growing closer to him, and the quirky community of Clove Lore.While Joy settles in to the bookshop, Araminta Clove-Congreve, local lady of the Manor, is finding running her new wedding business harder than anticipated. She needs to hire a chief wedding planner, and fast - and Joy’s family may have the answer.As Joy finds her heart softening by the magic of Clove Lore, can her new friends – and Monty – be enough to convince Joy to stop running and find a new life?An uplifting, gorgeously romantic read that will warm your heart; fans of Jenny Colgan and Trisha Ashley won't be able to put this down. Bookworms everywhere, escape to the magic of Clove Lore today...Readers are loving Something New at the Borrow a Bookshop:‘I couldn't get enough of this story and was reading it every second I had over the course of a day. Just simply fabulous.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Reader Review‘What a heart-warming, feel good story! A perfect weekend read…Loved it!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Reader Review‘Charming, cozy, heartbreaking, and heart-warming. It was truly a delight to read.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Reader Review‘A wonderful read which made me feel warm and gooey inside. Perfect for a pick-me-up!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Reader Review‘An absolutely wonderful read. Kiley never disappoints and this book was no exception…some deep themes all wrapped up in a warm hug.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Reader Review‘The Borrow-a-Bookshop series is like a gentle hug from a friend… Before you know it, you are caught up in the lives of the characters and want to join them.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Reader Review‘A lovely and emotional (in a good way) romance, with a wonderful sense of community.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Reader Review‘These books are uplifting, heart-warming and heart-breaking’. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Reader Review‘A book series to rely on, one that has me longing to visit again, enjoying the escape and the warmth inside.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Reader Review‘A quaint seaside village, interesting characters, a cozy bookshop, and the sweetest love story.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Reader Review‘A cute, heart-warming, cosy read…I have fallen in love with Clove Lore and their residents.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Reader Review‘I think this is the best book in the series to date… A story of community and friendships and family.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Reader Review‘I adore this series, so, so much! I read them much too fast because they are so darn cute.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Reader Review‘These books are a real treat and pure escapism not to be missed.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Reader Review‘A truly satisfying read with a wonderful ensemble cast.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Reader Review‘The author packs this book with lovable characters…A heart-warming trip to a fictional gem of the Devon seaside.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Reader Review

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The inspirational survival story that the Los Angeles Times calls “a gripping account.”In Surviving the Shark, Jonathan Kathrein describes his incredible shark attack experience. The story begins with the eerie moments just before the attack, when something smashes into Kathrein’s hand as he paddles on his board, waiting for a wave off Stinson Beach in northern California. Realizing it is probably a shark, Kathrein furiously tries to paddle toward shore, where he sees some of his friends on the beach. But it is too late, as the great white returns, slams into him, then grabs his leg and pulls him underwater, thrashing him back and forth.How Kathrein is able to escape and make his way to shore, despite his horrific wounds, is nothing short of amazing. But that’s just the beginning, as he now faces months of physical and mental rehabilitation. Gradually, with the help of his family and friends, Kathrein makes a recovery. Today, Kathrein gives lectures on shark conservation and avoiding shark attacks. In this book, he not only writes of his ordeal, but also delves into shark behavior and explains his desire to spread shark awareness.Skyhorse Publishing, as well as our Sports Publishing imprint, is proud to publish a broad range of books for readers interested in sports—books about baseball, pro football, college football, pro and college basketball, hockey, or soccer, we have a book about your sport or your team.In addition to books on popular team sports, we also publish books for a wide variety of athletes and sports enthusiasts, including books on running, cycling, horseback riding, swimming, tennis, martial arts, golf, camping, hiking, aviation, boating, and so much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to publishing books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked by other publishers and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.

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After her older sister is murdered in a horrific incident of domestic abuse, Taylor begins a new life in a new town. She meets Lily, whose open, warm manner conceals a difficult personal life of her own, coping with her brain-injured mother. The two girls embark on a tentative friendship. But just when life seems to be smoothing out, Taylor's abusive boyfriend, Devon, arrives on the scene, and before they know it, the girls find themselves in a situation that is both scary, and incredibly dangerous. Abetted by Conor, a friend who owes him a favor, Devon takes the girls to a remote cabin. There is no heat, no food, no water. There is a hunting rifle, which Devon uses to intimidate the others. As he becomes increasingly agitated, and Conor threatens to bail, the girls engage in a silent battle of their own. Lily wants to escape, while Taylor feels hopelessly trapped by her relationship with Devon and uses sex and flattery to try to keep the situation calm. The cabin becomes a pressure cooker, filled with tension as the four teenagers wrestle with their anger, fear, resentment and boredom - any one of which could tip the situation into disaster. From the opening moments when Taylor witnesses her sister's autopsy to the final cathartic scene after the two girls have survived their ordeal, the reader is glued to every page of this frank, gripping and beautifully written novel that raises questions for every teenager. Do you need to be a certain way to get a boyfriend? Can someone who loves you also hurt you? How can a million small compromises eat away at who you are? What happens when you don't think you deserve to be treated well? How do you end up in an abusive relationship, and what keeps you there? Elise Moser goes deeply into the hearts and minds of Lily and Taylor, who in the end save each other in unexpected ways.

