Search results for ""Author Mix"

'If you're a woman over 40, ever going to be a woman over 40 or you've ever met a woman over 40 you should read this book' JANE FALLON'I NEED this book. We ALL need this book! If menopause happened to men, there would be CELEBRATIONS and parties every time one of them completed their change.' MARIAN KEYES'A compelling voice within [the menopause] movement' DAILY TELEGRAPH'Funny, frank and empowering... a vital book for any woman who is at the beginning of her radicalisation journey, looking at her life and finally piecing together the personal and the political.' THE OBSERVER'Sam Baker is rewriting the narrative around menopause' WOMAN & HOME'A rollicking read' MAIL ON SUNDAY'I loved it.. blazingly hopeful and beautifully written. This book is meant to be mainlined.' LISA TADDEO'This gem is a guide to navigating your 40s and 50s and just generally being yourself. ... joyful, positive, and goes to ALL the places. Highly recommended.' JOJO MOYESThe essential manifesto for any woman staring the second half of their lives in the face and wondering, WTF is going on?* Invisible to society now you're past child-bearing age?* Tired of being disregarded, overlooked and underestimated?* Wondering what the hell is happening to your body, mind and internal thermostat?Women over forty are the most ignored demographic in society. And yet this is the time when you are likely to have the most freedom, power, confidence and self knowledge than ever before. Some serious life has been lived: there have been great loves, heartbreaks, births, marriages, careers, betrayals, bereavements and survival. So what now? What happens when the narrative given to you by society - husband, babies, house - runs out and you become storyless? Including chapters on menopause, sex, culture, work, rage and freedom, writer and journalist Sam Baker shares her experiences of life post 40 and shows how women to create their own story. This needn't herald the era of loose clothing and hair dye; or hot flashes and bad sleep (though there is that too). It's time women north of 40 took a leaf out of the millennial handbook and reinvented things our way. Sam hosts a podcast of the same name, now with over 50 thousand downloads. Harness your energy, opinions and power and create a liberating new narrative for the second half of life.'I am so glad The Shift exists. Sam's writing is a wonderful generous mixture of no-bullsh*t and a comforting hug. I'll be passing this book on to many women I know and love.' EMMA GANNON 'brilliant - powerful, brimming with integrity, inspiring, the politics of anger and what it means when we refuse to be invisible. Every woman (whatever her age) should buy, borrow, lend a copy' KATE MOSSE'This is such a painfully beautiful look at the menopause in all its complexity. As honest as it is insightful, this is the first book I've read about later womanhood that exchanges shame and fear for truth and celebration... does for 40-something women what the honest parenting movement did for mothers.' ANNA WHITEHOUSE, founder, Mother Pukka'great pace and feisty content. It will be a great help to women to see their lives mirrored and not feel like they are going mad... bold and funny.' CARYN FRANKLIN'[Sam] tackles the menopause with her customary wit and wisdom' i PAPER'Honest and witter account of life post-40. Makes for essential reading at any age.' - KATE WILLS, FABULOUS MAGAZINE'Insightful, thoughtful, inspirational - impressive work.' - VICTORIA DERBYSHIRE

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'We began by speaking in our own voices and tongues / then other voices / might take possession of our throats, our / Souls, for however brief or prolonged a moment'. These lines describing the inner world of Stanley Greaves' painting 'Morning Mangoes' also describe the intensity and inwardness of Laurence Lieberman's meeting with the paintings of Greaves and two others of the Caribbean's visionary masters, Ras Akyem and Ras Ishi. In their language and reference, these poems are utterly contemporary, but gain resonance from being part of a poetic tradition of 'pictorialism' that perhaps reached its height in the 19th century with Browning and Ruskin's poetic prose.It is no accident that Lieberman focuses on the work of these three painters, for he clearly finds in them qualities that express his own psyche. In each there is a subversive, speculative, heterogeneous view of the world that challenges 'the lull of the everyday', the homogenising imperialism of western rationalism, consumerism and the market. Each of the painters has his own rich cosmology in which Lieberman finds part of himself.To label these poems as 'descriptions' of the thirty or so paintings focused on in this collection gives no hint of their multiple rewards. They begin, indeed, in the kind of description found only in the very best art criticism: infectiously enthusiastic, exact, clear in the distinction between observation and speculation. They create rewarding and very human connections between the paintings and their makers. We meet them as vivid characters - Greaves with his oblique charm, Akyem's combative, restless energy, Ishi's elusive, enigmatic intensity - and Lieberman finds acutely appropriate and different dramatic styles to represent each painter and their work. But these poems are not merely commentaries on paintings but meditations that begin in the encounter with the art work and grow from that point. Above all, these are poems that work as poems in finding the language and architecture to capture the moment of engagement with the paintings in all its mixture of exactness and provisionality.The collection is illustrated with sixteen colour plates of paintings described in the book."His is a poetry of such awe, a nearly orthodox Romantic ecstasy, that is verges on the plangent... Leiberman's poems look and act like Marianne Moore's syntactical precessions mated with Roethke's nervous green world of passion. He has the grace to make his voyage into the eye of the world and back a communion for the reader."Dave Smith, American Poetry Review"There's a remarkable sensibility guiding these poems, an inquisitiveness, a strong sense of humor and compassion. Lieberman's really is a singular achievement. His subjects, his style and syntax, his syllabic lines and cascading stanza - all are impossible to imitate or mistake for anyone else's... At sixty, he has become one of our truly indispensable poets."Thomas Swiss, The Southern Review"In purpose and effect, Lieberman's writing is without boundary. Indeed, it's hard to name a more distinctive and original American poet working today."G.E. Murray, Chicago Sun-Times"Laurence Lieberman is perhaps the finest American poet writing in patterned free verse form. The style is sensuously narrative and descriptive. It exudes joy and vitality... a true American original."Charles GuentherLaurence Lieberman is an American poet with deep Caribbean affiliations. He has published twelve collections of poetry and three volumes of literary essays.

