Barton Swaim was struggling to find an academic job—he’d recently received a PhD in English—when he sent his resume to Mark Sanford, the conservative and controversial governor of South Carolina. He thought he could improve the governor’s writing and speeches. On the surface, this is the story of Sanford’s rise and fall. But it’s really an account of what happens when a band of believers attach themselves to an ambitious narcissist. Everyone knows this kind of politician—a charismatic maverick who goes up against the system and its ways, but thinks he doesn’t have to live by the rules. Swaim describes what makes people invest in their leaders, how those leaders do provide moments of inspiration, and then how they let them down.The Speechwriter is a funny and candid introduction to the world of politics, where press statements are purposefully nonsensical, grammatical errors are intentional, and better copy means more... Views: 31
What could go wrong when a professor and geology students rent a few cottages as a base for field work in the area? They're educated young adults led by an experienced professor. How much work could the students be for the former detective turned resort owner? Will it be a peaceful end to the busy summer season...for a change? Will it end without a murder ... for a change? Views: 31
Daniel Conner was assigned to protect a potential witness and daughter of a Senator from a drug lord who would soon be in custody and eventually stand trial for it. They thought the girl was romantically involved with the drug dealer. However as it turns out, Gabby Winslow was a teacher and the only reason she was at Joe Beaton's apartment was because she wanted to save Joe's son. Tony had black and blue marks all the time on his body, and Gabby was constantly sending him to the nurse. Not only that Tony had been absent so much they expelled him several times. So since no one else would look into Tony's problems, Gabby took it upon herself to talk to the father. Big mistake. Joe didn't like people nosing into his business, whether it was his business or his kid, he didn't like it. He locked Gabby in the apartment and kept her there for three weeks because she threatened to call CPS. So it was up to Daniel to save her, and now the kid too! Views: 31
Miguel has dreamed of joining his parents in California since the day they left him behind in Mexico six years, eleven months, and twelve days ago. On the morning of his fifteenth birthday, Miguel's wait is over. Or so he thinks. The trip north to the border—la línea—is fraught with dangers. Thieves. Border guards. And a grueling, two-day trek across the desert. It would be hard enough to survive alone. But it's almost impossible with his tagalong sister in tow. Their money gone and their hopes nearly dashed, Miguel and his sister have no choice but to hop the infamous mata gente as it races toward the border. As they cling to the roof of the speeding train, they hold onto each other, and to their dreams. But they quickly learn that you can't always count on dreams—even the ones that come true.Latino Interest. Views: 31
14th century Yorkshire: the time of Chaucer. Has Peregrine been broken? Injured in an attack by old adversaries, Father Peregrine transforms from a steely, articulate, impressive leader into a humbled, crippled, wise mentor. Relying on the kindness of his fellow monks, the fiercely independent, hawkish abbot begins to regain his feet. But he faces a fresh challenge. The Augustinian Priory of St Dunstan lies three days' ride to the southwest, the domain of Prior William, whose calculating self-interest makes enemies everywhere. When he and Peregrine cross swords over a matter of justice masked as doctrine, will ruthlessness triumph over integrity? Views: 31
An eminent teacher and writer explores an idea both simple and complex, both multidisciplinary and unifying-the story of symmetry. Views: 31