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WINNER OF THE 2017 PETER KATZENSTEIN BOOK PRIZE"BEST OF BOOKS IN 2017" BY FOREIGN AFFAIRSWINNER OF THE 2018 VIVIAN ZELIZER PRIZE BEST BOOK AWARD IN ECONOMIC SOCIOLOGY"How China Escaped the Poverty Trap truly offers game-changing ideas for the analysis and implementation of socio-economic development and should have a major impact across many social sciences."― Zelizer Best Book in Economic Sociology Prize Committee Acclaimed as "game changing" and "field shifting," How China Escaped the Poverty Trap advances a new paradigm in the political economy of development and sheds new light on China's rise. How can poor and weak societies escape poverty traps? Political economists have traditionally offered three answers: "stimulate growth first," "build good institutions first," or "some fortunate nations inherited good institutions that led to growth." Yuen Yuen Ang rejects all three schools of thought and their underlying assumptions: linear causation, a mechanistic worldview, and historical determinism. Instead, she launches a new paradigm grounded in complex adaptive systems, which embraces the reality of interdependence and humanity's capacity to innovate. Combining this original lens with more than 400 interviews with Chinese bureaucrats and entrepreneurs, Ang systematically reenacts the complex process that turned China from a communist backwater into a global juggernaut in just 35 years. Contrary to popular misconceptions, she shows that what drove China's great transformation was not centralized authoritarian control, but "directed improvisation"—top-down directions from Beijing paired with bottom-up improvisation among local officials. Her analysis reveals two broad lessons on development. First, transformative change requires an adaptive governing system that empowers ground-level actors to create new solutions for evolving problems. Second, the first step out of the poverty trap is to "use what you have"—harnessing existing resources to kick-start new markets, even if that means defying first-world norms. Bold and meticulously researched, How China Escaped the Poverty Trap opens up a whole new avenue of thinking for scholars, practitioners, and anyone seeking to build adaptive systems.

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Despite Lana’s protests, Betty Lee signs her daughter up to attend a restaurant convention being held in sunny Irvine, California. To make matters worse, her sister, Anna May, invites herself along to escape the dating woes of her new relationship. Lana is apprehensive about the whole trip, including the “quality time” with her older sister, but she resolves to make the best of it, hoping the getaway from daily restaurant life will do her some good. Luckily, Irvine is the home to their mother’s very Americanized sister, Grace Richardson, and sisters happily agree to stay in her posh rental on the exclusive Balboa Island when the offer is extended. As the trip begins, it seems to be just what they both needed and despite the fact that Lana is stuck attending the restaurant convention every day, it proves to be worthwhile and entertaining. Especially when she witnesses a dramatic cat fight between a fortune cookie vendor and a journalist who’s covering the convention. Lana and Anna May can’t imagine things getting any better until they learn their aunt has yet another surprise in store for them—a swanky cocktail party hosted for the freelancers of Southern California at the newly renovated, historical Hotel Laguna. But on the night of the party, things go south when a close journalist friend of Grace’s mysteriously plunges from the roof top of the hotel. Even more suspicious is the fact that Aunt Grace’s friend is the same journalist Lana saw getting into a screaming match with the fortune cookie vendor at the convention. The police rule the death a gruesome accident, but Aunt Grace refuses to accept that explanation and begs Lana for her help uncovering the truth. Lana, Anna May, and Aunt Grace attempt to keep up appearances as they search for answers, but unwanted attention from suspicious colleagues and convention attendees start to surface, causing Lana to wonder if they’ll find the killer in time…or if they’ll be the next ones pushed over the edge.

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Nominated for the 2010 Stonewall Book Award, the oldest book award given for outstanding achievement in Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Literature A woman is haunted by the atrocities committed by her husband, and makes a heart-wrenching decision about atonement; secret fears and unspoken desires reveal the profound ambivalence at the heart of an interracial couple's relationship; a Jamaican man mourns his friend's death at the hands of anti-gay vigilantes; and two extraordinary young men escape the horrors of slavery when they leave their bodies behind on the Middle Passage. Known for his courageous explorations into the heavily mined territories of race and sexuality, Thomas Glave offers a series of profound portraits of the traumas of war, the ravages of homophobia and racism, and the ultimate triumph of desire. "The Torturer's Wife is one of the most interesting American books I have read ...a literary text that incites the reader to become a conscious and seduced re-reader." --Juan Goytisolo, The Marx Family Saga "Glave's disruption of form is a powerful metaphor for sexual, racial and geopolitical disjunctions. Glave is a gifted stylist ...blessed with ambition, his own voice and an impressive willingness to dissect how individuals actually think and behave. " --New York Times Book Review "Thomas Glave walks the path of such greats in American literature as Richard Wright and James Baldwin ..." --Gloria Naylor, The Women Of Brewster Place "Glave is a brilliant writer of startingly fresh prose ...his stories are intricate tapestries of life rendered through a triumphant act of the imagination." --Clarence Major, My amputations Thomas Glave is an O. Henry award-winning author and was named a Village Voice Writer on the Verge in 2001. He is the author of Whose Song? and Other Stories, Words to Our Now: Imagination and Dissent (winner of the Lambda Literary Award for Nonfiction), and editor of Our Caribbean: A Gathering of Lesbian and Gay Writing from the Antilles. He has taught at the State University of New York at Binghamton and at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

