It started with a pair of boots sticking out of the bushes. We called 911. They didn't believe us. What the heck? My mom had "waterworks." BUT then there was a cop who'd be just perfect dad material...Plus, my dog got stuck up in a tree. And Stinky Weston saw us drive by in the back of a patrol car, which was cool. Good day all around.Then, the bad guys came...It started with a pair of boots sticking out of the bushes. We called 911. They didn't believe us. What the heck? My mom had "waterworks" at the police station. BUT, aside from the cop with bad breath, there was a cop who'd be just perfect dad material...I'd been looking for a dad for a while.Plus, my dog got stuck up in a tree. And Stinky Weston saw us drive by in the back of a patrol car, which was cool. "Whaja do NOW, jerk?" he yelled at me.Good day all around.Then, the bad guys came... Views: 621
To prove her innocence of crimes against her own son, King Edward, Emma of Normandy must walk barefoot over nine scalding ploughshares and come out unscathed.Set in the Dark Ages of Engla-lond, the "Last Tales of Mercia" are ten short stories featuring real historical figures and characters from the "Sons of Mercia" series. Though strongly connected to the series, they can be read independently.Support for right-wing populism in Europe has steadily gained attention from media and policy-makers over the past decade. Most of this attention, however, has been focused on the core supporters of right-wing populist parties (RPPs) – the members and the street activists – at the expense of the topic of this publication, the ‘reluctant radicals’. These are our main protagonists: the soft, uncommitted supporters of RPPs. They are crucial for two straightforward reasons: the reluctant radicals are the bulk of RPP support as well as those who can most easily be brought back to the mainstream, thereby depriving RPPs of their main electoral base. This publication is the first of a series produced within Counterpoint’s project ‘Recapturing Europe’s Reluctant Radicals’. Our aim here is to draw an accurate portrait of these voters by exploring the characteristics of the reluctant radicals in ten European countries, with a particular focus on France, Finland and the Netherlands. We aim to critically test some common assumptions – in particular, that right-wing populism is the preserve of disadvantaged young men – as well as outline the contours of the political and cultural context in which the data needs to be interpreted. The result is a better understanding of the diversity of the support for these parties as well as a more accurate reading of the context in which they arise – the histories, traumas, memories, resentments and fears that drive the choices of the reluctant radicals. Views: 620
The bold, bright colors of India leap off the page in this picture book retelling of how Ganesha helped write the epic Hindu poem, the Mahabharata. Ganesha is just like any other kid, except that he has the head of an elephant and rides around on a magical mouse. And he loves sweets, but when Ganesha insists on biting into a super jumbo jawbreaker laddoo, his tusk breaks off! With the help of the wise poet Vyasa, and his friend Mr. Mouse, Ganesha learns that what seems broken can be quite useful after all. With vibrant, graphic illustrations, expressive characters, and offbeat humor, this is a wonderfully inventive rendition of a classic tale.Praise for Ganesha's Sweet Tooth"Pink elephants haven't looked this good since Dumbo." —The New York Times"Beautifully presented. . . . So sweet we almost want to pop it in our mouths." —Entertainment Weekly"Stylish. . . . A fresh and comedic... Views: 620
Sarah Ankrah’s wedding to Phillip Arthur-Beck was a marriage of two cultures. Her Ghanaian family made sure it was loud and cheerful and his Canadian family made sure that it started on time! So far, they’ve lived through the challenges together, but there is one that just won’t go away. Only one person dares meet this challenge head on. And she’s only too willing to help…Mistress of the Game is about marriage of two cultures, African and Western that went wrong in the end becasue of betrayal of trust . It is also about the politics of new found oil in Ghana and the greed and dirty dealings that go with it. Mistress of the Game is also about courage, hope and survival in the face of despair and the shattering realisation of living with HIV/AIDS.The intrigue in the novel is hightened when Sarah, the Ghanaian young woman married to a Canadian, Philip, connives with her pushy and overbearing mother (who incidentally means well) to deceive Philip in the most bizarre and unscrupulous manner ever imagined; juxtaposed with this couple are Jason, Philip’s younger brother and Araba, a young Ghanaian girl who discovers that one of the ways to survive in a dying metropolis that now threatens to come alive through the oil boom and the influx of expatriates, technocrats and crooks alike all wanting to cash in on the ‘liquid gold’, is to make good use of her one major asset - her body. Ironically, it is Araba who with her two fatherless children of mixed race, give us hope at the end of the story.The language is rich with humour, laced with Ghanaian English and Akan akin to Ayikwei Parkes’ Tail of the Blue Bird. The main settings for the plot are Takoradi, in Ghana, and Canada. The writer expounds well researched history and facts that gives credence to her academic background. The descriptions of scenes and planes are so vivid that the reader keeps ohing and ahing in recognition of familiar sights and landmarks. The Ghanaian characters are real, with everyday expressions and attiitudes that spell out the ingredients that make the Ghanaian that happy, go lucky human being, easily able to shrug off problems with that matter of fact approach to life, albeit full of humour. Views: 620
At last, mega-bestselling author Sister Souljah delivers the stunning sequel to The Coldest Winter Ever.