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Introduced by newsreader, presenter, and Barnardo's president Natasha Kaplinsky, Letters From Lockdown features 100+ letters from celebrity names, COVID heroes, and a diverse range of members of the public, all answering the question - 'What was lockdown like for you?'Contributors include: Paul McCartney · Joe Wicks · Malala Yousafzai · Ed Sheeran · Helen Mirren · Cressida Cowell · Mary Berry · Richard Branson · Peppa Pig · Andy Murray · Helena Bonham Carter · Lenny Henry · Bruno Tonioli · Romesh Ranganathan · The family of Captain Tom · Bear Grylls · Charly Cox · Dr Alex George · Jacqueline Wilson · Matt Lucas · Monica Galetti · Kelly Holmes · Bill Gates· Sir Mo Farah and many more.The publisher will donate all profits, which will be a minimum of £1.50 for each copy of the book sold, to Barnardo's (registered charity in England and Wales no. 216250), who do important work to protect and support the UK's most vulnerable children, more in need now than ever.The letter writers include doctors and nurses, care home staff and vaccinators, train drivers and hairdressers, teachers and environmentalists - people who have been on the frontline in tackling the pandemic, or in trying to get the world back on its feet. Other letters document the unforgettable lighter moments of the past year: interviews crashed by children, TikTok triumphs and disasters, and Goats joining Zoom meetings. Each offers their unique perspective on the year everything changed.Other contributors include: Al Gore; Alexandra Shulman, Davina McCall, Toby Regbo, Trevor McDonald, Jo Malone, Keir Starmer, Boris Johnson, Mark Ronson, Maro Itoje, Nicola Adams, Raymond Blanc, Richard Curtis and Emma Freud, Chris Van Dusen, Sita Brahmachari, Sophie Gonzales, Hayden Kays, Tim Peake, Sean Fitzpatrick, and Joan Collins.The idea for the book came from Natasha Kaplinsky's children, Arlo and Kika. They wrote an open letter, wanting to understand other people's experiences of lockdown. Their question, 'What was lockdown like for you?' is the prompt; the collection of letters in response form the book. As we keep our fingers crossed that this summer will bring a safe end to restrictions, this mixture of funny, sad, heart-warming, surprising, heroic and honest experiences will mark the start of a period of reflection.Adrian Packer, Al Gore, Alex George, Alexandra Shulman, Ali Mercer, Alice M Greenwald, Ali Joy, Andy Murray, Antony Cauvin, Anushua Gupta, Bear Grylls, Benjie and Georgia Ingram-Moore, Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates, Bob Wilson, Boris Johnson, Bruno Tonioli, Buckingham Palace, Charly Cox, Chimwemwe Chiweza, Chris and Vicki Agar, Chris Van Dusen, Clare Wenham, Colette Moreira-Henocq, Cressida Cowell, Davey Glover, Davina McCall, Dawn Bilbrough, Dot McCarthy, Ed Balls, Ed Sheeran, Elliot Jacobs, Emma Freud and Richard Curtis, Fergus Llewellyn, George Alagiah, Gill Edwards, Hayden Kays, Helen Mirren, Helena Bonham Carter, Hollie Long, HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Jacqueline Wilson, Jacquie Jenkins, James Graham, Javed Khan, Jenny Messenger, Jo Malone, Joan Collins, Joe Wicks, John Vincent, Josie Naughton, Kathryn England, Karen Pollock, Karl Jones, Keir Starmer, Kelly Holmes, Laura Elliott, Lenny Henry, Lindsay Hoyle, Maff Potts, Maia Elliott, Malala Yousafzai, Margaret Keenan, Marie Benton, Mark Ronson, Maro Itoje, The Marsh Family, Mary Berry, Matt Lucas, Meggie Foster, Michele Walter, Mo Farah, Monica Galetti, Mr Men's Mr Happy, Neera Butt, Nicola Adams, Nina Raingold, Patricia Daley, Paul Atherton, Paul McCartney, Paul Morrison, Paula Talman, Peppa Pig, Philippa Craddock, Raymond Blanc, Rene Germain, Richard Branson, Roja Dove, Romesh Ranganathan, Rosie Jones, Rosie Mitchell, Sandi Procter, Scott Evans, Sean Fitzpatrick, Sharna Jackson, Sita Brahmachari, Sophie Gonzales, Tamara Rojo, Tanni Grey-Thompson, Tessa Mattholie Butunoi, Tim Peake, Tim Steiner, Toby Regbo, Trevor McDonald, Will Shu, Woody, Zoe Burke