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We all have a surface self we present to the world, but our smiling faces often hide our pain that comes from unsuccessful attempts to find relief through harmful choices. How can we keep past wounds from damaging us? Learn to allow God to heal triggers, insecurities, and more so you can experience spiritual health and wholeness.Every driver knows the importance of avoiding potholes when navigating a route. Besides the uncomfortable bump, they can create permanent damage to vehicles and endanger entire roadway systems.The same is true of our lives. We all have potholes that have been formed by pain, trauma, or choices that we’ve made. Usually we find a quick fix, filling the hole with activities and even addictions disguised as culturally acceptable life choices. But before long, the hole is back—and often wider and deeper—waiting to catch us off-guard, which in the end creates even more permanent damage.In The Thing Beneath the Thing, pastor Steve Carter asks the simple question, “How is life working for you?” He knows that potholes exist and that the longer we live disconnected from answering this question, the more we will fill those holes with harmful choices. The solution? Allow God to fill them with His grace and love so that we can discover the beauty of peace and wholeness He has for us.The process lies in discovering our: Triggers: the setup that sets us off Hideouts: where we go to escape the pain of our story Insecurities: the false stories we create about ourselves Narratives: the false stories we create about others Grace: the place where we discover how to become whole, holy, and spiritually healthy Journey with a seasoned fellow traveler who has learned how to ask key questions that help us unlock the places where we’ve buried things. Then we can dig deep, invite healing, and learn new ways to operate so we can begin experiencing the life of freedom Jesus promised.

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Co-written by a New York Times best-selling author, this moving account of a Muslim boy's refugee journey from war-torn Bosnia to the U.S. celebrates tolerance and kindness while delivering a riveting read. Fifth-grader Kenan loves drawing and playing soccer with his friends. He wants to be a famous athlete, hates it when his classmates call him "Bugs Bunny," and looks up to his big brother, who hasn't had much time for him lately. Sometimes his family drives him crazy, but he loves them. His worries are small... until war arrives on his doorstep. Soon, Kenan's family find themselves trapped in their home with dwindling supplies. Ten months later, with help from friends and strangers, they finally make it out of the country alive. But that's only the beginning of their journey. Perfect for fans of Escape from Aleppo and The Night Diary, Losing Home is an action-packed page-turner with heart: a story about a kid doing his best during difficult times that celebrates the power of community and human resilience. AGES: 8 to 12 AUTHOR: Kenan Trebincevic is a Bosnian Muslim who survived the ethnic cleansing in the Balkan War and came to the United States with his family in 1993. He became a proud American citizen in 2001. Since English is his second language, he enlisted his former client and teacher Susan Shapiro to help tell his story. His work has appeared in TheNewYorkTimes, WallStreetJournal, Slate, Salon, Esquire, Newsday, The Best American Travel Writing, on NPR, Al Jazeera, NY1 and the BBC. He lives with his wife in Astoria, Queens. Susan Shapiro is an award-winning Jewish American journalist and popular writing professor at New York University and The New School as well as the author/coauthor of twelve books including the New York Times bestseller Unhooked.Her work regularly appears in TheNewYorkTimes, NewYorkMagazine, WallStreetJournal, TheWashingtonPost, Salon, TheAtlantic, Oprah.com, Elle, MarieClaire, TheForward and Tablet. She lives with her husband in Manhattan.

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CERT® Resilience Management Model (CERT-RMM) is an innovative and transformative way to manage operational resilience in complex, risk-evolving environments. CERT-RMM distills years of research into best practices for managing the security and survivability of people, information, technology, and facilities. It integrates these best practices into a unified, capability-focused maturity model that encompasses security, business continuity, and IT operations. By using CERT-RMM, organizations can escape silo-driven approaches to managing operational risk and align to achieve strategic resilience management goals. This book both introduces CERT-RMM and presents the model in its entirety. It begins with essential background for all professionals, whether they have previously used process improvement models or not. Next, it explains CERT-RMM’s Generic Goals and Practices and discusses various approaches for using the model. Short essays by a number of contributors illustrate how CERT-RMM can be applied for different purposes or can be used to improve an existing program. Finally, the book provides a complete baseline understanding of all 26 process areas included in CERT-RMM. Part One summarizes the value of a process improvement approach to managing resilience, explains CERT-RMM’s conventions and core principles, describes the model architecturally, and shows how it supports relationships tightly linked to your objectives. Part Two focuses on using CERT-RMM to establish a foundation for sustaining operational resilience management processes in complex environments where risks rapidly emerge and change. Part Three details all 26 CERT-RMM process areas, from asset definition through vulnerability resolution. For each, complete descriptions of goals and practices are presented, with realistic examples. Part Four contains appendices, including Targeted Improvement Roadmaps, a glossary, and other reference materials. This book will be valuable to anyone seeking to improve the mission assurance of high-value services, including leaders of large enterprise or organizational units, security or business continuity specialists, managers of large IT operations, and those using methodologies such as ISO 27000, COBIT, ITIL, or CMMI.

