Collection: Adult

Award-winning historian Fay Bound-Alberti synthesizes over twenty years of research to offer a sweeping cultural history of our most decisive--and sometimes divisive--body part.

What's in a face? And how much power does it hold?

The Face begins in the historical West, where we learn how humans have interpreted faces and connected specific features with ideas of morality, social hierarchy, psychology, and so much more, setting the stage for the cultural biases that now inform our everyday interactions across the globe. We then watch how new technologies that reflect or alter our face's appearance have transformed our idea of the Self over time--from the growth of portraiture in the Renaissance and the mass production of mirrors and photography in the nineteenth century, to twenty-first century innovations like digital avatars and face transplants. And throughout, we explore the face as the cultural artifact that it is: a surface that grows, is adorned, and then displayed, influencing who we are and might become as both individuals and members of society.
Readers will walk away with a new understanding of the history, power, and future of the face, alongside its role in modern identity, genetics, technology, and beyond.

When spreadsheets are safer than people, falling in love becomes the ultimate risk in this powerful novel of trauma, healing, and unexpected courage from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bybee.

Luna Canning trusts numbers more than people--and for good reason. As a forensic accountant who specializes in exposing fraud, she knows numbers never deceive, unlike the toxic family she's spent a lifetime trying to escape. Now living in her grandmother's Victorian home, Luna has built a carefully ordered life behind walls she thought were unbreakable.

When her car is stolen from an airport parking lot, former FBI agent turned PI Nate Warren steps in to help--and proves more dangerous to her defenses than any thief. Despite Luna's ironclad rules about mixing business with pleasure, their chemistry ignites, and for the first time, she considers letting someone past her guard. But just as their relationship begins to blossom, Luna's manipulative mother arrives unannounced, dragging with her a dangerous man and decades of unresolved trauma that threaten everything Luna has built.

Now Luna must confront the ghosts of her past--both metaphorical and possibly literal, as strange occurrences in her historic home suggest she's not alone. With a violent threat looming and her heart on the line, Luna discovers that sometimes the hardest person to trust is yourself.

August 22, 1972: Two men attempt to rob a bank in Brooklyn. They fail miserably: the money they'd hoped for isn't there, the cops get tipped off immediately, and within 30 minutes they're in a hostage situation with the FBI. Things really get crazy when reporters learn that one of the robbers is gay and married to a trans woman. The crowd of journalists and onlookers grows into the hundreds, desperate for a glimpse of this charismatic live-wire who's robbing the bank not for greed or thrills, but to fund his partner's sexual reassignment surgery.

Sound familiar? This is the plot of Dog Day Afternoon, the 1975 film directed by Sidney Lumet and starring Al Pacino, John Cazale, and Chris Sarandon. It remains a high-water mark of New Hollywood, where the best acting talent of the day came together on a film that was truly exceptional. But equally exceptional was the fact that the film was based on a true-life incident.

Drawing on extensive archival research, film historian Rachel Walther delves into the film's backstory, tracing how an unbelievable true crime tale of love, bank robbery, and LGBTQI+ activism became a box-office smash and catapulted a group of Brooklyn outsiders into the media spotlight. Name-checked on TV shows from The Simpsons to Drunk History, and now a Broadway play, Dog Day Afternoon's legacy continues to inspire filmmakers, writers, and actors. Walther's deep dive interrogates the film's place in the 1970s zeitgeist, set against a background of antiwar activism and the fight for gay and trans rights, and in doing so shows its continuing relevance today.

"Sydney drummed her fingers against her coffee cup, staring at the job application on her screen. The cursor blinked, waiting. She had the experience. The internships. The polished resume. So why did it feel like she was just another name in a sea of applicants?"

Like most people, Sydney had been playing by the rules - following the expected path, hoping the right opportunity would find her. But when an unexpected mentor hands her a challenge, she starts to realize something:

The most successful people don't wait for opportunities. They create them. The Business of You introduces a new way of thinking about career and leadership. Through Sydney's journey - and the lessons she learns along the way - you'll discover how to:

• Tell your story in a way that makes people pay attention.
• Build a network that actually works for you. Stop applying for jobs - and start attracting the right opportunities.
• Think like a CEO, because the most important business you'll ever run is your own.

This isn't a book about following a step-by-step plan. It's about learning how to think, adapt, and lead - so that no matter where you start, you'll always know how to move forward.

Your business starts now.

Are you ready to take the lead?

A mosaic of human connections in all their sexy and shameless shades - from breaking up to making out, quiet contentment to agonising loneliness, sexting to ghosting, friendships to 'fuckboys', pregnancy loss to profound fulfilment.