THE SEQUEL MILLIONS OF READERS HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR . . .
At last, mega-bestselling author Sister Souljah delivers the stunning sequel to The Coldest Winter Ever. Fierce, raw, and filled with adventure and emotional intensity, A Deeper Love Inside is an unforgettable coming-of-age story in the words of Porsche Santiaga, Winter’s younger sister.
Sharp-tongued, quick-witted Porsche worships her sister Winter. Cut from the same cloth as her father, Ricky Santiaga, Porsche is also a natural-born hustler. Passionate and loyal to the extreme, she refuses to accept her new life in group homes, foster care, and juvenile detention after her family is torn apart. Porsche—unique, young, and beautiful—cries as much as she fights and uses whatever she has to reclaim her status. Unselfish, she pushes to get back everything that ever belonged to her wealthy, loving family.
In A Deeper Love Inside, readers will encounter their favorite characters from The Coldest Winter Ever, including Winter and Midnight. Sister Souljah’s soulful writing will again move your heart and open your eyes to a shocking reality. Views: 620
What advice would you give your younger self? What if that advice destroyed your life? What if you could do it all again - only with greater challenges? One man's odd time-traveling alien abduction experience presents him with these questions, and more...Historic Heroines is pleased to release its first original fiction series: Daughter of Sparta by Kristen LePine. In Chapter Three, Gorgo, the daughter of King Cleomenes I, journeys through the Spartan village to meet her friend Phoebe, who is a priestess at the sanctuary of Artemis at Orthia. Each month, Historic Heroines will release a new chapter in the novel.Historic Heroines is an independent publisher of historical fiction and nonfiction that champions the female perspective. Views: 620
Forced to
choose between the world she wants and the man she loves, Cassia opts
for fame and fortune. But it's not enough—one taste and she's hooked
again...
Despite her success in the Sydney art world, Cassia yearns for the
idyllic life she once lead with Jake in their shack over looking the
Pacific Ocean. Seeking closure she falls, like an addict, straight back
into his arms, and out again equally quickly. Not only has he taken up
with his brother's wife, but it seems they have a child.
Truth is, Jake's living a lie, sworn to secrecy, and hamstrung by the
debt he owes his estranged family. But one glimpse of Cassia and he
knows he cannot live without her. Her fey, artistic character and
magical body possess his imagination and his heart. Can he convince her
to trust him long enough to save the crumbling remains of their
relationship? Views: 620
Leland struggled with an inner protest that wouldn’t let him slip into some mold of pretense.Evanna is struggling through her turbulent life with a mom who doesn't pay any attention to her, a new school, and a fake friend who is sure to turn on Evanna as soon as possible. But her crazy life is going to become even more so as she is thrust into the dangerous and terrifying world of the Land of Au. There, she learns that a murderous villain named Arachne is taking control of Earth, and everything Evanna has ever known is in mortal peril. She has only a month and mysterious powers to defeat Arachne. She also meets six people, Holly, Kae, Stephanie, Eli, Phillip, and Mallory, who are going to help her. If she doesn't manage to defeat Arachne. . . well, we don't want to go there. Follow Evanna's adventures as she and her friends learn to work together to try defeat Arachne and save the world. Views: 620
Jahrra and her friends are about to embark upon a very important mission: to steal the flag of their nemesis, Eydeth, in a city-wide game of Conquer the Castle. Will they be able to outwit and out-maneuver their other classmates in order to win the grand prize, a day off from school? Conquer the Castle is an adventurous, and sometimes humorous, short story from the world of Oescienne.Jahrra and her friends are about to embark upon a very important mission: to steal the flag of their nemesis, Eydeth, in a city-wide game of Conquer the Castle. Their schoolmaster has decided to put on a war game to see if his students have what it takes to survive the real world and Jahrra can't wait to begin the battle. Armed with small crossbows and paint-tipped arrows, she and her classmates will wage war upon one another as they try to capture each other's banners. But Jahrra isn't after just any banner; she wants the golden flag that belongs to Eydeth and his teammates. Will Jahrra and her team be able to outwit and out-maneuver their other classmates in order to win the grand prize; a day off from school and the utter humiliation of their shared enemy? Or will the twins once again make Jahrra the laughing stock of the whole school? Conquer the Castle is an adventurous, and sometimes humorous, short story from the world of Oescienne. Views: 620