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For many years, award-winning journalist and author Cole Moreton has been involved in and worked alongside those offering relief and welcome to men, women and children arriving, in desperate straits, near his home on the south coast. Back in 2019, he wrote, 'The men, women and children risking their lives to cross the Channel in small boats are not aliens, invaders, migrants or some other lesser category of human to be dismissed. They are us.' Incarnation is a major theme of this exhilarating course. Mary and Joseph's search for a place to give birth to the son of God, and their terrifying flight to Egypt to escape the murderous intentions of King Herod, have clear echoes in the accounts Cole offers of contemporary journeys. And through his captivating exploration of Leaving Home, Fleeing Home, Carrying Home and Finding Home, we are enabled to reflect on our own need for guidance, sanctuary and comfort in the love of God, who ever walks beside us. For the first time ever, the course book is accompanied not only by a CD/audio download but also by a video, filmed on location by Monkeynut in a beautiful manor house outside Dover. Cole Moreton is joined in discussing the themes of Searching for Home by Bishop of Dover Rose Hudson-Wilkin, activist Bridget Chapman and Grmalem Gonetse Kasa, who came to the UK from Eritrea some years ago. COMPLETE LIST OF SEARCHING FOR HOME PRODUCTS: Course Book including transcript of video and access to online videos and audio downloads (paperback 978173918200 7) Ebook of the Course Book including transcript of video and access to online videos and audio downloads (eBook 9781915843272, both ePub and Mobi files provided) Pack of 5 Participants' Books: including transcript of video (Paperback 9781915843258) Participants' Book: including transcript of video (eBook 9781915843265, both ePub and Mobi files provided) Audio Book: discussion to support Searching for Home (audio digital download 9781915843296) Audio CD: discussion to support Searching for Home (CD 9781915843289)

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This edition of Robinson Crusoe contains a retold novel, an introduction, notes on the author, notes on the background when the book was written and the book's themes, a glossary, and a free CD (running time 2 hours). The CD is read slowly and clearly to aid comprehension. It is suitable for students, schools, ELT, ESOL. Robinson Crusoe leaves his family for sea adventures but after a shipwreck is stranded on a desert island in the Caribbean for 28 years. Defoe's novel was published in 1719 but was set in the 1680s at the time of naval exploration, and the beginnings of slavery. Crusoe salvages some supplies from the wrecked ship. As the days go by, he builds a fort and a small area for animals. He gathers fruit, grows crops, keeps goats, hunts, and protects his 'castle'. In his diaries he records his progress. He also records how he reads the Bible and becomes religious. After more than 20 years on the island, Crusoe encounters cannibals, which represent the first human contact he's had since being shipwrecked. He finds a footprint, which he runs away from, but then rescues a man he calls Friday from cannibals. Friday becomes his servant. Robinson finally makes an escape when a ship of mutineers arrives on the island. Robinson and his companions help the British captain to take back control of the ship. Robinson arrives home in England to find he is wealthy after an absence of 35 years. The story, told in a journalistic way because of the way he narrates his life and records all the facts, is about how a lonely human can survive alone when hardship comes. It is also a story of how a man can create his own reality out a wilderness on a desert island. Robinson Crusoe is an important figure in literature, and his name is synonymous with a lonely man living alone on a desert island and surviving.

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The books that inspired the Netflix series! Discover Paige and Preacher’s Story… In love, some people are worth fighting for… For the second time in a year a woman arrives in the small town of Virgin River trying to escape the past. John ‘Preacher’ Middleton is about to close the bar when a young woman and her three-year-old son come in out of a wet October night. A marine who has seen his share of pain, Preacher knows a crisis when he sees one, but he knows immediately that this need to protect is something much more. Paige Lassiter has stirred up emotions in him — emotions that he has never allowed himself to feel. But when Paige’s ex-husband turns up in Virgin River, Preacher knows his own future hangs in the balance. And if there’s one thing the marines has taught him it’s that some things are worth fighting for… *** Perfect for fans of: Small-town romance 🏡 Romantic suspense ⚠️ Close proximity ❤️ *** Praise for Robyn Carr ‘Carr has hit her stride with this captivating series.’ –Library Journal on the Virgin River series ‘The Virgin River books are so compelling – I connected instantly with the characters and just wanted more and more and more.’ –#1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber Check out the rest of the Virgin River series! Book 1: Virgin River Book 2: Shelter Mountain Book 3: Whispering Rock Book 4: A Virgin River Christmas Book 5: Second Chance Pass Book 6: Temptation Ridge Book 7: Paradise Valley Book 8: Forbidden Falls Book 9: Angel's Peak Book 10: Moonlight Road Book 11: Promise Canyon Book 12: Wild Man Creek Book 13: Harvest Moon Book 14: Bring Me Home for Christmas Book 15: Hidden Summit Book 16: Redwood Bend Book 17: Sunrise Point Book 18: My Kind of Christmas Boom 19: Return to Virgin River Book 20: ´Tis the Season