'🤌' - Maya Jama

'Utterly fascinating' - Bernardine Evaristo

'Dolly Alderton for people who don't just do missionary' - Anon

'Obsessed' - Diana Vickers

If you've ever checked your ex's social media at 2am - or their new partner's LinkedIn (because it's the only social profile you can access) - or if everyone thinks you're the perfect couple but you've been drifting apart for years - then you've probably felt a smarting of shame. But let me tell you something radical: your darkest secrets, your most repulsively shameful thoughts, feelings, and behaviours: you're not alone.

Featuring 250 tantalising, unfiltered anonymous confessions, this book slips beneath the surface of modern relationships to reveal the raw hidden truths behind their most intimate layers.

These aren't love stories - they're stories about love.

Unveil the hidden drama of heaven and earth with The Book of the Watchers, the ancient text that expands the story of Genesis 6 and reveals the mysterious angels who descended to guide-and corrupt-humanity. This accessible edition delivers a faithful translation enriched with clear historical context and insightful commentary, making complex prophecy and supernatural events easy to grasp. Whether you're a seeker of biblical truth, a student of ancient history, or simply curious about the origins of spiritual warfare, this book offers a trustworthy gateway to the forbidden knowledge that has fascinated readers for centuries.

Goodnight Hobbiton is a warm, whimsical parody bedtime story inspired by the unforgettable night when thirteen unexpected Dwarves arrived at a cozy home in Hobbiton. Written in the nostalgic rhythm of classic bedtime books, this playful retelling invites readers to revisit a beloved fantasy world with gentle humor and charm. Perfect for adult fans, gift-givers, and families who enjoy parody picture books, Goodnight Hobbiton celebrates the magic, mischief, and unforgettable characters of that legendary evening.
This book is a parody and has not been prepared, approved, or authorized by the creators of Goodnight Moon or The Hobbit, their heirs, or representatives. You can check out other books by Steven Giesbrecht @ mrgpublishing.com

A hilarious illustrated guide to the pickleball lifestyle, including the needlessly complex rules, the fashions, etiquette, gear, injuries, post-game snacks, and much more, for players of all ages, skill levels, and fitness ability.

The Pickleball Handbook is your ultimate guide to surviving and thriving in the world's fastest-growing obsession. Whether you're a pickleball newbie who got ambushed by an overly enthusiastic friend or a seasoned player who has more than one custom game shirt, this book is for you.

You'll learn:

• The rules, which are both overly complicated and oddly arbitrary.
• The essential (and often unnecessary) gear you need to fit in.
• The many, many types of pickleball players, including the tournament junkie and the person who is mostly here for selfies and social hour (and all the ways these players will humble you along your pickleball journey).
• The secret language of pickleball, from "dink" to "Nasty Nelson."
• How to know when you've crossed over from casual player to full-blown addict (Hint: if you own a custom paddle, it's too late).

If you want to understand the glorious absurdity of a sport that has somehow become the defining activity of a generation, then grab your paddle and let's get started. (Maybe also grab a knee brace or two, just to be safe.) Packed with full-color illustrations and helpful infographics, this humorous handbook is a perfect gift for all the picklers in your life.

Embark on a musical journey with "Harmonica for Beginners" by Oliver Dalton, an immersive guide designed to transform complete beginners into harmonica enthusiasts. This book is not just an instruction manual; it's a comprehensive learning experience that combines interactive sheet music, engaging audio examples, and detailed narrations.

Key Features:

1. Step-by-Step Learning: Structured to guide beginners from the basics to more complex techniques, ensuring a solid foundation in harmonica playing.
2. Interactive Sheet Music: Includes innovative, easy-to-follow sheet music designed to facilitate hands-on learning.
3. Over 20 Engaging Audio Guides: Each lesson is accompanied by high-quality audio guides, making learning more engaging and effective.
4. Comprehensive Narrations: Detailed narrations accompany each lesson, providing context, tips, and tricks to enhance your learning experience.
5. Diverse Music Genres: Explore various music genres, from blues and folk to contemporary styles, expanding your musical repertoire.
6. Practical Exercises: Engage in exercises and practice routines that reinforce learning and improve skill.

"Harmonica for Beginners" is perfect for:

1. Absolute beginners with no prior experience in playing the harmonica.
2. Music enthusiasts looking for a new hobby.
3. Teachers seeking a comprehensive guide for instructing students.

Why Choose This Book:

1. Written by Oliver Dalton, a renowned harmonica instructor with years of teaching experience.
2. Unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application.
3. Accessible and enjoyable learning approach, suitable for all ages.

Discover the joy of playing the harmonica with "Harmonica for Beginners". Whether you're looking to play for leisure, join a band, or simply enjoy the sweet melodies of this unique instrument, this book will be your constant companion. Get your copy today and start your musical adventure!

Unlock the full power of DSM-5-TR with a reference designed for today's busy clinician.

