"That certain groups do much better in America than others—as measured by income, occupational status, test scores, and so on—is difficult to talk about. In large part this is because the topic feels racially charged. The irony is that the facts actually debunk racial stereotypes. There are black and Hispanic subgroups in the United States far outperforming many white and Asian subgroups. Moreover, there’s a demonstrable arc to group success—in immigrant groups, it typically dissipates by the third generation—puncturing the notion of innate group differences and undermining the whole concept of 'model minorities.'" The AuthorsMormons have recently risen to astonishing business success. Cubans in Miami climbed from poverty to prosperity in a generation. Nigerians earn doctorates at stunningly high rates. Indian and Chinese Americans have much higher incomes than other Americans; Jews may have the highest of all. Why do some groups rise? Drawing on groundbreaking original research and startling statistics, The Triple Package uncovers the secret to their success. A superiority complex, insecurity, impulse control—these are the elements of the Triple Package, the rare and potent cultural constellation that drives disproportionate group success. The Triple Package is open to anyone. America itself was once a Triple Package culture. It’s been losing that edge for a long time now. Even as headlines proclaim the death of upward mobility in America, the truth is that the oldfashioned American Dream is very much alive—butsome groups have a cultural edge, which enables them to take advantage of opportunity far more than others.• Americans are taught that everyone is equal, that no group is superior to another. But remarkably, all of America’s most successful groups believe (evenif they don’t say so aloud) that they’re exceptional, chosen, superior in some way.• Americans are taught that self-esteem—feeling good about yourself—is the key to a successful life. But in all of America’s most successful groups,people tend to feel insecure, inadequate, that they have to prove themselves.• America today spreads a message of immediate gratification, living for the moment. But all of America’s most successful groups cultivate heightened discipline and impulse control.But the Triple Package has a dark underside too. Each of its elements carries distinctive pathologies; when taken to an extreme, they can have truly toxic effects. Should people strive for the Triple Package? Should America? Ultimately, the authors conclude that the Triple Package is a ladder that should be climbed and then kicked away, drawing on its power but breaking free from its constraints. Provocative and profound, The Triple Package will transform the way we think about success and achievement.** Views: 39
Sixth in the series of medieval whodunnits featuring Hildegard of Meaux. Set in fourteenth century France, The Butcher of Avignon takes Hildegard into a quagmire of treachery, abductions and murder the backdrop of the famous Bridge of Avignon. Views: 39
“People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.” –Elisabeth Kubler-RossLife is dark for Steph. After swearing never to be her own worst enemy again, she’s forced to battle her demons once more as events in her life push her to the absolute limits of self-preservation. And she needs to do it alone. Pete is back in the place he swore never to return to, all in the name of protecting Steph from the dangers of his past. But are yesterday’s ghosts the only threat they face? When true intentions are laid bare, can Steph find the fight within to pull herself out of the darkness? Can Pete close the last doors on his past, or will he realize what is truly important, too late? Their history may shape the people they are today, but nobody said it had to define their future … Views: 39
From the bestselling author of The Kashmir Shawl. Available on ebook for the first time. Sometimes the victims of tragedy are the ones who survive. Annie and Steve are from different worlds. She is a wife and mother, he is a wealthy executive with a stream of broken relationships in his wake. They do not know each other exists until one morning, on a shopping expedition, they becomes victims of a bomb blast, thrown together in the debris to fight for their lives. As they lie in the darkness and the rubble, the hours slowly tick by. To ward off fear and death they talk: of everything they have to live for, of their disappointments, loves, failures and their hopes. And so a bond is created that binds them deeper than family, than friends, than lovers. With such strange intimacy, such strange trust, how can they get through the future without each other? Views: 39
I want to trust him. But I needed to test that trust, and in doing so, I drove him away. If he loves me, he'll come back, won't he?
I'm Jas, and I'm a pretty successful businesswoman back in the States. Here in England, though, I'm adrift. One good thing happened to me: Andrew Walker-Wilkinson, the first man strong enough to control me.
Our passion is too intense to keep us apart - until Andrew's livelihood is threatened, he's disinherited and the most powerful man in London vows to destroy him.
Our love makes me a target, too. I don't sit around waiting to be rescued. I go out and make things happen.
I just don't know who I can really trust. It's not long before my life is in danger from an unexpected ally… Views: 39
After sending a performance tape to a prestigious music school in New York City, young and innocent flautist Nona Williamson, fresh out of college, is invited to audition in person. With little money and no friends in New York, she methodically collects a list of people she might be able to stay with from her friends. A few days before getting on the bus, she sits down with her list. The first entry is Barbara and Steve Andrews. Nona calls the number, and Barbara eventually answers. Barbara is surprised that their mutual friend didn't call Nona to explain the situation: she and her husband live in a small loft with their three-month-old baby. Despite not having a separate bedroom for her, Barbara invites Nona to stay with them. Soon after welcoming Nona into their small apartment, Barbara and Steve invite her into their bed. Nona admits to herself that having any sort of sexual relationship with this wonderful couple is probably not the best idea, but desire and emotion take... Views: 39