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Escape to Cornwall with this beautiful page-turning novel set in Penvennan Cove – third book in the Cornish romance series by bestselling author Linn B. Halton! Kerra Shaw's happiness should be complete when the love of her life moves into her cottage. But there is trouble in her beloved Penvennan Cove and Kerra knows she won't be able to enjoy her new start with Ross until she's put things right. Two struggling businesses threaten to change the beach at Penvennan Cove forever. The Lark and Lantern, an inn at the heart of the community, is struggling and a corporate chain is trying to redevelop the site. Meanwhile, The Salvager's Yard nearby is becoming an eyesore that brings down the area. Kerra knows she can find the perfect solution, but with her eyes on the community, will Kerra miss the tensions in her own life? Can Kerra find her own happy ending, or could putting others first cost her what she deserves most? Readers love Penvennan Cove!: 'Utterly charming! It's beautifully written and will instantly whisk you away to the gorgeous Cornish shore. An absolute delight!' @chicksroguesandscandals, **** 'A good read for a rubbish day. Will make you feel better!' Netgalley reviewer, **** 'Warm and touching... It's been a real joy to continue the journey set in Cornwall.' Netgalley reviewer, ***** 'A wonderful return to Penvennan Cove... Full of warmth... I hope to hear much more of the story in the future.' Netgalley reviewer, ***** 'Fantastic read... Wish it could be far more than 5 stars.' Netgalley reviewer, ***** 'So very lovely... A great addition to the Penvennan Cove series.' NetGalley Reviewer, **** 'A cozy romance written by a talented author... The protagonist is a likeable and quirky character who puts others first... A quick fun read.' NetGalley reviewer, ***** 'Really makes you wish you lived there yourself... Brilliant writing and storyline as usual can't wait to read more from this author.' NetGalley reviewer, *****

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A wonderfully romantic novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author of A Country Escape and A Wedding in Provence.'Thank goodness for Katie Fforde, the perfect author to bring comfort in difficult times. She really is the queen of uplifting, feel good romance.' AJ PEARCE'Like a good wedding, it will leave you wiping away the tears' SUNDAY EXPRESS'Modern-day Austen. Great fun' RED_________________It's the season of new beginnings for Helena and Gilly.Gilly runs her own B&B business from her much-loved family home, which she doesn't want to part with - at any price.But that's before she meets handsome estate agent Leo, and soon she begins to wonder whether selling up might not be such a bad idea after all.Meanwhile Gilly's daughter Helena has a budding romance of her own. A talented weaver, she's becoming very close to her new landlord, Jago, who's offered to help her at an upcoming craft fair.It's what friends do, and they are just friends. Aren't they?With spring in full bloom, Helena and Gilly begin to ask themselves the same question:Might their new loves lead to happily ever after?_________________The whole world loves Katie Fforde's work ...'How I wish I could live inside Katie Fforde's novels. They're such a joy, and A Springtime Affair is a winner. I'm all set for spring now!' JILL MANSELL'A Springtime Affair is the most lovely, comforting book! Mother and daughter deal with family and romantic problems and here at last is a writer who acknowledges the Power of Shortbread! Really enjoyed it' ADELE GERAS'I relaxed and unwound with this lovely, springy, gentle and romantic story by the wonderful Katie Fforde. You're in for a treat!' MILLY JOHNSON'Top-drawer romantic escapism' DAILY MAIL'Warm, brilliant and full of love' HEAT'Delicious - gorgeous humour and the lightest of touches' SUNDAY TIMES'Effortlessly lovable, warm and fun' CLOSER'If you've been feeling that spring is on its way, I massively recommend A Springtime Affair, it's just brilliant!' JUDY ASTLEY

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Towering mountains and turquoise sea, street food and cutting-edge cuisine, old-world vibes and world-class luxury: Explore a tropical paradise full of surprises with Moon Puerto Vallarta. Inside you'll find:- Strategic, flexible itineraries with ideas for outdoor adventurers, beach bums, surfers, budget travellers, wellness seekers, and more, including a Costalegre road trip- The top outdoor adventures: Snorkel in the crystal-clear ocean, spot humpback whales and sea turtles out on the bay, or take a surfing lesson. Catch a sunset on the beach, go stand-up paddle boarding, or escape to the misty Sierra Madres for a hike- Must-see highlights and unique experiences: Enjoy tacos from a street vendor, feast on Mexican delicacies at a waterfront restaurant, or drop anchor and grill your freshly-caught fish in a palapa. Shop from local artists along the Malecón, or spend a day volunteering at a turtle rescue camp. Visit a tequila distillery, sample local raicilla, and dance to cumbia as the sun sets over the beach- How to experience Puerto Vallarta like an insider, support local and sustainable businesses, avoid crowds, and respectfully engage with the culture- Expert insight from local writer Madeline Milne- Full-colour photos and detailed maps throughout- Reliable background information on the landscape, climate, wildlife, and history, as well as common customs and etiquette- Handy tools including a Spanish phrasebook, packing suggestions, and travel tips for families with kids, seniors, travellers with disabilities, travellers of colour, and LGBTQ+ travellers. Experience the best of Puerto Vallarta with Moon.Exploring more of Mexico? Check out Moon Baja, Moon Oaxaca, or Moon Mexico City.About Moon Travel Guides: Moon was founded in 1973 to empower independent, active, and conscious travel. We prioritize local businesses, outdoor recreation, and traveling strategically and sustainably. Moon Travel Guides are written by local, expert authors with great stories to tell-and they can't wait to share their favourite places with you. For more inspiration, follow @moonguides on social media.