The DSM-5-Tr Clinician's Pocket Guide streamlines diagnostic decision-making, coding accuracy, and treatment planning into bite-sized chapters you can deploy at the bedside or in the classroom. Crafted by an expert clinician-educator, this desk reference consolidates essential criteria, severity specifiers, rapid assessment flows, and crosswalks to ICD-10-CM and ICD-11-all in a modular format that adapts to your workflow.

Whether you're a psychiatrist, psychologist, nurse practitioner, social worker, or mental-health educator, you'll find everything you need to:

• Navigate DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria with clear, concise language
• Cross-reference ICD-10-CM and ICD-11 codes for seamless billing and documentation
• Apply severity specifiers and course descriptors to guide personalized treatment
• Use quick-scan tables and algorithms for differential diagnosis in real time
• Access patient-education handouts and interactive digital tools via companion platforms

Why This Desk Companion Stands Out

• Modular Design breaks down complex diagnostic chapters into independent, indexable modules for rapid lookup
• Clinical Scaffolds feature flowcharts and decision trees in every chapter to distinguish similar presentations in seconds
• Coding Crosswalks offer side-by-side ICD-10-CM and ICD-11 mappings, eliminating guesswork and reducing administrative burden
• Practical Protocols include ready-to-print patient handouts, risk-management guidelines, and evidence-based intervention checklists

Who Should Read This Book

• Mental-health clinicians seeking a faster, more accurate diagnostic workflow
• Educators building courses around DSM-5-TR content and assessments
• Residents, fellows, and trainees who need a portable, user-friendly reference
• Administrators and coders charged with compliance, billing, and quality metrics

Transform how you apply DSM-5-TR in every clinical encounter. Elevate your diagnostic confidence, accelerate your coding accuracy, and deliver patient-centered care with the DSM-5-Tr Clinician's Pocket Guide.

Add this essential clinical tool to your library today-because every minute you save diagnosing and coding is more time you can spend helping patients!

DISCLAIMER: This handbook is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is designed to support academic study and structured diagnostic practice. It does not replace formal clinical training, professional supervision, or independent clinical judgment in real-world settings.

Modern cars are no longer defined only by pistons and gears - they are dominated by electronics, sensors, and control systems that govern performance, reliability, and safety. Advanced Engine Electronics & Diagnostics is your complete guide to understanding and mastering these systems.

Inside you'll discover:

• How modern ECUs control fueling, ignition, boost, and variable valve timing.
• The full range of sensors and actuators - from airflow and oxygen to throttle, ignition, speed, and transmission sensors.
• How to interpret OBD-II and OBD-III fault codes, freeze-frame data, and live monitoring streams.
• Advanced diagnostic strategies and predictive maintenance techniques that prevent failures before they happen.
• Real-world case studies showing step-by-step troubleshooting for misfires, turbocharger issues, CVT slip, ABS faults, and more.
• The future of automotive electronics - AI-driven predictive diagnostics, connected cars, OTA updates, and cybersecurity challenges.

Whether you are a professional mechanic, tuner, engineering student, or passionate enthusiast, this book gives you the tools to navigate the electronic heart of today's vehicles with clarity and confidence.

About the Author:
Dr. Mohammed Hamed Ahmed Soliman is a mechanical engineer with advanced degrees in industrial and systems engineering, a tuner since 1998, and an autocross racing participant in Egypt. He has tuned five of his own cars and shares his passion for performance and reliability on his CarTuningLovers YouTube channel.

Everyone has something to recover from.

A Vision of Hope: A Story of Redemption and Purpose is part memoir, part mirror-a deeply personal story that begins in the darkest places and rises into a message of resilience, faith, and possibility. Written behind bars and finished just minutes before release, Andrew Drasen's memoir is a raw and unflinching account of addiction, incarceration, and self-destruction-but it is also a record of the quiet, spiritual war that played out inside him along the way.

This is not just a book about prison, or recovery, or even personal redemption. It is a story about what it means to lose everything, confront the deepest truths of identity and shame, and begin the slow process of rebuilding a life when the world has written you off. From chow times and lockdowns to the silence of solitary nights, Drasen captures the painful honesty of those moments when a person wonders if they have already gone too far, and whether change is still possible.

Through confessions, lessons, warnings, and prayers, he documents the thoughts that haunted him: questions about who he was, whether forgiveness was real, and what purpose might look like after so much damage had been done. Woven through the narrative is the constant tension between despair and hope, between the belief that he was beyond saving and the quiet whisper that there might still be a way forward.

At its heart, A Vision of Hope is for anyone who has ever felt trapped by their past or wondered if it was too late to change. It speaks to people facing addiction, those navigating reentry after incarceration, families impacted by loss, and anyone who feels like they can't find the strength to keep going. It is a reminder that transformation is not only possible, but urgent-and that as long as there is air in your lungs, there is still hope.