Jono is a twelve-year-old shepherd who lives during the Bronze Age. From Mentor, an old wizard, Jono learns that he is also a wizard. Mentor invites Jono and twelve-year-old Chloë to attend a school of wizardry. On the way to Mentor’s school, Jono and Chloë have magical adventures that teach them much about good and evil.Jono is a twelve-year-old shepherd who lives during the Bronze Age. From Mentor, an old wizard and a teacher, Jono learns that he is also a wizard. Mentor invites Jono to attend a school of wizardry, and Jono accepts the invitation.On his way to the school, Jono becomes separated from Mentor while Mentor is looking for a twelve-year-old witch named Chloë. The novel describes the magical adventures of Jono and Chloë up to their arrival at Mentor’s school. Jono’s adventures include a meeting with the king and the queen of the spuds, underground beings who do not like people. Chloë’s adventures include a meeting with Wishyouwell, a gnome who grants wishes. Jono’s and Chloë’s magical adventures teach them much about good and evil. They learn also about harpies, night-hags, pixies, gnomes and trolls. Views: 620
Tarn Swan returns with more everyday tales of life, love, laughter and drama with his beloved husband Jonathan aka Stardust Twinkles. Views: 619
When a powerful wizard sought to annex the villages under Sven Takraf's protection, he fought back ruthlessly in their defense.Fought back but lost.Devastated by the deaths of the people he had sworn to protect, Sven devotes himself to breaking the power of the magocracy, and soon he finds himself presiding over the bloodiest civil war in living memory.As a newly graduated wizard, Sven Takraf served poor villages in Marrishland because he wanted a peaceful place to raise his young family away from magocrats – wizards who used magic to enforce their reign. When a powerful magocrat sought to annex the villages under his protection, though, Sven fought back ruthlessly in their defense.Fought back but lost.Devastated by the deaths of the people he had sworn to protect, Sven devotes himself to breaking the power of the magocrats. His vision wins many loyal disciples but also makes countless powerful enemies, and soon he finds himself presiding over the bloodiest civil war in living memory.Beyond the nation’s borders, an ancient enemy gathers its forces to invade, and Marrishland is not prepared. If Sven cannot unite the nation he has divided, all his plans will come to naught but the extinction of his race. Views: 619
VENICE IS ONE OF THE WORLD'S most famous cities and an obligatory
tourist destination. Now, for the first time, we look beyond the teeming canals
and the crumbling palazzos to see the darkness at the heart of La Serenissima,
the reality behind the postcards, and a city historically associated with both
commerce and death comes to life in tales of treachery, crime, and lost souls,
inhabited by locals and visitors alike.
VENTURING BEYOND ST. MARK'S PLACE, the Doges Palace, the Rialto Bridge
and all across the still but deadly waters of the lagoon, stories from writers
from all corners of the globe evoke the magic, the decay, and the beauty and
despair of a city that has always fascinated its hordes of visitors. A dizzy
waltz of sun and noir between the countless bridges, gondolas, and historical
landmarks will mean you will never think of Venice in the same way again.
MAXIM JAKUBOWSKI is a British editor and writer. Following a long
career in book publishing, during which he was responsible for several major
crime imprints, he opened London's mystery bookshop Murder One. He reviews crime
fiction for the Guardian, runs London's Crime Scene Festival, and is an
advisor to Italy's annual Courmayeur Noir in Festival. His latest novel is
Ekaterina and the Night, and he edits the annual Best British
Mysteries series. He was coeditor, with Chiara Stangalino, of Rome Noir.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction by Maxim Jakubowski
Part I: AMONST THE VENETIANS"Cloudy Water" by Matteo Righetto
(Cannaregio)"The Comedy Is Over" by Francesco Ferracin
(Calcavia)"Commissario Clelia Vinci" by Barbara Baraldi (Mestre)"Little
Sister" by Francesca Mazzucato (Ghetto Vecchio)
Part II: SHADOWS OF THE PAST"Lido Winter" by Maxim Jakubowski
(Lido)"Pantegana" by Michelle Lovric (Santa Stefano)"Desdemona
Undicesima" by Isabella Santacroce (Piazza San Marco)
Part III: TOURISTS & OTHER TROUBLED FOLK"Venice Aphrodisiac"
by Peter James (Canal Grande)"Drifter" by Emily St John Mandel (Ponte dei
Sospiri)"Rendezvous" by Tony Cartano (Calle Larga XXII Marzo)"Signor
Gauke's Tongue" by Mike Hodges (Palazzo Ducale)
Part IV: AN IMPERFECT PRESENT"Tourists for Supper" by Maria Tronca
(Santa Maria Formosa)"Laguna Blues" by Michael Gregorio (Porto
Marghera)"A Closed Book" by Mary Hoffman (Rialto Bridge) Views: 619