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In the tradition of The Glass Castle, Educated, and Heartland, Neal Wootentraces five decades of his dirt-poor, Alabama mountain family as the years and secrets coalesce.Neal Wooten grew up in a tiny community atop Sand Mountain, Alabama, where everyone was white and everyone was poor. Prohibition was still embraced. If you wanted alcohol, you had to drive to Georgia or ask the bootlegger sitting next to you in church. Tent revivals, snake handlers, and sacred harp music were the norm, and everyone was welcome as long as you weren’t Black, brown, gay, atheist, Muslim, a damn Yankee, or a Tennessee Vol fan. The Wooten's lived a secret existence in a shack in the woods with no running water, no insulation, and almost no electricity. Even the school bus and mail carrier wouldn’t go there. Neal’s family could hide where they were, but not what they were. They were poor white trash. Cops could see it. Teachers could see it. Everyone could see it. Growing up, Neal was weaned on folklore legends of his grandfather—his quick wit, quick feet, and quick temper. He discovers how this volatile disposition led to a murder, a conviction, and ultimately to a daring prison escape and a closely guarded family secret. Being followed by a black car with men in black suits was as normal to Neal as using an outhouse, carrying drinking water from a stream, and doing homework by the light of a kerosene lamp. And Neal’s father, having inherited the very same traits of his father, made sure the frigid mountain winters weren’t the most brutal thing his family faced. Told from two perspectives, this story alternates between Neal’s life and his grandfather’s, culminating in a shocking revelation. Take a journey to the Deep South and learn what it’s like to be born on the wrong side of the tracks, the wrong side of the law, and the wrong side of a violent mental illness.

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The arsons started on a cold November midnight and didn’t stop for months. Night after night, the people of Accomack County waited to see which building would burn down next, regarding each other at first with compassion, and later suspicion. Vigilante groups sprang up, patrolling the rural Virginia coast with cameras and camouflage. Volunteer firefighters slept at their stations. The arsonist seemed to target abandoned buildings, but local police were stretched too thin to surveil them all. Accomack was desolate—there were hundreds of abandoned buildings. And by the dozen they were burning. The culprit, and the path that led to these crimes, is a story of twenty-first century America. Washington Post reporter Monica Hesse first drove down to the reeling county to cover a hearing for Charlie Smith, a struggling mechanic who upon his capture had promptly pleaded guilty to sixty-seven counts of arson. But as Charlie’s confession unspooled, it got deeper and weirder. He wasn’t lighting fires alone; his crimes were galvanized by a surprising love story. Over a year of investigating, Hesse uncovered the motives of Charlie and his accomplice, girlfriend Tonya Bundick, a woman of steel-like strength and an inscrutable past. Theirs was a love built on impossibly tight budgets and simple pleasures. They were each other’s inspiration and escape…until they weren’t. Though it’s hard to believe today, one hundred years ago Accomack was the richest rural county in the nation. Slowly it’s been drained of its industry—agriculture—as well as its wealth and population. In an already remote region, limited employment options offer little in the way of opportunity. A mesmerizing and crucial panorama with nationwide implications, American Fire asks what happens when a community gets left behind. Hesse brings to life the Eastern Shore and its inhabitants, battling a punishing economy and increasingly terrified by a string of fires they could not explain. The result evokes the soul of rural America—a land half gutted before the fires even began.

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Originally published in hardcover to much acclaim, this vividly written biographical drama will now be available in a paperback edition and includes a new epilogue by the author. Conceived within a clandestine relationship between a black man and a married white woman, Johnny Spain was born (as Larry Michael Armstrong) in Mississippi during the mid-1950s. Spain's life story speaks to the destructive power of racial bias. Even if his mother's husband were willing to accept the boy -- which he was not -- a mixed-race child inevitably would come to harm in that place and time. At six years old, already the target of name-calling children and threatening adults, he could not attend school with his older brother. Only decades later would he be told why the Armstrongs sent him to live with a black family in Los Angeles. As Johnny came of age, he thought of himself as having been rejected by his white family as well as by his black peers. His erratic, destructive behavior put him on a collision course with the penal system; he was only seventeen when convicted of murder and sent to Soledad. Drawn into the black power movement and the Black Panther Party by fellow inmate, the charismatic George Jackson, Spain became a dynamic force for uniting prisoners once divided by racial hatred. He committed himself to the cause of prisoners' rights, impressing inmates, prison officials, and politicians with his intelligence and passion. Nevertheless, among the San Quentin Six, only he was convicted of conspiracy after Jackson's failed escape attempt. Lori Andrews, a professor of law, vividly portrays the dehumanizing conditions in the prisons, the pervasive abuses in the criminal justice system, and the case for overturning Spain's conspiracy conviction. Spain's personal transformation is the heart of the book, but Andrews frames it within an indictment of intolerance and injustice that gives this individual's story broad significance.

