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Boy from the Valleys: My Unexpected Journey
From his humble beginnings in a quaint Welsh mining village to the dazzling lights of Hollywood, much-loved star, Luke Evans takes us on a poignant and inspiring journey that spans from the heart of Wales to behind the scenes of the global stage. Growing up in a small village in the Rhymney Valley, south Wales, Luke Evans' ' early life was shaped by his Jehovah's Witness upbringing. While most children of his age spent their Saturday mornings watching Going Live on television, young Luke would dress in a suit and tie and join his parents to knock on doors to spread the word of his religion. From an early age, he felt different. This feeling of displacement was not limited to his faith; as he came to terms with his own sexuality, he also faced a difficult and uncertain path. In his poignant, tender and often humorous account, Luke shares his bold decision to leave home - and the religion - at seventeen to move to London, where the vibrant Soho scene captured his heart, invigorated his creative journey as an actor and opened a whole new world of opportunity. In finding himself, Luke also discovered his passions of singing, acting and performing. Starring first on the West End stages in iconic productions like Miss Saigon, Avenue Q and Rent, he quickly captivated the hearts of audiences and caught the eye of Hollywood's elite, going on to secure roles in blockbuster films such as The Hobbit, Beauty and the Beast, Fast and Furious and Dracula Untold. In this intimate memoir, Luke takes us behind the scenes of his career on the stage and screen. He writes beautifully of the relationship he now has with his family and the respect they all have for one another on their different paths. Luke's story is a powerful tale of resilience, courage, and the pursuit of finding a sense of belonging and identity, but mostly (and hopefully) a story of inspiration. -
Black, Queer, and Untold: A New Archive of Designers, Artists, and Trailblazers
Growing up in Seale, Alabama as a Black Queer kid, then attending the Rhode Island School of Design as an undergraduate, Jon Key hungered to see himself in the fields of Art and Design. But in lectures, critiques, and in the books he read, he struggled to see and learn about people who intersected with his identity or who GOT him. So he started asking himself questions:
What did it mean to be a graphic designer with his point of view? What did it mean to be a Black graphic designer? A Queer graphic designer? Someone from the South? Could his identity be communicated through a poster or a book? How could identity be archived in a design canon that has consistently erased contributions by designers who were not white, straight, and male? In Black, Queer, & Untold, acclaimed designer and artist Jon Key answers these questions and manifests the book he and so many others wish they had when they were coming up. He pays tribute to the incredible designers, artists, and people who came before and provides them an enduring, reverential stage - and in so doing, gifts us a book that takes its place among the creative arts canon. \ -
Liquid: A Love Story
The Marriage Plot meets The Idiot in this brilliant debut, which tells the story of a young Muslim scholar stuck in the mire of adjunct professorship in Los Angeles who decides to give up her career in academia and marry rich, committing herself to 100 dates in the course of a single summer. By midsummer reality hits, taking her--and her project--to Tehran. The unnamed Iranian-Indian American narrator of Liquid has always believed herself to be the smartest person in the room. And from an early age, she and her best friend--a poet-turned-marketer named Adam--have turned their noses up at other peoples' riches. But two years after earning a PhD from UCLA, the narrator is no closer to the middle-class comfort promised to her by the prestige of her fancy, scholarship-funded education and the successes of her immigrant parents. Jokingly, Adam suggests she just "marry rich." But our protagonist, whose PhD thesis compared Eastern and Western views of marriage in film and literature, takes the idea seriously. She makes a spreadsheet and outlines a goal: 100 dates with people of all genders and a marriage proposal in hand by the official start of the fall semester. What follows is a whirlwind summer packed with dating: martinis sans vermouth with the lazy scion of an Eastside construction empire; board games with a butch producer who owns a house in the hills and a newly dented Porsche; a Venmo request from a "socialist" trust fund babe; and an evening spent dodging the halitosis of a maxillofacial surgeon from Orange County. Only a tragedy in Tehran and an overdue familial reckoning can alter the narrator's increasingly manic trajectory and force her to confront the contradictions of her life in Los Angeles. And as doubts begin to creep in about her marriage project, it suddenly seems possible that the eligible prospect she's been looking for has been beneath her nose the entire time. For fans of Kaveh Akbar and Elif Batuman, Liquid delivers a modern tale of romance, loss, and belonging like no other. Mariam Rahmani's gorgeous high-wire satire explodes off the page with verve and originality in this riveting spin on the classic romantic comedy. -