But this book is more than one man's story. It is also a resource for communities. The memoir is designed to pair seamlessly with its companion volumes-A Vision of Hope: Reflections and A Vision of Hope: Workbook-to provide a complete 90-day curriculum for treatment centers, recovery programs, reentry initiatives, and educational settings. Together, these resources create a framework for personal reflection, group discussion, journaling, and capstone projects that challenge participants to envision a healthier future and take tangible steps toward it.

For libraries, universities, and professionals working in criminal justice reform, addiction counseling, or social work, A Vision of Hope offers both an authentic first-person perspective and a structured pathway to curriculum adoption. It speaks with equal force to the general reader who wants an inspiring true story of transformation, and to the institutional buyer searching for a text that can function as a recovery curriculum, reentry guide, or counseling resource.

Blending memoir, self-help, and social commentary, Drasen's work joins the tradition of recovery narratives that do more than recount the past-they open a door for others to walk through. This book is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the reality of forgiveness, and the power of purpose discovered in the unlikeliest of places.

For readers of memoirs like A Million Little Pieces by James Frey, Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson, or The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls, A Vision of Hope offers a unique perspective that bridges personal redemption with systemic awareness. It speaks equally to those seeking inspiration in their own recovery journey and to professionals searching for tools that can be integrated into counseling programs, adult education, treatment centers, and university classrooms.

Get a free eBook (PDF or ePub) from Manning as well as access to the online liveBook format (and its AI assistant that will answer your questions in any language) when you purchase the print book.

AI-powered applications are rapidly becoming the new normal. Personal productivity assistants, coding agents, smarter search, and automated reporting tools are popping up everywhere. The LangChain ecosystem, and standards like MCP are driving this new gold rush. This book helps you claim your spot.

This is your hands-on guide to creating real, production-ready language model solutions. With LangChain and LangGraph, you'll orchestrate powerful agentic workflows and build dynamic tool-based agents that can search, summarize, reason, and act. You'll move from essential prompt engineering to advanced Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG), and finally to deploying multi-agent systems using modern integration standards like the Model Context Protocol (MCP).

In AI Agents and Applications: With LangChain, LangGraph and MCP, you'll discover:

- Prompt and context engineering for accurate, hallucination-resistant systems
- Advanced RAG for summarization, semantic search, and reliable Q&A
- Structured, multi-step agentic workflows with LangGraph
- Tool-based agents that adapt in real time
- Multi-agent systems for complex, real-world tasks
- MCP integration to expose, compose, and consume plug-and-play tools

About the technology

This book teaches you to design reliable LLM-powered systems by focusing on the concepts, architectures, and design patterns that will stay stable even as models and APIs change. You'll learn to structure prompts, compose modular chains, and build RAG pipelines that ingest documents, split them into chunks, embed them, retrieve the right context, and ground answers to elliminate (or vastly reduce) hallucinations.

About the book

Along the way you'll build concrete applications--summarization and Q&A engines, context-aware chatbots with memory, and tool-using AI agents that orchestrate multi-step workflows with branching logic. For the examples, the book uses Python, LangChain, LangGraph, and LangSmith, but you'll be able to generalize to other frameworks. You'll understand with clarity and confidence how to keep integrations maintainable, manage context limits and cost/latency tradeoffs, and evaluate, debug, and monitor behavior so your systems work in production.

About the author

Roberto Infante is an AI innovator with deep FinTech experience, working for a London-based hedge fund. He specializes in building agentic systems for both plain vanilla and exotic quantitative analysis.

Table of Contents

Part 1
1 Introduction to AI agents and applications
2 Executing prompts programmatically
Part 2
3 Summarizing text using LangChain
4 Building a research summarization engine
5 Agentic workflows with LangGraph
Part 3
6 RAG fundamentals with ChromaDB
7 Q&A chatbots with LangChain and LangSmith
Part 4
8 Advanced indexing
9 Question transformations
10 Query generation, routing, and retrieval postprocessing
Part 5
11 Building tool-based agents with LangGraph
12 Multi-agent systems
13 Building and consuming MCP servers
14 Productionizing AI agents: Memory, guardrails, and beyond
Appendixes
A: Trying out LangChain
B: Setting up a Jupyter Notebook environment
C: Choosing an LLM
D: Installing SQLite on Windows
E: Open source LLMs

Color By Number Coloring Book of Amazing Designs!

• This 101 Color By Number Coloring Book is great for adults, and seniors who love to color easy illustrations for stress relief and relaxation. Spend hours of fun coloring beautiful illustrations of animals, landscapes, nature scenes, flowers, birds and more.

Each beautiful Color By Numbers picture is printed on its own Large Print 8.5 x 11 inch page, with a color guide on the opposite side. Make one of the best decisions this year and get your copy of this fantastic 101 Color By Number Coloring