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A telling look at today’s “reverse” migration of white, middle-class expats from north to south, through the lens of one South American city Even as the “migration crisis” from the Global South to the Global North rages on, another, lower-key and yet important migration has been gathering pace in recent years—that of mostly white, middle-class people moving in the opposite direction. Gringolandia is that rare book to consider this phenomenon in all its complexity.Matthew Hayes focuses on North Americans relocating to Cuenca, Ecuador, the country’s third-largest city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many began relocating there after the 2008 economic crisis. Most are self-professed “economic refugees” who sought offshore retirement, affordable medical care, and/or a lower–cost location. Others, however, sought adventure marked by relocation to an unfamiliar cultural environment and to experience personal growth through travel, illustrative of contemporary cultures of aging. These life projects are often motivated by a desire to escape economic and political conditions in North America. Regardless of their individual motivations, Hayes argues, such North–South migrants remain embedded in unequal and unfair global social relations. He explores the repercussions on the host country—from rising prices for land and rent to the reproduction of colonial patterns of domination and subordination. In Ecuador, heritage preservation and tourism development reflect the interests and culture of European-descendent landowning elites, who have most to benefit from the new North–South migration. In the process, they participate in transnational gentrification that marginalizes popular traditions and nonwhite mestizo and indigenous informal workers. The contrast between the migration experiences of North Americans in Ecuador and those of Ecuadorians or others from such regions of the Global South in North America and Europe demonstrates that, in fact, what we face is not so much a global “migration crisis” but a crisis of global social justice.

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Jean-Paul Sartre is an undisputed giant of twentieth-century philosophy. His intellectual writings popularizing existentialism combined with his creative and artistic flair have made him a legend of French thought. His tumultuous personal life - so inextricably bound up with his philosophical thinking - is a fascinating tale of love and lust, drug abuse, high profile fallings-out and political and cultural rebellion. This substantial and meticulously researched biography is accessible, fast-paced, often amusing and at times deeply moving. Existentialism and Excess covers all the main events of Sartre's remarkable seventy-five-year life from his early years as a precocious brat devouring his grandfather's library, through his time as a brilliant student in Paris, his wilderness years as a provincial teacher-writer experimenting with mescaline, his World War II adventures as a POW and member of the resistance, his post-war politicization, his immense amphetamine fueled feats of writing productivity, his harem of women, his many travels and his final decline into blindness and old age. Along the way there are countless intriguing anecdotes, some amusing, some tragic, some controversial: his loathing of crustaceans and his belief that he was being pursued by a giant lobster, his escape from a POW camp, the bombing of his apartment, his influence on the May 1968 uprising and his many love affairs. Cox deftly moves from these episodes to discussing his intellectual development, his famous feuds with Aron, Camus, and Merleau-Ponty, his encounters with other giant figures of his day: Roosevelt, Hemingway, Heidegger, John Huston, Mao, Castro, Che Guevara, Khrushchev and Tito, and, above all, his long, complex and creative relationship with Simone de Beauvoir. Existentialism and Excess also gives serious consideration to Sartre’s ideas and many philosophical works, novels, stories, plays and biographies, revealing their intimate connection with his personal life. Cox has written an entertaining, thought-provoking and compulsive book, much like the man himself.

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HIGHLY ANTICIPATED OPRAH DAILY PICK FOR 2023'Ill-fated love and toxic family power struggles provide emotional drive for this big dynastic saga' JAKE ARNOTT, GUARDIAN 'Huge, epic, immersive and absorbing . . . certain to be a book of the year' LEE CHILD, NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR 'Kapoor's violent and bitter story is deeply addictive' PUBLISHERS WEEKLY (STARRED REVIEW)This is the age of vice, where pleasure and power are everything, and the family ties that bind can also killNew Delhi, 3 a.m. A speeding Mercedes jumps the kerb, and in the blink of an eye five people are dead. It's a rich man's car, but when the dust settles there is no rich man at all, just a shell-shocked servant who cannot explain the strange series of events that led to this crime. Nor can he foresee the dark drama that is about to unfold.Deftly shifting through time and perspective in contemporary India, Age of Vice is an epic, action-packed story propelled by the seductive wealth, startling corruption, and bloodthirsty violence of the Wadia family-loved by some, loathed by others, feared by all.In the shadow of lavish estates, extravagant parties, predatory business deals, and calculated political influence, three lives become dangerously intertwined: Ajay is the watchful servant, born into poverty, who rises through the family's ranks. Sunny is the playboy heir who dreams of outshining his father, whatever the cost. And Neda is the curious journalist caught between morality and desire. Against a sweeping plot fueled by loss, pleasure, greed, yearning, violence, and revenge, will these characters' connections become a path to escape, or a trigger of further destruction? Equal parts crime thriller and family saga, transporting readers from the dusty villages of Uttar Pradesh to the urban energy of New Delhi, Age of Vice is an intoxicating novel of gangsters and lovers, false friendships, forbidden romance, and the consequences of corruption. It is binge-worthy entertainment at its literary best.

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Kim Yong shares his harrowing account of life in a labor camp--a singularly despairing form of torture carried out by the secret state. Although it is known that gulags exist in North Korea, little information is available about their organization and conduct, for prisoners rarely escape both incarceration and the country alive. Long Road Home shares the remarkable story of one such survivor, a former military official who spent six years in a gulag and experienced firsthand the brutality of an unconscionable regime. As a lieutenant colonel in the North Korean army, Kim Yong enjoyed unprecedented privilege in a society that closely monitored its citizens. He owned an imported car and drove it freely throughout the country. He also encountered corruption at all levels, whether among party officials or Japanese trade partners, and took note of the illicit benefits that were awarded to some and cruelly denied to others. When accusations of treason stripped Kim Yong of his position, the loose distinction between those who prosper and those who suffer under Kim Jong-il became painfully clear. Kim Yong was thrown into a world of violence and terror, condemned to camp No. 14 in Hamkyeong province, North Korea's most notorious labor camp. As he worked a constant shift 2,400 feet underground, daylight became Kim's new luxury; as the months wore on, he became intimately acquainted with political prisoners, subhuman camp guards, and an apocalyptic famine that killed millions. After years of meticulous planning, and with the help of old friends, Kim escaped and came to the United States via China, Mongolia, and South Korea. Presented here for the first time in its entirety, his story not only testifies to the atrocities being committed behind North Korea's wall of silence but also illuminates the daily struggle to maintain dignity and integrity in the face of unbelievable hardship. Like the work of Solzhenitsyn, this rare portrait tells a story of resilience as it reveals the dark forms of oppression, torture, and ideological terror at work in our world today.