Amateur
A spy thriller classic from the author of "The Company"
Before Robert Littell vaulted onto the bestseller lists with "The Company, The Amateur," which has been long out of print, established him as a contemporary master of the espionage thriller. In this sleek and murderous novel, Charlie Heller is an ace cryptographer for the CIA, a quiet man in a quiet back-office job. But when his fiancee is murdered by terrorists and the Agency decides not to pursue her killers, Heller takes matters into his own hands. The fact that he is an amateur makes him all the more dangerous. Mind-blowing in its intelligence, pulse-pounding in its suspense, "The Amateur" is a stunner." -
Passing Through a Prairie Country
A darkly humorous thriller about the ghosts that haunt the temples of excess we call casinos, and the people caught in their high-stakes, low-odds web For decades, a dark force has terrorized the Languille Lake reservation. Spoken of only in whispers as "the sandman," he lurks in the Hidden Atlantis Lake Resort and Casino, the reservation's main attraction and source of revenue, leeching its patrons' dreams and preventing the ghosts that linger there from moving on. Fleeing a breakup, Marion Lafournier, a midtwenties Ojibwe, seeks solace in the slot machine's siren song. Here he falls afoul of the sandman, an encounter he barely escapes through the timely intervention of his cousins Alana and Cherie, who both work at the casino and are intimately aware of the sandman's power. Meanwhile, Glenn Nielan, recently out of the closet and an aspiring documentarian, hopes to capture the faces of the Ojibwe land while experiencing the casino's thrills. But he will learn that all who choose to play the sandman's games are in danger of falling into his grasp. Marion and Alana are members of the Bullhead clan, a family with ties to a sacred past and a fierce determination to ensure their future. Alana, with her sevenfire sight, is the only person to fully understand the danger the sandman poses. Aware of Marion's occasional ability to navigate the spirit world, she enlists his aid in defeating this wraith. But the power and reach of the sandman go far beyond Alana's worst fears. Soon she and Marion find themselves in a battle for their lives and for the souls of the reservation's residents, both the living and the dead. -
Darkest Night: A Terrifying Anthology of Winter Horror Stories by Bestselling Authors, Perfect for Halloween
From some of the biggest names in horror comes an Advent calendar of short holiday horror stories perfect for the darkest nights of the year. Edited by award-winning author and anthologist Lindy Ryan and with contributions from masters of horror like Josh Malerman, Eric LaRocca, and Clay McLeod Chapman, this horrific anthology will chill you to the bone. From New York Times bestselling author of Bird Box, Josh Malerman, comes a story of a dark Christmas past in "Children Aren't the Only Ones Who Know Where the Presents Are Hidden." From national bestselling author Rachel Harrison, in "Thaw," a couple spends their first Christmas together in a cabin--but are they alone, or does something else watch them from the tree line? New York Times bestselling authors Christopher Golden and Tim Lebbon's "Wintry Blue" sets an innocent child on the road with a strange and monstrous creature. From the Bram Stoker Award-winning screenwriter of Netflix's Haunting of Bly Manor and The Fall of the House of Usher, in Jamie Flanagan's "Bruiser," something sinister stalks the chilling hallways of a nursing home at night. Author of Such a Pretty Smile, Kristi DeMeester, tells a tale of "Eggnog" a Christmas party, an overfriendly female coworker, and an angry wife are the recipe for a deadly cocktail party. Plus stories by Nat Cassidy, Darcy Coates, Clay McLeod Chapman, Tim Waggoner, and many more, with an introduction by George C. Romero and art by renowned British horror artist Mister Sam Shearon. -
When We're in Charge: The Next Generation's Guide to Leadership
A first-of-its-kind practical manual for millennials and Gen Zers taking on positions of power, from Amanda Litman, cofounder of Run for Something.