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'If you want to see what that future might look like, Duncan's book is a fun place to start'NPR'Intensely readable, downright terrifying, and surprisingly uplifting' Vanity Fair '5 books not to miss . . . A fascinating work of imaginative futurology'USA TodayOne of Time magazine's '32 Books You Need to Read This Summer' - 'a riveting read' One of David Baldacci and Elizabeth Acevedo's best summer reads, on USA Today's Today programme 'A refreshing variation on the will-intelligent-robots-bring-Armageddon genre . . . this colourful mixture of expert futurology and quirky speculation does not disappoint' Kirkus ReviewsWhat robot and AI systems are being built and imagined right now? What do they say about us, their creators? Will they usher in a fantastic new future, or destroy us? What do some of our greatest thinkers, from physicist Brian Greene and futurist Kevin Kelly to inventor Dean Kamen, geneticist George Church, and filmmaker Tiffany Shlain, anticipate about our human-robot future? For even as robots and AI intrigue us and make us anxious about the future, our fascination with robots has always been about more than the potential of the technology - it's also about what robots tell us about being human.From present-day Facebook and Amazon bots to near-future 'intimacy' bots and 'the robot that swiped my job' bots, bestselling American popular science writer David Ewing Duncan's Talking to Robots is a wonderfully entertaining and insightful guide to possible future scenarios about robots, both real and imagined.Featured bots include robot drivers; doc bots; politician bots; warrior bots; sex bots; synthetic bio bots; dystopic bots that are hopefully just bad dreams; and ultimately, God Bot (as described by physicist Brian Greene).These scenarios are informed by discussions with well-known thinkers, engineers, scientists, artists, philosophers and others, who share with us their ideas, hopes and fears about robots. David spoke with, among others, Kevin Kelly, David Baldacci, Brian Greene, Dean Kamen, Craig Venter, Stephanie Mehta, David Eagleman, George Poste, George Church, General R. H. Latiff, Robert Seigel, Emily Morse, David Sinclair, Ken Goldberg, Sunny Bates, Adam Gazzaley, Tim O'Reilly, Tiffany Shlain, Eric Topol and Juan Enriquez.These discussions, along with some reporting on bot-tech, bot-history and real-time societal and ethical issues with robots, are the launch pads for unfurling possible bot futures that are informed by how people and societies have handled new technologies in the past.The book describes how robots work, but its primary focus is on what our fixation with bots and AI says about us as humans: about our hopes and anxieties; our myths, stories, beliefs and ideas about beings both real and artificial; and our attempts to attain perfection.We are at a pivotal moment when our ancient infatuation with human-like beings with certain attributes or superpowers - in mythology, religion and storytelling - is coinciding with our ability to actually build some of these entities.