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In both the literal and metaphorical senses, it seemed as if 1970s America was running out of gas. The decade not only witnessed long lines at gas stations but a citizenry that had grown weary and disillusioned. High unemployment, runaway inflation, and the energy crisis, caused in part by U.S. dependence on Arab oil, characterized an increasingly bleak economic situation. As Edward D. Berkowitz demonstrates, the end of the postwar economic boom, Watergate, and defeat in Vietnam led to an unraveling of the national consensus. During the decade, ideas about the United States, how it should be governed, and how its economy should be managed changed dramatically. Berkowitz argues that the postwar faith in sweeping social programs and a global U.S. mission was replaced by a more skeptical attitude about government's ability to positively affect society. From Woody Allen to Watergate, from the decline of the steel industry to the rise of Bill Gates, and from Saturday Night Fever to the Sunday morning fervor of evangelical preachers, Berkowitz captures the history, tone, and spirit of the seventies. He explores the decade's major political events and movements, including the rise and fall of detente, congressional reform, changes in healthcare policies, and the hostage crisis in Iran. The seventies also gave birth to several social movements and the "rights revolution," in which women, gays and lesbians, and people with disabilities all successfully fought for greater legal and social recognition. At the same time, reaction to these social movements as well as the issue of abortion introduced a new facet into American political life-the rise of powerful, politically conservative religious organizations and activists. Berkowitz also considers important shifts in American popular culture, recounting the creative renaissance in American film as well as the birth of the Hollywood blockbuster. He discusses how television programs such as All in the Family and Charlie's Angels offered Americans both a reflection of and an escape from the problems gripping the country.

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George Bernard Shaw once quipped that America and England are two cultures separated by a common language. In this innovative attempt to place the movies and theater in the larger context of American and English cultural differences, Michael Gilmore demonstrates that the most interesting way to understand the distinctions between the two cultures is by looking closely at each country's favorite art form. Differences in the Dark is a fresh, wide-ranging look at the meaning of America's fascination with movies and movie stars, and the way the soul of Britain is reflected in its tenacious love affair with the stage. Gilmore shows how the characteristic features of American experience are inscribed in how movies, the quintessentially American idiom, are made and viewed. In the private, solitary nature of film-viewing (in contrast to the more communal, interactive experience of seeing a play), and in American actors' tendency to play themselves, not their characters, from role to role, American movies express a strong sense of individualism and a tendency to escape the limits of time for the freedom of space. An art form built of sophisticated technology and cutting and splicing of time and space, Gilmore argues, resonates deeply in the country of reinvented lives and wide-open spaces. At the same time, the English tradition of class and collective memory is perfectly served by an art form that requires disciplined memorization and the submergence of the individual within a role that, in many cases, existed before the actor was born. Unlike the mechanical products of Hollywood or Disneyland, drama by its very nature cannot be mass-produced. Bringing together such diverse topics as theme parks, realism, and social class, as well as the role of Jewish immigrants in the making of Hollywood (and their virtual exclusion from Great Britain) and the connection between the movies and the African-American community, Differences in the Dark is one of the most original and engaging cross-cultural studies to appear in many years.

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Seven in ten Americans over the age of age of sixty who require medical decisions in the final days of their life lack the capacity to make them. For many of us, our biggest, life-and-death decisions—literally—will therefore be made by someone else. They will decide whether we live or die; between long life and quality of life; whether we receive heroic interventions in our final hours; and whether we die in a hospital or at home. They will determine whether our wishes are honored and choose between fidelity to our interests and what is best for themselves or others. Yet despite their critical role, we know remarkably little about how our loved ones decide for us. Speaking for the Dying tells their story, drawing on daily observations over more than two years in two intensive care units in a diverse urban hospital. From bedsides, hallways, and conference rooms, you will hear, in their own words, how physicians really talk to families and how they respond. You will see how decision makers are selected, the interventions they weigh in on, the information they seek and evaluate, the values and memories they draw on, the criteria they weigh, the outcomes they choose, the conflicts they become embroiled in, and the challenges they face. Observations also provide insight into why some decision makers authorize one aggressive intervention after the next while others do not—even on behalf of patients with similar problems and prospects. And they expose the limited role of advance directives in structuring the process decision makers follow or the outcomes that result. Research has consistently found that choosing life or death for another is one of the most difficult decisions anyone can face, sometimes haunting families for decades. This book shines a bright light on a role few of us will escape and offers steps that patients and loved ones, health care providers, lawyers, and policymakers could undertake before it is too late.

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