"A refreshingly candid, delightfully irreverent guide to leadership for the next generation. Amanda Litman busts some major myths about how to succeed at the helm. Get ready to rethink some of your basic assumptions about authenticity, productivity, and professionalism." --Adam Grant, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Hidden Potential and Think Again, and host of the podcast Re: Thinking Most leadership books treat millennials and Gen Z like nuisances to manage around, focusing on how leaders from older generations can fit young people into their existing corporate cultures. Not this one. When We're In Charge is a no-bullshit guide for the next generation of leaders on how to show up differently, break the cycle of bad boomer leadership, and navigate the changing demands of those in power and the evolving expectations people have of their workplace. Based on author Amanda Litman's experience as a founder and executive (and mom of two who's trying desperately to have a life outside of work), and informed by conversations with more than 100 next-gen leaders across politics, business, media, tech, education, and more -- and including people like Versha Sharma, editor-in-chief of Teen Vogue; Maxwell Frost, first Gen Z member of Congress; and Evan Spiegel, CEO of Snap Inc -- this book is a vital resource for new leaders trying to figure out how to get stuff done without making your team or yourself miserable. When We're in Charge offers solutions for sticky challenges:
-How to be yourself without giving your full self to your role
-How to think about social media when your team sees what you post
-How to set up guardrails for work-life balance Litman also makes powerful arguments about the practices and shape of work:
-Why a four-day work week is the future
-Why transparency is a powerful tool that can do real damage if not wielded with intention
-Why it matters for you, the boss, to both provide and take family leave A necessary read for all who occupy or aspire to leadership roles, When We're in Charge is a vision for a future where leaders at work, in communities, and across the country are compassionate, genuine, and effective. -
Covenant Vol. 3
The explosive conclusion to the first arc of LySandra Vuong's hit Webtoon Covenant--collected for the first time in print! With the exorcists of the Church of Providence badly beaten after an encounter with the powerful demon Belial, Ezra is forced to confront his own shortcomings--and worse, his own lack of conviction. Without it and the power it brings, can he possibly stand against the forces of darkness threatening the city of Los Demonios? Meanwhile, Sunny--Ezra's mysterious charge--continues to uncover frightening truths about his past. As the One Who Never Fell, is he ultimately more demon than human? Or something else entirely? With lives on the line, Sunny and Ezra must make a difficult choice. How do you keep your faith when your world is falling apart? This volume collects episodes 37-50 of the hit Webtoon Covenant! -
Covenant Vol. 2
The battle between Heaven and Hell rages on--with Ezra and Sunny caught in the middle! From acclaimed creator LySandra Vuong comes the second volume of the supernatural webcomic that explores a slow burn queer romance, religious faith, the weight of destiny, and what it means to be good in a world plagued by demons. In a world where priests are decked out in holy tattoos and brandish machine guns in the face of demons, Sunny Nguyen is an outlier--a seemingly normal human who is a mysterious demon magnet. Ezra, an exorcist struggling with his own faith in God, has been tasked by the Archangel Gabriel to protect Sunny--but that might be easier said than done. As Ezra and the rest of those on his team find themselves facing increasingly violent--and increasingly powerful--forces, the mystery of why these demons want to capture Sunny continues to unfold, and Ezra finds himself drawn to his surly classmate-turned-charge. With their friendship growing and danger mounting, can Ezra's faith withstand the onslaught? And more importantly--will Sunny survive it? This volume collects episodes 19-36 of the hit Webtoon series Covenant! -
Montessori Toddler: A Parent's Guide to Raising a Curious and Responsible Human Being
Turn your home into a Montessori home--and become a more mindful, attentive, and easygoing parent. It's time to change the way we see toddlers. Using the principles developed by the educator Dr. Maria Montessori, Simone Davies shows how to turn life with a "terrible two" into a mutually rich and rewarding time of curiosity, learning, respect, and discovery. With hundreds of practical ideas for every aspect of living with a toddler, here are five principles for feeding your child's natural curiosity, from "Trust in the child" to "Fostering a sense of wonder." Step-by-step ways to cultivate daily routines with ease, like brushing teeth, toilet-training, dealing with siblings, losing the pacifier. Plus learn how to:- Stay composed when your toddler is not and set limits with love and respect--without resorting to bribes or punishment
- Set up your home and get rid of the chaos
- Create Montessori activities that are just right for your one-to-three-year-old
- Raise an inquisitive learner who loves exploring the world around them
- See the world through your toddler's eyes and be surprised and delighted by their perspective
- Be your child's guide--and truly celebrate every stage
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Autistic Burnout Workbook: Your Guide to Your Personal Recovery Plan
Navigate the challenging terrain of autistic burnout with expert guidance, insightful visuals, and transformative exercises designed to help you pursue your own recovery from neurodivergent psychologist Dr. Megan Neff. Feeling burnt out? You're not alone. Autistic burnout is a challenge faced by many individuals on the autistic spectrum. And The Autistic Burnout Workbook is here to help. This transformative guide is designed to empower individuals on the autism spectrum to manage and overcome burnout. Crafted with empathy and insight, this workbook provides practical strategies and exercises to help you navigate the unique challenges associated with burnout. Through interactive prompts and activities, The Autistic Burnout Workbook teaches individuals how to identify triggers, manage sensory overload, and build resilience. It encourages self-reflection and cultivates a supportive environment for personal growth. This user-friendly workbook is a proactive approach to mental health, promoting self-care and fostering a sense of control that makes it a lifeline for those grappling with the realities of autistic burnout. -
Karaoke Queen
Don't miss this "pure delight" (Christina Lauren) "full of love, music, community, food, and fashion" (Abby Jimenez), perfect for fans of Casey McQuiston and Alison Cochrun.