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This book provides an introduction to the autism spectrum and explores some of the theories and research which help in understanding the characteristics of young children who may be on the autism spectrum and the likely impact on their development and learning. It offers in-depth information on some of the key features which can lead to a child being diagnosed with autism and discusses the diversity of the spectrum, as well as presenting information on available screening tools. The book considers the main areas of difficulties that children with autism display - social interaction, social communication, and imagination and play - and explores the role that early years practitioners have in supporting the child and helping them to develop appropriate communication and social skills. As well as advice on key aspects of early years practice such as working with parents, other professionals and preparing the children for the move to primary school, there are specific chapters on the pertinent aspects of behaviour and sensory issues. Each chapter includes reflective activities which enable you to apply the information within your own context. Key points and further sources of information are indicated at the end of each chapter, helping you to check your understanding and expand your knowledge on specific topics.With its practical strategies for supporting children with autism during the early years, this book is key reading for students studying early years or special education, as well as for practitioners working with children on the autism spectrum in early years settings. "This is a timely and very practical book addressed to all those working in early years settings who are working with, or who will be working with, children on the autism spectrum (i.e. all staff in any early years setting). It gives clear and authoritative information on current understanding of the autism spectrum, and draws on a wide range of literature to do so, while being written in a clear direct style that should be accessible to all. It would also be of benefit to family members who want to understand their child and how to best work with the systems and services they encounter. The book is realistic about the challenges but is also full of practical positive suggestions which respect the contribution of all to enabling effective practice: staff in the early years setting, support services, the family and, not least, the children themselves."Professor Rita Jordan BSc.MSc.MA.PhD.C.Psychol.AFBPS.OBEEmeritus Professor in Autism Studies,University of Birmingham, UK"Early years practitioners are absolutely vital partners in recognising autism and in adjusting their practice in response to the needs of children with autism. The impact they can make on families and outcomes for children is immeasurable, therefore a book like this which gives a mixture of practical strategies underpinned by evidence is a wonderful tool. With a prevalence rate of 1 in 100 all early years practitioners will encounter young children with autism in their careers. The difference they can make by being able to recognise the condition, support families and adapt their practice is immeasurable. This clear and easy to read book will be a real boon to all early years practitioners." Carol Povey, Director of the Centre for Autism, National Autistic Society"Understanding Autism in Early Years is a clearly written and very useful book. Early years practitioners will find it helpful for recognising the signs of autism spectrum conditions in young children, working with families, and adapting their practice in ways that will help those they care for learn and develop."Dr Mitzi WaltzSenior Lecturer in Autism, Sheffield Hallam University, UK

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The native Creole culture of New Orleans and Louisiana is unique. We know its music, its food, its French and Spanish inspired accents. Ultimately though, the most distinctive feature is the people. What we now recognize as Creole developed over several hundred years, a “gumbo” of African slaves, and former slaves, free people of color, Europeans, even American Indians – all in just about any combination you can imagine. In New Orleans, regardless of the mixture, they were considered “colored.” African Americans had separate neighborhoods, stores and parks. Where black and whites came into contact there was as strict code of deference that had to be followed. Even in the Catholic churches that allowed both races to pray, parishioners expected that they would sit in separate pews with whites given the most advantageous positions. Needless to say, opportunities for the city’s colored population were severely limited. hen there was the “screen,” the New Orleans’ name for the “Colored Only” signs that were ubiquitous in the Jim Crow-dominated city. Every bus and trolley car had one to make sure the African American citizens knew to sit in the back, as if they needed to be reminded. “Screens” were found in many other places around town as well. It is in this separate, but still rich and vibrant, world that the inspiring story of Curtis Graves begins. His remarkable parents were determined that Curtis grow up aware of who he was and his fascinating roots, which included both former slaves and plantation owners. At first, this required deceptions by his family as they hid the most obvious signs of restrictions placed on their lives. As he became older Curtis observed life in New Orleans and was allowed to come to his own understanding. Mabel and Buddy Graves also placed a great value on education, expecting that Curtis would go to college, perhaps become a teacher, or businessman, among the few vocations available for educated African Americans. After a time attending college close to home, Curtis transferred to Texas Southern University in Houston, a large historically black college. The late 1950s was a time when even more attention was being paid to the burgeoning civil rights movement. A young Martin Luther King, Jr. had already emerged as its leader, focusing on nonviolence, a tactic and philosophy primary adopted from Gandhi in India, but enhanced through deep religious roots. The young students at Texas Southern took notice. Faced with racism all around them, Curtis and others decided to protest in their own way – demanding equal access to public places. The first target was the lunch counter at a Houston supermarket. In March 1960, they staged the first “sit-in” there. Nobody knew what would happen, but the sit-ins continued at supermarkets and drugstores around town, drawing more and more interest. When it made the national news, Curtis Graves’ parents were not happy. However, he made them realize that they had brought him up to take a stand, even if it was dangerous. By the time Curtis entered the Army, he had already earned a reputation for political activism in the cause of equality. Returning to Texas, he ran for a seat in the Texas State Legislature. After a raucous election, Curtis Graves won the election, becoming one of the first African Americans to hold state office since Reconstruction. He served six years, but even after he left office—and politics — Graves has never stopped battling for fairness and equal opportunity. He tells his story with real style, remembering with warmth and good humor all the people –both famous and not so well-known— who have touched his life along the way. Even more, he gives us an important first-hand, inside understanding of the struggles for civil rights in America.

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