For Rex Araneta, his college sweetheart Aaron Berry was always the one who got away. So when he finds out that Aaron is now living in the same town and needs help saving his karaoke bar, it's Rex to the rescue. Or more like Regina Moon Dee, Rex's internet-famous drag queen alter ego. Even if no one can know the identity of the man behind the makeup. As Regina's popularity grows, Rex's ruse becomes more difficult to keep under wraps. It even becomes a family affair with his mom and sister helping to keep his secret. It's dawning on Rex that he's hidden this side of himself away for far too long . . . and perhaps his real shot at love is to reveal his true self. And be loved for all that he is. -
Blood on Her Tongue (Standard Edition)
"I'm in your blood, and you are in mine..."
The Netherlands, 1887. Lucy's twin sister Sarah is unwell. She refuses to eat, mumbles nonsensically, and is increasingly obsessed with a centuries-old corpse recently discovered on her husband's grand estate. The doctor has diagnosed her with temporary insanity caused by a fever of the brain. To protect her twin from a terrible fate in a lunatic asylum, Lucy must unravel the mystery surrounding her sister's condition, but it's clear her twin is hiding something. Then again, Lucy is harboring secrets of her own, too.
Then, the worst happens. Sarah's behavior takes a turn for the strange. She becomes angry... and hungry.
Lucy soon comes to suspect that something is trying to possess her beloved sister. Or is it madness? As Sarah changes before her very eyes, Lucy must reckon with the dark, monstrous truth, or risk losing her forever.
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Pieces Of A Boy: A Few Queer Things That Happened
In this unfiltered collection of essays, Morris fearlessly confronts the complexities of personal history with raw honesty. With each page, he unveils profound and witty revelations, navigating through the emotional landscapes of estrangement, elite performing arts education, Berlin hedonism, and the rollercoaster of love and lovelessness. Morris paints a vivid portrait exhuming the past, revisiting violences endured, through a darkly comic lens, in this compelling exploration of the human experience.
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Park Avenue
The HIGHLY ANTICIPATED adult debut novel from #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING author Renée Ahdieh
"I can't remember the last time I had so much fun reading a book!" --Nicola Yoon, #1 New York Times bestselling author "Park Avenue is all the things I want from a book...You're going to love it." --Sarah MacLean, New York Times bestselling author Jia Song has always been destined for greatness. As the daughter of Korean bodega owners, she promised herself that she would have every Fifth Avenue luxury when she grew up, and it is all finally within reach. She has just made junior partner at her prestigious Manhattan law firm, she can count on her two best friends to have her back, and she is about to score the ultraluxe gold-on-gold Birkin bag of her dreams. So when her boss asks her to sit in on the hush-hush family implosion of a high-level client, she accepts without hesitation--only to find out that it is one of the most famous Korean families in the world. The Park family's net worth is estimated at a billion dollars, and their megasuccessful Korean beauty brand has shaped the culture for the past two decades. But the patriarch is filing for divorce while his wife is dying, and their three children can't stop snapping at one another. With both the family fortune and legacy under threat from the worst kind of scandal, it's up to Jia to set things right--and she only has a month to do it. As Jia sorts through the lies and subterfuge, chasing the truth across the globe on private jets, she finds herself falling for this broken, badly-behaving family in ways she can't quite explain. But it is also becoming clear that the Parks are hiding dark secrets. Can she find the truth in time to protect the Parks' fortune and secure her success at the firm? And can she hold on to what's most important, even if it means admitting that what she's always wanted isn't what she actually needs? -
Erased: What American Patriarchy Has Hidden from Us
The new book from the New York Times bestselling author of The Three Mothers.
Patriarchy has oppressed women and denied their contributions worldwide, but the United States of America has its own unique gendered hierarchy. Dr. Anna Malaika Tubbs applies her signature blend of approachable yet rigorous analysis in this definitive and groundbreaking history of American patriarchy. She proves that humanity in the United States is determined by gender in a limited and flawed binary that is also always tied to whiteness. Tubbs shows how a fabricated hierarchy became so deeply ingrained over time that it now goes unnoticed, along with everything it intentionally conceals. From the founding fathers to the current Supreme Court justices, from the treatment of enslaved women to the American maternal health crises, from the exclusion of women in the Constitution to the continued lack of an Equal Rights Amendment, Tubbs brings together academic research, the stories of freedom fighters both past and present, and her own experiences to reveal what is erased in the wake of American patriarchy. The system has survived by hiding the tools that are necessary to dismantle it. But Tubbs beautifully reminds us that those tools, including our intuition, courage, ancient wisdom, and power, are still well within our reach. Erased is the story of the United States from a new perspective: one where the people who shaped this country-who have been oppressed and whose contributions have been denied-are at the center, reminding us that we can restore what has been strategically kept from us. Once again, Dr. Anna Malaika Tubbs has written a book that will be a touchstone for conversations on gender, race, and equity for years to come.
In Erased, Anna Malaika Tubbs recovers all that American patriarchy has tried to destroy.